mercredi 22 janvier 2014

California Free Divorce Records

By Ben Kingsley


Like any other States in the US, divorce in California is considered as public records. This means that the records are available for the public and anyone can request for the records. There are however two types of divorce records available for request - authorized and informational copy and it is best to determine if one is eligible for which type of record.

Authorized copies of divorce decrees contain the registrants, the date the case was filed as well as the county where the divorce was filed. Authorized copies can be used as supporting documents for those who need spousal support or child benefit(s). Those who are eligible to obtain an authorized copy include the registrant themselves, their kids, siblings or parents, their domestic partners, adoption agency (in case of adoptions), law enforcers as well as those individuals who are authorized to act on behalf of the parties. What sets the information copy apart from authorized copies is that informational copies cannot be used as a supporting document and is given for information purposes only.

Once one determines that he or she is eligible for the said copies, it is time to check where the copies can be obtained. The California Department of Public Health or CDPH Vital Records division does not issue certified copies; they can only issue Certificate of Record. All certified copies are available from the County Superior Court where the divorce was granted. Certificates of Records contain information such as the parties involved in the divorce, the county as well as the case number. The Certificate of Record does not contain any information on whether the divorce was finalized or not. The Vital Records division also has divorce records on hand that were filed from 1962 up to June 1984.

To request for a Certificate of Record, download the pamphlet available from the CDPH site. Follow the instruction guide and complete the requirements needed. Fees vary and are non-refundable. The Office will issue a certificate of No Public Records if there are no records found. Payments for the copy should be included with the request. Payments can be made via money order or checks that are drawn from a US bank. Money orders issued by the USPS are also accepted. Processing time can exceed six months depending on the request volume.

Those who want a certified copy of their divorce can do so by making a mail request to the California Superior Court. One can also make an in person request, as the court does not accept phone requests. Fees vary from one county to another. In Alameda County for example, a divorce record search of more than 15 minutes will cost one $15. Certified copies of the divorce report also cost $15. For those who are on a tight budget, they can do an in person search and check out the records themselves. For a more convenient and hassle-free record search, one can check out online sites that do offer public records searches. This is the most convenient way for one to get hold of records without having to wait for the processing time that requesting from the county court needs.




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