Contra Costa County, California Divorce Records

A Contra Costa County divorce record is a court-issued document confirming the dissolution of a marriage in the county. The Contra Costa County Superior Court's Family Law Division creates and maintains these records. Generally, the process of finding divorce records in Contra Costa County depends on the document type and the reason for requesting it, such as:

• Proof of a name change
• Remarriage
• Attorneys, courts, and government agencies often require proof of divorce in legal matters such as custody, inheritance, or immigration.
• Genealogical research and family history
• Personal record-keeping.

Under California law, divorce records in Contra Costa County are classified as public documents. However, access is restricted, and details such as sensitive personal information, sealed cases, and matters involving minor children are publicly inaccessible.

California Divorce Statistics: California statistics reveal a steady decline in divorce rates, reaching 7.45% in 2023, about 75 out of every 1,000 people. This downward trend reflects shifting dynamics, such as delayed marriages, fewer overall marriages, and evolving societal expectations.

Are Divorce Records Public in Contra Costa County?

Yes, divorce records in Contra Costa County are considered public under the California Public Records Act (CPRA). However, public access is limited to protect the privacy of the individuals involved. These records include:

• Information regarding minor children
• Financial disclosures, such as income, assets, debts, and property division
• Medical or psychological reports
• Domestic violence or protective order details
• Sealed records
• Social security numbers and financial account numbers.

Only the parties to the case, their legal representatives, authorized government agencies, and the court have access to these records. In Contra Costa, the public may access only basic divorce information, such as:

• Names of the parties
• Case number
• Filing date
• Divorce decree
• Court location
• Docket information.

How to Find Divorce Records in Contra Costa County

The process for looking up divorce records in Contra Costa County varies by document type and its intended use. Certified copies of divorce certificates from 1962 to 1984 are issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Records of divorces filed after 1984 are available through the Contra Costa County Superior Court - Family Law Division (Court Records Department). Confidential details are restricted to the spouses, their attorneys, and individuals who may show a legitimate interest.

The following options are available for individuals seeking access to Contra Costa County divorce records.

Online Search

• Log in to the Contra Costa County Superior Court's Public Portal and search using case number or party names to access case files.
• Order Contra Costa County divorce certificates from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Vital Records Page (1962 through June 1984). A copy of the divorce certificate costs $16.00

In-person Requests

To obtain copies of Contra Costa divorce records, visit the Court Records Department and provide a valid ID, the full names of the parties, the date of the divorce, and the case number (if available) at:

Mail Requests

Mail requests for the Contra Costa County court divorce search should include:

• A formal written request or the court's 'Mail Request for Court Records' form, clearly stating the full names of both parties, the approximate date of the divorce, and the case number (if available)
• A check or money order payable to the Contra Costa County Clerk of the Court for the required copy fees
• A self-addressed, stamped envelope with sufficient postage for the return of the requested documents.

Send the request to the Court Records Department at:

Note: Non-certified copies cost $0.50 per page, while certified copies cost $40.00 plus $0.50 per page, and certified final judgment $15.00.

Overview of the Contra Costa County Court System

The Contra Costa County court system operates as a unified Superior Court of California, handling all trial-level matters within the county. Contra Costa County family court divorce filings are managed through the Family Law Division of the Contra Costa County Superior Court, located at:

This courthouse serves as the primary location for Contra Costa County divorce filings, court hearings, and the Family Law Facilitator's Office, which assists self-represented individuals.

While this courthouse manages day-to-day family law operations, the official repository for Contra Costa County superior court records is maintained at the Court Records Department:

Online Access to Contra Costa County Divorce Records

There is a free online divorce lookup for Contra Costa County. The Contra Costa County Superior Court provides a free and convenient way to access basic court case information, including divorce records. To find Contra Costa County divorce records online, interested persons should:

• Visit the official Contra Costa County Superior Court website and navigate to the 'Online Services' or 'Court Public Portal' link
• Choose a search method:
• Case number: the most accurate method
• Party name: search by the names of the parties involved. When the exact spelling is uncertain, try using a wildcard search with an asterisk (*)
• Enter the information into the specific field
• View search results.

The Contra Costa County court portal provides restricted access to case details to safeguard privacy and ensure security. Available information includes:

• Case summary
• Hearing dates
• Dockets
• Document titles
• Case status.

Some third-party websites that host Contra Costa County court record databases may provide online access to divorce records. However, when using these unofficial sources, users should be aware that the information and documents may not be accurate, complete, or authentic.

What's Typically Included in a Contra Costa County Divorce Record

Under California law, divorce records in Contra Costa County are considered public. However, the court may redact or seal certain sensitive details to protect individual privacy. These commonly include:

• Social Security numbers
• Financial information and account numbers
• Medical records
• Information related to domestic violence restraining orders, especially if it involves minors or sensitive testimony.

A public copy of a Contra Costa County divorce record generally includes details such as:

• Case Information: Case number, filing date, and court location
• Date and location of marriage
• Names of divorced parties
• Divorce Judgment/Decree
• Divorce Terms: Court orders addressing child custody, visitation rights, child support, and spousal support (but with privacy protections that restrict sensitive details)
• Court Orders and Modifications: Any subsequent changes or rulings after the divorce judgment.

How to Get Certified Copies of Contra Costa County Divorce Records

Certified copies of divorce records in Contra Costa County are accessible through the Court Records Department of the Superior Court. Access to confidential information is generally restricted to the parties in the case, their attorneys, or individuals with a legitimate interest. The key distinction between a certified copy and an informational copy lies in its legal authority and intended use. A certified copy is required for legal matters such as remarriage, court proceedings, or passport applications.

To get an official divorce record copy, provide the case number, valid identification, the full names of both parties, and the approximate divorce date when visiting the Court Records Department at:

When requesting a certified divorce decree from Contra Costa County by mail, be sure to include:

• A completed Court Records Mail Request Form
• A check or money order payable to the Contra Costa County Clerk of the Court for the required fees
• A self-addressed, stamped envelope
• Mail the request to:

Why People Request Contra Costa County Divorce Records

Divorce records are often required for various purposes, most of which are legal or official. Some of the common reasons to request divorce records in Contra Costa County include:

• Remarriage
• Property and financial matters
• Name change
• Legal proceedings
• Genealogical research
• Personal record-keeping.

Employers and background investigators generally do not review divorce history during standard screenings, but they may examine it in rare cases involving security clearances, government employment, or sensitive financial positions. However, access to sensitive information is restricted to authorized individuals.

Contra Costa County Divorce Records Summary

The table outlines the various methods available for accessing divorce records in Contra Costa County.