Shasta County Divorce Records
What Are Shasta County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Shasta County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to California Family Code § 2300, which governs the dissolution of marriage in the state. Divorce records consist of various court filings, judgments, and certificates that document the legal termination of a marital relationship.
The Superior Court of California, County of Shasta maintains divorce case files as part of its official court records. These documents typically include:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response to petition
- Financial disclosures
- Child custody and support agreements
- Property division settlements
- Final judgment of dissolution
Divorce records serve multiple important purposes:
- Legal proof of marital status change
- Documentation required for remarriage
- Evidence for name change processes
- Verification for Social Security benefits
- Supporting documentation for loan applications
- Required evidence for immigration matters
- Historical and genealogical research
The California Department of Public Health also maintains a Certificate of Record of Divorce for each divorce finalized in Shasta County, which serves as an official verification that a divorce was granted, including the names of parties and date of dissolution.
Are Shasta County Divorce Records Public?
Shasta County divorce records have a complex public access status governed by both the California Public Records Act and specific provisions in the California Family Code. The accessibility of these records varies depending on the type of document and the requesting party's relationship to the case.
Court divorce case files maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Shasta are generally considered public records. Members of the public may access:
- Case indexes listing parties' names
- Basic case information
- Most court filings and judgments
- Court hearing schedules
However, certain components of divorce files may be restricted from public view, including:
- Financial declarations and tax returns
- Social Security numbers and financial account information
- Records involving minor children
- Domestic violence restraining orders
- Sealed records by court order
In contrast, certified divorce certificates (Certificate of Record) maintained by the Shasta County Clerk-Recorder have restricted access under California Health and Safety Code § 103526. Only the following individuals may obtain authorized copies:
- The parties named in the divorce record
- Parents or legal guardians of the named parties
- Children, siblings, grandparents, or grandchildren of the named parties
- Parties entitled to receive the record as a result of a court order
- Law enforcement or government agency representatives conducting official business
- Attorneys representing the named parties or their estates
All other individuals may only obtain informational copies clearly marked "NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY."
How To Find a Divorce Record In Shasta County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Shasta County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the type of record needed and the requester's relationship to the case.
For court case files related to divorce proceedings:
- Visit the Shasta County Superior Court Records Department in person:
Superior Court of California, County of Shasta
1500 Court Street, Room 319
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 245-6789
Superior Court of California, County of Shasta
-
Submit a written request by mail including:
- Names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce filing
- Case number (if known)
- Requester's contact information
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for response
- Applicable search and copy fees
-
Use the court's online case information system to locate basic case information and verify the existence of records before requesting copies.
For certified copies of divorce certificates (Certificate of Record):
- Visit the Shasta County Clerk-Recorder's Office:
Shasta County Clerk-Recorder
1643 Market Street
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 225-5730
Shasta County Clerk-Recorder
-
Submit a completed Application for Certified Copy of Record of Divorce form with:
- Notarized sworn statement (for authorized copies)
- Copy of government-issued identification
- Applicable fees ($15 per copy currently)
- Self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting by mail
-
Request records from the California Department of Public Health for divorces occurring from 1962-1984, as these are maintained at the state level.
All requests must include payment of applicable fees, which may be subject to change. Current fee schedules are available on the respective agency websites.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Shasta County Online?
Shasta County provides limited online access to divorce records through several digital platforms. While comprehensive divorce case files are not available for complete download, the following online resources assist in locating and verifying divorce records:
The Shasta County Superior Court Case Index Search allows users to:
- Search for divorce cases by party name
- View basic case information including:
- Case number
- Filing date
- Case type
- Party names
- Case status
- Scheduled hearings
To use this system:
- Navigate to the court's official website
- Select "Case Index Search" from the online services menu
- Enter search criteria (last name, first name)
- Review results to identify relevant cases
- Note the case number for further inquiries
The Shasta County Recorder's Self Service Portal provides an index of recorded documents that may include:
- Marriage licenses
- Judgments of dissolution
- Name change orders
To utilize this system:
- Access the Recorder's official website
- Select "Public Records Search"
- Enter search parameters (name, date range)
- Review index results
Important limitations of online access include:
- Full case documents are not available for download
- Certified copies cannot be obtained online
- Older records may not be included in digital databases
- Confidential or sealed records are excluded from online access
- User fees may apply for certain searches
For complete divorce records, individuals must follow up with in-person or mail requests to the appropriate county office after identifying records through online systems.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Shasta County?
Members of the public seeking to access divorce records in Shasta County without incurring fees have several limited options available. While obtaining copies typically involves payment, the following methods allow for free record verification or viewing:
- In-person case review at the courthouse:
Superior Court of California, County of Shasta
1500 Court Street, Room 319
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 245-6789
Superior Court of California, County of Shasta
Public terminals at the courthouse allow visitors to:
- Search the case index without charge
- View basic case information
- Review non-confidential case documents on-site
- Take notes on case details
Public counter hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (excluding court holidays)
- Online case index search:
- The court's online case information system provides free access to basic case information
- Users can verify the existence of divorce cases and obtain case numbers
- Limited information is available without subscription fees
- Public law libraries:
Shasta County Public Law Library
1500 Court Street, Room 311
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 245-6400
The law library provides:
- Free access to legal research materials
- Assistance locating court records
- Information on the divorce process
- Self-help resources
Important limitations to free access include:
- Copy fees still apply (typically $0.50-$1.00 per page)
- Certification fees cannot be waived for official copies
- Staff assistance for extensive searches may incur fees
- Time restrictions may apply for public terminal use
- Some records may only be available in physical form requiring copy fees
Pursuant to Government Code § 68150, courts are required to provide reasonable access to records but may charge fees to recover the direct cost of duplication.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Shasta County
Divorce records in Shasta County comprise multiple document types that collectively document the legal dissolution of marriage. The content and scope of these records vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether children or significant assets were involved.
A complete divorce case file typically contains:
-
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (FL-100)
- Summons (FL-110)
- Response to Petition (FL-120)
- Proof of Service of Summons (FL-115)
-
Financial Disclosures:
- Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140)
- Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)
- Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142)
- Property Declaration (FL-160)
-
Child-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (FL-105)
- Child Custody and Visitation Application (FL-311)
- Child Support Information and Order Attachment (FL-342)
- Income Withholding for Support (FL-195)
-
Settlement Documents:
- Marital Settlement Agreement
- Stipulation for Judgment
- Property division agreements
- Spousal support arrangements
-
Final Judgment:
- Judgment of Dissolution (FL-180)
- Notice of Entry of Judgment (FL-190)
- Status-only termination orders
-
Post-Judgment Modifications (if applicable):
- Requests for Order (FL-300)
- Responsive declarations
- Modified judgments
The Certificate of Record of Divorce maintained by the County Recorder contains more limited information:
- Full names of both parties
- Date of divorce judgment
- County where divorce was granted
- Court case number
- Date of marriage
- Date of separation (in some cases)
Certain sensitive information is typically redacted or filed confidentially:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Minor children's personal information
- Victim information in domestic violence cases
All divorce records are maintained in accordance with California Rules of Court, Rule 2.550 regarding public access to judicial administrative records.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Shasta County?
Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce in Shasta County have several options for obtaining official documentation. The appropriate method depends on the intended use of the proof and the level of detail required.
For a certified copy of the Certificate of Record of Divorce:
- Submit a completed application to the Shasta County Clerk-Recorder:
Shasta County Clerk-Recorder
1643 Market Street
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 225-5730
Shasta County Clerk-Recorder
Required items include:
- Completed Application for Certified Copy of Record of Divorce
- Notarized sworn statement (for authorized copies)
- Valid government-issued photo identification
- Payment of $15.00 per copy (subject to change)
- For divorces finalized between 1962-1984, request from the California Department of Public Health:
California Department of Public Health - Vital Records
MS 5103
P.O. Box 997410
Sacramento, CA 95899-7410
(916) 445-2684
California Department of Public Health
For certified copies of the Judgment of Dissolution:
- Request from the Shasta County Superior Court:
Superior Court of California, County of Shasta
1500 Court Street, Room 319
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 245-6789
Superior Court of California, County of Shasta
Required items include:
- Case number (if known)
- Names of both parties
- Approximate date of judgment
- Valid identification
- Payment of certification fees ($25.00 for certification plus copy fees)
For international use, documents may require additional authentication:
- Court-certified documents must first receive certification from:
California Secretary of State - Authentication Unit
1500 11th Street, 2nd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 653-3595
California Secretary of State
- For use in countries participating in the Hague Convention, an Apostille may be required, available through the California Secretary of State.
Processing times vary by agency and request method:
- In-person requests: Same day to 3 business days
- Mail requests: 2-4 weeks
- Expedited service: Additional fees may apply
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Shasta County?
While divorce proceedings in Shasta County are generally matters of public record, California law provides several mechanisms through which certain divorce records or portions thereof may be kept confidential. These provisions balance the public's right to access court records with individual privacy interests.
Under California Rules of Court, Rule 2.550, courts may seal records when:
- There exists an overriding interest that overcomes the right of public access
- The overriding interest supports sealing the record
- A substantial probability exists that the overriding interest would be prejudiced without sealing
- The proposed sealing is narrowly tailored
- No less restrictive means exist to achieve the overriding interest
Specific divorce-related documents that may qualify for confidential status include:
- Financial records and tax returns
- Medical and psychological evaluations
- Records containing children's personal information
- Domestic violence and restraining order information
- Paternity test results
- Information that would facilitate identity theft
To request confidentiality for divorce records, parties must:
- File a motion to seal records with the Shasta County Superior Court
- Demonstrate specific facts supporting the request
- Identify precisely which documents should be sealed
- Obtain a court order from the presiding judge
California also offers a Summary Dissolution process under Family Code § 2400, which provides a simplified procedure with potentially less public documentation for couples who:
- Have been married less than 5 years
- Have no children together
- Have limited assets and debts
- Meet other statutory requirements
Additionally, parties may opt for private mediation or collaborative divorce processes that minimize public court filings, though the final judgment must still be filed with the court.
It is important to note that even when records are sealed, certain government agencies may retain access for official purposes, and sealed records may be unsealed by subsequent court order upon showing of good cause.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Shasta County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Shasta County varies significantly based on multiple factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, court caseload, and statutory waiting periods. Under California law, all divorces are subject to a mandatory minimum waiting period.
Pursuant to California Family Code § 2339, a judgment of dissolution cannot be entered until at least six months have passed from:
- The date the respondent was served with the petition, or
- The date the respondent appeared in the case
This six-month period represents the absolute minimum timeframe for any divorce in Shasta County, regardless of circumstances. Beyond this statutory minimum, typical timeframes include:
For uncontested divorces with complete agreement:
- Summary Dissolution: 6-8 months
- Regular uncontested divorce: 6-10 months
- Default divorce (no response filed): 6-12 months
For contested divorces requiring negotiation:
- With eventual settlement: 12-18 months
- Requiring limited court intervention: 18-24 months
- Proceeding to full trial: 24-36+ months
Factors that commonly extend the divorce timeline include:
- Disputes over child custody and visitation
- Complex property division issues
- Business valuation requirements
- Pension and retirement account division
- High-conflict relationships between parties
- Court congestion and scheduling delays
- Incomplete financial disclosures
- Multiple post-filing motions
According to the Judicial Council of California, the median time from filing to disposition for family law cases in California superior courts is approximately 10 months, though Shasta County's specific statistics may vary from this statewide average.
Parties seeking to minimize delays should:
- Complete all required forms accurately
- Provide prompt and complete financial disclosures
- Consider mediation or collaborative divorce approaches
- Respond timely to all court deadlines
- Maintain realistic expectations about outcomes
How Long Does Shasta County Keep Divorce Records?
Shasta County maintains divorce records according to a structured records retention schedule that complies with state law and judicial council guidelines. The retention periods vary based on the type of record and its historical or legal significance.
Under Government Code § 68152, which governs court records retention, divorce case files must be retained for the following minimum periods:
- Complete divorce case files: Minimum of 30 years from date of filing
- Judgments and final orders: Permanently maintained
- Financial declarations: 5 years after final judgment
- Temporary orders: 5 years after final judgment
- Exhibits: 60 days after final disposition (unless returned to parties)
The Shasta County Clerk-Recorder maintains Certificates of Record of Divorce permanently as vital records. These certificates document:
- Names of parties
- Date of divorce
- County of issuance
- Case number
For historical and archival purposes, the following retention practices apply:
- Pre-1960 divorce records: May be transferred to the California State Archives
- Records of significant historical value: May be preserved beyond minimum retention periods
- Microfilmed or digitized records: Original paper records may be destroyed after verification of electronic copies
Access to older records may require:
- Additional search fees
- Extended processing time
- Special handling procedures
- Referral to state archives or historical repositories
Records that have exceeded retention requirements may be:
- Destroyed according to secure destruction protocols
- Transferred to archival facilities
- Converted to electronic format with original paper destroyed
Researchers seeking divorce records older than 30 years should contact:
California State Archives
1020 O Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 653-7715
California State Archives
How To Get a Divorce In Shasta County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Shasta County must follow specific procedures established by California law. The process involves multiple steps and varies depending on the circumstances of the marriage and level of agreement between parties.
To initiate a divorce in Shasta County:
-
Determine eligibility: At least one spouse must have been a California resident for six months and a Shasta County resident for three months immediately preceding the filing, as required by Family Code § 2320.
-
Obtain and complete required forms:
- Petition for Dissolution (FL-100)
- Summons (FL-110)
- Property Declaration (FL-160) if applicable
- Declaration Under UCCJEA (FL-105) if children are involved
-
File documents with the court:
Superior Court of California, County of Shasta - Family Law Division
1500 Court Street, Room 319
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 245-6789
Superior Court of California, County of Shasta
Filing fees (currently $435) apply, though fee waivers are available for qualifying individuals.
-
Serve the divorce papers on the other spouse:
- Service must be performed by someone 18 or older who is not a party to the case
- Personal service or service by mail with Notice and Acknowledgment of Receipt
- Proof of Service must be filed with the court
-
Financial disclosures:
- Preliminary Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140)
- Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)
- Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142)
- Must be exchanged within 60 days of filing the petition
-
Resolution pathways:
- Uncontested: Submit written agreement and judgment forms
- Default: Proceed if spouse does not respond within 30 days
- Contested: Attend mandatory settlement conference and potentially trial
-
Finalize the divorce:
- Submit Judgment of Dissolution (FL-180)
- Notice of Entry of Judgment (FL-190)
- All required attachments regarding property, support, and custody
Alternative processes include:
- Summary Dissolution: Simplified procedure for marriages under 5 years with no children and limited assets
- Mediation: Voluntary process with neutral third party
- Collaborative Divorce: Non-adversarial approach with specially trained attorneys
Free assistance is available through:
Shasta County Family Law Facilitator
1500 Court Street, Room 115
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 245-6900
Shasta County Family Law Facilitator
How To Get Divorce Papers In Shasta County
Individuals seeking to initiate or respond to divorce proceedings in Shasta County have multiple options for obtaining the necessary legal forms. These documents are standardized throughout California and must be completed according to specific guidelines.
The required divorce papers can be obtained through:
- Shasta County Superior Court Self-Help Center:
Shasta County Superior Court Self-Help Center
1500 Court Street, Room 115
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 245-6900
Shasta County Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (excluding court holidays) Services include:
- Free form packets for various divorce situations
- Basic instructions for completion
- Limited assistance with form questions
- Referrals to legal resources
- Online through the California Courts website:
- Visit the California Courts Self-Help Center
- Download fillable PDF forms
- Access step-by-step instructions
- Review informational videos about the process
- Shasta County Law Library:
Shasta County Public Law Library
1500 Court Street, Room 311
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 245-6400
Resources available:
- Form packets with instructions
- Legal reference materials
- Self-help books on divorce procedure
- Public computers for form completion
Essential divorce forms include:
For the filing spouse:
- Petition for Dissolution (FL-100)
- Summons (FL-110)
- Property Declaration (FL-160) if needed
- Declaration Under UCCJEA (FL-105) if children involved
For the responding spouse:
- Response to Petition (FL-120)
- Property Declaration (FL-160) if needed
- Declaration Under UCCJEA (FL-105) if children involved
For both spouses:
- Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140)
- Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)
- Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142)
For finalizing the divorce:
- Judgment of Dissolution (FL-180)
- Notice of Entry of Judgment (FL-190)
- Child Custody and Visitation Order (FL-341) if applicable
- Child Support Information and Order (FL-342) if applicable
- Spousal Support Order (FL-343) if applicable
All forms must be completed with current, accurate information and submitted with the appropriate number of copies. Filing fees apply unless a fee waiver is granted based on financial need.
Lookup Divorce Records in Shasta County
Court Case Records - Superior Court of California, County of Shasta
Shasta County Assessor/Recorder Public Web Self Service
Vital Records Obtaining Certified Copies of Divorce Records - California Department of Public Health