San Bernardino County Divorce Records
What Are San Bernardino County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in San Bernardino County are official documents that provide legal evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino, and contain information pertaining to divorce proceedings filed within the county.
Divorce records typically include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Response to the petition
- Financial disclosures
- Property settlement agreements
- Child custody and support arrangements
- Court orders and judgments
- Final Judgment of Dissolution
Pursuant to California Family Code § 2300, a judgment of dissolution of marriage restores the parties to the status of single persons. The Superior Court of San Bernardino County processes these records in accordance with California state law and maintains them as part of the public record system.
Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino
247 West Third Street
San Bernardino, CA 92415
(909) 708-8678
San Bernardino County Superior Court
Are San Bernardino County Divorce Records Public?
San Bernardino County divorce records are generally considered public records pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6270). Members of the public may access most divorce case files, with certain exceptions as provided by law.
The following aspects of divorce records are typically available for public inspection:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Names of parties involved
- Court appearances and scheduled hearings
- Final judgments and orders
However, certain information within divorce files may be restricted from public access, including:
- Financial account numbers and social security numbers
- Records sealed by court order
- Confidential custody evaluations
- Domestic violence restraining order applications (temporarily sealed)
- Records involving minors that the court has determined should be confidential
Access to public divorce records is facilitated through the San Bernardino County Superior Court's Records Department, which maintains these documents in accordance with California Rules of Court, rule 2.550, regarding public access to court records.
How To Find a Divorce Record In San Bernardino County in 2025
Individuals seeking divorce records in San Bernardino County in 2025 may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino, maintains divorce records and provides multiple avenues for access.
To locate a divorce record, requestors must provide:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
Methods for locating divorce records include:
- In-person requests at the courthouse Records Department
- Online case information search through the court's portal
- Written requests by mail with appropriate fees
- Certified copies requests from the California Department of Public Health for divorce certificates
For in-person requests, individuals may visit:
San Bernardino District - Records Department
247 West Third Street, First Floor
San Bernardino, CA 92415
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
(909) 708-8678
Rancho Cucamonga District
8303 Haven Avenue
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
(909) 708-8678
Requestors should note that pursuant to California Government Code § 68150, courts may charge reasonable fees for search and copying services related to court records.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in San Bernardino County Online?
San Bernardino County provides digital access to certain divorce record information through the Superior Court's online portal. The court's case information system allows users to search for basic case information and document listings.
To conduct an online search for divorce records:
- Visit the San Bernardino County Superior Court website
- Navigate to the "Case Information" section
- Select "Family Law Case Information"
- Enter search criteria (names of parties, case number)
- Review available case information
The online system provides:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties and attorneys
- Register of actions (chronological list of filings)
- Hearing dates and times
- Case status information
It is important to note that pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 2.503, complete divorce case documents are not available for remote electronic access. While basic case information may be viewed online, obtaining actual documents requires additional steps as outlined in California Government Code § 68150(a).
Users requiring complete divorce records must request copies through the court's Records Department or document sales services, as full case files are not accessible through the online portal.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In San Bernardino County?
Members of the public may access certain divorce record information in San Bernardino County without payment, though comprehensive access typically involves fees. Free access options are limited to specific viewing circumstances.
Free access methods include:
- In-person viewing of non-confidential case files at courthouse public terminals
- Basic case information searches using public access terminals at courthouse locations
- Limited online case information through the court's public portal
For in-person viewing, individuals may visit:
San Bernardino Justice Center
247 West Third Street
San Bernardino, CA 92415
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
(909) 708-8678
While viewing records may be free, pursuant to Government Code § 70627, the court charges fees for:
- Document copies ($0.50 per page)
- Certification of documents ($40.00 per document)
- Record searches ($15.00 per search)
- Complex record searches (additional fees may apply)
Individuals experiencing financial hardship may apply for fee waivers under California Government Code § 68631 by submitting form FW-001 to the court.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In San Bernardino County
Divorce records in San Bernardino County contain comprehensive documentation of the legal dissolution process. These records are maintained by the Superior Court's Family Law Division and typically include multiple document types.
Standard components of divorce records include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (FL-100)
- Summons (FL-110)
- Response to Petition (FL-120), if filed
- Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (FL-105)
- Income and Expense Declarations (FL-150)
- Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142)
- Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140)
- Marital Settlement Agreement, if applicable
- Judgment of Dissolution (FL-180)
- Notice of Entry of Judgment (FL-190)
Additional documents may include:
- Child custody and visitation orders
- Child support calculations and orders
- Spousal support determinations
- Property division judgments
- Domestic violence restraining orders, if applicable
- Name change orders
Pursuant to California Family Code § 2100-2113, financial disclosures are mandatory in divorce proceedings, and these documents become part of the official record unless sealed by court order.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In San Bernardino County?
Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce in San Bernardino County may obtain official documentation through established channels. The type of proof needed often depends on the purpose for which it will be used.
Two primary forms of divorce proof are available:
- Certified copies of the Judgment of Dissolution from the Superior Court
- Certificate of Record of Divorce from the California Department of Public Health
For court-certified copies of divorce judgments:
- Submit a written request to the San Bernardino County Superior Court Records Department
- Include case number, names of parties, and approximate date of judgment
- Pay the required certification fee ($40.00 per document plus $0.50 per page)
- Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope for mail requests
Superior Court Records Department
247 West Third Street
San Bernardino, CA 92415
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
(909) 708-8678
For Certificate of Record of Divorce:
- Submit an application to the California Department of Public Health Vital Records
- Include names of both parties, date of divorce, and county of filing
- Pay the required fee ($15.00 per certificate)
- Provide notarized authorization if requesting on behalf of another person
California Department of Public Health - Vital Records
MS 5103
P.O. Box 997410
Sacramento, CA 95899-7410
(916) 445-2684
Pursuant to Health and Safety Code § 103525, authorized individuals may obtain certified copies of these records.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In San Bernardino County?
While most divorce proceedings in San Bernardino County are matters of public record, California law provides limited mechanisms for maintaining confidentiality in certain circumstances. Complete confidentiality of an entire divorce case is rare, but specific documents or information may be protected.
Mechanisms for confidentiality include:
- Sealing orders pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 2.550, requiring demonstration of overriding interest
- Redaction of sensitive personal information such as social security numbers and financial account details
- Confidential reference numbers for domestic violence victims under Family Code § 6225
- Confidential custody evaluation reports under Family Code § 3111
To request sealing of records, parties must:
- File a motion with the court demonstrating good cause
- Show that the interest in confidentiality outweighs the public's right of access
- Prove that sealing is narrowly tailored and no less restrictive means exist
- Obtain a court order specifically identifying which documents are to be sealed
The court applies strict scrutiny to sealing requests, as established in NBC Subsidiary v. Superior Court (1999) 20 Cal.4th 1178, which affirmed the presumption of public access to court records.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In San Bernardino County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in San Bernardino County varies based on case complexity and statutory waiting periods. California Family Code § 2339 establishes a mandatory six-month waiting period from service of the petition before a divorce can be finalized.
Typical timeframes for divorce proceedings:
- Uncontested divorces with complete agreements: 6-8 months minimum
- Contested divorces with limited issues: 8-12 months
- Complex divorces with significant assets or custody disputes: 12-24 months or longer
Factors affecting timeline include:
- Court calendar congestion
- Completion of mandatory disclosures under Family Code § 2104
- Settlement negotiations between parties
- Need for custody evaluations or property appraisals
- Availability of mediation or settlement conference dates
- Judicial officer assignments and caseloads
The San Bernardino County Superior Court Family Law Division processes cases according to statutory requirements and local rules of court. Parties seeking expedited resolution are encouraged to utilize alternative dispute resolution methods, including mediation services offered through the court's Family Court Services.
How Long Does San Bernardino County Keep Divorce Records?
San Bernardino County maintains divorce records in accordance with California Government Code § 68152, which establishes retention schedules for court records. Divorce records are preserved for extended periods due to their legal significance.
Retention periods for divorce records:
- Case indexes: Permanent retention
- Judgments and final orders: Permanent retention
- Case files with property or support orders: 30 years from date of judgment
- Case files without property or support orders: 10 years from date of judgment
- Exhibits: 60 days after final disposition of case unless claimed by parties
After the required retention period, non-permanent records may be destroyed pursuant to court order. However, the court maintains permanent microfilm or electronic copies of essential documents, particularly judgments and orders.
The California Department of Public Health Vital Records maintains certificates of record of divorce permanently, providing an additional source for verification of divorce status even after court records may have been destroyed.
How To Get a Divorce In San Bernardino County
Individuals seeking divorce in San Bernardino County must follow procedures established by California Family Code and local court rules. The process begins with filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the Superior Court's Family Law Division.
Requirements for filing divorce in San Bernardino County:
- At least one spouse must have been a California resident for six months
- At least one spouse must have been a San Bernardino County resident for three months
- Completion of mandatory forms, including Petition (FL-100) and Summons (FL-110)
- Payment of filing fees ($435 for initial petition) or approved fee waiver
The divorce process includes these key steps:
- File petition and related documents with the court
- Serve documents on the other spouse
- Wait for response or request default if no response filed
- Complete preliminary and final declarations of disclosure
- Attend mandatory mediation if child custody is disputed
- Negotiate settlement or prepare for trial
- Submit judgment documents for court approval
- Wait for six-month statutory waiting period to elapse
Individuals may file at these locations:
San Bernardino Justice Center
247 West Third Street
San Bernardino, CA 92415
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
(909) 708-8678
Victorville Courthouse
14455 Civic Drive
Victorville, CA 92392
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
(909) 708-8678
How To Get Divorce Papers In San Bernardino County
Divorce forms for San Bernardino County proceedings are available through multiple channels. These standardized forms comply with California Judicial Council requirements and local court rules.
Sources for obtaining divorce papers include:
- San Bernardino County Superior Court website - Provides downloadable PDF forms
- Superior Court Self-Help Centers - Offers form packets and assistance
- Family Law Facilitator's Office - Provides guidance on form completion
- California Courts website - Contains all standard Judicial Council forms
Essential forms for divorce filings include:
- Petition for Dissolution (FL-100)
- Summons (FL-110)
- Property Declaration (FL-160), if needed
- Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (FL-105), if children involved
- Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)
- Local forms specific to San Bernardino County
Self-Help Centers are located at:
San Bernardino Justice Center Self-Help Center
247 West Third Street, First Floor
San Bernardino, CA 92415
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
(909) 708-8678
Victorville Courthouse Self-Help Center
14455 Civic Drive
Victorville, CA 92392
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
(909) 708-8678
Pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 1.31, all forms must be completed in the format prescribed by the Judicial Council.
Lookup Divorce Records in San Bernardino County
Superior Court of California - San Bernardino County
Family Law Division - San Bernardino County