Family Law Courthouse

What forms do I need to file my Family Law case?

Different forms are required for different case types, contact the court to see which forms are required for your case type. 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. You may also be able to get assistance from the Superior Court of California Santa Barbara Family Law Facilitator (see Family Law Facilitator section below). Legal information, such as the information on the website is NOT legal advice. Only an attorney can provide legal advice. NOTE: Take special care when filling out the forms, verify all information, including names are correct, a small typo can possibly delay your case. Always keep copies of all documents for your own records.

What is a Family Law Facilator?

Superior Court of California Santa Barbara provides a Family Law Facilitator who is a licensed attorney. They act as neutral third party who can further assist you with your Family Law matters. Please contact the Superior Court of California Santa Barbara (see contact info on this page) to find out how to meet with 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.

Are my court case records public?

For the most part, yes. Every court order and file are public record. Any person can go to the Superior Court of California Santa Barbara and request to see any court 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 Superior Court of California Santa Barbara clerk.

What type of cases are handled in the Santa Barbara County Family Law Court?

The Santa Barbara County Family Law court handles all cases concerning family-related matters and domestic relations including legal separation, domestic violence, spousal support, dissolution of marriage (divorce), child visitation and custody, child support and restraining orders. All of these matters are handled in the Superior Court of California Santa Barbara Family Law Division.

Superior Court of California Santa Barbara serves the following cities and towns: Ballard, Buellton, Carpinteria, Casmalia, Cuyama, Garey, Gaviota, Goleta, Guadalupe, Hollister Ranch, Hope Ranch, Isla Vista, Lompoc, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Mission Canyon, Mission Hills, Montecito, New Cuyama, Orcutt, Painted Cave, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Santa Ynez, Sisquoc, Solvang, Summerland, Surf, Toro Canyon, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Vandenberg Village, Ventucopa.

Who can I ask if I have questions about my case?

For legal information specific to your case, see Family Law Facilitator information above. For general court or case information, the best place to seek answers is the Superior Court of California Santa Barbara Clerk. The job of the court clerk is to 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.

Are there any requirements for filing for Divorce in Superior Court of California Santa Barbara?

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 Santa Barbara County for the last three (3) months.

Can I hire an attorney?

Yes, you can hire an attorney to represent you, but you are not required to do so.

Superior Court of California Santa Barbara Family Law Locations

• Anacapa Division

  Address: 1100 Anacapa Street P.O. Box 21107 Santa Barbara, CA 93121-1107
  Phone: (805) 882-4667
  Family Court Services Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
  Family Law Facilitator Phone: (805) 882-4660

• Santa Maria Division

  Mailing Address: 312-C East Cook Street Santa Maria, CA 93454
  Physical Address: 312-C East Cook Street Building E Santa Maria, CA
  Phone: 614-6429
  Family Law Facilitator Phone: 614-6442
  Office/Phone Hours: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm

• Lompoc Division

  Address: 115 Civic Center Plaza Lompoc, CA
  Phone: 805-737-5452