Ventura Divorce Decree Search
Divorce decree records for the city of Ventura are maintained at Ventura County Superior Court. Ventura is the county seat with a population of roughly 110,000 people. All family law cases including dissolution of marriage are processed through the county court system. The main courthouse is at 800 South Victoria Avenue in Ventura. This is where divorce cases are filed and where you get copies of divorce decrees. Certified copies cost $15 per decree with no additional charge per page. Plain copies are 50 cents per page. You can request records in person at the courthouse, by mail, or by phone. The Records Division handles all requests and is open 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday.
Ventura Quick Facts
Ventura County Court Location
Ventura County Superior Court is at 800 South Victoria Avenue in Ventura. This is the main courthouse for the county. Since Ventura is the county seat, all major court operations are here. The Records Division handles requests for copies of divorce decrees and other court documents.
The phone number for the Records Division is (805) 289-8668. Staff can answer questions about fees, processing times, and what documents you need to provide. Hours are 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday. The office is closed on weekends and holidays. If you plan to visit, bring valid photo ID and your case number if you have it.
You can also send mail requests to Ventura County Superior Court, Records Division, 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA 93009. Include full names of both parties, the case number if known, and the approximate date of divorce. State whether you need certified or plain copies. Include payment by check or money order and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
More details are at ventura.courts.ca.gov. The site has forms, fee schedules, and contact information. Ventura residents rely on this resource for most court record needs.
Online Case Lookup
Ventura County offers online case search through the court website. You can search by party name or case number. The system shows basic case information like filing date, case type, and status. Full documents are not available for remote viewing due to privacy restrictions for family law cases under California law.
The search is free. You do not pay to look up case details. California Rules of Court Rule 2.503 limits remote access to family law records. You can see case summaries and hearing calendars online. To view or get copies of the actual divorce decree, you must contact the Records Division or visit the courthouse in person.
If you cannot find your case online, call the Records Division at (805) 289-8668. Staff can do a more thorough search. There is usually no search fee if you have basic information like names and approximate dates. If the search takes more than 10 minutes and you do not have a case number, a $15 fee may apply.
Fee Schedule
Ventura County follows California state fee rules with some local variations. A certified divorce decree costs $15. This fee includes all pages of the decree. There is no additional per-page charge for divorce decrees in Ventura County. This is based on California Government Code Section 70674.
Plain copies without certification cost 50 cents per page. If you need other documents certified, like settlement agreements or orders, the fee is $40 per document plus 50 cents per page. Search fees are $15 if staff need to search by name and the search takes over 10 minutes.
You can pay by check, money order, or credit card at the courthouse. Make checks payable to Ventura County Superior Court. For mail requests, include exact payment with your written request. Always verify current fees before sending payment, as costs can change.
Note: Ventura County's policy of no per-page fees for divorce decrees makes these requests more affordable than in some other counties.
Request by Mail or Phone
Ventura residents can request divorce decree copies by mail. Send your request to Ventura County Superior Court, Records Division, 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA 93009. Include all case details: full names of both parties, case number if available, and approximate divorce date.
State whether you need certified or plain copies. Certified copies are required for legal purposes like remarriage or name changes. Plain copies work for personal use. Include payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Processing time depends on court workload and file location. Recent cases may be filled within a few weeks. Older cases take longer.
You can also request records by phone in some cases. Call (805) 289-8668 and provide your case details. Staff will tell you the total cost and how to submit payment. They may be able to process your request over the phone if you pay by credit card. Ask about phone ordering when you call.
In-Person Requests in Ventura
Visiting the courthouse in person is often the fastest way to get a divorce decree copy. The Records Division is at 800 South Victoria Avenue in Ventura. Hours are 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday. Arrive early if you need same-day service.
Bring valid photo ID and your case number if you have it. Tell staff you need a divorce decree copy and whether it should be certified. They will look up your case, prepare the copies, and calculate the fee. You pay at the counter. Most requests are filled while you wait for recent cases. Older cases stored off-site may take longer.
Parking is available near the courthouse. Look for public parking lots or metered street parking. All visitors must pass through security at the entrance. Leave large bags and prohibited items at home to avoid delays. Plan extra time for parking and security during busy hours.
Public transit in Ventura is available through Gold Coast Transit. Check bus routes that serve the downtown courthouse area. This can save time and parking hassle.
Legal Help in Ventura
Legal assistance is available for Ventura residents who need help with divorce matters. The Superior Court Self-Help Center offers free help to people without lawyers. Staff can assist with forms and basic court procedures. Call the court at (805) 289-8668 for information on self-help services.
Legal Aid of Ventura County provides free legal services to low-income residents. They handle family law cases including divorce. Call to see if you qualify. They can offer advice or representation based on your income and case type. Their offices serve all of Ventura County.
The Ventura County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. They connect you with family law attorneys in Ventura. Call the bar association to get matched with a lawyer who handles divorce cases. Some attorneys offer reduced fees for initial consultations. Ask about costs when you set up an appointment.
Ventura County Divorce Records
The city of Ventura is the county seat of Ventura County. All divorce filings from this city and the entire county go through the Superior Court here. The court handles cases for all cities and unincorporated areas in the county. For more information on county court services, full fee lists, and related resources, visit the Ventura County divorce records page.
Nearby Cities
Ventura is near other large cities in Ventura County. Each files divorce cases at the county Superior Court.