Monterey County Dissolution Records

Dissolution of marriage records in Monterey County are maintained at the Superior Court at 1200 Aguajito Road in Monterey. Call (831) 647-5800 for general information. The court provides an online portal for case searches and a self-help center. Certified dissolution decrees cost $15 plus copy fees. Search fees are $15 if staff spend over 10 minutes. Monterey County serves communities including Salinas and the Monterey Peninsula. Most dissolution records are public and accessible through online searches or in-person requests. Anyone can get these docs if the case is not sealed. The court office is on the first floor, and staff can tell you where to find what you need.

Monterey Superior Court

1200 Aguajito Road, Monterey, CA 93940. Call (831) 647-5800. Visit www.monterey.courts.ca.gov/divisions/records/civilfamilyprobate-court-records to learn about court records. The records division helps with civil, family law, and probate case searches.

The courthouse handles all dissolution filings for Monterey County. You need to know at least one party name or the case number. Staff search through case files if you provide details. They look for old cases and new ones. The office hours run from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays. Bring valid ID and cash or check if you plan to buy copies. The office uses a case management system. You can track case progress through that system.

Online portal at portal.monterey.courts.ca.gov/search lets you search by name or number.

The portal shows basic case info and filing dates. Some docs are available to view and print. You can see party names, attorney info, and hearing dates. Not all docs appear in the online system. Older cases may have limited electronic records. For complete files, request them in person or by mail.

Self-Help Resources

Monterey County offers a self-help center at the court. Staff answer questions about forms. They do not give legal advice but can help you fill out paperwork. The center has computers and printers for public use. You can get info about fee waivers, service requirements, and filing deadlines. Check www.monterey.courts.ca.gov/self-help for hours and services.

Legal aid groups serve low-income residents in Monterey County. These groups help with dissolution cases involving property division, child custody, or support issues. Call to see if you qualify for free or low-cost legal help. Some groups handle cases for victims of domestic violence.

Fees and Copies

A certified copy of a dissolution decree costs $15. That fee covers the certification and includes some pages. Each extra page costs $0.50. If staff must search for more than 10 minutes, there is a $15 search fee. Public agency requests get a lower rate of $10 for certification. The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit cards work for some transactions. Make checks out to Monterey Superior Court.

Mail requests need a written statement with party names and case details. Include a check for the copy fee and a stamped return envelope. Processing can take two to four weeks. In-person requests are faster. You can wait while staff pull the file and make copies.

Filing a Dissolution

To file for dissolution in Monterey County, you must meet residency rules. Live in California for six months. Live in Monterey County for three months. Filing fees run from $435 to $450. You may get a fee waiver if you qualify. California uses no-fault dissolution. File based on irreconcilable differences or permanent legal incapacity to make decisions.

The process starts with a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Serve the papers to your spouse. File a Proof of Service with the court. Wait six months from the date of service before the court can finalize the dissolution. During that time, file financial disclosures and any needed motions. Attend hearings if the court schedules them.

Note: Monterey County requires all family law filings to use state judicial council forms, which are available online or at the courthouse.

Cities in County

Monterey County includes Salinas. All residents file at Monterey County Superior Court.

Nearby Counties

Santa Cruz County to the north. San Benito County to the east. San Luis Obispo County to the south.