Glenn County Divorce Decree Records

Glenn County divorce decree records are kept by the Superior Court in Willows. This courthouse handles all family law cases for the county. When you need a copy of your divorce decree, you request it from the court clerk. The courthouse is at 526 West Sycamore Street in Willows, California 95988. You can call (530) 934-6446 for information. The court provides both certified and plain copies of divorce records. Certified copies are needed for official purposes like name changes or government records. Plain copies cost less and work for personal reference. Fees follow the state schedule with certified dissolution judgments at $15 and plain copies at 50 cents per page. You can get records in person or by mail.

Court Location and Hours

The Superior Court of California, County of Glenn, is located at 526 West Sycamore Street in Willows, CA 95988. Willows is the county seat. All divorce cases in Glenn County are filed at this courthouse. The phone number is (530) 934-6446.

Court hours are typically Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Hours may change on court holidays or for special closures. Always call ahead to confirm hours before you visit. This is especially important if you are traveling from outside the area.

Glenn County is a small rural county in northern California. The courthouse in Willows serves all residents. There are no branch courthouses. All records are maintained at this one location.

When you arrive at the courthouse, go to the clerk's office. Tell them you need a copy of a divorce decree. They will ask for information about the case to locate the file. Bring photo ID with you, especially if you are requesting your own divorce records.

Requesting Copies of Records

You can request divorce decree copies in person or by mail. In-person requests are usually processed faster. If you visit the courthouse, the clerk can search for your case while you wait. Once the file is located, you can request copies of specific documents.

To request records, you need to provide case details. This includes the full legal names of both parties, the date of divorce or filing, and the case number if you have it. The more information you provide, the easier it is for the court to find your case.

For mail requests, write to Glenn County Superior Court at 526 West Sycamore Street, Willows, CA 95988. Address your letter to the Clerk's Office. Include all case information, specify what documents you need, and state whether you need certified or plain copies.

Enclose payment with your mail request. Use a check or money order made payable to Glenn County Superior Court. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope with enough postage for the court to return your documents. Processing time for mail requests varies based on court workload.

Fees for Divorce Records

Glenn County follows the California statewide fee schedule. Certified copies of dissolution judgments cost $15. This fee is set by California Government Code Section 70674. The $15 fee applies specifically to divorce decrees and includes the certification.

Plain copies without certification are 50 cents per page. If your divorce decree has multiple pages, each page costs 50 cents. For other court documents that need certification, such as orders or agreements, the fee is $40 per document plus copy fees.

If the court must search for your case and the search takes more than 10 minutes, a $15 search fee may apply. You can avoid this by providing the case number when you request records. Search fees are separate from copy and certification fees.

Payment methods include check or money order. Some courts also accept credit or debit cards for in-person transactions. Ask the clerk's office about accepted payment methods when you call or visit.

What You Need to Know

A divorce decree is the final court order that ends a marriage. In California, it is officially called a Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage. The decree states that the marriage is dissolved and gives the effective date. It may also include terms about property, support, and custody.

You need a certified copy for most official purposes. Banks, government agencies, and other institutions usually require the court seal. A plain copy is fine for personal records or reference, but it may not be accepted for legal transactions.

The divorce case file may contain other documents besides the decree. This includes the petition, response, financial disclosures, and settlement agreements. You can request any public documents from the file. Some documents may be confidential or sealed to protect privacy.

If you were a party to the divorce, you have the right to access your own case file. If you are not a party, you may still be able to get copies, but some information might be redacted.

California Divorce Law

California law requires a six-month waiting period before a divorce becomes final. This is set by California Family Code Section 2339. The six months start from the date the respondent is served with papers or appears in court, whichever happens first.

Every divorce decree must state the date it becomes final. This requirement is in California Family Code Section 2340. The effective date is important for legal matters like remarriage.

The court clerk has a legal duty to keep divorce judgments in the court records. The clerk must also notify both parties when a judgment is entered. These duties are outlined in California Family Code Section 2338.

All California counties follow the same basic divorce laws. The procedures and forms are similar across the state. But fees and local rules can vary slightly from county to county.

Privacy and Access

California law protects privacy in family law cases. Under the California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503, courts cannot provide remote electronic access to divorce case files. This means you cannot view full case documents online from home.

The court may provide limited information online such as case numbers and hearing dates. But the actual documents are only available at the courthouse or by ordering copies through official channels. This rule protects sensitive information in family law cases.

Some documents in a divorce file are confidential. Financial disclosures and certain declarations about children may be sealed or restricted. The court clerk will tell you if any documents in the case you are requesting are not public.

Most divorce decrees themselves are public records. But the level of detail in the decree varies. Some contain only basic information while others include detailed terms about property and custody.

State Records vs Court Records

The California Department of Public Health keeps limited divorce information. According to cdph.ca.gov, they only have records for divorces filed between 1962 and June 1984. They do not have actual divorce decrees.

What the state provides is a Certificate of Record. This certificate shows basic information like names, dates, and case number. It does not include the terms of the divorce or show if it was finalized. It is not the same as a divorce decree.

For actual divorce decrees, you must contact the Superior Court in the county where the divorce occurred. In Glenn County, that means contacting the courthouse in Willows. The court has the complete case file including the final decree.

Do not confuse state vital records with court records. They serve different purposes and contain different information. If you need proof that your divorce was finalized or you need the actual decree document, get it from the court, not the state.

Legal Help Resources

If you need help with divorce records or family law matters, resources are available. The California Courts website at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov has guides on getting copies of court records. This is a free resource with forms and instructions.

Legal aid may be available if you meet income requirements. Legal Services of Northern California serves Glenn County. They provide free legal assistance to eligible clients for family law cases. Contact them to see if you qualify for help.

The State Bar of California operates a lawyer referral service. You can find a family law attorney in your area through their website or phone line. Private attorneys can provide legal advice and representation for a fee.

The Glenn County Superior Court may have self-help information available. Ask the clerk's office what resources they offer. Some courts have self-help centers or online guides to help people navigate the court system.

Nearby Counties

Glenn County is in northern California. It borders several counties, each with its own Superior Court for divorce records.