Anaheim Divorce Records
If you want to search for divorce records in Anaheim, you need to contact Orange County Superior Court. The city does not keep its own divorce files. All family law cases for Anaheim residents get filed at one of the Orange County courthouses. Most divorce cases from this area go through the Lamoreaux Justice Center in Orange or the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana. The court system in Orange County maintains divorce records dating back to 1889, with older files stored in the Records Management office. You can search online for basic case info or visit the courthouse to request certified copies of divorce decrees and other court documents. The standard fee for a certified divorce decree is fifteen dollars, plus fifty cents per page for copies. Some records appear in the online family law portal, but many documents require an in-person request or a written application by mail.
Orange County Superior Court
Anaheim divorce cases are filed in Orange County. The Family Law Division operates at the Lamoreaux Justice Center, which is at 341 The City Drive South in Orange. This courthouse handles most family law matters for the northern part of the county. The Family Law Division sits on the seventh floor. You can reach them at (657) 622-8457. The office is open from eight in the morning until noon, then reopens from one to four in the afternoon. They close for lunch each day.
If your case is older, you may need to contact the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana. That location houses the Records Management office on the first floor at 700 Civic Center Drive West. The Records Management unit keeps files for cases that were filed before 1968. For anything filed after that, the clerk can pull the file from the main storage area at the courthouse where it was filed. Orange County has records going back to the late 1800s, but very old files may take extra time to locate and retrieve. The county provides copies of divorce decrees and other court documents for a small fee.
Getting copies usually takes thirty to forty-five days if you mail your request. The court asks that you include the case number or both party names with an approximate year. If you do not know the case number, they charge a search fee of fifteen dollars to look it up. The search covers their database and helps them find the right file. Once they locate the case, they make copies and mail them back to you. If you need the documents faster, you can visit the courthouse in person and request copies at the counter. Same-day service may be available if the file is on-site and the clerks are not too busy.
Search Online for Anaheim Cases
Orange County offers a family law portal at fampub.occourts.org. This portal lets you search for dissolution cases and other family law matters. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney name. The results show basic case info like the filing date, case type, and parties involved. Some documents are visible online, but most family law records require a formal request through the clerk.
The portal covers family law cases from 1997 forward. Anything older than that may not appear in the online system. You will need to call or visit the courthouse for pre-1997 cases. The system shows a register of actions for each case. This list tells you what documents were filed and when. It does not let you view the actual papers unless the court has made them available for public download. That is rare in family law cases due to privacy rules.
If you find the case you want, write down the case number. Then you can request copies from the Family Law Division by phone, mail, or in person. The case number speeds up the process because the clerk does not have to search for the file. It helps you get your documents faster and avoids the search fee. Many people use the online portal just to confirm a case exists and to get the case number before they make their request.
Fees and How Long It Takes
A certified divorce decree costs fifteen dollars. This fee covers the certification and includes copies of the decree itself. If you need other documents from the file, the court charges forty dollars for certification plus fifty cents per page for the copies. Regular uncertified copies cost fifty cents per page on their own. The search fee is fifteen dollars if you do not have a case number. All these fees are set by state law and apply to every California county.
Processing time depends on how you submit your request. Mail requests take thirty to forty-five days on average. The clerks work through requests in the order they arrive. If the file is stored off-site or if the case is very old, it may take a bit longer. In-person requests at the counter can be done the same day if the file is available and the staff has time. Some people call ahead to ask if same-day service is possible for their case.
You can pay by check, money order, or credit card. Make checks payable to Orange County Superior Court. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you mail your request so the court can send your documents back to you. If you do not include return postage, your order may be delayed. The court does not send documents without a way to mail them back.
Note: Orange County does not accept cash payments by mail.
Forms You Might Need
Orange County uses specific forms for record requests. Form L-0696 is the Copy Request form. You fill this out when you want copies of documents from a case file. Form L-0006 is the Record Search form. Use this one if you need the court to search for a case by name. Both forms are available on the Orange County Superior Court website at occourts.org.
If you do not have the forms, you can also write a letter. Include your name and contact info, the case number or party names, the documents you want, and your payment. Mail everything to the Lamoreaux Justice Center at 341 The City Drive South, Orange, CA 92868. Put "Attn: Family Law Division" on the envelope. This ensures your request gets to the right department.
For walk-in requests, bring a photo ID and be ready to tell the clerk what you need. If you are a party to the case, let them know. Sometimes parties have easier access to their own files. If you are not a party, you can still get public records, but some documents may be sealed or restricted. The clerk will tell you what is available when you make your request.
Finding Legal Help in Anaheim
If you need legal advice about divorce in Anaheim, Orange County has a Family Law Facilitator office. This office provides free help to people who are representing themselves in family law cases. The facilitators can explain court forms, answer questions about procedures, and help you understand your options. They do not give legal advice about what decision you should make, but they can tell you how the process works. You can reach them at (657) 622-6196. They are located on the fifth floor of the Lamoreaux Justice Center.
Legal aid organizations also serve Orange County. The Legal Aid Society of Orange County offers free or low-cost legal services to people who qualify based on income. They handle family law matters including divorce, custody, and support issues. You can apply for services on their website or by calling their intake line. Other groups like the Orange County Bar Association run referral services that connect you with private attorneys who offer free consultations or reduced fees for certain cases.
Many people use the self-help resources on the California courts website at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov. This site has instructions for filling out divorce forms, videos that walk you through each step, and answers to common questions. All California courts use the same basic forms, so the state website applies to Anaheim and every other city in the state. If you plan to file your own divorce without a lawyer, these resources can guide you through the paperwork and court procedures.
Other Orange County Cities
Orange County includes several large cities. If you are looking for divorce records in another city in this county, check our pages for Santa Ana and Irvine. All three cities use the same court system. You can also visit the main Orange County page for more details about the Superior Court and how to access records throughout the county.