Modesto Divorce Records
Modesto residents file all divorce cases with Stanislaus County Superior Court. The city does not maintain its own family law records. All dissolution paperwork goes through the county court system. The main courthouse for Stanislaus County is in Modesto at 1100 I Street. This facility handles family law cases for the entire county. When someone files for divorce in Modesto, the case goes into the county court database. The clerk stores every document from the initial petition through the final judgment. These files remain in the court system permanently unless a judge seals them. Anyone can request copies of unsealed divorce records by visiting the courthouse or sending a mail request to the clerk.
Stanislaus County Family Law Courts
The Stanislaus County Superior Court is at 1100 I Street in Modesto. The main phone number is (209) 530-3100. For family law requests and questions, email FamLaw.Requests@stanct.org. The courthouse is open from 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays. You can file new divorce cases, pick up forms, or request copies of documents at this location. The court has self-help services to assist people who are representing themselves. These services are free and available during court hours.
It is important to note that the County Clerk-Recorder does NOT maintain divorce records in Stanislaus County. All divorce records are kept by the Superior Court. If you go to the Clerk-Recorder's office, they will tell you to contact the court. Make sure you go to the courthouse at 1100 I Street for any divorce record requests. The court staff can help you find the right office once you arrive.
Stanislaus County uses standard fees for divorce records. A certified copy of a divorce decree costs $15.00. This price includes all pages of the judgment with official certification. Other documents that need certification 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 and you do not have a case number, there is a $15.00 search fee. Processing times vary depending on the workload and whether the file is on-site or archived.
Search Cases Online
Stanislaus County offers an online case portal at stanportal.stanct.org. This system allows you to search for court cases by party name or case number. The portal is free to use. No account or login is required to search. Type in the last name and first name of one spouse to see a list of matching cases. The system shows basic information like the case number, filing date, type of case, and current status.
The online portal covers cases from recent years. Older cases might have limited information in the database. If you are looking for a divorce from many years ago, you may need to contact the clerk's office directly. They can search paper files and older records that are not digitized. The portal is helpful for finding case numbers, which makes it much easier to request copies of documents later.
Full document images are usually not available online for family law cases due to privacy protections. The portal shows you that a case exists and gives you basic details, but you cannot download divorce decrees or other documents through the system. To get copies, you must submit a request to the court clerk by mail or in person. Include the case number, the names of both spouses, and a description of which documents you need.
Request Divorce Documents
If you have the case number, getting copies is simple. Visit the courthouse at 1100 I Street in Modesto during business hours. Go to 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 for you. Pay the fee when you receive the copies. Same-day service is often possible if the file is on-site.
Mail requests are also 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. Make the payment out to Stanislaus Superior Court. Mail everything to Stanislaus County Superior Court, Family Law Division, 1100 I Street, Modesto, CA 95354. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks depending on the volume of requests.
When you do not have a case number, the clerk can search the database for you. Provide the full names of both parties and any other information you have, like the year the divorce was filed or the city where the parties lived. The clerk will search and notify you if they find a match. If they find multiple cases with the same names, they will give you a list so you can identify the correct one. The $15.00 search fee applies when you do not provide a case number.
California Divorce Requirements
To file for divorce in California, you must live in the state for six months. You also need to live in the county where you file for three months. These residency requirements are set by California Family Code Section 2320. If you just moved to Modesto or Stanislaus County, you must wait until you meet both time periods before you can file here.
California allows two grounds for divorce. The first is irreconcilable differences, which means the marriage is broken beyond repair. The second is incurable insanity, which is rarely used. Almost all divorces are filed based on irreconcilable differences. California is a no-fault state. You do not need to prove your spouse did anything wrong. You just state that the marriage cannot be saved. Family Code Section 2310 lists the legal grounds.
After the court grants a divorce, there is a six-month waiting period before the judgment becomes final. This waiting period starts when the respondent is served with the divorce papers or appears in court. The rule is in Family Code Section 2339. You remain legally married during the six months. Once the time passes, you are free to remarry. The final judgment settles all property, support, and custody issues.
Divorce Forms and Fees
All California courts use the same divorce forms. These forms are created by the Judicial Council and are free to download. The Petition is form FL-100. The Summons is FL-110. The Response is FL-120. The Judgment is FL-180. A new Joint Petition form, FL-700, became available in 2026 for couples who agree on all terms. You can download all forms at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/divorce-forms. The site has instructions and videos to help you fill out each form.
The filing fee to start a divorce in Stanislaus 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 need to provide proof of your financial situation like pay stubs or bank statements.
Stanislaus County offers free help through the Family Law Facilitator program. These staff members work at the courthouse and 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 and available during court hours. Visit the courthouse during business hours to meet with a facilitator. Wait times vary depending on demand.
Free Legal Help in Stanislaus County
Central California Legal Services provides free legal help to low-income residents of Stanislaus County. They handle family law cases including divorce, custody, and support matters. They have income guidelines and eligibility requirements. Contact them to see if you qualify for their services. They can provide advice and sometimes representation in court. Due to limited resources, they may have a waitlist for new clients.
The Stanislaus County Bar Association also has a lawyer referral service. While this is not free, they can connect you with local attorneys who handle family law cases. Some attorneys offer reduced rates for people with limited incomes. You can also ask about limited scope representation, where a lawyer helps with only part of your case to keep costs down.
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 and what to expect at each stage.