Sunnyvale Divorce Decree Records
Divorce decree records for Sunnyvale are maintained at Santa Clara County Superior Court. All cases from this city go through the county court system. Sunnyvale has around 155,000 people and sits in the heart of Silicon Valley. The courthouse that serves this area is at 201 N. First Street in San Jose. You can request certified copies of your divorce decree from the Family Records section. The cost is $15 for a certified dissolution judgment and 50 cents per page for extra pages. Plain copies without certification are 50 cents per page. Research fees apply if you do not have a case number. Most requests are processed during standard court hours Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 3 PM.
Sunnyvale Quick Facts
Santa Clara County Court for Sunnyvale
Santa Clara County Superior Court handles all divorce cases filed by Sunnyvale residents. The main office is in San Jose at 201 N. First Street. This courthouse serves the entire county including all of Silicon Valley. Family law matters are processed here.
The Family Records section is where you request copies. Staff can search for your case by name or case number. If you know your case number, bring it with you. This saves time and may help you avoid search fees. The office is open weekdays from 8:30 AM to 3 PM. Plan to arrive early if you need same-day service.
You can also send requests by mail to 191 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. Written requests should include full names of both parties, the date of divorce or filing, and the case number if you have it. State whether you need a certified copy or plain copy. Include payment by check or money order made out to Santa Clara County Superior Court.
More details are at santaclara.courts.ca.gov. The site has forms for requesting records. You can also find contact info for different divisions. Sunnyvale residents use this site often to check case status and get forms.
Online Case Search
Santa Clara County offers online case search through the court portal at portal.scscourt.org. You can look up cases by party name or case number. The system shows basic case details like filing date, case type, and current status. Some info is restricted for family law cases due to privacy rules.
The online portal is free to search. You do not pay unless you order copies of documents. Under California Rules of Court Rule 2.503, full family law documents are not available for remote viewing. You can see case summaries and hearing calendars. To view or get the actual divorce decree, visit the courthouse in person or request certified copies by mail.
If the online search does not show your case, it may be archived or filed under a slightly different name. Contact the Family Records section for help. Staff can do a more detailed search. There may be a $15 research fee if they do not have a case number and the search takes more than 10 minutes.
Fees for Divorce Records
Santa Clara County uses the standard California fee schedule. A certified copy of a dissolution judgment costs $15 as stated in California Government Code Section 70674. This fee includes the certification and the first page.
Additional pages cost 50 cents per page if the decree has multiple pages. A two-sided page is $1 total. Plain copies without certification are 50 cents per page. If you need other court documents certified, the fee is $40 per document plus copy costs. Research fees are $15 if staff need to search by name and it takes over 10 minutes.
Payment can be made by check, money order, or credit card at the courthouse. Mail requests should include a check or money order. Always verify current fees before sending payment. Fee amounts can change. Call the Family Records section or check the court website for the latest rates.
Requesting Records by Mail
Sunnyvale residents can request divorce decree copies by mail. Send your request to Santa Clara County Superior Court, Family Records, 191 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. Include all relevant case details: full names of both parties, approximate date of divorce, and case number if known.
Clearly state what type of copy you need. Certified copies are needed for legal purposes like remarriage or name changes. Plain copies work for personal reference. Include payment based on what you are requesting. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope with enough postage for the return mail.
Processing time for mail requests varies. It may take a few weeks depending on court workload and whether your file is easily accessible. If your case is very old, it may be in archives. This can add time to your request. For faster service, visit in person or call ahead to check if your file is readily available.
Note: Make checks payable to Santa Clara County Superior Court, not to an individual or another entity.
In-Person Requests
Going to the courthouse in person is often the quickest way to get a divorce decree copy. The address is 201 N. First Street in San Jose. The Family Records section handles these requests. Hours are 8:30 AM to 3 PM Monday through Friday.
Bring valid photo ID and your case number if you have it. If you do not know the number, staff can search by name. Tell the clerk what documents you need and whether they should be certified. You will pay at the counter. Most requests are filled the same day for recent cases. Older cases may take longer if the file is off-site.
Parking near the courthouse can be limited. Public parking garages are available downtown. Some street parking has meters. Plan extra time to park and go through security at the courthouse entrance. All visitors must pass through metal detectors. Leave large bags and prohibited items at home.
Public transit is another option. The San Jose courthouse is near several VTA light rail and bus routes. Check the VTA website for schedules and routes that serve downtown San Jose. This can save time and parking hassle.
Legal Help in Sunnyvale
Legal aid is available for Sunnyvale residents who need help with divorce matters. The Superior Court Self-Help Center offers free assistance to people without attorneys. They help with forms and answer basic questions. The center is at the San Jose courthouse. Call for hours and services.
Legal Aid Society of Santa Clara County provides free legal services to low-income residents. They handle family law cases including divorce. Call (408) 998-5200 to see if you qualify. They can offer advice or full representation depending on your income and case type.
The Santa Clara County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. They match you with family law attorneys in your area. Call the bar association to get connected. Some lawyers offer reduced fees for the first meeting. Ask about costs when you call to set up an appointment.
Santa Clara County Divorce Records
Sunnyvale is located in Santa Clara County. All divorce cases from this city go through the county Superior Court in San Jose. The court handles cases for all cities and towns in the county. For more on county court services, full fee lists, and other resources, visit the Santa Clara County divorce records page.
Nearby Cities
Sunnyvale is near other large cities in Silicon Valley and the Bay Area. Each files divorce cases at their county Superior Court.