San Mateo County Divorce Records Online

San Mateo County Divorce Records Online gives you free access to divorce filings, final judgments, certificates, and court forms. The Superior Court handles about 27,000 dissolution cases each year. Many records go back to 1975 and are now digital. You can search by petitioner or respondent name, case number, or filing date. View docket entries, download the final judgment as a PDF, and request a certified copy for $10. The portal also links to the vital records office for marriage certificates, which may be needed for name changes. Help is available from the Records Management Division at (650) 261-5110 during business hours. A help desk email is listed on the main page.

How to Search San Mateo County Divorce Records Online

Anyone can use the public access portal to look up divorce records at no cost. Each year, the Superior Court processes around 27,000 dissolution cases. Most are digitized and searchable by name, case number, or date. You can view docket entries, download the final judgment, and order a certified copy for $10. The system also connects to the county’s vital records office for marriage certificates. These may be required for name changes or other legal steps. For help, call the Records Management Division at (650) 261-5110. The help desk email is on the landing page.

Where to Get Certified Divorce Judgments

The Clerk-Recorder Division does not keep divorce files. These are held by the Superior Court’s Family Law Branch. To get a certified copy of your final divorce judgment, go to the Hall of Justice and Records at 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063-1662. You can visit in person, fax, or mail your request. Certified copies cost $10 plus postage. It usually takes three to five business days. The court’s information desk can confirm a filing date or give you a docket number if you provide the petitioner’s full name. Phone: (650) 261-5110. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Using the Records Management Portal

The Records Management Division’s web portal lets the public search most civil, family, probate, and criminal cases that are not sealed. You can search by party name, case number, or filing date. The system shows a summary with docket entries, hearing dates, and document links. If you don’t have a case number, enter the petitioner’s last name to find matching files. All case files are available on public computers in the Hall of Justice lobby. Staff can help with printing. Files with confidential health data, juvenile cases, or sealed orders are not shown, as required by California law.

MIDX: The Court’s Online Records Index

MIDX (Martial Index) started in 2015. It brings together docket information into one searchable database. You can find civil, criminal, family law, probate, and small claims records. Search by party name, case number, or attorney bar number. The system also flags traffic citations and sends users to the Traffic Portal for payments or disputes. Each record shows a link to the original PDF, hearing dates, and status (open, dismissed, or closed). Lawyers can register for a secure login to download many files at once. The public can view individual documents without signing up. The MIDX help desk is open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Filing for Divorce Online in San Mateo County

SanMateoCountyDivorceOnline.com offers a flat rate of $139. This includes filing fees, a certified copy of the final judgment, and one year of support after the judgment. The service has helped over 3,500 people since 2018. It uses a secure form to collect your information and fills out the petition, summons, and financial forms. Then it files everything electronically with the court. Most cases get a hearing within 30 days. There are no hidden fees. You can start with a free chat with a licensed family law attorney.

Other Online Court Services

The court’s online services page lets you pay traffic tickets, sign up for traffic school, or ask for a 30-day extension. You can also schedule a traffic court date, view upcoming docket entries, and get email updates on status changes. Use your citation number, case number, or driver’s license to log in. For help, call the Clerk’s Office at (650) 363-4300. Hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Payments can be made with credit card, debit card, or electronic check. You’ll get a receipt by email after payment.

Viewing Records in Person

The public access counter is at 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94402. To view juvenile files, call the Juvenile Clerk’s Office at (650) 261-5100, option 8. Hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Criminal case files can usually be copied right away. The cost is $0.50 per side, plus $0.25 for color copies. Sealed or confidential records need a court order. If your request doesn’t meet the rules, the clerk will send a written denial. Copies can be picked up or mailed for an extra $1.00.

County Clerk-Recorder Services

The County Clerk-Recorder’s Office handles real property documents, vital records, and business filings. It records deeds and mortgages, issues birth, death, and marriage certificates, and processes marriage licenses. The office also conducts civil wedding ceremonies and handles fictitious business name statements. Notary services are available. Hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Call (650) 261-5200 for help. The office is on the second floor of the Hall of Justice. Certified copies cost $15 for birth or death certificates and $10 for marriage certificates.

Odyssey Portals for Public and Attorneys

Odyssey offers three portals. The public portal needs no registration and shows basic case status. The juror portal lets jurors view summons, report availability, and request exemptions. The attorney portal requires a verified California State Bar license. It gives full docket access, e-filing, and fee payments. The public portal shows limited info like hearing dates and party names. The attorney portal allows secure PDF downloads, motion filings, and electronic service. Help pages explain how to create an attorney account. Email support is available weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Requesting Copies by Mail

If you don’t have a case number, use the Public Records Index on the court’s website to find it. Once you have the right record, fill out a written request form. Include the document title, filing date, and how you want it delivered. The Records Management Division does not do research. It only processes copy requests. Fees are $0.50 per side for black-and-white copies and $0.25 extra for color. Pay by check or money order to “San Mateo County Superior Court.” Mail the form and payment to 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063-1662. Processing takes 7-10 business days. Copies are sent by USPS.

One Day Divorce Program

The One Day Divorce Program speeds up final judgments for uncontested divorces in San Mateo County. To qualify, you must show that: (1) the summons and petition were served on the respondent; (2) both sides filed complete financial disclosures; and (3) there are no pending motions or child support issues. If these are met, the court schedules a hearing the same day. The judge can sign the decree and issue the final order. The program is free, but you still pay $435 for the petition and $30 for the judgment. Hearings are in Courtroom C-101 at the Hall of Justice. Call (650) 261-5110 to check availability.

Related Public Record Services

These links connect to other public record services that may help with legal research in California or abroad. Each site is independent and offers specialized databases for police reports, death records, inmate locations, and international marriage documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many people have questions about accessing divorce records in San Mateo County. Below are common questions with clear, direct answers based on current court procedures and official sources.

How do I get a certified copy of my divorce judgment?

To get a certified copy, go to the Hall of Justice and Records at 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063-1662. You can visit in person, fax, or mail your request. The fee is $10 plus postage. It usually takes three to five business days. Bring or include the petitioner’s full name and case number if you have it. If not, the clerk can help locate the file. Certified copies are only issued by the Superior Court, not the Clerk-Recorder. Call (650) 261-5110 for assistance during business hours.

Can I search divorce records online for free?

Yes. The San Mateo County Superior Court provides free online access to divorce records through its public portal and MIDX system. You can search by petitioner or respondent name, case number, or filing date. Many records date back to 1975 and are digitized. You can view docket entries and download the final judgment as a PDF at no cost. No registration is needed for basic searches. However, certified copies require a $10 fee and a formal request.

What if I don’t know my case number?

If you don’t have a case number, use the Public Records Index on the court’s website. Enter the petitioner’s last name to see a list of matching cases. The system will show active and closed matters. Once you find the right file, note the case number for your records. You can also call the Records Management Division at (650) 261-5110. They can confirm filing dates or provide docket numbers if you give the full legal name of the petitioner.

Are juvenile or sealed divorce records available online?

No. Juvenile cases and sealed records are not available online or in public view. California law protects these files. To access them, you must get a court order. Requests for sealed records will be denied unless they meet strict legal criteria. For juvenile files, call the Juvenile Clerk’s Office at (650) 261-5100, option 8, before visiting. They will explain the process and required documentation.

How long does it take to process a mail request for divorce records?

Mail requests take 7 to 10 business days to process. Send a completed request form with the document title, filing date, and payment by check or money order to “San Mateo County Superior Court.” The fee is $0.50 per side for black-and-white copies, plus $0.25 for color. Mail to 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063-1662. Copies are sent by USPS after processing. For faster service, visit in person or use the online portal to view records immediately.

Can attorneys get bulk downloads of divorce records?

Yes. Attorneys with a verified California State Bar license can register for the Odyssey Attorney Portal. This secure login allows bulk downloads of docket files, PDFs, and case documents. It also supports electronic filing and service of motions. Registration requires bar number verification. Technical support is available by email weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The public portal does not offer bulk downloads.

What is the One Day Divorce Program?

The One Day Divorce Program is for uncontested divorces in San Mateo County. It allows self-represented litigants to get a final judgment in one day. To qualify, the summons and petition must be served, financial disclosures filed, and no motions or child support issues pending. If approved, the court schedules a same-day hearing in Courtroom C-101. The program is free, but filing fees of $435 and a $30 judgment fee still apply. Call (650) 261-5110 to confirm eligibility.

For official information, visit the San Mateo County Superior Court website at sanmateocourt.org or call (650) 261-5110. The Hall of Justice and Records is located at 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063. Business hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.