Divorce records in Marin County, California, are available through several channels. MarinCourt.us allows you to quickly find publicly available information about divorce records. Additionally, court documents are maintained by the Marin County Superior Court, and divorce certificates can be ordered through the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The court clerk's office and the state vital records office are the primary official sources for obtaining copies.
Marin Divorce Records Search
Divorce cases in Marin County are handled by the Superior Court of California, County of Marin. The court clerk's office maintains complete case files: divorce decrees, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and related procedural documents.
Basic case information — party names, hearing dates, case type — can be checked through the ePortal of the Superior Court. The portal allows searches by case number or participant name. To obtain physical copies, you need to contact the court records department.
Separate from court materials, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) maintains a registry of divorce certificates for divorces filed in the state since 1962. A certificate is a shortened document that confirms the fact of divorce but does not contain details of the settlement or court decision.
Marin County Superior Court — Court Records & Exhibits
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Marin
In California, all divorce cases (dissolution of marriage) are filed with the Superior Court of the county where one of the spouses resides. In Marin County, this means that the petition and all related documents are filed with the Marin County Superior Court clerk's office.
After the court's judgment, the original remains in the court file. The court also notifies the CDPH, which registers the divorce in its statewide registry. Therefore, there are two different documents, and the choice depends on the purpose of the request:
- Full court judgment, property settlement agreement, custody orders — contact the Marin County Superior Court clerk's office. Requests are made via a special court records request form or in person in Room 113.
- Divorce certificate — order through CDPH. This document is usually needed to confirm marital status for remarriage or for government agencies.
Marin County Superior Court
California Department of Public Health — Vital Records
Through the court's public portal, you can view general case information online, but obtaining certified copies of documents requires a written request or a personal visit. According to California's judicial branch public access rules, most family cases are publicly accessible, but certain documents — including financial declarations — may be confidential.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Marin
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (uncertified), first 10 pages | $0.50 per page | During visit or 5–10 business days by mail |
| Certified copy of court document | $0.50 per page + $40 for certification | 5–10 business days |
| Divorce certificate (CDPH, by mail) | $18 | Approximately 14–20 business days |
| Record search in CDPH registry (if exact date unknown) | Included in $18 | May take additional time |