San Diego County Divorce Records
Understanding San Diego Divorce Records
Divorce can be a challenging and confusing process. Whether you're going through it yourself or need information about someone else's, understanding the divorce process and how to access these records can be helpful. In this article, we'll discuss how to look up a San Diego county divorce record, explain what a divorce decree is, and explore the concept of dissolution of marriage. We'll also cover the specifics of San Diego County divorce records and how to access them.
What Are San Diego Divorce Records?
San Diego divorce records are official civil court documents that provide details about two people officially ending their marriage. These records include information such as the names of the parties involved, filing dates, and the terms of the divorce settlement. There are different types of these public records, including divorce decrees and certificates of dissolution of marriage. Both of which can be viewed by anyone online upon request. Here are the various types of publicly available divorce records:
1). Divorce Decree: This is the official, and final ruling and judgment, in a divorce case that is signed and stamped by the courts. It details the court's decisions on issues like property division, alimony, child custody, and support.
2). Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage: This document provides a summary of the divorcees, including the names of the parties and the date of the dissolution. It does not include the detailed terms that were agreed upon.
3). Court Records: These include all documents filed in the respective case, such as motions, affidavits, and court orders. These records are usually more detailed and comprehensive. It's important to note that while most of these records are publicly available, details regarding any juvenile that is involved, custody rights, and guardianships are sealed for the protection of minors.
How to Search San Diego County Divorce Records Online
If you need to perform and online San Diego divorce records search, there are a few methods you can use. You can obtain copies from the San Diego Superior Court, or the California Department of Public Health. Below are some of the most common ways to access these records.
Online Databases: The county of San Diego offers online access for the public to search for divorce records. These databases may require you to create an account and may charge a fee for accessing the records.
1). SD Superior Court Website: The Superior Court provides an online case search tool where you can look up divorce records. You can search by case number, party name, or filing date.
2). CA Department of Public Health: This state agency offers access to certified copies of vital records including birth and death certificates and marriage and divorce certificates. These are official copies of these records so these requests must be made by the person requesting them, or have a court order.
3). Third-Party Websites: There are several third-party websites that offer access to public records, including divorces. These sites may charge a fee but offer quick results and also let people run comprehensive background checks. These are good options for people that want to know more details about a person's past.
How to Get Copies of a San Diego Divorce Decree?
Obtaining a copy of a divorce decree must be made by the respective parties involved. They are certified court documents that detail the final judgment issued by the court in a divorce case. It outlines the court's decisions on various issues related to property division, alimony or spousal support, and child custody and support. You can get a copy of a divorce decree directly from the Superior Court, or the CA Department of Public Health.
What Is Dissolution of Marriage?
Dissolution of marriage is the legal term for divorce. It refers to the process of legally ending a marriage. The terms are often used interchangeably, but they mean the same thing. In California, there are two primary grounds for dissolution of marriage. The first is "Irreconcilable Differences." This means that the marriage cannot be saved because of the differences that are unresolvable. This is the by far the most common grounds for getting a divorce in California. The second is, "Incurable Insanity." This ground is rarely used and requires medical evidence that one spouse is has a permanent mental health issue which is classified as "insanity."
The process for dissolution of marriage involves several steps, including: Filing a petition for dissolution of marriage, serving the petition, waiting for a response, negotiating a settlement, and the court hearing and judgment. This process can be quick if both parties agree but can drag on for some time if a settlement cannot be easily reached. It further complicates things if there are juveniles involved.
Are Divorces in San Diego Considered Public Record?
Yes, once a divorce decree or dissolution or marriage is filed it becomes public record. This means that anyone can view another person's divorce information online without needing to ask permission.
How Do I Get a Copy of My San Diego Divorce Certificate?
You have a couple of options to be able to get a copy of your divorce certificate. You can either contact the clerk of the courts where you filed your divorce decree, or you can also get a copy from the California Department of Public Health. Either option will give you the option to apply for a duplicate copy of your divorce certificate.
