Contra Costa Dissolution of Marriage Records

Dissolution of marriage records in Contra Costa County are maintained by the Superior Court at 725 Court Street, Room 103, in Martinez. The court serves major cities like Concord, Antioch, Richmond, Walnut Creek, and other communities throughout the county. All case files include petitions, responses, financial disclosures, settlement agreements, and final judgments. You can search for dissolution cases through the county's Odyssey Portal or visit the clerk's office to request certified copies. Office hours run from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday. Most dissolution records are public and accessible to anyone.

Contra Costa Superior Court Information

The main courthouse for family law records is at 725 Court Street, Room 103, Martinez, CA 94553. Call (925) 608-1000 for general inquiries. The clerk's office is open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays. Contra Costa County uses the Odyssey Portal for online case searches. Visit odyportal.cc-courts.org/portal to access the public search system.

The portal allows you to search by party name or case number. Enter your search terms and the system displays matching cases. You can view filing dates, case status, and party names. Some document information may also be available through the portal. The system does not provide full copies of documents, so you must request certified copies from the clerk if you need official records.

For more information about court records policies, visit contracosta.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil/court-records. This page explains how to access records, what types of documents are available, and current fee schedules. The site also provides links to forms and instructions for requesting copies.

In-person visits allow you to speak directly with clerk staff. Bring identification and the case number or names of both parties. Staff can search for your case and make copies while you wait if the request is straightforward. Complex searches or requests for many documents may require additional time or a return visit.

Fees for Dissolution Records

A certified copy of a dissolution judgment costs $15 in Contra Costa County. This fee includes the certification and the document itself. Extra pages beyond what is included cost $0.50 each. Copies of other documents from your case file follow the same per-page pricing. The court accepts multiple payment methods including cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. Verify current payment options before your visit.

Search fees apply if the clerk must spend extensive time locating your case. The standard search fee is $15 for searches exceeding 10 minutes. Providing the case number or full names of both parties helps avoid this fee. Online searches through the Odyssey Portal are free and do not require payment.

Mail requests take longer than in-person visits. Include a check or money order payable to the Superior Court of California. Write a clear description of what records you need. Include the case number or both parties' names. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of your copies. Processing time for mail requests typically ranges from two to four weeks depending on the clerk's workload.

Using the Odyssey Portal

Contra Costa County provides free online case searches through its Odyssey Portal. You do not need to register or create an account. Go to the portal website and select the search option. Enter a party name to find all cases involving that person. Or enter a case number if you already have it. The system will display results that match your search.

Click on a case to see more details. The portal shows the case number, filing date, case type, and names of both parties. You can view the current case status and see if the case is still open or has been closed. Some portals display upcoming hearing dates and recent orders. Check what information is available in the Contra Costa system when you search.

The online portal is updated regularly, but same-day filings may not appear immediately. Allow a few business days for new cases to be indexed in the system. Use the case number from your online search when requesting certified copies. This ensures accuracy and speeds up the process when you contact the clerk's office.

Note: Online case information is for reference only and is not certified for legal use.

Filing for Dissolution in Contra Costa County

Residency requirements must be met before you can file in Contra Costa County. You or your spouse must have lived in California for at least six months. You must also have lived in Contra Costa County for at least three months. These rules come from state law and apply to all California counties. Once you meet the requirements, file your petition at the courthouse in Martinez.

The filing fee is approximately $435 to $450. Pay this when you submit your petition. If you cannot afford the fee, request a fee waiver. Complete the waiver forms that ask about your income, expenses, and assets. The court will review your application and decide if you qualify. Many people in Contra Costa County receive fee waivers based on financial hardship.

California is a no-fault state. You do not have to prove that your spouse did something wrong. Most people file based on irreconcilable differences. This ground means that you and your spouse cannot get along and the marriage cannot be saved. The court does not consider fault when dividing property or deciding support in Contra Costa County or anywhere else in California.

After you file the petition, you must serve it on your spouse. California law requires that someone other than you deliver the papers. Use a professional process server, the sheriff's department, or any adult who is not part of your case. The server gives the papers to your spouse and then fills out a Proof of Service form. File this form with the court to show that service was completed. The six-month waiting period starts from the date of service. The court cannot finalize your dissolution until this period ends. During the wait, work on agreements for property division, spousal support, and child custody if applicable.

Major Cities in Contra Costa County

Contra Costa County includes several large cities. Residents of these cities file dissolution cases at the Contra Costa County Superior Court. Major cities include Concord, Antioch, Richmond, Walnut Creek, Pittsburg, San Ramon, and Brentwood. All residents use the same county court system regardless of which city they live in. The courthouse in Martinez handles family law matters for the entire county.

Surrounding Counties

Contra Costa County is located in the East Bay region. If your dissolution was filed in a neighboring county, contact that court directly. Alameda County sits to the south. Solano County is to the north. Sacramento County lies to the northeast. San Joaquin County borders Contra Costa to the east. Each county maintains its own court records system.