Santa Cruz County Divorce Records
What Are Santa Cruz County Divorce Records?
Santa Cruz County divorce records are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the jurisdiction of Santa Cruz County, California. 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. Divorce records in Santa Cruz County typically consist of two primary components: court case files containing the complete legal proceedings and certified divorce certificates documenting the final judgment.
The divorce records maintained by Santa Cruz County serve multiple essential functions:
- Legal proof of marital status change
- Documentation required for remarriage
- Evidence for legal name changes following divorce
- Supporting documentation for Social Security benefit adjustments
- Verification for loan applications and financial matters
- Required documentation for immigration proceedings
- Historical and genealogical research purposes
The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz maintains the official court records related to divorce proceedings, while the Santa Cruz County Recorder's Office maintains certificates of divorce records after the court process is complete.
Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz
701 Ocean Street, Room 110
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-786-7200
Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz
Are Santa Cruz County Divorce Records Public?
Santa Cruz County divorce records have a complex public access status that varies by document type and content. Generally, court divorce case files are considered public records under the California Public Records Act and California Rules of Court, rule 2.550, which presumes court records are open to public inspection. However, this public access is subject to significant limitations and exceptions.
The following aspects of divorce records in Santa Cruz County are typically accessible to the public:
- Basic case information (parties' names, case number, filing date)
- Court hearing dates and times
- Final judgment of dissolution (with certain private information redacted)
- General court orders not sealed by judicial order
However, 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 custody evaluations and reports
- Records sealed by court order for privacy or safety concerns
- Medical and mental health information
- Certain domestic violence-related documents
Certified divorce certificates, which provide official proof of divorce, have restricted access under California Health and Safety Code § 103526. Only the following individuals may obtain authorized copies:
- The parties to the divorce
- Immediate family members
- Legal representatives of the parties
- Law enforcement agencies
- Government agencies conducting official business
Members of the public who do not qualify for authorized copies may obtain informational copies marked "INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY" from the Santa Cruz County Recorder's Office.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Santa Cruz County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Santa Cruz County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the type of record needed and the requester's relationship to the case.
For court case files related to divorce proceedings:
- Visit the Records & Information division of the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz in person during regular business hours.
- Complete a Records Request Form, available at the court clerk's office.
- Provide the case number if known. If unknown, provide both parties' full names and approximate date of filing.
- Pay the applicable search and copy fees. Currently, the court charges $15 for record searches and $0.50 per page for copies.
- For certified copies of court documents, an additional fee of $25 per document applies.
For certified divorce certificates:
- Visit the Santa Cruz County Recorder's Office in person or submit a request by mail.
- Complete the Application for Certified Copy of Marriage or Divorce Record.
- Provide identification and establish eligibility to receive an authorized copy.
- Pay the required fee, currently $17 per certified copy.
- If requesting by mail, include a notarized sworn statement of eligibility.
Santa Cruz County Recorder's Office
701 Ocean Street, Room 230
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-454-2800
Santa Cruz County Recorder's Office
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Santa Cruz County Online?
Santa Cruz County provides limited online access to divorce records through the Superior Court's electronic case management system. The online system allows users to search for basic case information but does not provide access to full document images or complete case files. To conduct an online search for divorce records:
- Visit the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz Case Lookup portal.
- Select "Family Law" from the case type options.
- Enter search criteria, which may include:
- Case number (if known)
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Filing date range (if known)
- Review the search results, which typically include:
- Case number
- Filing date
- Case type
- Parties' names
- Case status
- Next scheduled hearing date (if applicable)
Important limitations of the online system include:
- Document images are not available online
- Detailed case information requires in-person review
- Cases filed before 2000 may have limited online information
- Sealed or confidential cases will not appear in search results
- The system may experience periodic maintenance downtime
For comprehensive divorce record information, users must visit the courthouse in person or submit a written request to the court clerk. The online system serves primarily as an index to identify cases rather than a complete record repository.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Santa Cruz County?
Members of the public may access certain divorce record information in Santa Cruz County without payment, though comprehensive access typically involves fees. The following methods provide free or low-cost access to divorce record information:
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Public Access Terminals at the Courthouse: The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz provides public access computer terminals at the courthouse where visitors may search basic case information at no charge. These terminals are available during regular business hours at:
Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz
701 Ocean Street, Room 110
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (excluding court holidays) -
Online Case Index: Basic case information is available through the court's online case lookup system at no charge. This provides limited information such as case numbers, party names, and filing dates.
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Law Library Access: The Santa Cruz County Law Library provides public access to legal research materials that may include published divorce cases and legal forms:
Santa Cruz County Law Library
701 Ocean Street, Room 70
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-420-2205
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM -
Review Without Copies: Members of the public may review non-confidential divorce case files at the courthouse without charge. Fees apply only when requesting copies or certified documents.
While initial searches and basic information may be available without cost, fees apply for the following services:
- Document copies ($0.50 per page)
- Certified copies of court documents ($25 per document)
- Certified divorce certificates from the Recorder's Office ($17 per copy)
- Research assistance from court staff ($15 per name/record searched)
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Santa Cruz County
Divorce records in Santa Cruz County comprise comprehensive documentation of the entire dissolution process. These records typically contain multiple document types that collectively represent the legal proceedings from filing through final judgment. The contents of divorce records generally include:
Petition and Response Documents:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (FL-100)
- Summons (FL-110)
- Response to Petition (FL-120)
- Proof of Service of Summons (FL-115)
Financial Disclosure Documents:
- Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140)
- Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)
- Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142)
- Property Declaration (FL-160)
Child-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (FL-105)
- Child Custody and Visitation Application (FL-311)
- Child Support Information and Order Attachment (FL-342)
- Income Withholding for Support (FL-195)
Settlement Documents:
- Marital Settlement Agreement
- Stipulation for Judgment
- Property Division Agreements
Judgment Documents:
- Judgment of Dissolution (FL-180)
- Notice of Entry of Judgment (FL-190)
- Child Custody and Visitation Order Attachment (FL-341)
- Child Support Information and Order Attachment (FL-342)
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Request for Order (FL-300) for modifications
- Responsive Declaration to Request for Order (FL-320)
- Findings and Order After Hearing (FL-340)
The certified divorce certificate issued by the Santa Cruz County Recorder's Office contains more limited information, typically including:
- Names of both parties
- Date and place of marriage
- Date of divorce judgment
- Case number
- Court where judgment was entered
- Official county seal and certification
Certain sensitive information is typically redacted from publicly accessible divorce records, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and children's identifying information, in accordance with California Rules of Court, rule 2.551.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Santa Cruz County?
Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce in Santa Cruz County have two primary options for obtaining official documentation: a certified copy of the divorce judgment from the Superior Court or a certified divorce certificate from the County Recorder's Office. The appropriate document depends on the intended use and level of detail required.
To obtain a certified copy of the divorce judgment:
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Visit or contact the Records Division of the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz:
Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz
701 Ocean Street, Room 110
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-786-7200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM -
Complete a Records Request Form, available at the clerk's office or downloadable from the court's website.
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Provide the following information:
- Case number (if known)
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Approximate date of judgment
- Your relationship to the case
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Pay the required fees:
- $25 for certification of court documents
- $0.50 per page for copies
- $15 search fee if case number is unknown
To obtain a certified divorce certificate:
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Contact the Santa Cruz County Recorder's Office:
Santa Cruz County Recorder's Office
701 Ocean Street, Room 230
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-454-2800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM -
Complete the Application for Certified Copy of Marriage or Divorce Record.
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Establish eligibility for an authorized copy by providing identification and completing a sworn statement. Eligible individuals include:
- Either party to the divorce
- Immediate family members
- Legal representatives with written authorization
- Government agencies conducting official business
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Pay the fee of $17 per certified copy.
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If requesting by mail, include a notarized sworn statement of eligibility, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Non-eligible individuals may obtain informational copies marked "INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY" for the same fee.
For international use, certified divorce documents may require additional authentication through apostille or certification by the California Secretary of State.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Santa Cruz County?
While divorce proceedings in Santa Cruz County are generally matters of public record, California law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential. The confidentiality of divorce records is governed by California Rules of Court, rules 2.550-2.551, which establish the standards and procedures for sealing court records.
Parties to a divorce may request confidentiality through the following methods:
Sealing of Records: Parties may petition the court to seal specific documents or entire case files by demonstrating that:
- There exists an overriding interest that overcomes the right of public access
- The overriding interest supports sealing the record
- A substantial probability exists that the overriding interest will be prejudiced if the record is not sealed
- The proposed sealing is narrowly tailored
- No less restrictive means exist to achieve the overriding interest
Automatic Confidentiality: Certain documents in divorce proceedings are automatically kept confidential without requiring a court order:
- Financial disclosure statements filed pursuant to California Family Code § 2100-2113
- Child custody evaluation reports under California Family Code § 3111
- Psychological evaluations and reports
- Income tax returns submitted as evidence
Confidential Marriage Licenses: Couples who obtained a confidential marriage license under California Family Code § 500-536 may have additional privacy protections for their divorce records, though the divorce proceeding itself remains public.
Domestic Violence Protections: In cases involving domestic violence, the court may seal records that could jeopardize the safety of a party or child, including:
- Address and contact information of the protected party
- Restraining order applications and supporting declarations
- Safe at Home program participant information pursuant to California Government Code § 6205-6211
It is important to note that confidentiality orders are discretionary and granted only upon sufficient showing of need. The court balances the public's right to access judicial records against legitimate privacy and safety concerns. Parties seeking confidentiality should consult with legal counsel to prepare appropriate motions and declarations supporting their request.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Santa Cruz County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Santa Cruz County varies significantly based on multiple factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, court caseload, and statutory waiting periods. Under California law, all divorces are subject to a mandatory six-month waiting period from the date of service of the petition before the divorce can be finalized, as established by California Family Code § 2339.
Typical Timeframes by Case Type:
Uncontested Divorces with Agreement:
- Minimum time: 6 months from service of petition (statutory waiting period)
- Average time: 7-9 months
- Required elements: Complete agreement on all issues, properly prepared documents, timely filing
Summary Dissolution:
- Available to couples meeting specific eligibility requirements under California Family Code § 2400-2406
- Minimum time: 6 months from joint petition filing
- Average time: 6-7 months
- Limited to marriages of less than 5 years with no children, minimal assets, and mutual agreement
Contested Divorces:
- Minimum time: 6 months from service of petition
- Average time: 12-18 months
- Complex cases: 18-36 months or longer
- Factors affecting duration: Property valuation disputes, business ownership, child custody disagreements, pension division
Default Divorces:
- When respondent does not file a response
- Minimum time: 6 months plus 30 days from service
- Average time: 7-10 months
Factors Affecting Timeframes:
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Court Congestion: According to the Judicial Council of California's Court Statistics Report, Santa Cruz County Superior Court processes approximately 1,000 family law filings annually, which can affect scheduling.
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Mandatory Mediation: Child custody disputes require mandatory mediation through Family Court Services, which may add 30-60 days to the process.
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Disclosure Completion: Both parties must complete preliminary and final declarations of disclosure, which often cause delays if not promptly prepared.
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Judicial Officer Availability: Limited judicial resources may result in hearing delays, particularly for contested matters requiring trial time.
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Attorney Schedules: Representation by attorneys with busy practices may result in scheduling conflicts and continuances.
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Settlement Negotiations: Ongoing settlement discussions may extend timeframes but ultimately result in more efficient resolution than litigation.
The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz currently reports that uncontested divorces with complete agreements typically process within the minimum statutory timeframe, while contested matters requiring judicial intervention experience longer processing times due to court scheduling constraints.
How Long Does Santa Cruz County Keep Divorce Records?
Santa Cruz County maintains divorce records according to a structured records retention schedule that complies with California Government Code and the Trial Court Records Manual established by the Judicial Council of California. The retention periods vary based on the type of record and its historical or legal significance.
Court Case Files:
The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz retains divorce case files according to the following schedule:
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Complete Case Files: Pursuant to Government Code § 68152(a)(3), divorce case files must be retained for a minimum of 30 years from the date of final disposition.
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Judgments and Decrees: Judgments of dissolution are retained permanently as required by Government Code § 68152(j)(2).
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Cases Involving Minor Children: Files containing child custody, visitation, and support orders are retained until the youngest child reaches age 28, or 30 years from final disposition, whichever is later.
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Historical Cases: Cases determined to have historical significance may be preserved permanently or transferred to the California State Archives.
Recorder's Office Records:
The Santa Cruz County Recorder's Office maintains divorce certificates as vital records with the following retention schedule:
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Divorce Certificates: Maintained permanently as vital records pursuant to Health and Safety Code § 102230.
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Divorce Record Indexes: Maintained permanently to facilitate record location and retrieval.
Electronic Records:
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Case Management System Data: The court's electronic case management system retains basic case information indefinitely, including party names, case numbers, filing dates, and disposition information.
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Digitized Records: As older paper records are digitized, they are maintained according to the same retention schedules as their paper counterparts, but in electronic format.
It is important to note that while records may be retained for the periods specified above, the accessibility of older records may vary. Records from recent decades are typically more readily accessible, while historical records may require additional processing time or may have been transferred to archival storage facilities.
Individuals seeking divorce records from cases filed many decades ago should contact the Superior Court Records Division directly to determine availability and retrieval procedures:
Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz - Records Division
701 Ocean Street, Room 110
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-786-7200
Records & Information
How To Get a Divorce In Santa Cruz County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Santa Cruz County must follow specific procedures established by California Family Code and local court rules. The divorce process, legally termed "dissolution of marriage," involves several required steps regardless of whether the case is contested or uncontested.
Initial Filing Process:
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Determine Eligibility: At least one spouse must have been a California resident for six months and a Santa Cruz County resident for three months immediately preceding the filing, as required by California Family Code § 2320.
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Complete Initial Forms: The petitioner must complete and file:
- Petition for Dissolution (FL-100)
- Summons (FL-110)
- UCCJEA Declaration if children are involved (FL-105)
- Property Declaration if needed (FL-160)
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File Documents: Submit completed forms to the Family Law Division of the Superior Court:
Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz - Family Law Division
701 Ocean Street, Room 110
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-786-7200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM -
Pay Filing Fee: The current filing fee is $435. Fee waivers are available for qualifying low-income individuals through Form FW-001.
Service of Process:
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Serve the Respondent: The petition and summons must be personally served on the respondent by someone other than the petitioner who is at least 18 years old.
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File Proof of Service: The server completes a Proof of Service form (FL-115) which must be filed with the court.
Financial Disclosures:
Both parties must complete and exchange:
- Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140)
- Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)
- Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142)
Resolution Pathways:
Uncontested Divorce:
- Prepare a Marital Settlement Agreement covering all issues
- Complete a Judgment packet (FL-180 and attachments)
- Submit all documents to the court for review and approval
Contested Divorce:
- Respondent files Response (FL-120) within 30 days of service
- Court schedules Case Management Conference
- Mandatory settlement conference may be ordered
- If issues remain unresolved, trial is scheduled
- Judge issues decision on contested matters
Alternative Dispute Resolution:
- Family Court Services provides mandatory mediation for child custody disputes
- Private mediation services are available for all divorce issues
- Collaborative divorce process with specially trained attorneys
Self-Help Resources:
The Superior Court provides assistance through:
Self-Help Center
701 Ocean Street, Room 110
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-786-7200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Self-Help Center
Final Judgment:
The divorce becomes final when the judge signs the Judgment of Dissolution, which cannot occur until at least six months and one day after the respondent was served with the petition or appeared in the case.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Santa Cruz County
Individuals initiating or responding to divorce proceedings in Santa Cruz County have multiple options for obtaining the necessary legal forms, commonly referred to as "divorce papers." These documents are standardized Judicial Council forms required for dissolution of marriage proceedings throughout California.
In-Person Options:
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Superior Court Self-Help Center: The court provides free access to all required divorce forms and limited assistance in completing them:
Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz - Self-Help Center
701 Ocean Street, Room 110
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-786-7200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM -
Santa Cruz County Law Library: The law library maintains reference copies of all family law forms and publications:
Santa Cruz County Law Library
701 Ocean Street, Room 70
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-420-2205
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM -
Court Clerk's Office: Basic divorce form packets are available for purchase:
Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz - Family Law Division
701 Ocean Street, Room 110
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-786-7200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Online Resources:
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California Courts Website: All official Judicial Council forms are available for free download from the California Courts website. Key divorce forms include:
- FL-100: Petition for Dissolution
- FL-110: Summons
- FL-120: Response to Petition
- FL-140: Declaration of Disclosure
- FL-150: Income and Expense Declaration
- FL-160: Property Declaration
- FL-180: Judgment
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Superior Court of Santa Cruz County Website: The court's website provides information about family law procedures and links to required forms.
Legal Assistance Options:
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Family Law Facilitator: The court's Family Law Facilitator provides free assistance with form completion:
Family Law Facilitator
701 Ocean Street, Room 110
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-786-7200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (by appointment) -
Legal Aid Society of Santa Cruz County: Provides assistance to qualifying low-income individuals:
Legal Aid Society of Santa Cruz County
501 Soquel Avenue, Suite E
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
831-426-8824 -
Santa Cruz County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: Provides referrals to attorneys who may offer initial consultations:
Santa Cruz County Bar Association
831-425-4755
Santa Cruz County Bar Association
When obtaining divorce papers, individuals should ensure they have the current version of all required forms, as outdated forms may be rejected by the court. The court clerk cannot provide legal advice but can confirm which forms are required for specific situations. For complex cases involving significant assets, children, or disputed issues, consultation with a qualified family law attorney is advisable.
Lookup Divorce Records in Santa Cruz County
Case Lookup | Superior Court of California | County of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz County Recorder's Office