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Los Angeles County Divorce Records

What Are Los Angeles County Divorce Records?

Los Angeles County divorce records are official documents that provide legal proof of the dissolution of a marriage within Los Angeles County. These records contain important information about the divorce proceedings, including the names of both parties, the date of divorce, and other relevant details about the settlement.

In Los Angeles County, divorce records are maintained by the Los Angeles Superior Court, not by the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's office. These documents serve as legal evidence that a marriage has been legally terminated and can be necessary for various purposes, including remarriage, name changes, and updating legal documents.

Are Los Angeles County Divorce Records Public?

Yes, divorce records in Los Angeles County are generally considered public records. This means that any member of the public can request access to these documents, with some limitations. However, certain sensitive information within these records may be redacted or restricted to protect the privacy of the individuals involved.

While the records are public, accessing them requires following specific procedures established by the Los Angeles Superior Court. Some information may be restricted if the court has sealed certain aspects of the case, particularly when it involves sensitive matters such as child custody details or domestic violence.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Los Angeles County in 2025

To find a divorce record in Los Angeles County in 2025, you'll need to contact the Los Angeles Superior Court, which maintains these records. Here's how to proceed:

  1. Determine which courthouse handled the divorce case. If you don't know, you can start with the main courthouse.

  2. Visit or contact the Los Angeles Superior Court Archives and Records Center. Stanley Mosk Courthouse, 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

  3. Provide the necessary information, including:

    • Full names of both parties involved in the divorce
    • Approximate date of the divorce
    • Case number (if known)

  4. Pay the required fee for searching and/or obtaining copies of the records.

  5. For divorces finalized more than five years ago, you may need to contact the Archives and Records Center. 222 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Los Angeles County Online?

Looking up divorce records online in Los Angeles County is possible through the court's electronic systems, though access may be limited. Here's how to proceed:

  1. Visit the Los Angeles Superior Court website and navigate to their online case information system.

  2. Use the court's case information portal to search for the divorce case. You'll need basic information such as the names of the parties involved or the case number.

  3. For certified copies of divorce judgments, you can use the court's electronic delivery service through their website.

  4. Be aware that while basic case information may be available online, full documents often require an in-person visit or formal request.

  5. The court offers electronic delivery of certified copies of divorce judgments through their website at www.lacourt.org.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Los Angeles County?

Finding divorce records for free in Los Angeles County is possible, though there may be limitations:

  1. Use the public access terminals at the Los Angeles Superior Court locations. These terminals allow free searches of basic case information. Stanley Mosk Courthouse, 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

  2. Visit the courthouse where the divorce was filed and request to view the records. While viewing may be free, copies typically incur fees.

  3. Check if the case information is available through the court's online case information system, which provides basic information at no cost.

  4. Be aware that while searching may be free, obtaining copies or certified documents will involve fees.

  5. The Los Angeles Law Library may also provide access to certain public records. 301 West First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County divorce records typically include the following information:

  1. The full legal names of both spouses
  2. The date the divorce petition was filed
  3. The date the divorce was finalized
  4. The grounds for divorce
  5. Details about property division
  6. Child custody arrangements, if applicable
  7. Child support and alimony agreements
  8. The judge's final judgment and decree
  9. Any name changes resulting from the divorce
  10. Court orders related to the divorce settlement

The level of detail available in publicly accessible records may vary, especially if certain aspects of the case have been sealed by the court.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Los Angeles County?

To obtain proof of divorce in Los Angeles County:

  1. Request a certified copy of the divorce judgment from the Los Angeles Superior Court where the divorce was finalized. Stanley Mosk Courthouse, 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

  2. Provide the necessary information, including the names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and the case number if available.

  3. Pay the required fee for certified copies (approximately $15 per copy as of recent information).

  4. For electronic delivery of certified copies, use the court's website to place an order.

  5. For divorces finalized more than five years ago, contact the Archives and Records Center. 222 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Los Angeles County?

While most divorce proceedings in Los Angeles County are public records, there are some options for maintaining privacy:

  1. Sealing specific documents: Parties can petition the court to seal certain sensitive documents or information within the divorce file.

  2. Confidential marriage licenses: If the marriage began with a confidential marriage license, some aspects of the divorce may have additional privacy protections.

  3. Private judge or mediation: Using private judges or mediation can keep some details out of the public court system.

  4. Protective orders: In cases involving domestic violence or safety concerns, protective orders may restrict access to certain information.

However, complete confidentiality of a divorce is rare, as the basic fact of the divorce and certain details typically remain part of the public record.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Los Angeles County?

The duration of a divorce in Los Angeles County varies based on several factors:

  1. Minimum waiting period: California has a mandatory 6-month waiting period from the date the respondent is served with divorce papers before the divorce can be finalized.

  2. Uncontested divorces: When both parties agree on all terms, the process can be completed in about 6-8 months (including the mandatory waiting period).

  3. Contested divorces: When spouses disagree on issues like property division, child custody, or support, the process can take 12-18 months or longer.

  4. Court backlog: The Los Angeles Superior Court system often experiences high volume, which can extend timelines. Stanley Mosk Courthouse, 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

  5. Complex cases: Divorces involving significant assets, businesses, or complicated custody arrangements may take several years to resolve completely.

How Long Does Los Angeles County Keep Divorce Records?

Los Angeles County maintains divorce records indefinitely, though the storage location changes over time:

  1. Recent records (generally within the past five years) are typically kept at the courthouse where the divorce was finalized.

  2. Older records are transferred to the Archives and Records Center. 222 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

  3. Very old records may be transferred to microfilm or digital storage systems but remain accessible through proper requests.

  4. While the physical storage location may change, the records themselves are preserved as permanent legal documents.

  5. Even historical divorce records from many decades ago can still be retrieved, though the process may take longer and require additional research.

How To Get a Divorce In Los Angeles County

To initiate a divorce in Los Angeles County:

  1. Ensure eligibility: Either you or your spouse must have lived in California for at least 6 months and in Los Angeles County for at least 3 months.

  2. Complete the initial paperwork, including:

    • Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (Form FL-100)
    • Summons (Form FL-110)
    • Other required forms depending on your situation

  3. File the paperwork at the appropriate Los Angeles Superior Court location. Stanley Mosk Courthouse, 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

  4. Pay the filing fee (approximately $435-$450) or apply for a fee waiver if you qualify.

  5. Serve the divorce papers to your spouse according to legal requirements.

  6. Complete financial disclosures and additional required paperwork.

  7. Reach agreements on property division, support, and child custody, either through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings.

  8. Submit your final judgment paperwork to the court for approval.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Los Angeles County

To obtain divorce papers in Los Angeles County:

  1. Visit any Los Angeles Superior Court location that handles family law matters. Stanley Mosk Courthouse, 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

  2. Access the court's self-help center, which provides assistance and forms for self-represented litigants. Los Angeles Superior Court Self-Help Resource Center, 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

  3. Download the forms from the California Courts website (www.courts.ca.gov) or the Los Angeles Superior Court website (www.lacourt.org).

  4. Use the court's interactive forms program, which guides you through completing the necessary paperwork.

  5. Consider visiting a Family Law Facilitator's office for free assistance with paperwork. Los Angeles Superior Court Family Law Facilitator, 111 North Hill Street, Room 426, Los Angeles, CA 90012

  6. For complex cases, consult with an attorney who specializes in family law in Los Angeles County.

Lookup Divorce Records in Los Angeles County

For more information about divorce records in Los Angeles County, you can visit these official resources:

  • Divorce Record Information - Official information about where divorce records are available in Los Angeles County.

  • Divorce Judgment Documents - Information on how to order certified copies of divorce judgments electronically from the Los Angeles Superior Court.

  • Divorce Record Info - Details on accessing divorce records for marriages dissolved in Los Angeles County.

  • Archives and Records Center - Information about accessing older court cases, including divorce records, from the Archives and Records Center.

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