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San Francisco County Divorce Records

What Are San Francisco County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in San Francisco County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to California Family Code § 2300, which establishes that a marriage is dissolved only when a judgment of dissolution is entered. San Francisco County divorce records typically consist of two primary components: court case files containing the complete proceedings and certified divorce certificates documenting the final judgment.

The Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco processes and maintains records of divorce proceedings, which are formally known as "dissolution of marriage" under California law. These records serve multiple essential functions:

  • Legal proof of marital status change
  • Documentation required for remarriage
  • Evidence for name change processes
  • Verification for Social Security benefits claims
  • Supporting documentation for loan applications
  • Required evidence for immigration matters
  • Historical documentation for genealogical research

Divorce records contain sensitive personal information and are subject to specific access regulations under the California Public Records Act and family law statutes. The management of these records falls under the jurisdiction of both the San Francisco Superior Court and the California Department of Public Health Vital Records.

Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco
400 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 551-4000
Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco

Are San Francisco County Divorce Records Public?

San Francisco County divorce records have a dual status regarding public accessibility. Court divorce case files are generally considered public records pursuant to California Government Code § 6252(e), which defines public records as information relating to the conduct of public business. However, this public access is subject to significant limitations and exceptions.

The following aspects of divorce records are typically accessible to the public:

  • Basic case information (parties' names, case number, filing date)
  • Court hearing schedules
  • Final judgment documents (with certain redactions)
  • General court orders

Conversely, several components of divorce records are restricted from public access:

  • Financial disclosures and statements
  • Social Security numbers and full birth dates
  • Minor children's identifying information
  • Confidential settlement agreements
  • Records sealed by court order
  • Domestic violence restraining orders (in certain circumstances)

Certified divorce certificates, which provide official verification of a divorce decree, have more restricted access than court files. Under California Health and Safety Code § 103526, only the following individuals may obtain authorized copies of divorce certificates:

  • The parties to the divorce
  • Individuals with a court order
  • Law enforcement agencies
  • Authorized attorneys
  • Representatives with power of attorney from eligible individuals

Members of the public who do not qualify for authorized copies may obtain informational copies of divorce certificates, which contain the same information but are marked "INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY."

How To Find a Divorce Record In San Francisco County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in San Francisco County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the specific type of record needed and the requester's relationship to the case.

For court case files related to divorce proceedings:

  1. Visit the Civil Records division of the San Francisco Superior Court in person.
  2. Complete a Records Request Form, available at the clerk's office.
  3. Provide the case number if known. If unknown, provide both parties' full names and approximate date of filing.
  4. Pay the required search and copy fees (currently $15 for record searches and $0.50 per page for copies).
  5. For certified copies of court documents, pay an additional certification fee per document.

Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco - Civil Records
400 McAllister Street, Room 103
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 551-3851
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Civil Records Division

For certified divorce certificates:

  1. Contact the California Department of Public Health Vital Records by mail or in person.
  2. Complete the Application for Certified Copy of Marriage or Divorce Record.
  3. Provide identification and establish eligibility to receive an authorized copy.
  4. Submit the appropriate fee (currently $15 per copy).
  5. Include a notarized sworn statement if requesting by mail.

Alternatively, requesters may contact the San Francisco County Clerk's Office, which can provide guidance on obtaining divorce records:

San Francisco County Clerk's Office
City Hall, Room 168
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 554-4950
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Office of the County Clerk

How To Look Up Divorce Records in San Francisco County Online?

San Francisco County provides limited online access to divorce records through several digital platforms. These online resources offer convenience but may not provide the complete documentation available through in-person requests.

The primary online resource for divorce case information is the Superior Court of San Francisco County's Online Services portal. Through this system, users can:

  1. Access the court's case information system
  2. Search for cases using party names or case numbers
  3. View basic case information including filing dates, hearing schedules, and case status
  4. Access certain publicly available documents filed in the case
  5. View tentative rulings in ongoing cases

To use this system:

  1. Navigate to the court's online services portal
  2. Select "Case Information" from the available options
  3. Create a user account if required
  4. Enter search criteria (names or case number)
  5. Pay any applicable access fees
  6. View available information and documents

For certified divorce certificates, online options are more limited. The California Department of Public Health Vital Records offers an online ordering system for authorized individuals. Users must:

  1. Visit the CDPH Vital Records website
  2. Complete the online application form
  3. Provide identification verification
  4. Pay the required fees
  5. Receive documents by mail (electronic delivery is not available for certified copies)

Additionally, third-party services contracted with government agencies may provide access to certain divorce record information, though these typically charge additional convenience fees and may not provide certified copies acceptable for legal purposes.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In San Francisco County?

Members of the public seeking to access divorce records in San Francisco County without incurring fees have limited but viable options. Free access is primarily available for in-person review of non-certified records.

The most direct method for free access is:

  1. Visit the Civil Records division of the San Francisco Superior Court.
  2. Request to view specific divorce case files using public access terminals.
  3. Provide the case number or parties' names to locate the records.
  4. Review the non-sealed portions of the file on-site.

While viewing records is free, the following limitations apply:

  • Search assistance from court staff may incur fees
  • Printing or copying documents requires payment ($0.50 per page)
  • Certified copies always require payment of certification fees
  • Staff availability for assistance may be limited during busy periods

The San Francisco Public Library also offers free access to certain historical divorce records and indexes:

San Francisco Public Library - History Center
100 Larkin Street, 6th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 557-4567
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
San Francisco Public Library

For online research, the court's case information system allows basic case information searches, though document access typically requires fees. Additionally, the San Francisco County Recorder's online Records Manager tool permits free viewing of certain recorded documents from 1990 to present, though divorce certificates are not typically included in this database.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In San Francisco County

Divorce records in San Francisco County comprise comprehensive documentation of the entire dissolution process. These records contain multiple document types that collectively detail the legal termination of a marriage.

Court case files for divorces typically include:

  • Petition for Dissolution of Marriage - The initial filing that states grounds for divorce and requested relief
  • Summons - Official notice to the respondent about the divorce action
  • Response to Petition - The other spouse's formal reply to the divorce petition
  • Proof of Service - Documentation showing legal notification was provided
  • Declaration of Disclosure - Financial information including assets and debts
  • Child Custody and Support Documents - Parenting plans and support calculations when applicable
  • Marital Settlement Agreement - Terms agreed upon by both parties
  • Judgment of Dissolution - Final court order terminating the marriage
  • Court Orders - Various directives issued throughout the proceedings

Certified divorce certificates, by contrast, contain more limited information:

  • Full names of both spouses
  • Date and place of marriage
  • Date of divorce finalization
  • County where divorce was granted
  • Case number
  • Court name
  • Judge's name (in some instances)

Certain sensitive information is typically redacted or filed under seal, including:

  • Social Security numbers
  • Financial account numbers
  • Minor children's identifying information
  • Victim information in cases involving domestic violence
  • Medical and mental health records
  • Tax returns and detailed financial statements

The completeness of divorce records varies based on case complexity, with contested divorces generally generating more extensive documentation than uncontested proceedings.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In San Francisco County?

Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce in San Francisco County have several options for obtaining official documentation. The type of proof needed determines the appropriate request method.

For a certified copy of the divorce decree (judgment):

  1. Visit the Civil Records office of the San Francisco Superior Court.
  2. Complete a Records Request Form.
  3. Provide the case number or names of both parties and approximate divorce date.
  4. Pay the required search fee ($15) and certification fee ($25 per document).
  5. Present valid government-issued photo identification.

Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco - Civil Records
400 McAllister Street, Room 103
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 551-3851
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Civil Records Division

For a certified divorce certificate:

  1. Contact the California Department of Public Health Vital Records.
  2. Complete the Application for Certified Copy of Marriage or Divorce Record.
  3. Provide identification and establish eligibility as an authorized recipient.
  4. Submit the appropriate fee (currently $15 per copy).
  5. Include a notarized sworn statement if requesting by mail.

California Department of Public Health - Vital Records
MS 5103
P.O. Box 997410
Sacramento, CA 95899-7410
(916) 445-2684
California Department of Public Health Vital Records

For expedited service, authorized individuals may use approved third-party services that partner with government agencies, though additional convenience fees apply.

When proof of divorce is needed for international purposes, requesters should inquire about apostille certification, which may require additional steps through the California Secretary of State after obtaining the certified court document.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In San Francisco County?

Under certain circumstances, divorce proceedings and records in San Francisco County may be granted confidential status, though complete confidentiality is rare. California law provides several mechanisms for protecting sensitive information within divorce cases.

Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.550, courts may seal records when:

  1. There exists an overriding interest that overcomes the right of public access
  2. The interest supports sealing the record
  3. A substantial probability exists that the interest will be prejudiced if the record is not sealed
  4. The proposed sealing is narrowly tailored
  5. No less restrictive means exist to achieve the overriding interest

Specific elements of divorce cases that may qualify for confidential treatment include:

  • Financial records and statements
  • Medical and mental health information
  • Child custody evaluations and reports
  • Domestic violence and abuse allegations
  • Information that could lead to identity theft
  • Trade secrets or proprietary business information

To request confidentiality for divorce records:

  1. File a motion to seal records with the San Francisco Superior Court
  2. Demonstrate compelling reasons that meet the legal standards for sealing
  3. Specify exactly which documents or information should be protected
  4. Obtain a court order from the presiding judge

California also offers a Summary Dissolution process under Family Code § 2400, which provides a simplified procedure with potentially less public documentation for couples meeting specific criteria, including:

  • Marriage duration of less than 5 years
  • No children from the relationship
  • Limited property and debts
  • Agreement on property division
  • Waiver of spousal support

While this process doesn't make records confidential, it may reduce the volume of sensitive information in public records.

Even when records are sealed, basic case information typically remains public, including parties' names and the existence of the case. Complete confidentiality is generally only granted in exceptional circumstances involving safety concerns or other compelling interests.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In San Francisco County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in San Francisco County varies significantly based on multiple factors. Under California law, all divorces have a mandatory waiting period of six months from the date of service of the petition before they can be finalized, as established by Family Code § 2339.

Typical timeframes for different divorce scenarios in San Francisco County are:

  • Uncontested divorces with complete agreement: 6-8 months
  • Summary dissolutions (simplified process): 6-7 months
  • Contested divorces with negotiated settlements: 8-18 months
  • Fully litigated contested divorces: 18-36+ months

Factors that influence the timeline include:

  • Court congestion and calendar availability
  • Complexity of asset division
  • Child custody disputes
  • Business valuation requirements
  • Pension and retirement account division
  • Real estate appraisal and division
  • Discovery disputes and compliance issues
  • Attorney scheduling conflicts
  • Judicial officer reassignments
  • Settlement negotiation progress

According to the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, the court processes approximately 3,000 divorce filings annually, with roughly 70% resolving within 12 months of filing. Cases involving child custody disputes typically take 40% longer to resolve than those without such issues.

The court encourages alternative dispute resolution methods to expedite proceedings, including:

  • Mediation (mandatory for custody disputes)
  • Settlement conferences
  • Collaborative divorce processes
  • Early neutral evaluation

Parties seeking to minimize delays should:

  1. Respond promptly to all court deadlines
  2. Provide complete financial disclosures
  3. Consider mediation for disputed issues
  4. Maintain open communication with legal counsel
  5. Prepare thoroughly for scheduled hearings

How Long Does San Francisco County Keep Divorce Records?

San Francisco County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule that varies by record type and storage format. These retention policies are governed by California Government Code § 68152, which establishes minimum retention periods for court records.

The retention periods for different types of divorce records are:

  • Complete case files (paper): Minimum of 30 years from date of judgment
  • Electronic court records: Permanently maintained
  • Judgment documents: Permanently maintained
  • Exhibits and depositions: Returned to parties or destroyed after appeal period (typically 60 days after judgment)
  • Financial declarations: 5 years after judgment
  • Certified divorce certificates: Permanently maintained by the California Department of Public Health

The Superior Court of San Francisco County has implemented a records digitization program that has converted many older paper records to electronic format. Records from approximately 1990 to present are generally available in electronic form, while older records may exist only in microfilm or paper format.

For historical divorce records (pre-1980), researchers may need to consult:

  • San Francisco Superior Court Archives
  • California State Archives
  • San Francisco History Center at the Public Library

Records that have exceeded their retention period may be destroyed according to court procedures, though judgment documents and certain key filings are preserved permanently. When records have been destroyed, the court can provide a certification of destruction but cannot reproduce the original documents.

Individuals seeking older divorce records should initiate their request as early as possible and be prepared to provide detailed information to assist in locating records that may be in archival storage.

How To Get a Divorce In San Francisco County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in San Francisco County must follow specific procedures established by California law. The process varies depending on the complexity of the case and level of agreement between parties.

To initiate a divorce in San Francisco County:

  1. Determine eligibility: At least one spouse must have been a California resident for six months and a San Francisco County resident for three months immediately preceding the filing.

  2. Prepare initial documents:

    • Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (Form FL-100)
    • Summons (Form FL-110)
    • Property Declaration (Form FL-160) if applicable
    • Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (Form FL-105) if children are involved

  3. File documents with the court:

Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco - Civil Division
Civic Center Courthouse
400 McAllister Street, Room 103
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 551-3971
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco

  1. Pay the filing fee (currently $435, with fee waivers available for qualifying individuals).

  2. Serve the other spouse with copies of all filed documents within 60 days of filing.

  3. Complete and exchange preliminary financial disclosures (Forms FL-140, FL-142, FL-150).

  4. Wait for the respondent's 30-day period to file a response.

  5. Participate in mandatory mediation if child custody is disputed.

  6. Complete the divorce process through one of these methods:

    • Default: If respondent doesn't respond
    • Uncontested: If parties reach full agreement
    • Contested: Through settlement conferences and/or trial

  7. Submit final judgment documents for court approval.

  8. Receive the final judgment after the mandatory six-month waiting period has elapsed.

San Francisco County offers self-help resources for individuals proceeding without attorneys:

San Francisco Superior Court ACCESS Center
400 McAllister Street, Room 509
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 551-0605
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
ACCESS Center

Alternative processes include:

  • Summary Dissolution: A simplified procedure for marriages under 5 years with no children and limited assets/debts
  • Collaborative Divorce: A non-adversarial approach using specially trained attorneys
  • Mediation: Working with a neutral third party to resolve all issues

How To Get Divorce Papers In San Francisco County

Individuals seeking divorce papers in San Francisco County have multiple options for obtaining the necessary forms to initiate or respond to divorce proceedings. These documents are available through several channels to accommodate different needs and circumstances.

The primary sources for divorce papers include:

  1. San Francisco Superior Court ACCESS Center:

Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco - ACCESS Center
400 McAllister Street, Room 509
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 551-0605
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
ACCESS Center

The ACCESS Center provides:

  • Free divorce packet with all required forms
  • Assistance in completing forms (by appointment)
  • Information on filing procedures
  • Referrals to legal resources
  1. Online resources:
  1. Law libraries:

San Francisco Law Library
1145 Market Street, 4th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 554-1772
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
San Francisco Law Library

The essential forms for initiating a divorce include:

  • Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (Form FL-100)
  • Summons (Form FL-110)
  • Property Declaration (Form FL-160) if applicable
  • Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (Form FL-105) if children are involved
  • Proof of Service of Summons (Form FL-115)
  • Declaration Regarding Service of Declaration of Disclosure (Form FL-141)

For responding to a divorce petition:

  • Response to Petition (Form FL-120)
  • Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (Form FL-105) if children are involved
  • Property Declaration (Form FL-160) if applicable

Additional specialized forms may be required depending on the specific circumstances of the case. The court clerk cannot provide legal advice but can confirm which forms are necessary for filing.

Lookup Divorce Records in San Francisco County

Records from the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco

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