What type of cases are handled in the San Diego County Family Law Court?
The San Diego County Family Law court handles all cases concerning family-related matters and domestic relations including dissolution of marriage (divorce), legal separation, domestic violence, spousal support, child visitation and custody, child support and restraining orders. All of these matters are handled in the Family Law Division of San Diego Superior Court.
San Diego Superior Court serves the following cities/towns: Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Coronado, Del Mar, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, National City, Oceanside, Poway, San Diego, San Marcos, Santee, Solana Beach, Vista, 4S Ranch, Alpine, Ballena, Barrett Junction, Blossom Valley, Bonita, Bonsall, Borrego Springs, Bostonia, Boulevard, Camp Pendleton North, Camp Pendleton South, Campo, Canebrake, Casa de Oro-Mount Helix, Crest, Dehesa, Del Dios, De Luz, Descanso, Dulzura, Elfin Forest, Eucalyptus Hills, Fairbanks Ranch, Fallbrook, Fernbrook, Flinn Springs, Four Corners, Granite Hills, Guatay, Harbison Canyon, Harmony Grove, Hidden Meadows, Jacumba, Jamul, Julian, Kentwood-In-The-Pines, La Presa, Lake Morena Village, Lake San Marcos, Lakeside, Lincoln Acres, Live Oak Springs, Mount Laguna, Oak Grove, Ocotillo Wells, Pala, Pauma Valley, Pine Hills, Pine Valley, Potrero, Rainbow, Ramona, Ranchita, Rancho San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe.
Will my court case records be made public?
In most instances, yes it will. Every court file and order becomes public record. Any individual can go to the San Diego Superior Court and request to see any record.
There are 3 exceptions. First, if the case itself is confidential (ie. juvenile (under 18 years) case, or an adoption). Second exception is the confidential portion of a family law file, an example would be child custody evaluations and recommendations. The third exception is when a party requests and is granted an order to mark a document as confidenial or sealed. If you are unsure about what is confidential and what is not, ask the San Diego Superior Court clerk.
Can I hire an attorney to represent me?
Yes, by law you are allowed to hire an attorney to represent you and offer you legal advice.
Who can I ask if I have questions about my case?
The best place to seek answers for your case specific questions is the San Diego Superior Court Clerk. Every court has a clerk whose job it is maintain the files and records of the court. They are also available to provide information and assist you with manners regarding your case. This is often the best place to seek answers for your particular matter. NOTE: The court clerk is only able to give legal information, they are not able to give legal advice. If you need legal advice you need to contact an attorney.
What are the requirements for filing for Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce) in San Diego Superior Court?
In the state of California, there is a residency requirement where you or your spouse must have lived in California for the last six (6) months, and have lived in San Diego County for the last three (3) months in order to file for divorce in San Diego County.
What is a Family Law Facilator and what do they do?
A Family Law Facilitator is a licensed attorney who acts a neutral third party who can further assist you with your Family Law matters. Every county in California now provides this free legal service. Please contact the San Diego Superior Court (see contact info on this page) to find out if your county provides a Family Law Facilitator. A Family Law Facilitator is able to provide general legal information, assistance in filling out court forms, and answer general legal questions. The Family Law Facilitator is NOT your attorney, NOTE: The Family Law Facilitator is only able to give legal information, they are not able to give legal advice. If you need legal advice you need to contact an attorney.
How do a file my Family Law case?
As each case is different and requires different forms, you will need to contact the court to see which forms are applicable for the case you are filing. If you need assistance in filing or legal advice you will need to contact an attorney, the court will only provide you with legal information. Legal information, such as the information on the website is NOT legal advice. Only a licensed attorney can provide legal advice. NOTE: Be very careful when filling out the forms, verifying all information including names are correct, even a small mispelling of a name can cause delays in your case. You should also make copies of all documents for your own personal records.
San Diego Superior Court Family Law Locations
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Family Court
Address: 1555 Sixth Ave. San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: Monday through Thurday 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Ex parte Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Family Law Phone: (619) 450-7777
Calendar Department Phone: (619) 450-7770
Ex parte Phone: (619) 450-7789
Family Court Services Phone: (619) 450-7888 -
Madge Bradley
Address: 1409 Fourth Ave. San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m
Ex parte Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Domestic Violence Phone: (619) 450-7575
Family Law Annex Phone: (619) 450-7575
Ex parte Phone: (619) 450-7789 -
East County Regional Center
Address: 250 East Main St El Cajon, CA 92020
Hours: Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m
Ex parte Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Family Law Phone: (619) 456-4100
Ex parte Phone: (619) 456-4107
Family Court Services Phone: (619) 456-4181 -
North County Regional Center
Address: 325 South Melrose Vista, CA 92081
Hours: Monday through Thurday 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Ex parte Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Family Law Phone: (760) 201-8600 x140
Ex parte Phone: (760) 201-8176
Family Court Services Phone: (760) 201-8300 -
South County Regional Center
Address: 500 3rd Ave. Chula Vista, CA 91910
Hours: Monday through Thurday 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Ex parte Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. Wednesday 1:30 p.m.
Family Law Phone: (619) 746-6200
Family Court Services Phone: (619) 746-6097
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