Lancaster Divorce Decree Records

Lancaster divorce decree records are maintained by the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Lancaster sits in the high desert area of northern Los Angeles County with a population of about 170,000. All dissolution cases for Lancaster go through the county court system. The Antelope Valley Courthouse in Lancaster handles many local family law cases. You can get copies of your divorce decree there or from county archives. Certified copies cost $15. Plain copies are 50 cents per page. You can request records in person, by mail, or online for some cases filed after 2000.

Los Angeles County Court Serves Lancaster

Lancaster residents file for divorce at Los Angeles County Superior Court. The Antelope Valley Courthouse is at 42011 4th Street West in Lancaster. This courthouse serves the Antelope Valley region including Lancaster and Palmdale. It handles family law filings, hearings, and some record requests for the area.

The Lancaster courthouse is about 70 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. Many residents find it easier to use the local courthouse rather than drive to downtown. For records requests, you can visit the Lancaster courthouse or contact the main family law records office at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles at 111 North Hill Street.

Call the general court number at (213) 830-0803 or the Family Law Call Center at (213) 633-6363. Staff can tell you which location to use for your specific request. The court website is lacourt.org. You can search for case info online before you visit or order copies.

Requesting Divorce Records for Lancaster Cases

You have several options for getting divorce records for Lancaster cases. Visit the Antelope Valley Courthouse in person. Send a mail request to the records office. Use the online portal for some newer cases. Each method works for different needs.

In-person visits let you get copies quickly if the file is available. Go to the courthouse at 42011 4th Street West. Bring photo ID. Tell staff which documents you need and whether you want them certified. They can pull the file and make copies while you wait. If your file is stored off-site, it may take a few days to retrieve. Call ahead at (661) 974-7200 to check if your file is on-site.

For mail requests, write to Los Angeles Superior Court, Antelope Valley Courthouse, 42011 4th Street West, Lancaster, CA 93534. Include both spouses' full names, case number if known, date of divorce, and which documents you need. Say if you want certified copies. Include payment by check or money order. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope with enough postage. Processing time varies based on workload.

Online search is available at lacourt.org. You can search by name or case number. Family law cases from 1983 to present are searchable. Document images are available for cases filed after May 1, 2000. Name searches cost $4.75 each. If you find your case, you can order copies online. The first five pages of each document cost $1 per page. Additional pages are 40 cents each.

Filing for Divorce in Lancaster

Lancaster residents follow California divorce law. You must meet residency requirements before you file. One spouse must live in California for six months. That same spouse must also live in Los Angeles County for three months. If you just moved to Lancaster, you may need to wait before filing here.

California uses no-fault divorce. The most common ground is irreconcilable differences under California Family Code Section 2310. This means the marriage cannot be saved. You do not have to prove your spouse did something wrong.

File your petition at the Antelope Valley Courthouse or another Los Angeles County courthouse. The filing fee is about $435. After filing, you must serve your spouse with the papers. You cannot serve them yourself. Use a process server, sheriff, or any adult over 18 who is not part of the case. The server files a proof of service with the court.

There is a six-month waiting period under California Family Code Section 2339. The court cannot finalize your divorce until six months pass from the date your spouse was served. During this time, you work out issues like property, support, and custody. If both parties agree, you file a settlement agreement. If not, the case may go to mediation or trial.

Note: The six-month wait is mandatory and cannot be shortened even if both parties want a quick divorce.

Divorce Record Fees in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County follows state fee laws. A certified divorce decree costs $15 under California Government Code Section 70674. This applies to dissolution judgments only. Other documents like court orders or settlement agreements cost $40 to certify plus copy fees.

Plain copies are 50 cents per page. If your decree has three pages, plain copies cost $1.50. Add the $15 certification fee for a total of $16.50. Some places require certified copies, so check what type you need before ordering.

Name searches on the online portal cost $4.75 per search. This fee applies even if no case is found. In-person searches at public terminals are free. If court staff must search for you and it takes over 10 minutes, there may be a $15 search fee. File retrieval from storage costs $10. This is separate from copy fees.

Legal Resources for Lancaster Residents

Several groups offer help with family law cases in the Antelope Valley. The Los Angeles Superior Court Self-Help Center has staff who can help you fill out forms. The main center is at 111 North Hill Street in downtown LA. Call (213) 830-0845. The Antelope Valley Courthouse may have self-help services as well. Call (661) 974-7200 to ask what is available locally.

Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles serves people with low income throughout the county including Lancaster. Call (800) 399-4529 to see if you qualify for free legal services. Their website is lafla.org. They handle divorce cases that involve domestic violence, child custody, and other family law issues.

The Los Angeles County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service at (213) 243-1525. The first consultation is $35 for 30 minutes. They can connect you with a family law attorney who practices in the Antelope Valley area. The State Bar of California also has a referral service at 1-866-442-2529.

The Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law provides free legal help for low-income residents in Los Angeles County. Call (213) 388-7515 or visit hbcfl.org. Public Counsel at (213) 385-2977 offers pro bono services including family law assistance for qualifying individuals.

Nearby Antelope Valley Cities

Other cities near Lancaster also use Los Angeles County Superior Court for divorce records. Palmdale is Lancaster's neighbor in the Antelope Valley. Both cities use the Antelope Valley Courthouse at 42011 4th Street West in Lancaster for family law cases.

Los Angeles is the county seat about 70 miles south. Long Beach is on the coast. Santa Clarita is between Lancaster and downtown Los Angeles. All cities in Los Angeles County use the same court system for dissolution cases, but different courthouse locations serve different regions.