San Mateo Divorce Decree Search

San Mateo County divorce decree records are maintained by the Superior Court Records Management Division. The court is located at 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063. Phone is (650) 261-5100. All family law records including dissolution cases are kept by the court. You can request certified copies in person or by mail. The county has an online case index system called MIDX where you can search for case numbers. Certified divorce decrees cost $15. Plain copies are 50 cents per page. If your file is stored off-site, there is a $10 retrieval fee to bring it back to the courthouse. Processing times vary based on whether the file is on-site or in storage.

Records Management Division

The Records Management Division at San Mateo County Superior Court handles all requests for court records. According to sanmateo.courts.ca.gov, the division processes requests for copies of court documents including divorce decrees. The office is at 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063. Call (650) 261-5100 for information.

Staff can help you submit a records request in person or by mail. Bring photo ID if you visit the courthouse. You need to provide the case number or enough information for staff to locate your file. If the file is stored off-site, you must pay a $10 retrieval fee before the court can process your request.

Processing times depend on several factors. In-person requests for on-site files may be completed within a few days. Mail requests typically take two to three weeks. If your file is off-site, add extra time for retrieval. Very old cases may require additional processing time.

MIDX Online Index

San Mateo County provides an online case index called MIDX. You can access it at web.sanmateocourt.org. The system lets you search for cases by party name, case number, or attorney name. Family law cases are included in the index. Search results show case numbers, filing dates, and basic case information.

You cannot view full documents online due to California privacy rules. The index shows that documents exist, but you must request copies from the Records Management Division. Use MIDX to find your case number before submitting a records request. Having the case number speeds up processing.

The index is free to use. No registration is needed. Just enter your search information and review the results. If you cannot find your case, try different name spellings or date ranges. Court staff can help if the online search does not work.

Requesting Certified Copies

To get a certified copy of your divorce decree, submit a written request to Records Management. You can make the request in person at the courthouse or send it by mail. Your request should include this information:

• Full names of both parties
• Case number from MIDX or date of divorce
• Document type (divorce decree)
• Certified or plain copy
• Your contact information and return address

For in-person requests, go to the Records Management Division during business hours. Tell staff you need a certified copy of your divorce decree. They will help you fill out the request form. You can pay and submit everything at once. Some requests are completed while you wait. Others may take a few days.

For mail requests, send a letter with all the required information. Include payment with your request. Make checks or money orders payable to San Mateo County Superior Court. The fee for a certified dissolution record is $15. Plain copies are 50 cents per page. If the file is off-site, add $10 for retrieval.

Mail your request to Records Management Division, 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope with enough postage for the court to return your documents.

Fee Schedule

San Mateo County uses California's standard fee structure. A certified copy of a dissolution record costs $15 under California Government Code Section 70674. This includes the certification seal and all pages of the decree. Plain copies without certification cost 50 cents per page.

Other court documents require a $40 certification fee. That applies to orders, agreements, or filings other than the final divorce decree. Copies are still 50 cents per page on top of the certification charge. Off-site retrieval costs $10 when your file is in storage. Search fees may apply if you do not provide a case number and court staff must search by name.

Payment can be made by cash, check, or money order for in-person requests. Mail requests should include a check or money order. Some courthouses accept credit cards with a processing fee. Confirm payment methods when you submit your request.

Off-Site Storage

San Mateo County moves older case files to off-site storage to save space at the courthouse. If your divorce case is several years old, the file may be at a warehouse facility. The court charges a $10 retrieval fee to bring off-site files back to the courthouse. This fee is lower than many other counties.

Retrieval typically takes a few days. Call ahead if you think your file might be off-site. Staff can check the location before you visit or submit a request. This helps you understand the timeline and total cost. Once retrieved, the file stays at the courthouse for a period of time in case you need it again.

Very old files from decades ago may require special handling. The court can tell you what records still exist for your case. Most divorce decrees are kept permanently, but other case documents may have been destroyed after the legal retention period expired.

Court Location

San Mateo County Superior Court is in Redwood City. The address is 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063. This is the main courthouse for the county. The Records Management Division is inside the courthouse. Hours are typically 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays. Call (650) 261-5100 to confirm hours before you visit.

Parking is available near the courthouse. The building is accessible by public transit. If you are coming from San Francisco, take Highway 101 south. From San Jose, take Highway 101 north. Exit at Redwood City and follow signs to the County Center. The courthouse serves all communities in San Mateo County including Daly City, San Mateo, and other cities.

Legal Assistance

San Mateo County Superior Court has a Family Law Facilitator who provides free help to people representing themselves. The facilitator can assist with forms, explain procedures, and answer general questions. They cannot give legal advice or represent you in court. Call the courthouse for the facilitator's hours and office location.

Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County offers free legal services to low-income residents. They handle family law matters including divorce. Call (650) 558-0915 to see if you qualify. Services are based on income and case type. They have offices in Redwood City and other locations.

The San Mateo County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. You can get connected with a family law attorney in your area. Initial consultations are typically $35 for 30 minutes. Call the bar association for referral information.

Cities in San Mateo County

San Mateo County includes one city over 100,000 population. All residents file divorce cases through the county Superior Court.

Nearby Counties

San Mateo County borders San Francisco, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Alameda counties.