Divorce records in San Francisco, California, are available through several channels: online tools, the court that issued the decision, the county clerk's office, and the state vital records office. SanFranciscoCourt.us allows you to find public information regarding divorce records in the county. Additionally, you can contact the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, the Office of the County Clerk, or the California Department of Public Health — Vital Records directly for certificates and certified copies.
San Francisco Divorce Records Search
In California, divorce cases are handled by the Superior Court. It is the office of this court that maintains the case materials: judgment of dissolution, property division agreements, child custody orders, and related procedural documents. Separate from the court materials is the divorce certificate, which is maintained by the California Department of Public Health, Vital Records.
To view court case materials in San Francisco, visit the records viewing room at the Civic Center Courthouse.
Superior Court of San Francisco County — Records Viewing Room
Through the court's Case Information online portal, you can search family law cases by case number or party name. The portal shows basic case information — dates, type of proceeding, status — but the full text of the judgment usually needs to be ordered separately.
If you need the divorce certificate rather than court documents, contact the state office:
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in San Francisco
Understanding where documents are filed will save time and unnecessary calls.
- Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco — handles all divorce (dissolution of marriage) cases in the county. Once a judgment is issued, it remains in the court's office. Family law cases fall under the jurisdiction of the Unified Family Court, a division of the Superior Court.
- Office of the County Clerk — issues marriage, birth, and death certificates, but the court explicitly states that it does not maintain vital records. For marriage certificates and other vital documents, contact the County Clerk at (415) 554-4950.
- California Department of Public Health — Vital Records (CDPH-VR) — maintains divorce records statewide and can issue a divorce certificate. This is not a full copy of the court's judgment but a concise document confirming the fact of divorce.
Practical advice: if you need the full text of the judgment with property division or custody terms, contact the court. If confirmation of the divorce is sufficient, order the certificate from CDPH-VR.
Office of the County Clerk
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in San Francisco
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (non-certified) — Superior Court | $0.50 per page | During visit or several business days by mail |
| Certified copy of court document — Superior Court | $40 per document | Several business days |
| Divorce certificate (certified copy) — CDPH-VR | $18 | Approximately 12–20 business days by mail |
| Record search in CDPH-VR (for each additional 5 years of search) | $5 | Included in overall processing time |