Solano Public Records /Solano County Divorce Records

Solano County Divorce Records

What Are Solano County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Solano County are official legal documents maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Solano that document the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are created and maintained pursuant to California Family Code § 2300, which governs the legal termination of marital relationships within the state. Divorce records typically consist of multiple documents filed throughout the divorce proceeding, including the initial petition, response, financial disclosures, and the final judgment.

The Solano County Superior Court maintains these records as part of its official court case files. 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 documentation for genealogical research

The Superior Court of California, County of Solano processes and maintains records for all divorce cases filed within the county's jurisdiction. These records form part of the county's vital records system, documenting significant life events of county residents.

Are Solano County Divorce Records Public?

Solano County divorce records have a complex public access status governed by both California Government Code § 6250, known as the California Public Records Act, and specific provisions within the California Family Code. The public accessibility of divorce records varies depending on the specific document type and the information contained therein.

Court divorce case files in Solano County are generally considered public records, with certain important exceptions:

Basic case information (parties' names, case number, filing date) is publicly accessible
Court proceedings are typically open to public attendance
Final judgments of dissolution are public documents

However, several categories of information within divorce files may be restricted from public access:

Financial disclosures and tax returns
Social Security numbers and financial account information
Records containing information about minor children
Domestic violence restraining orders and related testimony
Psychological evaluations or medical information
Documents sealed by court order for privacy or safety concerns

The Solano County Superior Court Family Law Division maintains these records in accordance with state law. While court case files may be accessible for public inspection, certified divorce certificates with restricted access are available only to the parties involved and other authorized persons with legitimate legal interest.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Solano County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Solano County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The Superior Court of California, County of Solano maintains divorce records and provides access through established procedures.

To find a divorce record, interested parties may:

Visit the Solano County Superior Court in person at one of two locations:

Superior Court of California, County of Solano - Old Solano Courthouse
580 Texas Street
Fairfield, CA 94533
(707) 207-7300
Superior Court of California, County of Solano

Superior Court of California, County of Solano - Hall of Justice
600 Union Avenue
Fairfield, CA 94533
(707) 207-7300
Superior Court of California, County of Solano

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (excluding court holidays)
Complete a Records Search Request form, available at the court clerk's office or downloadable from the court's website
Provide the following information for the search:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
Pay the required search and copy fees:
- Record search fee: $15 per search
- Copy fees: $0.50 per page for standard copies
- Certification fee: $25 per document for certified copies

Under current California law, requestors must present valid government-issued photo identification when requesting divorce records in person. For mail requests, a notarized statement may be required to verify identity.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Solano County Online?

Solano County provides limited online access to divorce records through the Solano Superior Court Portal. This electronic system allows for basic case information searches but does not provide full document access for all divorce records. The online search capability is designed to supplement, not replace, in-person record requests.

To search for divorce records online:

Navigate to the Solano Superior Court Portal website
Select "Case Information" from the available search options
Choose "Family Law" as the case type
Enter search criteria in at least one of the following fields:
- Case number (if known)
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Filing date range
Review the search results, which typically include:
- Case number
- Filing date
- Party names
- Case type
- Current status
- Scheduled hearings

Important limitations of the online system include:

Documents filed before 2010 may not be available in the electronic system
Full document images are not available for public viewing online
Confidential or sealed documents are excluded from the system
Per California Rules of Court 2.504(b), electronic records are not considered official court records unless electronically certified

For complete divorce records, including document copies, interested parties must still contact the court clerk's office directly or submit a records request in person.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Solano County?

While obtaining copies of divorce records typically involves fees, Solano County does offer limited options for accessing basic divorce record information at no cost. These free access methods provide case verification but not document copies.

Free methods to verify divorce records include:

Using public access terminals at the courthouse:
- Located in the clerk's office at both Solano County Superior Court locations
- Available during regular business hours
- No fee for basic case information searches
- Document viewing may be available (printing incurs standard copy fees)
Attending public court proceedings:
- Court calendars are posted daily at the courthouse
- Divorce hearings are generally open to public attendance
- Court schedules can be viewed on the Superior Court website
Reviewing court calendars online:
- Daily court calendars are published on the court's website
- Searchable by date, department, and case type
- Provides basic case information for scheduled hearings

Researchers should note that while basic case verification may be available at no cost, obtaining actual document copies or certified records will require payment of established fees. Additionally, access to confidential or sealed portions of divorce files remains restricted regardless of the search method used.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Solano County

Divorce records in Solano County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the entire dissolution process from initiation to final judgment. These records are maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Solano in accordance with state record-keeping requirements.

A complete divorce file typically contains:

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (FL-100) - The initial filing that commences the divorce action
Summons (FL-110) - Official notice to the respondent about the divorce proceedings
Response to Petition (FL-120) - The non-filing spouse's formal answer to the petition
Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140) - Financial information from both parties
Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142) - Itemized listing of marital property and obligations
Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150) - Financial statements from both parties
Marital Settlement Agreement - If the parties reached a negotiated settlement
Judgment of Dissolution (FL-180) - The final court order terminating the marriage
Child Custody and Visitation Orders - If minor children were involved
Child Support Orders - Determinations regarding financial support for minor children
Spousal Support Orders - Determinations regarding alimony payments
Property Division Orders - Court decisions on the distribution of marital assets and debts

Additional documents may include:

Temporary orders issued during the pendency of the case
Proof of service documents
Court hearing transcripts
Declarations and exhibits submitted as evidence
Mediation reports (if applicable)
Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts

The specific contents of each divorce file vary based on the complexity of the case, whether children were involved, and if the divorce was contested or uncontested.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Solano County?

Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce in Solano County may obtain official documentation through established procedures with the Superior Court. The court maintains records of all divorces granted within its jurisdiction and can provide certified copies that serve as legal proof of marital dissolution.

To obtain proof of divorce:

Request a certified copy of the Judgment of Dissolution from the Solano County Superior Court:

Superior Court of California, County of Solano - Records Division
580 Texas Street
Fairfield, CA 94533
(707) 207-7300
Superior Court of California, County of Solano

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (excluding court holidays)
Submit a written request including:
- Full names of both parties as they appear on the divorce judgment
- Date of divorce finalization (month and year at minimum)
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's name, address, and telephone number
- Purpose for which the document is needed
Provide proper identification:
- Government-issued photo ID for in-person requests
- Notarized authorization for mail requests
Pay the required fees:
- $25 certification fee per document
- Additional copy fees may apply

For divorce records from 1962 to the present, the California Department of Public Health also maintains a Certificate of Record which serves as an official verification that a divorce was granted. This document shows names of parties, county of divorce, and date of divorce finalization, but does not contain the terms of the divorce judgment.

Authorized individuals may request this Certificate of Record by mail from:

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

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Solano County?

While divorce proceedings in Solano County are generally matters of public record, California law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential. These provisions balance the public's right to access court records with individuals' legitimate privacy concerns.

Under California Family Code § 2024.6, the following divorce records may be sealed or redacted:

Financial records, including tax returns and detailed financial disclosures
Records containing Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and other personal identifiers
Information pertaining to minor children, including custody evaluations and school records
Medical and psychological records submitted as evidence
Information related to domestic violence or abuse allegations

To request confidentiality for divorce records, parties may:

File a motion to seal records with the Solano County Superior Court
Demonstrate compelling reasons that outweigh the public interest in disclosure
Request the narrowest possible sealing order to protect legitimate privacy interests

Additionally, California offers a Summary Dissolution process under Family Code § 2400 for qualifying couples, which typically generates fewer public records than standard divorce proceedings. To qualify, couples must:

Have been married less than 5 years
Have no children together
Have limited assets and debts
Agree on property division
Waive spousal support

While the fact of divorce itself cannot be completely confidential in Solano County, these mechanisms provide options for protecting sensitive information within the divorce record. The Solano County Superior Court Family Law Division can provide guidance on available confidentiality options.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Solano County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Solano 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 six-month waiting period from the date of service before the court can finalize the dissolution.

Typical timeframes for Solano County divorces include:

Uncontested divorces with complete agreement: 6-8 months from filing to finalization
Contested divorces with negotiated settlements: 8-12 months
Highly contested divorces requiring trial: 12-24 months or longer

Factors that influence the timeline include:

Whether the divorce is contested or uncontested
Complexity of asset and debt division
Presence of minor children and custody disputes
Court calendar congestion
Availability of mandatory mediation appointments
Completion of required financial disclosures
Need for expert valuations of property or businesses
Domestic violence issues requiring immediate court attention

According to statistics from the Judicial Council of California, the average time to disposition for family law cases in Solano County is approximately 10 months, though individual cases may vary significantly from this average.

The Superior Court of California, County of Solano provides resources to help streamline the process, including self-help services, mediation programs, and settlement conferences designed to resolve issues without full litigation.

How Long Does Solano County Keep Divorce Records?

Solano County maintains divorce records in accordance with California Government Code and the Judicial Council of California's record retention policies. These policies establish minimum retention periods for various court documents, including divorce records.

Under California Government Code § 68152, the retention schedule for divorce records is as follows:

Permanent retention for:
- Final judgments of dissolution
- Orders affecting child custody or visitation
- Child support orders
- Property division judgments
30-year retention for:
- Case indexes
- Register of actions
10-year retention for:
- General civil case files after final disposition
- Financial disclosures and supporting documentation
5-year retention for:
- Temporary orders that were superseded by final judgment
- Procedural motions and related documents

After the minimum retention period expires, the court may destroy physical records according to established procedures. However, the court maintains permanent electronic indices of all cases, even after physical records may have been destroyed.

For historical divorce records (generally those over 30 years old), researchers may need to contact:

Solano County Archives
675 Texas Street, Suite 1500
Fairfield, CA 94533
(707) 784-1600
Solano County Archives

How To Get a Divorce In Solano County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Solano County must follow procedures established by the California Family Code and local court rules. The divorce process, legally termed "dissolution of marriage," involves multiple steps regardless of whether the case is contested or uncontested.

To initiate a divorce in Solano County:

Determine eligibility - At least one spouse must have been a California resident for six months and a Solano County resident for three months immediately preceding the filing.
Prepare initial documents:
- Petition for Dissolution (FL-100)
- Summons (FL-110)
- Property Declaration (FL-160) if applicable
- UCCJEA Declaration (FL-105) if children are involved
File documents with the court:

Superior Court of California, County of Solano - Family Law Division
600 Union Avenue
Fairfield, CA 94533
(707) 207-7300
Superior Court of California, County of Solano

Filing fee: $435 (fee waivers available for qualifying individuals)
Serve the other spouse with copies of all filed documents
Complete preliminary financial disclosures:
- Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140)
- Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)
- Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142)
Resolve issues through:
- Direct negotiation between parties
- Mediation (mandatory for custody disputes)
- Settlement conference
- Trial (if necessary)
Prepare and submit final judgment documents
Wait for court processing and issuance of final judgment

The Solano County Superior Court Self-Help Center provides assistance to self-represented litigants navigating the divorce process. Additionally, the court offers family law facilitators who can provide guidance on forms and procedures.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Solano County

Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Solano County can obtain the necessary forms through multiple channels. The Superior Court of California, County of Solano provides access to standardized Judicial Council forms required for divorce filings.

To obtain divorce papers:

Visit the Solano County Superior Court in person:

Superior Court of California, County of Solano - Family Law Division
600 Union Avenue
Fairfield, CA 94533
(707) 207-7300
Superior Court of California, County of Solano

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (excluding court holidays)
Access forms online through:
- California Courts Self-Help Website
- Solano County Superior Court Website
Visit the Self-Help Center:

Solano County Superior Court Self-Help Center
600 Union Avenue, 2nd Floor
Fairfield, CA 94533
(707) 207-7340

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM (excluding court holidays)
Use document preparation services at the Solano County Law Library:

Solano County Law Library
Hall of Justice, 3rd Floor
600 Union Avenue
Fairfield, CA 94533
(707) 421-6520

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding court holidays)

Essential divorce forms include:

Petition for Dissolution (FL-100)
Summons (FL-110)
Property Declaration (FL-160) if applicable
UCCJEA Declaration (FL-105) if children are involved
Proof of Service of Summons (FL-115)
Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140)
Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)
Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142)
Judgment forms (FL-180 and related attachments)

The court's Self-Help Center provides workshops and one-on-one assistance for completing these forms correctly. While staff cannot provide legal advice, they can explain procedures and ensure forms are properly completed before filing.

Lookup Divorce Records in Solano County

Superior Court of California, County of Solano

Solano County Superior Court Family Law Division

Solano Superior Court Portal

California Department of Public Health Vital Records

Other Categories in California

Criminal Records Court Records Inmate Records Arrest records Warrant Search Property Records Divorce Records