Divorce records in San Mateo County, California, are available through several channels: online tools, the court that issued the decision, the county clerk's office, and the state vital records department. SanMateoCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about divorce records in this county. Additionally, records are maintained by the Superior Court of San Mateo County, and divorce certificates for certain years are held by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH-VR). An in-person visit to the court's records management department or a mail request are additional options for obtaining copies.
San Mateo Divorce Records Search
In California, divorce cases are handled by the Superior Court — the only trial court in each county. The Family Law Division of the Superior Court of San Mateo County maintains all materials: divorce decrees, property settlement agreements, child custody and support orders, as well as related procedural documents.
The court's Records Management department stores court files and provides copies. Cases filed after 2000 can be viewed electronically. For older cases, contact the clerk directly.
CDPH-VR maintains a limited array of records: only from 1962 to June 1984, and only in index form — without the full text of the decision.
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in San Mateo
When a judge signs a divorce decree, the clerk of the Superior Court enters it into the registry. This court is the official custodian of the complete court file — from the petition to the final decree. If you need specific documents from the case (e.g., a property settlement agreement or custody order), contact the court.
The state vital records department performs a different function. CDPH-VR issues divorce certificates, but only for the period 1962–June 1984. These certificates confirm the fact of divorce but do not contain details of property division or custody terms.
Where to go depends on what you need:
- Complete court file (decrees, agreements, orders) — Superior Court of San Mateo County
- Divorce certificate (1962–1984) — CDPH-VR
- Marriage, birth, death certificates — County Recorder's office (the court does not issue these documents)
Superior Court of San Mateo County
California Department of Public Health – Vital Records
Parties representing themselves in family law cases can request electronic access to their files through the court portal.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in San Mateo
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (first 10 pages) — Superior Court | $0.50 per page | During visit or 5–10 business days by mail |
| Certified copy of court document — Superior Court | $25 per document (plus copying cost) | During visit or 5–10 business days by mail |
| Divorce certificate (1962–1984) — CDPH-VR | $13 | Approximately 2–3 weeks by mail |