Yolo County Divorce Records
What Are Yolo County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Yolo County are official legal documents that provide documentation of the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are maintained by the Superior Court of Yolo County and are governed by the California Family Code § 2300, which states that a marriage is dissolved and the parties restored to the status of unmarried persons when the judgment of dissolution becomes final.
Divorce records typically consist of several components:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Response to Petition
- Financial disclosures
- Marital settlement agreements
- Child custody and support arrangements
- Court orders
- Final judgment of dissolution
These records serve multiple important purposes for individuals and society, including:
- Providing legal proof of marital status change
- Enabling remarriage
- Supporting legal name changes
- Documenting eligibility for Social Security benefits
- Verifying status for loan applications
- Establishing status for immigration matters
- Creating a permanent legal record of property division and child custody arrangements
The Family Court Services division of the Yolo County Superior Court processes and maintains these records in accordance with state law and court procedures.
Superior Court of Yolo County
1000 Main Street
Woodland, CA 95695
(530) 406-6704
Superior Court of Yolo County
Are Yolo County Divorce Records Public?
Yolo County divorce records have a complex public access status that varies by document type and content. Pursuant to California Government Code § 6250, the California Public Records Act establishes the public's right to access government records, including court records. However, this access is balanced against privacy concerns, particularly in family law matters.
The public accessibility of divorce records in Yolo County is structured as follows:
-
Court Case Files: General divorce case files maintained by the Yolo County Superior Court are typically available for public inspection. However, certain sensitive documents within these files may be sealed or redacted, including:
- Financial information
- Social Security numbers
- Minor children's information
- Allegations of domestic violence
- Medical or psychological evaluations
-
Certified Divorce Certificates: These official documents verifying the dissolution of marriage have restricted access. According to the California Department of Public Health Vital Records, only the following individuals may obtain certified copies:
- The parties to the divorce
- Immediate family members
- Legal representatives with proper authorization
- Law enforcement agencies
- Individuals with court orders
Members of the public seeking divorce record information must submit requests through the appropriate channels and may be limited to viewing only non-confidential portions of the records. The court may require proper identification and, in some cases, notarized authorization forms to access certain documents.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Yolo County in 2026
Finding divorce records in Yolo County requires following specific procedures established by the county courts. Members of the public may access these records through several methods:
-
Visit the Yolo County Superior Court in person:
- Proceed to the Civil Division of the Yolo County Superior Court
- Complete a records search request form
- Provide the names of both parties and approximate date of divorce
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees
-
Submit a written request by mail:
- Address request to the Yolo County Superior Court, Civil Division
- Include names of both parties, approximate date of divorce
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment for search and copy fees
- Provide contact information for follow-up questions
-
Request certified copies of divorce decrees:
- Submit a notarized application if you are an authorized individual
- Provide proof of relationship to parties if you are a family member
- Include required identification documents
- Pay the certification fee
The Yolo County Superior Court maintains divorce records dating back several decades. For older records, requestors may need to contact the Yolo County Archives for historical divorce documentation.
Yolo County Superior Court - Civil Division
1000 Main Street
Woodland, CA 95695
(530) 406-6704
Yolo County Superior Court
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Yolo County Online?
Yolo County offers limited online access to divorce records through several digital platforms. The online search capabilities allow members of the public to locate basic case information while protecting sensitive personal data. To conduct an online search for divorce records:
-
Use the Yolo County Superior Court Case Index:
- Visit the Yolo County Superior Court website
- Navigate to the "Case Information" section
- Select "Case Index Search"
- Enter search criteria (names of parties, case number if known)
- Review results for basic case information
-
Access the California Courts Self-Help Portal:
- Visit the California Courts Self-Help website
- Select "Find Your Court Case"
- Choose Yolo County from the dropdown menu
- Enter required search parameters
- Review available case information
-
Utilize the Yolo County Clerk-Recorder's Online Services:
- Visit the Yolo County Clerk-Recorder website
- Select "Official Records & Searches"
- Follow the prompts to search for publicly available records
- Note that full divorce case files are not available through this system
Important limitations of online searches include:
- Only basic case information is typically available (case number, parties' names, filing date, case status)
- Complete divorce documents are not viewable online
- Confidential or sealed records are excluded from online searches
- Historical records may not be included in digital databases
- Some online searches may require creation of a user account or payment of fees
For comprehensive divorce record information, in-person requests at the courthouse remain the most effective method.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Yolo County?
Members of the public seeking to access divorce records in Yolo County without incurring fees have several options available, though free access is typically limited to viewing rather than obtaining copies. The following methods provide free access to divorce record information:
-
In-person courthouse review:
- Visit the Yolo County Superior Court during public counter hours
- Request to view specific divorce case files at public terminals
- Bring case number if available (reduces search time)
- Review documents on-site at no charge
- Note that copying fees will apply if printed copies are needed
-
Public law libraries:
- Visit the Yolo County Law Library
- Access public terminals for court record searches
- Obtain assistance from law librarians for research
- Review available public records at no cost
-
Online case index search:
- Basic case information can be viewed online at no charge
- Limited to case numbers, party names, and general status
- Does not provide access to actual documents
-
County archives for historical records:
- Older divorce records may be available for free viewing at the Yolo County Archives
- Research assistance is available from archive staff
- Viewing is free, though reproduction fees may apply
It is important to note that while viewing records may be free, the following services typically incur fees:
- Document copies (per page fee)
- Certified copies of divorce decrees
- Extensive searches requiring staff assistance
- Expedited service requests
Yolo County Law Library
204 F Street, Suite 303
Davis, CA 95616
(530) 666-8918
Yolo County Law Library
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Yolo County
Divorce records in Yolo County contain comprehensive documentation of the legal dissolution process. Pursuant to California Family Code § 2100, these records must include full disclosure of all assets and liabilities. A complete divorce file typically contains the following components:
-
Initial Filings:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (FL-100)
- Summons (FL-110)
- Response to Petition (FL-120)
- Proof of Service of Summons (FL-115)
-
Financial Disclosures:
- Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140)
- Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)
- Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142)
- Property Declaration (FL-160)
-
Child-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (FL-105)
- Child Custody and Visitation Application (FL-311)
- Child Support Information and Order Attachment (FL-342)
- Income Withholding for Support (FL-195)
-
Settlement Documents:
- Marital Settlement Agreement
- Stipulation for Judgment
- Property division agreements
- Spousal support arrangements
-
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders issued during proceedings
- Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage (FL-180)
- Notice of Entry of Judgment (FL-190)
- Child custody and support orders
-
Miscellaneous Documents:
- Court hearing transcripts
- Declarations and affidavits
- Correspondence between parties or attorneys
- Mediation reports
- Evaluations or expert testimony
The Yolo County Superior Court Family Division maintains these records according to state retention requirements. Certain sensitive information may be redacted or sealed to protect privacy, particularly information related to minor children, victims of abuse, or confidential financial data.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Yolo County?
Obtaining official proof of divorce in Yolo County requires following specific procedures established by the court. The most commonly recognized proof of divorce is a certified copy of the Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage. To obtain this documentation:
-
Request a certified copy in person:
- Visit the Yolo County Superior Court Civil Division
- Complete a "Request for Certified Copies" form
- Provide the case number if available (expedites processing)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay the certification fee (currently $15 per certified copy)
- Receive certified documents while you wait or by mail
-
Request a certified copy by mail:
- Download and complete the request form from the court website
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Provide a copy of your identification
- Include payment for certification fees
- Mail to the Yolo County Superior Court Civil Division
-
Request through an authorized third party:
- Provide the third party with a notarized authorization letter
- Include all required information about the divorce case
- Ensure the third party brings proper identification
- Third party must pay applicable fees
According to the Yolo County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder/Elections Department, dissolution of marriage records are maintained by the Yolo County Superior Court Civil Division, not the County Clerk-Recorder's office. This is an important distinction as vital records like birth and death certificates are obtained from the Clerk-Recorder, while divorce records must be requested from the court.
For divorce proceedings completed in Yolo County, the certified judgment serves as legal proof of divorce and can be used for:
- Legal name changes
- Remarriage
- Immigration proceedings
- Social Security benefit adjustments
- Insurance policy changes
- Other legal matters requiring proof of marital status
Yolo County Superior Court - Civil Division
1000 Main Street
Woodland, CA 95695
(530) 406-6704
Yolo County Superior Court
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Yolo County?
In Yolo County, while divorce proceedings are generally part of the public record, certain mechanisms exist to protect sensitive information and, in limited circumstances, to maintain confidentiality of divorce records. The California Rules of Court and California Family Code § 2024.6 provide the legal framework for confidentiality in divorce cases.
The following aspects of divorce records may be kept confidential:
-
Sealed Records by Court Order:
- Parties may petition the court to seal specific documents or entire case files
- The court applies a strict legal standard requiring demonstration that:
- There exists an overriding interest overcoming the right of public access
- The overriding interest supports sealing the record
- A substantial probability exists that the interest will be prejudiced without sealing
- The proposed sealing is narrowly tailored
- No less restrictive means exist to protect the interest
-
Automatically Confidential Information:
- Financial account numbers
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Medical and psychological evaluations
- Minor children's personal information
- Victims' information in cases involving domestic violence
-
Summary Dissolution Privacy Option:
- For qualifying couples using the summary dissolution process
- Limited public access to certain financial disclosures
- Simplified procedure with reduced public documentation
-
Confidential Marriage Licenses:
- If the original marriage was registered as confidential under California Family Code § 500
- Dissolution records maintain higher level of confidentiality
The Yolo County Superior Court Family Division handles requests for confidentiality in divorce proceedings. Parties seeking confidentiality should consult with legal counsel regarding the specific procedures and requirements, as the standards for sealing records are stringent and require compelling justification.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Yolo County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Yolo County varies significantly based on several factors, including case complexity, cooperation between parties, and court caseload. Under California law, specifically Family Code § 2339, a minimum six-month waiting period exists between the date of service of the petition and the earliest date a judgment can be entered.
Typical timeframes for different types of divorces in Yolo County include:
-
Summary Dissolution (fastest option):
- 6 months from filing to finalization
- Available only to couples meeting strict eligibility requirements:
- Marriage less than 5 years
- No children from the relationship
- Limited property and debts
- Agreement on all issues
- Waiver of spousal support
-
Uncontested Divorce with Agreement:
- 6-8 months from filing to finalization
- Requires complete agreement on all issues
- Proper completion of all required documentation
- Timely submission of judgment paperwork
-
Contested Divorce with Negotiated Settlement:
- 8-14 months from filing to finalization
- Initial disagreements resolved through negotiation
- May involve mediation through Family Court Services
- Settlement reached before trial becomes necessary
-
Fully Contested Divorce Requiring Trial:
- 18-24+ months from filing to finalization
- Multiple court appearances and hearings
- Discovery process and expert evaluations
- Trial scheduling dependent on court calendar
- Post-trial motions may extend timeframe
According to statistics from the Judicial Council of California, the average time to disposition for family law cases in California is approximately 10 months, though complex cases in Yolo County may take considerably longer.
Factors that commonly extend divorce timeframes include:
- High-conflict custody disputes
- Complex property division issues
- Business valuation requirements
- Pension and retirement account division
- Disputes over spousal support
- Delays in mandatory disclosure compliance
- Court congestion and scheduling limitations
The Yolo County Superior Court Family Division processes divorce cases according to statutory requirements and local court rules.
How Long Does Yolo County Keep Divorce Records?
Yolo County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule established by the California Rules of Court and the Judicial Council of California. Under Government Code § 68152, which governs court records retention, divorce records are preserved for specific periods based on document type and significance.
The retention periods for divorce records in Yolo County are as follows:
-
Permanent Retention:
- Final Judgment of Dissolution
- Orders after judgment that affect the judgment
- Child custody and visitation orders
- Child support orders
- Spousal support orders
- Property division judgments
-
30-Year Retention:
- Case indexes
- Register of actions
- Case summaries
-
10-Year Retention:
- Pleadings and supporting documents
- Financial disclosures
- Temporary orders
- Proofs of service
- Stipulations
-
5-Year Retention:
- Exhibits after final disposition of case
- Deposition transcripts
- Discovery documents
After the required retention period, non-permanent records may be destroyed according to court procedures. However, the Yolo County Superior Court maintains permanent records indefinitely, either in original paper form, microfilm, or electronic format.
For historical divorce records that may have exceeded standard retention periods, researchers may need to contact:
Yolo County Archives
226 Buckeye Street
Woodland, CA 95695
(530) 666-8010
Yolo County Archives
The archives maintain historical court records that may include divorce proceedings from earlier periods in the county's history.
How To Get a Divorce In Yolo County
Obtaining a divorce in Yolo County requires following specific legal procedures established by California law and local court rules. The process, formally known as "dissolution of marriage," involves several steps:
-
Meet Residency Requirements:
- Either spouse must have been a California resident for six months
- And a Yolo County resident for three months immediately preceding filing
- If residency requirements aren't met, couples may file for legal separation and convert to divorce later
-
Prepare and File Initial Documents:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (FL-100)
- Summons (FL-110)
- Property Declaration if needed (FL-160)
- Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act if children involved (FL-105)
- File documents with the Yolo County Superior Court Family Division
- Pay filing fee (fee waivers available for qualifying individuals)
-
Serve Documents on Spouse:
- Have someone 18 or older (not the petitioner) serve the Summons and Petition
- File Proof of Service of Summons (FL-115) with the court
- Alternative service methods available if spouse cannot be located
-
Financial Disclosures:
- Complete Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140)
- Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)
- Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142)
- Serve on spouse and file proof with court
-
Respondent's Options:
- File Response (FL-120) within 30 days (contested divorce)
- Choose not to respond (default divorce)
- Work with petitioner on written agreement (uncontested divorce)
-
Resolution Pathways:
- Uncontested: Submit written agreement and judgment paperwork
- Contested: Participate in mandatory mediation for custody/visitation issues
- Settlement conferences to resolve remaining disputes
- Trial if necessary for unresolved issues
-
Finalize Divorce:
- Submit Judgment of Dissolution (FL-180) and supporting documents
- Wait mandatory 6-month waiting period from date of service
- Receive filed judgment from court
The Yolo County Superior Court Self-Help Center provides assistance to self-represented litigants navigating the divorce process, including workshops and document review services.
Yolo County Superior Court - Family Law Division
1000 Main Street
Woodland, CA 95695
(530) 406-6704
Yolo County Superior Court
How To Get Divorce Papers In Yolo County
Obtaining divorce papers in Yolo County can be accomplished through several methods, depending on individual circumstances and needs. The following options are available to county residents:
-
Yolo County Superior Court Self-Help Center:
- Visit the center during operating hours
- Receive guidance on required forms
- Access computers and printers to complete documents
- Obtain assistance from staff (not legal advice)
- Location: Yolo County Superior Court, 1000 Main Street, Woodland, CA 95695
- Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM (closed 12:00-1:00 PM)
-
Online Resources:
- Download forms from the California Courts Self-Help website
- Access the Yolo County Superior Court website for county-specific forms
- Use guided document assembly programs like California's Self-Help website
-
Family Law Facilitator's Office:
- Receive assistance completing forms
- Get information about divorce procedures
- Review completed paperwork before filing
- Services provided at no cost
- Available by appointment or walk-in during designated hours
-
Law Library Resources:
- Access legal reference materials and form books
- Use public computers to download and complete forms
- Obtain research assistance from law librarians
- Location: Yolo County Law Library, 204 F Street, Suite 303, Davis, CA 95616
- Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
-
Purchase Commercial Packets:
- Available at some legal stationery stores
- Contain basic forms with instructions
- May not include all county-specific requirements
The basic divorce packet for Yolo County includes:
- Petition for Dissolution (FL-100)
- Summons (FL-110)
- Proof of Service of Summons (FL-115)
- Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (FL-105) if children involved
- Property Declaration (FL-160) if needed
- Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)
- Local forms specific to Yolo County
Yolo County Superior Court - Family Law Facilitator
1000 Main Street
Woodland, CA 95695
(530) 406-6794
Yolo County Superior Court Family Law Facilitator
Lookup Divorce Records in Yolo County
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