El Dorado County Dissolution Records

Dissolution of marriage records for El Dorado County are stored at the Superior Court located at 2850 Fairlane Court in Placerville. The court maintains complete case files that include all petitions, responses, financial disclosures, settlement agreements, and final judgments for dissolution cases filed in this county. You can request records by calling (530) 621-5047 or visiting the courthouse during business hours from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM Monday through Friday. El Dorado County serves communities throughout the Sierra Nevada foothills and the Lake Tahoe region. Most dissolution records are public documents that anyone can access.

El Dorado County Superior Court

The courthouse is at 2850 Fairlane Court, Placerville, CA 95667. Call (530) 621-5047 to reach the clerk's office. Staff work from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM Monday through Friday. The court provides information about record searches and requests on its website at www.eldorado.courts.ca.gov/online-services/record-search-requests.

El Dorado County handles dissolution cases from communities throughout the county. This includes areas near Placerville, South Lake Tahoe, and other foothill towns. All case files are maintained at the courthouse in Placerville. The court does not currently offer a full online case search portal, so most searches must be done by staff or in person. Contact the clerk's office with your case number or the names of both parties to start a search.

In-person visits allow you to work directly with court staff. Bring identification and any information you have about the case. The clerk can search the files and make copies while you wait for simple requests. More complex searches or requests for older records may take additional time. Plan your visit during the courthouse's open hours and allow time for the search and copying process.

Cost of Dissolution Records

El Dorado County charges standard California court fees. A certified copy of a dissolution judgment costs $15. This includes the certification and the first few pages. Additional pages cost $0.50 each. Other documents from your case file are copied at the same per-page rate. The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Verify payment methods before your visit.

Search fees apply if staff must spend more than 10 minutes looking for your case. The search fee is $15. Bring the case number or both parties' full names to avoid this fee or reduce search time. Mail requests take longer than in-person visits. Include a check or money order payable to the Superior Court of California. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope so the clerk can return your copies. Processing time for mail requests varies but typically takes two to four weeks.

How to Access Records

El Dorado County offers several ways to request dissolution records. You can visit the courthouse in person, call the clerk's office, or send a written request by mail. Each method has different advantages depending on your situation and location.

In-person visits work best for people who live near Placerville. You can speak directly with staff and receive copies the same day for simple requests. Bring all known information about the case including the case number, party names, and filing date. Staff will search the files and make copies for you. Pay the fees at the counter before you leave with your documents.

Phone inquiries help you confirm that the court has your case before you visit or send a payment. Call (530) 621-5047 and ask about records requests. Staff can tell you what information they need and give you an estimate of the cost. However, you still need to submit a formal request and payment to receive copies. Phone calls are useful for getting details about the process before you take the next step.

Mail requests offer convenience if you live far from El Dorado County. Write a letter that includes the case number or both parties' full names. Describe which documents you need from the case file. Include a check or money order for the estimated cost. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail your request to Superior Court of California, 2850 Fairlane Court, Placerville, CA 95667. Wait two to four weeks for a response. Follow up by phone if you do not receive your copies within a month.

Filing for Dissolution in El Dorado County

Residency requirements must be met before filing in El Dorado County. You or your spouse must have lived in California for six months and in El Dorado County for 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 Placerville.

The filing fee is approximately $435 to $450. Pay this when you submit your paperwork. If you cannot afford the fee, request a fee waiver. Fill out the forms that ask about your income, expenses, and assets. A judge will review your application and decide if you qualify. Many people in El Dorado County receive waivers based on limited financial resources.

California is a no-fault state for dissolution cases. You do not need to prove that your spouse did something wrong. Most people file based on irreconcilable differences. This ground means you and your spouse have problems that cannot be fixed. The court does not assign blame when dividing property or setting support amounts. These no-fault principles apply in El Dorado County just as they do throughout California.

After filing, serve the papers on your spouse. Someone other than you must deliver the documents. Use a process server, sheriff, or any adult who is not involved in the case. The server fills out a Proof of Service form that you file with the court. This shows that service was completed. California requires a six-month waiting period from the date of service. The court cannot finalize your dissolution until this period passes. Use the waiting time to work out agreements on property division, spousal support, and child custody.

Dissolution Cases in El Dorado County

El Dorado County covers a large geographic area from the foothills near Placerville to the Lake Tahoe basin. The county serves both rural and resort communities. All dissolution cases are handled at the courthouse in Placerville regardless of where you live in the county. The court follows California's community property rules when dividing assets. Property acquired during the marriage is split equally in most cases. Separate property stays with the spouse who owned it before marriage or received it by gift or inheritance.

Support calculations follow state guidelines. The court considers factors like income, earning capacity, and length of marriage when deciding spousal support. Child support is calculated using a statewide formula that looks at parental income and the amount of time each parent has with the children. Custody decisions focus on the best interest of the children. These principles apply in every California county including El Dorado.

Surrounding Counties

El Dorado County is located in the Sierra Nevada region. Several neighboring counties may be relevant if your dissolution was filed elsewhere. Placer County sits to the west. Sacramento County is to the southwest. Amador County lies to the south. Alpine County borders El Dorado to the southeast. Each county maintains its own court system and records. Contact the appropriate county if your case was filed in one of these jurisdictions.