Imperial County Divorce Records
What Are Imperial County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Imperial 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 states that a marriage is dissolved and the parties restored to the status of unmarried persons when the judgment of dissolution becomes final. The Superior Court of California, County of Imperial processes and maintains these records as part of its family law case management system.
Divorce records typically consist of several document types:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Response to Petition
- Financial disclosures
- Marital settlement agreements
- Child custody and support orders
- Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
These records serve multiple important purposes for individuals and government agencies:
- 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 documentation for genealogical research
The California Department of Public Health Vital Records also maintains a statewide index of divorce records that includes basic information about divorces granted in Imperial County since 1962, though these records contain limited information compared to court files.
Are Imperial County Divorce Records Public?
Imperial County divorce records have a complex public access status that varies by document type and information sensitivity. Generally, court case files related to divorce proceedings are considered public records under the California Public Records Act, but with significant exceptions and limitations.
The following aspects of divorce records are typically accessible to the public:
- Basic case information (parties' names, case number, filing date)
- Court hearing dates and times
- Final judgments of dissolution (with certain private information redacted)
- Court orders regarding property division
However, several components of divorce files may be restricted from public access:
- Financial disclosures and tax returns
- Social Security numbers and financial account information
- Records containing minors' identifying information
- Domestic violence restraining orders (in certain circumstances)
- Sealed records by court order pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.550
Certified divorce certificates, which contain only basic information confirming a divorce was granted, have restricted access under California law. Only the following individuals may obtain these certificates:
- The parties to the divorce
- Immediate family members
- Legal representatives of the parties
- Law enforcement agencies
- Individuals with court orders authorizing access
Members of the public seeking divorce record information must typically access these records through the Imperial County Superior Court's case index system or by visiting the courthouse in person.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Imperial County in 2026
Members of the public may locate divorce records in Imperial County through several established channels. The primary methods include:
In-Person Requests at the Superior Court
Individuals may visit the Imperial County Superior Court to search for and request copies of divorce records:
Imperial County Superior Court - El Centro Division
939 W. Main Street
El Centro, CA 92243
760-482-2250
Superior Court of California, County of Imperial
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (excluding court holidays)
Required information for searches includes:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
Online Case Search
The Imperial County Superior Court maintains an online case information system that allows users to search for divorce cases:
- Visit the ROA/Case Lookup portal
- Enter the case number if known, or search by party name
- Review the Register of Actions (ROA) for case information
- Note that complete case documents may not be available online
Mail Requests
Written requests for divorce record searches may be submitted to:
Imperial County Superior Court - Records Division
939 W. Main Street
El Centro, CA 92243
760-482-2250
Mail requests should include:
- Names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Self-addressed stamped envelope
- Applicable search and copy fees
- Contact information for follow-up questions
For certified copies of divorce certificates (not full court files), requests must be directed to:
California Department of Public Health - Vital Records
MS 5103
P.O. Box 997410
Sacramento, CA 95899-7410
California Department of Public Health
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Imperial County Online?
Imperial County provides several digital resources for accessing divorce record information online. The following methods are currently available:
Superior Court Case Index Search
- Navigate to the Imperial County Superior Court's ROA/Case Lookup portal
- No account is required for basic case number searches
- Enter the case number if known (format: FL-XX-XXXXX)
- Review the Register of Actions (ROA) showing filing dates, document types, and hearing dates
- Note that full document images may not be available through this system
Named Party Search
For searches by party name rather than case number:
- Visit the Named Record Searches portal
- Create a user account if you don't already have one
- Log in with your credentials
- Enter the party name (last name, first name)
- Select "Family Law" as the case type
- Review search results showing matching cases
- Note that this search returns only case numbers and filing dates, not document content
Online Case Access for Parties and Attorneys
Parties to a divorce case and their attorneys of record can access more detailed case information:
- Access the Online Case Access portal
- Create an account through the public portal
- Submit verification of identity and case relationship
- Once approved, view detailed case information and some document images
- Download available documents directly from the system
Users should be aware that confidential documents and sealed records will not be accessible through any online system, regardless of user status. Additionally, the online systems may not contain cases filed before the implementation of electronic case management.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Imperial County?
Imperial County residents and other interested parties have several options for accessing basic divorce record information without payment, though fees typically apply for obtaining copies of documents:
Free In-Person Case Index Search
The Imperial County Superior Court provides public access terminals at the courthouse for free case searches:
Imperial County Superior Court - El Centro Division
939 W. Main Street
El Centro, CA 92243
760-482-2250
Superior Court of California, County of Imperial
Public terminal hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (excluding court holidays)
At these terminals, users may:
- Search the court's case management system by party name or case number
- View basic case information and the Register of Actions
- Identify documents filed in the case
- Note document numbers for requesting copies (fees apply for copies)
Free Online Basic Case Information
Basic case information is available without charge through:
- The ROA/Case Lookup system for case number searches
- The court's public portal for creating accounts to access named party searches
While searching is free, users should note:
- Document copies requested online incur fees
- Some searches require creating a free account
- Complete case files are not available through these systems
Law Library Access
The Imperial County Law Library provides public access to legal research materials:
Imperial County Law Library
939 W. Main Street, 2nd Floor
El Centro, CA 92243
760-482-2353
The law library offers:
- Free access to legal databases that may contain published divorce cases
- Reference assistance for locating public records
- Information about the divorce process
- Self-help materials for understanding court records
While these methods provide free access to basic information, fees will apply for obtaining copies of actual divorce documents, certified records, or complete case files.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Imperial County
Divorce records in Imperial County contain comprehensive documentation of the marital dissolution process. Pursuant to California Family Code § 2100, these records must include full disclosure of all assets and liabilities. A complete divorce file typically contains the following components:
Initial Pleadings
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (FL-100)
- Summons (FL-110)
- Response to Petition (FL-120), if filed
- Proof of Service of Summons (FL-115)
- Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (FL-105), if children are involved
Financial Disclosures
- Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140)
- Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)
- Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142)
- Property Declaration (FL-160)
- Tax returns (typically attached to financial disclosures)
Child Custody and Support Documents (if applicable)
- Child Custody and Visitation Application (FL-311)
- Child Support Information and Order Attachment (FL-342)
- Child Support Case Registry Form (FL-191)
- Income Withholding for Support (FL-195)
Resolution Documents
- Marital Settlement Agreement (if reached by parties)
- Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage (FL-180)
- Notice of Entry of Judgment (FL-190)
- Child Custody and Visitation Order Attachment (FL-341)
- Property Order Attachment to Judgment (FL-345)
Procedural Documents
- Request for Order (FL-300) for temporary orders
- Court minutes from hearings
- Declarations and exhibits submitted as evidence
- Proof of service for various documents
- Case management conference statements
Post-Judgment Modifications (if applicable)
- Request for Order to modify support or custody
- Responsive declarations
- Updated financial information
- Modified judgments and orders
The certified divorce certificate issued by the California Department of Public Health contains significantly less information than court files, typically including only:
- Names of both parties
- Date and place of divorce filing
- Date divorce was finalized
- Case number
- County where divorce was granted
Court records may contain sensitive personal and financial information that is protected from public disclosure under various privacy laws and court rules.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Imperial County?
Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce in Imperial County have two primary options for obtaining official documentation:
Certified Copy of Divorce Judgment from Superior Court
The most comprehensive proof of divorce is a certified copy of the Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage from the court:
- Visit or contact the Imperial County Superior Court Records Division:
Imperial County Superior Court - Records Division
939 W. Main Street
El Centro, CA 92243
760-482-2250
Superior Court of California, County of Imperial
-
Provide the following information:
- Case number (if known)
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Valid identification
-
Pay the required certification fee (currently $25.00 for certification plus $0.50 per page for copies)
-
For mail requests, include:
- Written request with case information
- Check or money order for applicable fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope
- Copy of valid identification
Certificate of Record of Divorce from CDPH
For a simpler document confirming a divorce occurred:
-
Complete an Application for Certified Copy of Record of Divorce
-
Submit the application to:
California Department of Public Health - Vital Records
MS 5103
P.O. Box 997410
Sacramento, CA 95899-7410
-
Include:
- Completed application form
- $15.00 fee per copy requested
- Notarized sworn statement (for authorized individuals)
- Copy of identification
-
Note that CDPH certificates only verify that a divorce occurred and provide minimal information; they do not include divorce terms or agreements
Authorized Recipients
Under California Health and Safety Code § 103526, certified copies of divorce certificates are available only to:
- The parties named on the record
- Parents or legal guardians of the parties
- Children, grandchildren, siblings, spouses, or domestic partners of the parties
- Attorneys representing the parties
- Law enforcement or government agencies conducting official business
- Individuals with a court order authorizing access
Informational (non-certified) copies may be available to others but cannot be used for legal purposes requiring certified documentation.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Imperial County?
Under certain circumstances, divorce proceedings and records in Imperial County may be confidential or have restricted public access. The California Family Code and Rules of Court establish several pathways for maintaining privacy in divorce cases:
Sealed Records
Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.550, a court may order divorce records sealed if:
- 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
Parties must file a motion requesting records be sealed, providing specific justification that meets these standards.
Automatically Confidential Information
Certain documents and information in divorce files are automatically confidential by law:
- Financial account numbers and Social Security numbers pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.100
- Income tax returns under California Family Code § 3552
- Child custody investigation reports
- Psychological evaluations
- Domestic violence victim information under certain circumstances
- Minors' identifying information in many contexts
Summary Dissolution
For qualifying couples, California Family Code § 2400 provides a summary dissolution process that typically generates fewer public records. Eligibility requirements include:
- Marriage of less than 5 years
- No children from the relationship
- Limited property and debts
- Agreement on property division
- Waiver of spousal support
Confidential Marriage Dissolution
Couples who were married under California's confidential marriage program (per Family Code § 500) may have additional privacy protections when dissolving their marriage, as their marriage records were not public.
While complete confidentiality is rare, parties concerned about privacy should consult with an attorney about options for protecting sensitive information while complying with legal requirements for divorce proceedings in Imperial County.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Imperial County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Imperial County varies significantly based on several factors. Under California law, all divorces have a mandatory waiting period established by Family Code § 2339, which states that a judgment of dissolution cannot be entered before six months have passed from the date the respondent was served with the petition or appeared in the case.
Uncontested Divorces
When parties agree on all issues, the process typically takes:
- Minimum 6 months from service of petition (mandatory waiting period)
- Typically 7-9 months total when accounting for document preparation and court processing
- Summary dissolutions (simplified process for qualifying couples) still require the 6-month waiting period but may finalize shortly thereafter
Contested Divorces
When parties disagree on issues such as property division, custody, or support:
- 12-18 months is common for cases requiring negotiation but ultimately settling
- 18-24+ months for cases requiring multiple court hearings
- 2+ years for complex cases involving significant assets, business valuations, or custody evaluations
Factors Affecting Timeline
Several factors influence how quickly a divorce proceeds in Imperial County:
- Court congestion and calendar availability
- Complexity of assets requiring division
- Whether child custody is contested
- Need for expert witnesses (business valuators, forensic accountants)
- Cooperation level between parties
- Attorney availability and workload
- Completeness of financial disclosures
- Whether temporary orders are needed
Default Divorces
When the respondent does not participate:
- Minimum 6 months from service
- Typically 7-10 months total, depending on court processing times
- May be delayed if service is difficult or proof of service is inadequate
According to the Judicial Council of California's court statistics, the median time for disposition of family law cases in Imperial County is approximately 10 months, though this varies significantly based on case complexity and the factors listed above.
Parties seeking the most efficient process should consider mediation, collaborative divorce approaches, or working with the Imperial County Superior Court Self-Help Center to ensure proper completion of all required documentation.
How Long Does Imperial County Keep Divorce Records?
Imperial County maintains divorce records according to California's judicial records retention schedules, which establish minimum retention periods for various court documents. The retention periods vary by document type within divorce case files:
Permanent Retention
The following divorce records are maintained permanently by the Imperial County Superior Court:
- Final judgments of dissolution
- Orders after judgment that affect the judgment
- Stipulated judgments
- Register of Actions (case summaries)
- Indexes to cases
These permanent records are eventually transferred to microfilm or electronic storage but remain accessible indefinitely.
Long-Term Retention
Other components of divorce files are subject to extended but not permanent retention:
- Case files involving child custody, visitation, or support: 30 years after filing
- Financial disclosures and property division documents: 10 years after final disposition
- Temporary orders: 5 years after final judgment
- Procedural documents: 5 years after final judgment
Historical Records
For divorce records predating electronic recordkeeping (generally pre-1980):
- Many are maintained on microfilm
- Some very old records may be transferred to the California State Archives
- Access procedures may differ for historical records
California Department of Public Health Records
The California Department of Public Health maintains a statewide index of divorce certificates that includes:
- Records from 1962 to present: maintained permanently
- Basic information only (names, date, county of divorce)
- Not the complete court file
These retention practices are governed by Government Code § 68152, which establishes minimum retention periods for judicial records. The Imperial County Superior Court may, at its discretion, maintain records longer than these minimum periods.
Individuals seeking older divorce records should contact:
Imperial County Superior Court - Records Division
939 W. Main Street
El Centro, CA 92243
760-482-2250
Superior Court of California, County of Imperial
For records that may have been destroyed pursuant to retention schedules, the California Department of Public Health may still be able to provide a certificate confirming that a divorce occurred.
How To Get a Divorce In Imperial County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Imperial County must follow California's established legal process. The following steps outline the standard procedure:
1. Meet Residency Requirements
Before filing, at least one spouse must:
- Have lived in California for at least 6 months
- Have lived in Imperial County for at least 3 months
These requirements are established by California Family Code § 2320.
2. Prepare and File Initial Documents
The following documents must be filed with the court:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (FL-100)
- Summons (FL-110)
- Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (FL-105) if children are involved
- Property Declaration (FL-160) if needed
Filing location:
Imperial County Superior Court - Family Law Division
939 W. Main Street
El Centro, CA 92243
760-482-2250
Superior Court of California, County of Imperial
Filing fee: $435 (fee waivers available for qualifying individuals)
3. Serve Documents on Spouse
- Have someone 18 or older (not yourself) personally deliver copies to your spouse
- File Proof of Service of Summons (FL-115) with the court
- Alternative service methods may be available if personal service isn't possible
4. Financial Disclosures
Both parties must complete and exchange:
- Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140)
- Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)
- Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142)
- Tax returns from the last two years
5. Respondent's Response
The served spouse has 30 days to file:
- Response to Petition (FL-120)
- Their own financial disclosures
6. Resolution Process
Depending on agreement level, parties may:
- Negotiate a settlement directly
- Participate in court-ordered mediation (mandatory for custody disputes)
- Attend settlement conferences
- Proceed to trial if issues remain unresolved
7. Judgment
- Submit Judgment of Dissolution (FL-180) with attachments for court approval
- Include Marital Settlement Agreement if reached
- Include proposed orders for all disputed issues
- File Notice of Entry of Judgment (FL-190) when approved
8. Waiting Period
- Final judgment cannot be entered until at least 6 months after service
- Divorce is not final until judgment is entered
For assistance with the divorce process, Imperial County residents may contact:
Imperial County Superior Court Self-Help Center
939 W. Main Street
El Centro, CA 92243
760-482-2232
Superior Court Self-Help Center
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (excluding court holidays)
How To Get Divorce Papers In Imperial County
Individuals seeking divorce paperwork in Imperial County have several options for obtaining the necessary forms:
In-Person at the Self-Help Center
The most comprehensive assistance is available at:
Imperial County Superior Court Self-Help Center
939 W. Main Street
El Centro, CA 92243
760-482-2232
Superior Court Self-Help Center
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (excluding court holidays)
Services provided:
- Free divorce packet with all required forms
- Assistance completing paperwork (not legal advice)
- Review of completed forms before filing
- Information about filing procedures
- Referrals to legal resources if needed
Online Resources
California divorce forms are standardized and available online:
- Visit the California Courts Self-Help Divorce website
- Download fillable PDF forms
- Access step-by-step instructions
- Use online programs to help complete forms correctly
Essential forms include:
- Petition for Dissolution (FL-100)
- Summons (FL-110)
- Property Declaration (FL-160)
- Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140)
- Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)
- Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142)
Law Library
Forms and reference materials are available at:
Imperial County Law Library
939 W. Main Street, 2nd Floor
El Centro, CA 92243
760-482-2353
The law library provides:
- Access to all required forms
- Legal reference materials
- Sample completed forms
- Self-help books on divorce procedure
Legal Services Organizations
Free or low-cost assistance may be available through:
Imperial County Bar Association Legal Aid Society
1625 W. Main Street
El Centro, CA 92243
760-352-5212
Services may include:
- Form preparation assistance
- Legal advice for qualifying low-income residents
- Workshops on divorce procedures
- Referrals to pro bono attorneys
When obtaining divorce papers, individuals should ensure they have the current versions of all forms, as California periodically updates court forms. The filing fee for a divorce petition in Imperial County is currently $435, though fee waivers are available for those who qualify based on income.
Lookup Divorce Records in Imperial County
Superior Court of California, County of Imperial