Divorce records in Sacramento County, California, are available through several channels. SacramentoCourt.us allows for quick access to public information regarding divorce cases in this county. Additionally, certified copies of court decisions can be obtained directly from the Sacramento County Superior Court, while the County Clerk/Recorder's Office maintains an archive of officially registered documents — although the office itself notes that divorce records are maintained by the Superior Court. Divorce certificates at the state level are issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
Sacramento Divorce Records Search
In California, divorce cases (dissolution of marriage) are handled by the Superior Court. The clerk's office of this court is the primary custodian of court materials: divorce decrees, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and related procedural documents.
The collection of records includes:
- Judgment of dissolution
- Settlement agreements
- Child custody and support orders
- Petitions and responses of the parties
As confirmed by the Divorce Records page on the County Clerk's website, certified copies of divorce decrees can only be obtained from the Superior Court of the county where the case was filed. The California Department of Public Health separately maintains divorce certificates — a brief document confirming the fact of divorce without case details.
Sacramento County Superior Court — Family Law Filing Window
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Sacramento
Divorces in Sacramento County are processed through the Family Law Division of the Superior Court. Once a judge signs the divorce decree, it remains in the court clerk's office archive. This is the only place where you can obtain a full certified copy of the decree with all attachments.
If you only need a brief document confirming the fact of divorce, contact the California Department of Public Health. This office issues certified divorce certificates for divorces processed in any county of the state since 1962.
Where to Contact Depending on Your Needs
For obtaining a full court decree and case materials:
For obtaining a state-level divorce certificate:
The Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder's Office does not issue copies of divorce decrees. Their website explicitly states: "Divorce records are maintained by the Superior Court." However, through the online index of registered documents, you can search for other county records dating back to 1849.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Sacramento
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce case search (Superior Court) | Free (in-person or through the court's online portal) | Same day |
| Regular copy of court decree (Superior Court) | $0.50 per page | Same day in-person |
| Certified copy of court decree (Superior Court) | $25 per document | 7–10 business days by mail |
| Divorce certificate — certified copy (CDPH) | $18 | Up to 14–16 weeks by mail |
| Divorce certificate — expedited processing (CDPH) | $18 + additional expedited fee | Shortened time depending on the chosen option |