California Divorce Records
State of California Divorce Record Accessibility
Only the husband or wife may obtain a certified copy of a divorce certificate. Legal counselors can also obtain a divorce record if they are representing the husband or wife. Law enforcement agencies can also request a copy of a divorce record if they can prove it is for an investigation. Informational copies are available to any member of the public.
Where to Find State Divorce Records
California Office of Vital Records - MS 5103
Mailing Address:Post Office Box 997410, Sacramento, CA 95899-7410
Physical Address: 1501 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone Number:(916) 445-2684
Fax: N/A
Hours:Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Required Information: full names of the husband and wife, including wife's maiden name, date of the divorce, and city or county where divorce was granted; you’ll also need to provide information about yourself: full name, your relationship to person named on the certificate (father, mother, self, etc.), your mailing address (include city, state and zip code), your daytime phone number, and your signature
Search Fees: The fee for a divorce record is $13.
Retrieval Timeframe: A divorce record request can take up to six months to process.
Notes: Authorized divorce record requests will need to have a sworn, notarized statement included.
Divorce Record Contents
Contained in a divorce record, you will find: any settlements that are due, all child support payment information, a complete distribution of property, all spousal support payment information, the date of the marriage, child custody agreements (if children are involved in the marriage), the full name of the wife, the full name of the husband, and the complete division of debt. The kinds of divorces that exist are: uncontested divorce, at-fault divorce, summary (or simple) divorce, electronic divorce, no-fault divorce, collaborative divorce, and mediated divorce.
