Modesto Dissolution Records

Dissolution of marriage records for Modesto are maintained by the Stanislaus County Superior Court. Modesto is the county seat with over 218,000 residents. All dissolution cases filed by Modesto residents go through the county court at 1021 I Street. The court stores complete case files including petitions, responses, financial documents, and final judgments. You can search for these records online using the county's portal at stanportal.stanct.org or request certified copies from the court records department by visiting in person or mailing a request to the courthouse.

Stanislaus County Superior Court

Modesto residents file dissolution cases with Stanislaus County Superior Court. The courthouse is at 1021 I Street in Modesto. The county handles all family law filings. Modesto is the county seat. Call (209) 525-5250 for records questions.

Stanislaus County has an online portal for case searches. You can search by name or case number. The portal shows filing dates and status. For certified copies, contact the court records department. The court keeps all case files with petitions, responses, and judgments.

Most records are public unless sealed. You can request copies of any document. The online portal helps you locate cases before requesting copies.

Filing Process

To file in Modesto, meet residency rules. One spouse must have lived in California for six months. You must have lived in Stanislaus County for three months. File a petition with the court. The fee is around $435 to $450.

Fee waivers exist for low income. Use form FL-100. Serve your spouse after filing. They have 30 days to respond. California requires a six-month wait from service. The final judgment ends the marriage. All forms are free on the California Courts website.

Temporary orders can be requested during the case. The court processes all dissolution cases for Modesto residents through the county system.

Legal Help

Modesto has legal aid. Legal Services of Northern California serves Stanislaus County. They offer free help to low-income residents. Call to see if you qualify. The Self-Help Center provides form assistance at the courthouse.

For attorneys, contact the Stanislaus County Bar Association. Many offer reduced rates. Community organizations provide support for dissolution cases. The Modesto Public Library has legal resources.

Self-help centers explain procedures and help with forms. Staff cannot give legal advice but can guide you through the process.

What Files Show

Files include all documents. The petition starts the case. The response shows the other position. Disclosures reveal assets and debts. Agreements detail resolutions. The judgment is the final order ending the marriage.

A certified judgment is what most need. Use it for name changes or proof of status. The clerk makes copies. The fee is $15 for the first pages, plus $0.50 per page. Some data is redacted including Social Security numbers and account numbers.

If you were a party, you can get full copies. Third parties get public versions with redactions.

Online Search

Stanislaus County offers an online portal for searching. Search by name or case number. See filing dates and status. The system is free. Online search helps locate cases before ordering.

It does not provide certified copies. Contact the court for official documents. Write down the case number when found. Recent cases appear quickly in the system.

Fees and Times

Stanislaus County charges standard fees. Certified copies cost $15 plus $0.50 per page. In-person requests process faster than mail. Expect two to four weeks for mail requests.

No search fee with a case number. Confirm fees before submitting. Call (209) 525-5250 to verify current rates.

Nearby California Cities

Modesto is the largest city in Stanislaus County. Residents of nearby cities can check with their county court.