West Covina Divorce Decree Files
Divorce decree records for West Covina residents are held at Los Angeles County Superior Court. The city has around 106,000 people. All family law cases including dissolution of marriage go through the county court system. West Covina cases may be filed at courthouses in the eastern part of Los Angeles County. Certified copies of divorce decrees cost $15. Plain copies are 50 cents per page. Online name searches cost $4.75 per search. Documents can be ordered for recent cases with images available. Older divorce files are transferred to the Archives and Records Center at 222 North Hill Street in Los Angeles, usually within two to three years of filing. You can request records in person, by mail, or online for some cases.
West Covina Quick Facts
Los Angeles County Court for West Covina
Los Angeles County Superior Court handles all divorce cases from West Covina. The county has multiple courthouse locations. West Covina residents may file at courthouses in the eastern region such as the Pomona Courthouse or other nearby family law locations. The specific courthouse depends on where the case was originally filed.
For record requests, contact the courthouse where your case was filed or the Archives and Records Center. The main phone number for Los Angeles Superior Court is (213) 830-0803. The Family Law Call Center is (213) 633-6363. The Archives phone is (213) 830-0198. Staff can tell you which location has your file.
According to lavote.gov, the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk does not maintain divorce records. All records must be obtained from the Superior Court. The County Clerk cannot provide divorce decrees or certificates.
More information is at lacourt.org. The site has details on online services, fees, and how to request copies. West Covina residents use this resource for most court record needs.
Online Search and Ordering
Los Angeles County offers online case search through the court portal. You can search by name or case number. Family law cases from 1983 to present are in the system. Document images are available for cases filed after May 1, 2000. The portal is at lacourt.org.
Online name searches cost $4.75 per search. This fee applies even if no match is found. The fee is for the search itself, not for results. If you find your case, you can order documents. The cost is $1 per page for the first five pages of each document. Additional pages are 40 cents each. The maximum charge per document is $40.
Only imaged family law divorce judgments entered after January 2000 are available to order online. If your divorce was finalized before 2000, you must request copies in person or by mail. The online portal does not have older records for digital delivery. You need to create an account and provide payment by credit card.
Requesting Copies by Mail
West Covina residents can request divorce decree copies by mail from Los Angeles Superior Court. Send your request to the business office where your case was filed. If you do not know which courthouse handled your case, send to the Archives and Records Center at 222 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
Your written request should include:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce or case filing
- Case number if known
- Type of document needed
- Your contact information
Include payment with your request. Make checks or money orders payable to Los Angeles Superior Court. Fees are $15 for a certified divorce decree, plus 50 cents per page for additional pages. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope with enough postage. Processing time varies based on workload and whether your file is in storage. All requests must be claimed within 30 days according to court policy.
Fee Schedule
Los Angeles County follows California state fee rules. Standard fees apply to most requests. Certified copies of dissolution judgments cost $15 under California Government Code Section 70674. This includes the certification and the first page.
Additional page copies cost 50 cents each. If you need other documents from your case file certified, such as settlement agreements or orders, the fee is $40 per document plus 50 cents per page. Plain copies without certification are 50 cents per page.
Name searches cost $4.75 through the online portal. In-person searches at the courthouse are free if you use the public terminals yourself. If you need court staff to search and it takes more than 10 minutes, there may be a $15 search fee. If your file is in storage at the archives, you pay a $10 retrieval fee. Always confirm current fees with the court before sending payment.
Note: Rush service may be available for an additional fee if you need urgent copies.
In-Person Requests
Visiting the courthouse in person is often the quickest option. If your case was filed in the eastern part of Los Angeles County, start at the courthouse nearest to West Covina. For older cases, you may need to visit the Archives and Records Center at 222 North Hill Street in Los Angeles.
Bring valid photo ID and your case number if you have it. Tell staff you need a copy of a divorce decree. They will locate your file and prepare copies. You pay at the counter. Most requests for recent cases are filled the same day. Older archived cases may take longer.
Parking near courthouses can be limited. Check for public 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.
The drive from West Covina to downtown Los Angeles takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. Consider going to the local courthouse where your case was filed if it is closer and has your records.
Legal Help in West Covina
Legal aid is available for West Covina residents who need help with divorce matters. The Superior Court Self-Help Center provides free assistance to people without lawyers. They help with forms and answer basic questions. Call (213) 830-0845 for information on self-help services and locations.
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles offers free legal services to low-income residents. They handle family law cases including divorce. Call (800) 399-4529 to see if you qualify. They have offices throughout Los Angeles County including locations in the eastern region.
The Los Angeles County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. Call (213) 243-1525 to get connected with a family law attorney in the West Covina area. The first consultation costs $35 for 30 minutes. The bar association can match you with an attorney who handles divorce cases.
Los Angeles County Divorce Records
West Covina is in Los Angeles County. All divorce filings from this city go through the county Superior Court. The court handles cases for over 80 cities in the county. For more details on county court locations, full fee schedules, and related resources, see the Los Angeles County divorce records page.
Nearby Cities
West Covina is near other cities in the eastern Los Angeles County area. Each files divorce cases through the county Superior Court.