San Luis Obispo County Divorce Records
What Are San Luis Obispo County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in San Luis Obispo County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's 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. The Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo processes and maintains these records as part of its official court functions.
Divorce records typically consist of several document types:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response to petition
- Financial disclosures
- Child custody and support agreements
- Property division settlements
- Judgment of dissolution
These documents serve multiple important purposes for individuals and government agencies, including:
- Legal proof of marital status change
- Documentation required for remarriage
- Evidence for name change processes
- Verification for Social Security benefits
- Supporting documentation for loan applications
- Required evidence for immigration matters
The San Luis Obispo County Superior Court maintains the complete case files for divorce proceedings, while the California Department of Public Health and County Clerk-Recorder maintain certificates of divorce for vital records purposes.
Are San Luis Obispo County Divorce Records Public?
San Luis Obispo County divorce records have varying levels of public accessibility depending on the specific document type and information contained therein. This dual-access system is governed by both California Government Code § 6250, the California Public Records Act, and family law privacy provisions.
Court divorce case files are generally considered public records with important exceptions:
- Basic case information (parties' names, case number, filing date) is publicly accessible
- Financial disclosures and tax returns are confidential pursuant to California Family Code § 2024.6
- Documents containing minors' information have restricted access
- Cases involving domestic violence may have protective orders limiting access
- Social security numbers and financial account information are redacted from public view
Certified divorce certificates, which verify the fact of divorce, have restricted access under California law. Only the following individuals may obtain these certificates:
- The parties to the divorce
- Immediate family members with legitimate interest
- Legal representatives of the parties
- Law enforcement agencies
- Government agencies conducting official business
- Individuals with court orders authorizing access
The San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder maintains divorce certificates as vital records and enforces these access restrictions to protect privacy while balancing the public's right to information.
How To Find a Divorce Record In San Luis Obispo County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in San Luis Obispo County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the specific record type needed and the requester's relationship to the case.
For court case files, individuals may:
- Visit the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court in person at:
Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo
1035 Palm Street, Room 385
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
(805) 706-3600
Superior Court of San Luis Obispo County
- Submit a records request form to the court clerk, specifying the case number if known, or names of parties and approximate date of divorce
- Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $15 for record searches plus $0.50 per page for copies)
- Present valid photo identification if requesting confidential portions of records to which the requester has legal access
For divorce certificates (verification of divorce fact), individuals may:
- Contact the San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder at:
San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder
1055 Monterey Street, Suite D120
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
(805) 781-5080
San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder
- Complete an application for certified copy of divorce record
- Provide proper identification and documentation establishing right to access
- Submit required fees (currently $15 per certified copy)
- Include a notarized sworn statement if requesting an authorized copy
For divorces occurring between 1962 and June 1984, records may also be available through the California Department of Public Health Vital Records.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in San Luis Obispo County Online?
San Luis Obispo County provides limited online access to divorce record information through several digital platforms. These online resources offer varying levels of detail and accessibility.
The primary online resource is the Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo's case information system:
- Visit the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court website
- Navigate to "Case Information" or "Online Services"
- Select "re:SearchCA" platform for registered users
- Create an account if not already registered
- Search by party name, case number, or filing date
- Review basic case information available online
This system provides:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Filing dates
- Case type
- Register of actions (chronological list of filings)
- Hearing dates
For recorded documents related to divorce proceedings, the San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder's online search system allows users to:
- Search the official records index
- Locate documents by name, document type, or recording date
- View limited information about recorded documents
- Request copies of accessible documents for a fee
It is important to note that:
- Complete divorce case files are not available online
- Document images are generally not viewable through these systems
- Confidential documents remain restricted online
- Certified copies cannot be obtained electronically
- Online searches may incur fees depending on the system and search volume
For comprehensive divorce records, individuals must still contact the court or clerk-recorder directly as outlined in the previous section.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In San Luis Obispo County?
San Luis Obispo County offers limited options for accessing divorce records without payment, though most comprehensive searches and document copies involve fees. The following methods provide free or low-cost access to basic divorce record information:
Public access terminals at the courthouse allow free on-site searches:
Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo
1035 Palm Street, Room 385
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM (excluding court holidays)
At these terminals, members of the public may:
- Search basic case information by party name or case number
- View register of actions (list of documents filed)
- Identify hearing dates and case status
- Take notes on case information
The court's Family Law Facilitator's Office provides free assistance with:
- Locating case information
- Understanding divorce records
- Explaining which forms are needed to request records
- Guidance on the divorce process
For historical research purposes, the San Luis Obispo County Law Library offers:
- Free access to legal research databases
- Assistance locating public divorce records
- Reference materials on family law and court procedures
While initial searches may be conducted without cost, fees apply for:
- Document copies ($0.50 per page)
- Certified copies ($15 per document)
- Record searches requiring staff assistance ($15 per search)
- Expedited service
Pursuant to California Government Code § 68631, fee waivers may be available for individuals who meet income eligibility requirements. Applications for fee waivers must be submitted to the court for approval.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In San Luis Obispo County
Divorce records in San Luis Obispo County comprise multiple document types that collectively document the legal dissolution process. The contents vary based on case complexity, presence of children, and contested issues.
Standard divorce case files typically include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (FL-100) - The initial filing that states grounds for divorce and requested relief
- Summons (FL-110) - Official notice to respondent about the divorce action
- Response to Petition (FL-120) - The other party's formal reply to divorce petition
- Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140) - Mandatory financial information exchange
- Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142) - Itemized list of property and obligations
- Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150) - Detailed financial information
- Judgment of Dissolution (FL-180) - Final court order terminating the marriage
When children are involved, additional documents include:
- Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (FL-105)
- Child Custody and Visitation Order (FL-341)
- Child Support Information and Order Attachment (FL-342)
- Child Support Case Registry Form (FL-191)
For property division matters:
- Property Order Attachment (FL-345)
- Pension Benefits Order (FL-348) if applicable
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement accounts
Divorce certificates, as opposed to complete case files, contain limited information:
- Names of both parties
- Date of marriage
- Date of divorce
- County where divorce was granted
- Case number
- Court of jurisdiction
Certain sensitive information is redacted or sealed in public records:
- Social security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Minor children's identifying information
- Confidential health information
- Victim information in domestic violence cases
The level of detail in accessible records depends on the requester's relationship to the case and legal right to access confidential information.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In San Luis Obispo County?
Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce in San Luis Obispo County have several options for obtaining official documentation. The type of proof needed determines which agency should be contacted and what procedures must be followed.
For certified copies of divorce judgments, contact:
Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo
1035 Palm Street, Room 385
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
(805) 706-3600
Superior Court of San Luis Obispo County
The process involves:
- Submitting a written request specifying the case number or names of parties and approximate divorce date
- Providing identification proving eligibility to receive copies
- Paying the certification fee (currently $15 per document plus copy fees)
- Allowing 5-10 business days for processing standard requests
For certified copies of divorce certificates (for divorces after June 1984), contact:
San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder
1055 Monterey Street, Suite D120
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
(805) 781-5080
San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder
This process requires:
- Completing an application for certified copy of divorce record
- Submitting proper identification
- Providing documentation establishing right to access if requesting an authorized copy
- Including a notarized sworn statement for authorized copies
- Paying the required fee (currently $15 per certified copy)
For divorces occurring between 1962 and June 1984, records may be obtained from:
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
Expedited service is available for urgent needs with additional fees. Mail requests typically require longer processing times than in-person requests.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In San Luis Obispo County?
While most divorce proceedings in San Luis Obispo County are matters of public record, California law provides several mechanisms for maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information or, in limited circumstances, entire divorce cases.
Standard confidentiality protections in divorce cases include:
- Automatic redaction of social security numbers, financial account numbers, and driver's license numbers pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.400(a)
- Sealing of financial disclosure documents under California Family Code § 2024.6
- Protection of minor children's identifying information
- Confidentiality of domestic violence victim information when protective orders are in place
For enhanced confidentiality, parties may petition the court for:
-
Sealing of specific documents by demonstrating that:
- There exists an overriding interest overcoming the right of public access
- The interest supports sealing the record
- A substantial probability exists that the interest will be prejudiced without sealing
- The proposed sealing is narrowly tailored
- No less restrictive means exist to protect the interest
-
Confidential marriage dissolution under California Family Code § 2014, which requires:
- The marriage was established as a confidential marriage license
- Filing a petition for confidential dissolution
- Meeting specific eligibility requirements
- Court approval of the confidentiality request
-
Use of pseudonyms or initials in place of full names in exceptional circumstances involving:
- Domestic violence concerns
- Stalking or harassment risks
- High-profile individuals where publicity would cause undue hardship
- Cases involving minors with special circumstances
Requests for confidentiality must be filed with the Superior Court of San Luis Obispo County and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The court balances privacy interests against the presumption of public access to court records.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In San Luis Obispo County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in San Luis Obispo County varies significantly based on multiple factors. Under California law, all divorces have a mandatory minimum waiting period of six months from the date of service of the petition before the divorce can be finalized, as established by California Family Code § 2339.
Beyond this minimum timeframe, several factors influence the total duration:
Type of Divorce Proceeding:
- Uncontested divorces with complete agreement: 6-8 months
- Summary dissolution (simplified process for qualifying couples): 6 months
- Contested divorces with limited issues: 8-12 months
- Highly contested divorces with multiple issues: 18 months to several years
Factors Affecting Timeline:
- Court congestion and calendar availability in San Luis Obispo County
- Complexity of asset division, especially with businesses or real estate
- Child custody disputes requiring evaluations or mediation
- Discovery processes and financial disclosure complications
- Attorney scheduling conflicts
- Settlement negotiation progress
- Need for expert witnesses (business valuators, forensic accountants)
- Domestic violence allegations requiring separate hearings
According to the Superior Court of San Luis Obispo County, the current average processing time for uncontested divorces is approximately 6-8 months from filing to judgment, while contested matters average 12-18 months.
Expedited processing may be available in limited circumstances involving:
- Military deployment
- Medical emergencies
- Relocation necessities
- Other compelling circumstances requiring court approval
Parties seeking to minimize divorce duration are encouraged to utilize the court's mediation services, family law facilitator resources, and settlement conferences to resolve disputes efficiently.
How Long Does San Luis Obispo County Keep Divorce Records?
San Luis Obispo County maintains divorce records according to California's records retention schedules, which establish different preservation periods based on record type and historical significance.
Court case files for divorces are retained pursuant to California Government Code § 68152, which establishes the following retention periods:
- Complete divorce case files: Minimum of 30 years from date of judgment
- Cases involving child custody or support: Until the youngest child reaches age 28
- Judgments and final orders: Permanently maintained
- Exhibits and evidence: Typically retained for 60 days after final disposition unless returned to parties
The San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder maintains divorce certificates as vital records with the following retention schedule:
- Divorce certificates (post-1984): Permanently maintained
- Index of divorce records: Permanently maintained
- Microfilm/digital backups: Permanently preserved
For historical divorce records (pre-1984), the following applies:
- Records from 1962-1984: Maintained by California Department of Public Health Vital Records
- Records prior to 1962: May be available through county archives or historical collections
After the mandatory retention period expires, non-permanent records may be:
- Transferred to archival storage
- Converted to electronic format
- Destroyed according to legal protocols
Individuals seeking older divorce records should note:
- Records beyond retention periods may require extended searches
- Historical records may be stored off-site
- Retrieval fees may apply for archived materials
- Some very old records may be incomplete or unavailable
The Superior Court of San Luis Obispo County and County Clerk-Recorder maintain finding aids to assist in locating historical divorce records that remain within their custody.
How To Get a Divorce In San Luis Obispo County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in San Luis Obispo County must follow California's established legal process. The procedure involves multiple steps and varies depending on case complexity.
To initiate a divorce in San Luis Obispo County:
-
Determine eligibility: At least one spouse must have been a California resident for six months and a San Luis Obispo County resident for three months immediately preceding the filing.
-
Prepare initial documents:
- Petition for Dissolution (FL-100)
- Summons (FL-110)
- Property Declaration (FL-160) if applicable
- Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (FL-105) if children are involved
-
File documents with the court at:
Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo
1035 Palm Street, Room 385
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
(805) 706-3600
Superior Court of San Luis Obispo County
-
Pay filing fees (currently $435) or request a fee waiver if eligible
-
Serve documents on the other spouse through:
- Personal service by someone over 18 who is not a party to the case
- Service by mail with Notice and Acknowledgment of Receipt
- Alternative service methods with court approval if standard service fails
-
File proof of service with the court
-
Complete mandatory financial disclosures:
- Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140)
- Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)
- Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142)
-
Resolve issues through:
- Direct agreement between parties
- Mediation services
- Settlement conferences
- Court hearings if necessary
-
Prepare judgment documents:
- Judgment (FL-180)
- Notice of Entry of Judgment (FL-190)
- Appropriate attachments for custody, support, and property division
-
Submit judgment package to the court for processing
The San Luis Obispo County Superior Court Family Law Facilitator provides assistance with forms and procedures for self-represented litigants. Additionally, the court offers mediation services for child custody and visitation disputes.
How To Get Divorce Papers In San Luis Obispo County
Individuals seeking divorce forms in San Luis Obispo County have multiple options for obtaining the necessary documentation. These forms are standardized throughout California and must be completed according to court requirements.
Divorce papers may be obtained through the following methods:
- In-person at the Superior Court's Self-Help Center:
Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo
Self-Help Center
1035 Palm Street, Room 385
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
(805) 706-3600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM (excluding court holidays)
Superior Court of San Luis Obispo County
-
Online through the California Courts website:
- Visit California Courts Self-Help Center
- Select the appropriate forms based on case circumstances
- Download fillable PDF forms at no cost
-
Through the San Luis Obispo County Law Library:
San Luis Obispo County Law Library
County Government Center
1050 Monterey Street, Room 125
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
(805) 781-5855
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- From legal document assistance services (non-attorney services):
- Various private businesses in San Luis Obispo County offer form preparation assistance
- Fees vary by provider
- These services cannot provide legal advice
The basic divorce packet includes:
- 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 are involved
- Proof of Service of Summons (FL-115)
- Response to Petition (FL-120) for the responding party
Additional specialized forms may be required depending on case circumstances. The Family Law Facilitator's Office provides guidance on which forms are needed for specific situations and offers assistance with form completion at no cost.
Lookup Divorce Records in San Luis Obispo County
Recorded Documents Search - County of San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder Self-Service System
Clerk-Recorder - County of San Luis Obispo
Start a Divorce Case - Superior Court of San Luis Obispo
Family Division - Superior Court of California - County of San Luis Obispo
Vital Records Obtaining Certified Copies of Divorce Records - California Department of Public Health