Santa Ana Dissolution Records

Dissolution of marriage records for Santa Ana residents are kept at the Orange County Superior Court. Santa Ana is the county seat with over 310,000 people. All dissolution cases filed by Santa Ana residents go through the county court at 341 The City Drive South. The court maintains complete case files including petitions, responses, and final judgments you can search or request.

Orange County Superior Court

Santa Ana residents file dissolution cases with Orange County Superior Court. The main courthouse is at 341 The City Drive South in Orange. Santa Ana is the county seat, so many court services are located here. The county handles all family law filings. Call (657) 622-8457 for records.

Orange County has an online case access system. Search for dissolution cases by name or case number. The system shows filing dates and status. For certified copies, contact Family Law Records. Mail orders take 30 to 45 days.

The court keeps all case files. Files include petitions, responses, disclosures, and judgments. Most records are public unless sealed. You can request copies of any document.

Filing for Dissolution

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

Fee waivers exist for low income. Use standard California forms. Form FL-100 is the main petition. All forms are free online. 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. Temporary orders can address custody or support during the case.

Legal Help in Santa Ana

Santa Ana has legal aid groups. Legal Aid Society of Orange County offers free help. Call (714) 571-5200 for eligibility. The Self-Help Center provides free form assistance.

Orange County Bar Association has a lawyer referral service. Many attorneys offer reduced initial rates. Community organizations provide support for dissolution cases.

The Santa Ana Public Library has legal resources. Several groups help with domestic violence and family law issues. These connect you with resources throughout the county.

What Files Contain

Files in Orange County include all case documents. The petition starts the case. The response shows the other party's position. Disclosures reveal assets and debts. Agreements detail resolutions. The judgment is the final order.

A certified judgment copy is what most need. Use it for name changes or proof of status. The clerk makes certified copies. The fee is $15 for the first pages, plus $0.50 per page.

Some data is redacted. Social Security numbers are removed. Account numbers are blacked out. Parties can get full copies. Third parties get public versions.

Online Search

Orange County offers online case access. Search by name or case number. See filing dates and status. The system is free for basic searches.

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.

Costs and Times

Orange County charges standard fees. Certified copies cost $15 plus $0.50 per page. In-person requests may process same day. Mail takes 30 to 45 days.

No search fee with a case number. Confirm fees before submitting requests. Call (657) 622-8457 for current rates.

Other Orange County Cities

Other cities file with the same court.