California Free Divorce Records Search

By Claire Dowell


When a couple decides to separate due to an irresolvable differences and issues, divorce records are automatically generated. Sadly, it is greatly increasing in number. In California, the government has developed an online server which manages the divorce cases of the state. The Freedom of Information Act has allowed the residents of a given state to access their personal records including divorce records California generates.

In California, one of the most requested files of the state are the divorce records. Residents of the state use the document in a number of ways. One of the primary uses of the said file is to update one's properties and assets as well as dependents. If a divorced individual ha a plan to marry again, a divorce certificate is needed to proceed with the marriage. Some people would check on the marital status of their partners to ensure that they are dating a person who is really single or legally separated. By doing so, they would be able to avoid problems by the time they wish to settle down. Genealogy research also calls to check for a divorce record. Although, it is one of the least document used as reference in updating the family tree, if the divorce is not indicated on the genealogy, later generations may encounter problems.

The official certificate would contain the name of the couple who got separated as well as the date and the place where they were granted the separation. However, there is some important information that is kept away from the public to respect the privacy of the involved individual. This includes the reason for the separation and any financial related matters such as property and the custody of the children.

Separation which has been legalized since 1962-1984 would cost $13 only. The fee for other records may be different and may vary since it has to be obtained from the county courthouse. Starting July 1, 2003, request can only be processed if the sworn statement of penalty or perjury has been signed otherwise it will be returned without being processed.

Unlike other state, the office of the Vital records Section does not release a copy of a divorce certificate. As mentioned earlier, it has to be requested at the county of separation. The state office can only assist with identifying the county where the couple separated. The request can also be done through a mail order however; one must ensure that all of the requirements are included on the mail. The sworn state of penalty and perjury has to be signed already. To be saved from any hassle, retrieval of a divorce record is now available online.

California divorce records have been made available to the public through the Internet. This has made the retrieval of the document easier and faster since there is no need to go to any office. This is the reason why the residents of the state prefer to get it online.




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