Irvine Divorce Records Access
Irvine residents file all divorce cases through Orange County Superior Court. The city itself does not maintain family law records. All dissolution paperwork goes to county courthouses. The main family law facility is the Lamoreaux Justice Center in Orange. The Central Justice Center in Santa Ana is another option. Both locations handle divorce filings for all Orange County cities including Irvine. Once a case is filed, the court clerk keeps the file from start to finish. The final divorce decree and all supporting documents stay in the court system permanently. Anyone can ask for copies of divorce records unless the court has sealed the case.
Orange County Family Law Courts
The Lamoreaux Justice Center handles most family law business in Orange County. This building is at 341 The City Drive South in Orange. Family law services operate on the 7th floor. The phone number is (657) 622-6457. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to noon, then 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays. You can file a new divorce case, get copies of documents, or ask questions about procedures at this location. The court also has self-help services and a Family Law Facilitator to assist people without lawyers.
The Central Justice Center in Santa Ana is at 700 Civic Center Drive West. Call (657) 622-6878 for general information. This courthouse has a Records Management office on the 1st floor that stores older case files. If your divorce was filed many years ago, the file might be in their archives. Orange County keeps historical records going back to 1889. Staff can search old paper files and microfiche if needed. Processing times are longer for archived records because they must be retrieved from storage.
Fees for divorce records in Orange County are set by state law. A certified copy of a divorce decree costs $15.00. This price includes all pages of the judgment with certification. Other certified documents cost $40.00 plus $0.50 per page for copies. Regular copies without certification are $0.50 per page. If you need the clerk to search for a case when you do not have a case number, there is a $15.00 search fee. In-person requests are usually processed quickly. Mail requests take about 30 to 45 days.
Search Cases Online
Orange County offers a free public portal for family law cases at fampub.occourts.org. This system lets you search by party name or case number. Type in the last name and first name of one spouse to see matching cases. The portal shows basic information like case number, filing date, type, and status. Due to privacy rules, full document images are not available online for most family law records.
The online system covers cases from 1990 onward. Dissolution cases filed after 1997 have more detailed data. Cases from before 1990 might not appear in the portal at all. If you need records from the 1980s or earlier, contact the Records Management office at the Central Justice Center. They can search paper files that are not digitized. The portal is helpful for finding case numbers even if you cannot view the actual documents online.
To order certified copies, you must contact the clerk's office. The portal does not allow document downloads or purchases. Once you find the case in the portal, write down the case number. Then submit a request for copies by visiting the courthouse or mailing a request. Include the case number, both party names, and a list of the documents you need. Pay by check or money order made out to Orange County Superior Court.
Request Divorce Documents
If you have the case number, getting copies is easy. Go to the Lamoreaux Justice Center or Central Justice Center during business hours. Visit the clerk's office and ask for family law records. Give the clerk the case number and the names of both spouses. Tell them which documents you want. They will pull the file and make copies. You pay the fee and receive your copies. Same-day service is common if the file is on-site.
Mail requests are accepted. Write a letter that includes the case number, both party names, and a description of the documents you need. Add your mailing address and phone number. Include a check or money order for the estimated fees. Mail it to Orange County Superior Court, Records Management, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Processing by mail takes four to six weeks depending on the volume of requests.
When you do not have a case number, the clerk can search the database for you. Fill out Form L-0006, which is the record search request. Provide the full names of both spouses and any additional info like the year they filed. The clerk will search and notify you if they find a match. If multiple cases come up with the same names, they will give you a list so you can identify the correct one. The $15.00 search fee applies when no case number is provided.
Divorce Laws in California
California requires you to live in the state for six months before filing for divorce. You also need to live in the county where you file for three months. California Family Code Section 2320 sets these residency requirements. If you recently moved to Irvine or Orange County, you must wait until you meet both time periods before you can file here.
The legal grounds for divorce are irreconcilable differences or incurable insanity. Almost everyone files based on irreconcilable differences. This means the marriage is broken and cannot be fixed. California is a no-fault state. You do not need to prove your spouse did anything wrong. You just state that the marriage has failed. Family Code Section 2310 lists the grounds. Incurable insanity requires medical evidence and is rarely used.
After a judge signs the divorce judgment, there is a mandatory six-month waiting period. The divorce does not become final until six months after the respondent was served or appeared in court. This rule is in Family Code Section 2339. You remain legally married during the wait. Once six months pass, you are free to remarry. The judgment resolves all property, support, and custody issues.
Divorce Forms and Costs
California uses the same divorce forms in all 58 counties. The Judicial Council creates these forms and makes them free to the public. The main forms are the Petition (FL-100), Summons (FL-110), Response (FL-120), and Judgment (FL-180). In 2026, a new Joint Petition form (FL-700) became available for couples who agree on everything. You can download all forms at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/divorce-forms. The site has instructions and videos too.
The filing fee to start a divorce in Orange County is $435 to $450. You pay this when you file the Petition. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for a waiver using form FW-001. The court will review your income and expenses to decide if you qualify. A fee waiver can cover the filing fee, service costs, and other court charges. Many people with low incomes successfully obtain fee waivers. You must provide proof of your financial situation.
The Family Law Facilitator program at the Orange County courthouse offers free help. These staff members assist people who are representing themselves. They cannot give legal advice or act as your lawyer, but they can explain forms and procedures. They will review your paperwork to make sure it is complete before you file. This service is free. Visit the Lamoreaux Justice Center during business hours to meet with a facilitator. Wait times vary depending on how many people need help.
Free Legal Help for Irvine Residents
The Public Law Center in Santa Ana provides free legal services to low-income Orange County residents. They handle family law matters including divorce, custody, and support cases. Call (714) 541-1010 or visit publiclawcenter.org to learn about their services. They have income guidelines and eligibility requirements. If you qualify, they can provide advice and sometimes representation.
Legal Aid Society of Orange County also offers free services to qualifying individuals. Their office serves all cities in Orange County including Irvine. They focus on family law and domestic violence issues. The phone number is (714) 571-5200. You must meet their financial criteria to receive services. Both organizations have limited resources, so there may be waitlists for assistance.
For general information about California divorce law, visit the State Bar website at calbar.ca.gov. They have articles and FAQs on family law topics. The California Courts self-help site at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov has guides, videos, and step-by-step instructions for people without lawyers. These resources are free and available to everyone. They can help you understand the divorce process even if you later decide to hire an attorney.