Divorce Records in San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County divorce records stay with the Superior Court. The court clerk keeps files for all family law cases filed in the county. You can get copies of divorce decrees and other case documents by asking the clerk. The main courthouse is at 247 West Third Street in San Bernardino. Other court locations serve different parts of the county. Each office handles records for cases filed at that location. Most people search for divorce records online first through the county case portal. The portal shows basic case info such as filing date and case type. You still need to contact the clerk to get certified copies of the final divorce decree or other court papers.
San Bernardino County Quick Facts
San Bernardino Superior Court
The San Bernardino Justice Center is the main place for family law matters. This courthouse is downtown at 247 West Third Street. The civil information line is 909-708-8678. For the Family Law Facilitator, call 909-269-8829. If you need self-help services for family law, the number is 909-269-8826. These offices help people with questions about divorce forms and the court process.
Two other major courthouses handle divorce cases in different areas. The Rancho Cucamonga branch serves the western part of the county. Their phone number is 909-350-9764. The Victorville courthouse covers the High Desert region. You can reach them at 760-245-6215. Check which location handled your case before you request records. Each courthouse keeps files only for cases filed at that location. The clerk cannot get files from other branches right away.
Court hours and procedures can change. Visit the San Bernardino County Superior Court website at sb-court.org for current info. The records sales page explains how to get copies. You can go in person, send a mail request, or use the online portal for some documents. In-person requests often get done faster than mail orders.
Online Case Portal
San Bernardino County has a Court Access Portal at cap.sb-court.org. This tool lets you search for cases by name, case number, or date. Family law cases show up in the results. You type in a party name and the system lists matching cases. Each case shows the case number, filing date, and case type. Click on a case to see more details.
The portal gives you a register of actions. This is a list of all filings and court events in the case. It shows when papers were filed and when hearings took place. Some documents may be available to view online but many family law documents are not. California court rules restrict remote access to certain divorce papers. You can see the list of filings but you cannot always download the actual papers. For full access, you may need to visit the courthouse.
Searching the portal is free. No account is needed to do a basic name search. If you want more features, you can create an account. The portal helps you find the case number if you do not have it. Once you know the case number, you can ask the clerk for copies of specific documents.
Costs for Divorce Records
A certified copy of a divorce decree costs $15 in San Bernardino County. This is the standard fee under California law. The $15 fee covers the certification and basic pages. Plain copies without certification cost $0.50 per page. If you need certification for other documents besides the divorce decree, the fee is $40 plus $0.50 per page for copies.
There is no search fee if you have a case number. If the clerk has to search for your case by name and it takes extra time, they may charge $15 for the search. Payment can be made by cash, check, money order, or credit card at the courthouse. Mail orders require a check or money order payable to San Bernardino Superior Court. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want records mailed back to you.
Off-site storage may add time but usually does not add fees. Some older case files are stored away from the courthouse. The clerk will tell you if your file is off-site. It can take one to two weeks for them to retrieve it. Plan ahead if you need old records.
Steps to Request Copies
Start by finding your case number. Use the online Court Access Portal to search by party names. Write down the case number and the location where the case was filed. This helps you contact the right courthouse. Each courthouse handles only its own files.
Next, decide what you need. Most people want a certified copy of the divorce decree. This is the final judgment signed by the judge. You can also get copies of other documents in the case file such as the petition, response, or settlement agreement. Tell the clerk exactly which documents you want. If you need everything, ask for the full case file. Be ready to pay more for a large file because copies are charged per page.
To request records in person, go to the clerk office at the courthouse. Bring the case number. Ask for the documents you need. Pay the fees. If the file is on-site, you may get copies the same day or within a few days. If the file is off-site, you will have to come back or give them a mailing address. For mail requests, write a letter with the case number and names of both parties. List the documents you need. Say if you want certified or plain copies. Include payment and a stamped return envelope. Mail the request to San Bernardino Superior Court at the address for the branch that handled your case.
Processing time depends on how busy the clerk office is. In-person requests are fastest. Mail requests usually take two to four weeks. Off-site files add extra time. Call ahead if you are on a deadline.
Filing for Divorce
To file for divorce in San Bernardino County, you must meet California residency rules. One spouse must have lived in California for at least six months. That same person must have lived in San Bernardino County for at least three months. If you meet these requirements, you can file here.
The standard filing fee is $435. This fee pays to start the case. If you cannot afford the fee, you can ask for a fee waiver. Fill out form FW-001 and explain your income and expenses. The court will review your request and decide if you qualify for free filing. Most people fill out form FL-100 to start a divorce. This is the petition. The petition says what you want from the divorce. You also file form FL-110, which is the summons. The summons tells your spouse they must respond. The Family Law Facilitator and self-help center at the courthouse can help with forms. They do not give legal advice but they can show you how to fill out the papers.
After you file, you must serve your spouse with the papers. Someone who is not you and is over 18 must hand the papers to your spouse. This is called personal service. Once served, your spouse has 30 days to file a response. If they agree with everything, you may be able to do an uncontested divorce. If they disagree, the case may go to a hearing or trial. Either way, the divorce cannot be final until at least six months after the date your spouse was served. This is a state law waiting period. No judge can end the marriage before six months pass.
Cities in San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County is the largest county by area in California. Many cities and towns are spread across the region. Residents file divorce cases at one of the three main court locations based on where they live. Major cities with their own pages include:
If you live in one of these cities, check the city page for local details. Smaller towns and unincorporated areas also fall under San Bernardino County. No matter where you live in the county, your divorce case goes through San Bernardino Superior Court.
Nearby California Counties
San Bernardino County borders several other counties. If your divorce was filed in a neighboring county, contact that county court for records. Adjacent counties include: