Search Long Beach Divorce Decree Records

Long Beach divorce decree records are handled by the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Long Beach is the second largest city in Los Angeles County with nearly 500,000 residents. It sits on the coast in the southern part of the county. All dissolution cases for Long Beach go through the county court system. The Long Beach Courthouse handles many local family law cases. You can request copies of your divorce decree there or from the county archives. Certified copies cost $15. Plain copies are 50 cents per page. Records are available in person, by mail, or online for cases after January 2000.

Los Angeles County Court in Long Beach

Long Beach residents file for divorce at Los Angeles County Superior Court. The Long Beach Courthouse is at 275 Magnolia Avenue in downtown Long Beach. This courthouse serves the Long Beach area and surrounding communities. It handles family law filings, hearings, and some record requests.

The Long Beach courthouse is convenient for local residents. You can also use other Los Angeles County courthouses like the Stanley Mosk Courthouse at 111 North Hill Street in downtown Los Angeles. For records, you may need to visit the courthouse where your case was originally filed or contact the county archives if your case is old.

Call the Los Angeles Superior Court at (213) 830-0803 for general info. The Family Law Call Center is (213) 633-6363. Staff can tell you which location has your case file and how to request copies. The court website is lacourt.org. Search for case info online before you visit.

Getting Copies of Long Beach Divorce Records

You can get divorce records for Long Beach cases several ways. Visit the courthouse in person for same-day service. Send a mail request if you cannot visit. Use the online portal for newer cases filed after 2000. Each method has different benefits.

In-person visits work best when you need records fast. Go to the Long Beach Courthouse at 275 Magnolia Avenue or the courthouse where your case was filed. Bring photo ID. Tell staff which documents you need and if you want certified copies. They will pull the file and make copies while you wait if it is available. Older files may be stored off-site at the county archives. Call ahead to check.

For mail requests, write to the business office at the courthouse where your case was filed. If you do not know which courthouse, write to the Archives and Records Center at 222 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. 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 and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Online ordering is available at lacourt.org for some Long Beach cases. The system has family law cases from 1983 to present. Document images are only for cases filed after May 1, 2000. Name searches cost $4.75 each. Document copies cost $1 per page for the first five pages, then 40 cents per page. The max is $40 per document.

Divorce Filing Process in Long Beach

Long Beach residents follow California state divorce law. You must meet residency rules before filing. One spouse must live in California for six months before filing. The same spouse must also live in Los Angeles County for three months before filing. If you just moved to Long Beach, you may need to wait.

California uses no-fault divorce. The most common ground is irreconcilable differences. This is stated in California Family Code Section 2310. It means the marriage has broken down and cannot be fixed. You do not need to prove fault.

File your petition at the Long Beach Courthouse or another Los Angeles County courthouse. The filing fee is about $435. After filing, you must serve your spouse with a copy of the papers. You cannot do this yourself. Use a process server, the sheriff, or any adult over 18 who is not involved in your case. The server files a proof of service form 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 negotiate issues like property, support, and custody. If you agree on everything, you file a settlement. If not, the case may go to mediation or trial.

Note: Los Angeles County offers family law mediation services to help parties reach agreements without going to trial.

Fee Schedule for Divorce Records

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

Plain copies cost 50 cents per page. A five-page decree would be $2.50 for plain copies. Add the $15 certification fee for a total of $17.50. Check which type you need before ordering. Some agencies require certified copies while others accept plain copies.

Online name searches cost $4.75 each. This fee applies whether the search finds a case or not. 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 off-site storage costs $10. Always confirm current fees before sending payment.

Legal Help Resources in Long Beach

Several groups offer help with family law cases in Long Beach and Los Angeles County. The Los Angeles Superior Court Self-Help Center at 111 North Hill Street provides free assistance with forms and court procedures. Call (213) 830-0845. The Long Beach Courthouse may also have self-help services. Call (562) 983-4100 to ask.

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

The Long Beach Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. Call (562) 435-1868 for a referral to a family law attorney in Long Beach. The first consultation may have a reduced fee. The Los Angeles County Bar Association referral service is (213) 243-1525 with a $35 consultation fee for 30 minutes.

Public Counsel at (213) 385-2977 provides pro bono legal services including family law help. The Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law offers free help for low-income people at (213) 388-7515. Their website is hbcfl.org. The Long Beach Courthouse Family Law Clinic may offer drop-in help on certain days. Call the courthouse to ask about local services.

Nearby Cities in Los Angeles County

Other cities near Long Beach also use Los Angeles County Superior Court for divorce records. Los Angeles is the county seat. Torrance is north of Long Beach. Inglewood is northwest.

Pasadena is in the northern part of the county. Pomona is in the eastern part. All these cities file dissolution cases with Los Angeles County Superior Court. They may use different courthouse locations based on their area within the county.