Comprehensive Guide to Accessing California Divorce Records Online

Overview of California Divorce Records

California, with its large population, sees a substantial number of divorces each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), California had a divorce rate of 2.5 per 1,000 population in 2018, which is relatively low compared to the national average. However, the absolute number of divorces is quite high due to the state's large population.

Divorce records in California are maintained by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Superior Courts of the county where the divorce was filed. These documents are crucial for various purposes, including legal proceedings, remarriage, and personal closure.

Types of Divorce Records Available

1. Certified Authorized Copies: These are official copies of the divorce record, available to the divorcees, their immediate family members, and a few other authorized individuals.
2. Certified Informational Copies: These copies can be obtained by anyone for informational purposes and cannot be used to establish identity.

How to Obtain Divorce Records

Online Platforms

Several online platforms provide access to divorce records, either free or for a fee. These platforms offer convenience and quick access, often delivering information more rapidly than traditional methods.

State and County Offices

• California Department of Public Health: Provides certificates of record for divorces occurring from 1962 to June 1984.
• Superior Court: For actual divorce decrees, one must contact the Superior Court in the county where the divorce was filed.

The standard fee for obtaining a copy of a divorce record from CDPH is $13, payable by check or money order. The processing time can exceed six months, so planning is crucial.

Application Process

Applications for divorce records can be downloaded from the CDPH website. Completed forms should be mailed to the address provided on the form, along with the required fee and identification.

Legal Uses of Divorce Records

Divorce records are often used in legal settings for:

• Establishing the legal status of individuals for remarriage.
• Resolving issues related to the division of assets.
• Addressing custody arrangements in the case of children.

Interesting Statistics and Trends

Despite the general perception of high divorce rates, California's divorce rate is below the national average. This could be attributed to various factors, including economic stability in certain regions and changing societal attitudes towards marriage and cohabitation.

Conclusion

Accessing divorce records in California is now more manageable with multiple online and offline avenues. Whether for legal, personal, or informational purposes, understanding the types of records available and the proper channels to obtain them is crucial for navigating this aspect of California's public records system efficiently.