Tehama County Divorce Records

Tehama County divorce decree records are kept by the Superior Court in Red Bluff. The court maintains all family law case files for dissolutions filed in this county. You can get copies of your divorce decree from the courthouse. Plain copies cost 50 cents per page. Certification costs $40 per document under state law. The courthouse serves all residents of Tehama County. You can request records in person during business hours or submit a written request by mail. The clerk's office at the courthouse handles all divorce record requests. County seat is Red Bluff.

Superior Court Location

The Tehama County Superior Court handles all divorce cases filed in the county. The courthouse is in Red Bluff. This is where all family law matters are heard. The court clerk maintains the files for these cases.

Court staff can help you find case information. You need to provide the names of both parties or the case number. If you do not know the case number, staff can search by name. Search fees may apply if the search takes more than 10 minutes. The standard fee is $15 under California law.

The court is open Monday through Friday during normal business hours. You can visit in person to request records. Bring photo identification when you visit. If you need certified copies, let the clerk know when you make your request. They will prepare the documents with the court seal and certification.

For questions about your case status or record availability, contact the court directly. The clerk's office can tell you if your file is on-site or stored elsewhere. Some older cases may require additional time to retrieve from storage.

Requesting Records

You can request divorce records in person at the courthouse in Red Bluff. Go to the clerk's office during business hours. Tell the staff which documents you need. They will look up your case.

If you cannot visit in person, send a written request by mail. Include these details in your letter:

• Full names of both parties to the divorce
• Date the divorce was filed or finalized
• Case number if you have it
• Which documents you need
• Whether you need certified or plain copies

Send your request with payment to Tehama County Superior Court. Make checks payable to the court. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the court to mail your documents back to you. Processing time depends on the court's workload. Allow several weeks for mail requests.

Note: Certified copies of dissolution judgments cost $15 according to California Government Code Section 70674.

Fees and Costs

Tehama County follows state fee rules. Copy fees are 50 cents per page. This applies to each side of a page. If a document is printed on both sides, it counts as two pages.

Certified copies of divorce decrees cost $15 under state law. This includes the certification and the document itself. If your decree has multiple pages, you pay the 50 cent per page fee plus the $15 certification fee. Other court documents cost $40 to certify.

Search fees apply when court staff must search for your case by name. If the search takes over 10 minutes, the fee is $15. You can avoid this fee by providing the case number. You can also search for free using public access terminals at the courthouse if available.

Always confirm current fees before sending payment. Fee amounts can change. Call the court or check their website for the most current fee schedule. Make checks or money orders payable to Tehama County Superior Court.

Privacy and Access Rules

California law limits online access to divorce records. Courts cannot provide remote access to family law documents according to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503. This means you must visit the courthouse to see the full case file. Online portals may show case summaries or lists of filed documents, but not the documents themselves.

Some information is confidential. Financial disclosures and child custody details may have restricted access. The court protects sensitive information in family law cases. Not all documents can be viewed by the general public.

If you were a party to the divorce, you have more access rights than the general public. You can get copies of documents from your own case. Other people may have limited access. The clerk can explain what documents are available based on your relationship to the case.

Certified copies serve as official proof of the divorce decree. You may need these for legal purposes like remarriage or name changes. Plain copies work for reference but do not carry the court seal.

State Records Information

The California Department of Public Health kept limited divorce information from 1962 through June 1984. They do not have actual divorce decrees. They only have certificates of record showing the divorce was filed. These certificates include names, county, date, and case number but not the full decree.

For divorces outside those years, or for actual decree copies, you must contact the Superior Court. The state vital records office at cdph.ca.gov explains what they have available. Their processing time can exceed six months for certificate requests.

The court is always the primary source for divorce decrees. Even if a case falls within the state's date range, the court has the actual judgment document. The state certificate only proves a divorce was filed, not that it was finalized.

Most people need the actual decree from the court, not the state certificate. Contact Tehama County Superior Court for all divorce decree copies and court orders from your case.

Legal Help and Resources

Legal help is available if you need assistance with family law matters. The California Courts self-help website at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov provides information about getting court records. This site explains how to request copies and what types of records are available.

Local legal aid organizations may offer free or low-cost help to people who qualify. Legal aid handles family law cases including divorce for eligible clients. Contact legal aid offices in your area to see if you meet their income guidelines.

The State Bar of California runs a lawyer referral service. They can connect you with attorneys who practice family law in Tehama County. Many attorneys offer initial consultations at reduced rates. This lets you discuss your situation before hiring a lawyer.

Court self-help centers in some counties provide forms and assistance to people representing themselves. Check if Tehama County Superior Court has a self-help center. Staff at these centers can help you fill out forms but cannot give legal advice.

Nearby Counties

Tehama County borders several other California counties. Each has its own Superior Court system for divorce cases.