Divorce Records San Mateo County are official legal documents that show the final judgment ending a marriage. These records are kept by the San Mateo County Superior Court, not the County Clerk-Recorder. If you need a certified copy of your divorce decree, you must contact the court directly. The Hall of Justice and Records at 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063-1662 handles all requests. You will need to provide the exact case number, full names of both parties, and the filing date. Acceptable ID includes a driver’s license or state-issued ID. The standard fee is $15 plus sales tax, and processing takes 2–3 business days. Office hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Call 650-261-5100 for help. Visit www.sanmateocourt.org for more details.
Where to Find Divorce Records in San Mateo County
All divorce records in San Mateo County are maintained by the Superior Court’s Family Law Division. The County Clerk-Recorder does not store these documents. This is a common mistake people make when searching for divorce paperwork. The court keeps the original petition, responsive pleading, final judgment, and state-issued divorce certificate. Each document can be retrieved for $10 per copy. Certified copies cost $20. Requests can be made in person at the Records Management Division (Room A, 1st floor, Hall of Justice) or by mail. A $7 processing charge applies to certified copies. In 2023, the court recorded 5,432 divorce cases, showing a 7.1% divorce rate among married couples in the county.
How to Search for Divorce Records Online
San Mateo County offers an online search tool called the Master Index (MIDX). This public database lets you search for divorce cases using a case number, party name, or filing date. MIDX provides basic information like case numbers and filing dates. It does not include full case files. For detailed documents, you must use the Odyssey Portal, which requires a verified account. MIDX data is updated every night, so it reflects the most recent filings. To use MIDX, enter only the numeric part of the case number (e.g., 15123456 for case 15-FM-123456-A). This tool is free and available 24/7 at sanmateocourt.org/midx.
Requesting Certified Copies In Person
To get a certified copy of a divorce decree in person, go to the Records Management Division at 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063. The office is on the first floor, Room A. You must bring valid ID, such as a driver’s license or state-issued ID. Provide the full case number, both parties’ names, and the filing date. The fee is $15 for a standard copy or $20 for a certified copy. Processing takes 2–3 business days. Office hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Appointments are required. Call 650-261-5100 and select option 2 to schedule. Walk-ins are not accepted.
Requesting Divorce Records by Mail
You can request divorce records by mail if you cannot visit in person. Send your request to the Records Management Division, San Mateo Superior Court, 400 County Center, 1st Floor, Room A, Redwood City, CA 94063. Include the case number, full names of both parties, approximate filing date, and a description of the document (e.g., “final divorce decree”). Enclose a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope. Include a check or money order for $15 for a certified copy or $7 for an uncertified copy. Processing takes 5–7 business days after the court receives your request. Make sure all information is accurate to avoid delays.
Fees and Payment Options
Fees for divorce records in San Mateo County are set by the court. A standard copy costs $10 per document. A certified copy costs $20. There is an additional $7 processing fee for certified copies. Payment must be made by check or money order. Cash is not accepted by mail. In-person payments can be made with cash, check, or money order. All fees are non-refundable, even if the record cannot be found. Make checks payable to “San Mateo County Superior Court.” Include your contact information with your payment. Do not send cash through the mail.
What Information Is Included in a Divorce Record
A divorce record in San Mateo County includes several key documents. The original petition starts the case. The responsive pleading is the other party’s reply. The final judgment ends the marriage and lists important terms like child custody, support, and property division. The state-issued divorce certificate confirms the marriage is legally dissolved. These documents are filed in the Family Law Division. Each can be requested separately. Certified copies are often needed for legal purposes, such as remarriage or name changes. Uncertified copies are for personal use only.
Understanding the One Day Divorce Program
The One Day Divorce Program helps self-represented couples finalize their divorce quickly. It is for people who have completed all required steps and are ready for a final judgment. To qualify, the summons and petition must be served on the respondent. A Proof of Service of Summons or a formal response must be filed. Once approved, the case is placed on a single-day calendar. A judge can issue the final decree the same day. This program cuts the average case time from 120 days to just one day. It saves time and money for both parties. Visit sanmateocourt.org for eligibility details.
Accessing Juvenile Records Related to Divorce
Juvenile records are kept separately from divorce files. They are stored at the Juvenile Division, 222 Paul Scannell Drive, San Mateo, CA 94402. Access is restricted. Only authorized people can view them, such as the minor’s legal guardian, an attorney, or a court-appointed guardian ad litem. To request a review, call the Juvenile Clerk’s Office at 650-261-5100, option 8. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Appointments are required. Photocopies cost $0.10 per page. Viewing time is limited to 30 minutes per request. These rules protect the privacy of minors involved in family cases.
Virtual Hearings and Family Law Support
The Family Law Division offers virtual hearings via Zoom. The main contact number is +1 (669) 254-5252. Meeting ID is 161 455 7578, and the password is 796917. On Wednesdays, the Southern Domestic Violence Prevention Assistance (DVPA) and Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) calendar begins at 8:30 a.m. Commissioner Cristina Mazzei presides in Department 33, Courtroom 2M. On Thursdays, the Family Law Support calendar opens at 2:00 p.m. It helps with child-support calculations and parenting-time agreements. Email addresses are protected for spam prevention. Check the court website for updates on schedules and access.
Common Mistakes When Requesting Divorce Records
Many people make mistakes when requesting divorce records. One error is contacting the County Clerk-Recorder instead of the Superior Court. Another is not providing the exact case number. Some forget to include valid ID or send incomplete forms. Others do not enclose a self-addressed envelope for mail requests. Missing fees or incorrect payment methods also cause delays. Always double-check your information before submitting. Use the MIDX tool to confirm the case number and filing date. Call the court if you are unsure. Taking these steps saves time and avoids frustration.
How Long Does It Take to Get Divorce Records
Processing times for divorce records vary by request type. In-person requests take 2–3 business days. Mail requests take 5–7 business days after the court receives them. Certified copies may take longer during busy periods. The court processes requests in the order they are received. You can call 650-261-5100 to check the status. Rush service is not available. Plan ahead if you need the record for a legal deadline. Keep your receipt or confirmation number for tracking. Processing times do not include mailing time if you request by mail.
Who Can Access Divorce Records
Divorce records are public in California, but access has limits. Anyone can request a copy, but certified copies may require ID. The person named in the case can always get their own record. Third parties may need a court order for sensitive details. Juvenile records are private and require authorization. The court protects personal information like Social Security numbers and addresses. When you request a record, you may be asked why you need it. This helps the court ensure proper use. Misusing records can lead to legal penalties.
Using Divorce Records for Legal Purposes
Certified divorce records are often needed for legal matters. You may need one to remarry, change your name, or update your marital status with government agencies. Employers or banks may also request proof of divorce. Only certified copies are accepted for official use. Uncertified copies are for personal reference. Always check with the requesting agency to confirm their requirements. Some may need the record to be less than 30 days old. Keep extra copies in a safe place. Losing your certified copy means you must request a new one and pay the fee again.
Contact Information and Office Hours
The Records Management Division is located at 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063. Office hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Appointments are required. Call 650-261-5100 to schedule. The main court website is www.sanmateocourt.org. For mail requests, use the same address. Include your phone number and email for updates. The Juvenile Division is at 222 Paul Scannell Drive, San Mateo, CA 94402. Call 650-261-5100, option 8, for juvenile records. Always confirm hours before visiting, as holidays may affect availability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce Records San Mateo County
Divorce Records San Mateo County are often misunderstood. Many people think the County Clerk-Recorder keeps them, but only the Superior Court does. Others believe online searches give full case files, but MIDX only shows basic info. Some assume records are free, but fees apply. Certified copies cost more than standard ones. Processing takes days, not hours. Appointments are required for in-person visits. Mail requests need complete info and correct payment. Knowing these facts helps avoid delays. Always use official court sources for accurate information.
Can I get a divorce record without the case number?
Yes, but it is harder. You can search the MIDX system using party names or filing dates. However, having the case number speeds up the process. If you do not know it, visit the court in person or call 650-261-5100. Staff can help locate it with full names and approximate dates. Without the case number, the search may take longer and cost more if staff time is involved. Always try to find the case number first using public records or old court letters.
Are divorce records public in San Mateo County?
Yes, divorce records are public in California. Anyone can request a copy. However, certified copies may require ID to prevent fraud. The court redacts sensitive personal information like Social Security numbers. Juvenile records are not public and need court approval. The goal is to balance transparency with privacy. If you are not a party to the case, you may be asked for your reason. This helps the court protect individuals’ rights while allowing access to public documents.
How much does it cost to get a certified divorce decree?
A certified divorce decree costs $20 in San Mateo County. There is also a $7 processing fee for certified copies. Standard copies cost $10. Payment must be by check or money order. Make it payable to “San Mateo County Superior Court.” Include your contact information. Fees are non-refundable. If the record cannot be found, you still pay for the search. Always confirm current fees on the court website or by calling 650-261-5100.
Can I request divorce records online?
You can search for case information online using MIDX at sanmateocourt.org/midx. However, you cannot download full records online. To get copies, you must visit in person or mail a request. The Odyssey Portal has detailed case files but requires a verified account. Only attorneys and authorized users can access it. For most people, in-person or mail requests are the best options. The court does not accept online payment for record requests.
What if my divorce was finalized outside San Mateo County?
If your divorce was finalized in another county or state, San Mateo County does not have your record. Contact the court where the divorce was granted. Each county in California maintains its own records. For out-of-state divorces, contact that state’s vital records office. You may need a certified copy from the original court for legal purposes. San Mateo County can only provide records for cases filed within its jurisdiction.
How long does it take to process a mail request?
Mail requests take 5–7 business days after the court receives them. This does not include mailing time. Processing begins once all required info and payment are received. Incomplete requests delay the process. Use tracking for your envelope. Call 650-261-5100 if you do not receive your record within two weeks. The court does not offer rush service. Plan ahead if you need the record by a certain date.
Can I get a divorce record for someone else?
Yes, but with limits. Anyone can request a copy of a public divorce record. However, certified copies may require ID and a valid reason. The court may ask why you need it. If the record involves minors, access is restricted. For sensitive cases, a court order may be needed. Always provide full names, case number, and filing date. Misusing records is illegal. The court protects privacy while allowing public access.
Official Website: www.sanmateocourt.org
Phone: 650-261-5100
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Address: 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063-1662