Sacramento County marriage and divorce records are official documents that confirm marriages or legally dissolved marriages within the county. Marriage records are maintained by the Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder, while divorce records are held at the Sacramento Superior Court’s family law division. These records can include certified copies of marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and other family law filings.
Access to these records varies based on their type and the applicable privacy rules. Through Sacramento Court Access, marriage records are generally public, although certified copies may require valid identification. Divorce records may have restricted availability to protect sensitive family information, with certain documents accessible only to the parties involved or their legal representatives. Understanding where these records are held helps users request the correct documents efficiently, whether for legal, genealogical, or personal purposes.
What Are Sacramento Marriage Records?
Sacramento marriage records are official documents that confirm a legal marriage took place in the county. These records serve as proof of marriage for legal, personal, and historical purposes. A marriage record typically contains the names of both spouses, the date and place of marriage, and sometimes additional details like ages, occupations, or witnesses. When issued as a marriage certificate, the document carries legal weight and may be used for identification, name changes, or other official matters. Sacramento maintains two main types of marriage records: public and confidential. Public records are available for most marriages and can be requested by anyone meeting the county’s requirements. Confidential records, on the other hand, are restricted and only accessible to the couple or authorised parties. These distinctions ensure both transparency and privacy depending on the circumstances.
Types of Marriage Records
Sacramento County offers different copies of marriage records for specific purposes.
Authorised Certified Copies
- These copies are official and carry the county seal.
- They are required for legal use, such as changing a name, applying for spousal benefits, or filing taxes.
- Only certain individuals can request certified copies, typically the spouses, their immediate family, or legal representatives.
Informational Copies
- These are non-legal copies intended for personal use, research, or genealogy.
- Informational copies cannot be used as proof of marriage in legal or governmental processes.
- Many people request these for family history research or personal record-keeping.
Each type of record can be requested directly through the Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder, which handles issuance, verification, and record maintenance.
Where Sacramento Marriage Records Are Maintained
All marriage records in Sacramento County are maintained by the Clerk/Recorder’s office. The office has preserved records dating back to 1850, offering a historical archive for public and personal research. Records are organised by year and location, making retrieval straightforward for authorised requests. The Clerk/Recorder’s office ensures the records are securely stored while allowing access to those who meet eligibility requirements. Modern systems may also allow certain requests or verifications online, streamlining the process while protecting sensitive information.
What Are Sacramento Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Sacramento County are official documents issued by the court that confirm the legal dissolution of a marriage. They are distinct from marriage records, which only document the beginning of a marriage. A divorce decree, sometimes called a final judgment of dissolution, is the court’s official order ending a marriage. It outlines the decisions made regarding child custody, spousal support, property division, and other legal matters. Each decree is legally binding and serves as proof that a marriage has been formally terminated. Unlike marriage certificates, divorce records provide a detailed account of the court’s rulings and the agreements reached by both parties.
Divorce records are confidential to a degree. Some information, such as financial statements or minor children’s details, may be restricted. Public access is usually limited to the names of the parties, the date of divorce, and court case numbers. This ensures sensitive information remains protected while allowing legal verification of marital status.
Where They Are Held
Divorce records are not maintained by the Sacramento County Clerk or Recorder. These offices handle marriage certificates, birth records, and property-related filings, but divorce decrees fall under the court’s jurisdiction.
The Sacramento Superior Court, Family Law Division, holds all divorce records filed within the county. Anyone seeking official copies or verification must contact the court directly. Here are key points for reference:
- Location: Sacramento Superior Court – Family Law Division
- What’s Available: Divorce decrees, final judgments, and related court filings
- Contact: Call or visit the Family Law Division for information on requesting copies
- Fees: Copy fees may apply, depending on the document type and format
By understanding where divorce records are filed and what they contain, users can more efficiently obtain legal proof of a marriage’s end. These documents are critical for matters such as name changes, remarriage, legal settlements, or verification of marital history.
How to Obtain Sacramento Marriage Records
Searching Sacramento County court records is straightforward if you follow the correct steps and use authorized sources. Individuals can search for criminal, civil, family, and probate case information through both in-person visits and online portals.
Correct Method for Searching Court Records
To find court records accurately, start by gathering essential details:
- Full names of the parties involved
- Case number if available
- Filing dates or approximate timeframes
Having these details ensures you locate the correct records quickly. Court records are organized by case type, so knowing whether it’s a civil, criminal, or family matter will help narrow the search.
Where to View Records
There are several options for viewing Sacramento County court records:
- In-Person at the Courthouse
Visit the Sacramento County Superior Court at:
720 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Court clerks can assist with public records access. Bring a valid photo ID and any relevant case details. - Online via Court Website
The Sacramento County Superior Court offers a case search portal for public records:
https://www.saccourt.ca.gov
- Users can search by name, case number, or filing date.
- Third-Party Online Services
Some third-party websites provide court records, but official court portals are recommended for accurate and up-to-date information.
Costs and Download Options
Accessing court records may involve fees depending on the type of record and how you obtain it. Below is a summary:
| Method | Record Type | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Person | Printed Copy | $0.50 per page | Paid at the clerk’s office |
| In-Person | Certified Copy | $15–$20 | Official legal use |
| Online Download | $1–$2 per page | Via court portal or authorized provider | |
| Mail Request | Certified Copy | $15–$20 + postage | Includes notarization if needed |
Most online downloads allow immediate access to PDF copies for a small fee, while in-person or mail requests may take longer, depending on office hours and mailing times.
How to Obtain Sacramento Divorce Records
Users can begin searching for Sacramento County divorce records online using official tools before deciding how to request copies. Records such as divorce decrees, final judgments, and related family law records are public unless sealed by the court.
Court Family Law Record Requests
Sacramento Superior Court stores divorce records and related files in its Family Law Records Department. Individuals can visit the courthouse to view files and request certified copies by showing a valid government‑issued ID. You may use a public kiosk on site to do a search if you do not yet know the case number.
In‑person steps:
- Go to the William R. Ridgeway Family Relations Courthouse.
- Ask the clerk for a divorce record request.
- Show a valid ID (driver’s license, passport, state ID, etc.).
- Pay the applicable copy fees at the counter.
This option gives direct access to official prints and certified copies the same day if records are available at the courthouse.
Mail‑In Requests
If visiting in person is not possible, users can mail in a request. Complete the Request for Copies of Family Law Records form from the court’s website. Include a copy of your ID and payment for fees.
- Form: Official request for copies of family law records (search at court forms page).
- Mail To: Sacramento Superior Court – Family Law Records Department
- Address: 3341 Power Inn Road, Sacramento, CA 95826
Mail‑in requests normally take 7–10 business days for processing.
Online Search Tools
Before requesting copies, it’s often easiest to search for a case online. Use the official Sacramento Superior Court Public Case Access System:
- Public Case Access System search: https://services.saccourt.ca.gov/publiccaseaccess/home
This free online system lets users look up cases by:
- Party name
- Case number
- Filing date
Online searches show case details, participants, and docket events. Certified records cannot be downloaded in certified form online but you can use the case information to make an in‑person or mail request.
Quick link to Family Law search portal:
- Family law search portal: https://services.saccourt.ca.gov/PublicCaseAccess/Family
- Open the court’s public case access page.
- Allow the new page to load completely.
- Use the top menu to choose a case type.
- Select a search option from the available dropdown.
- The case search tool will open on a new page.
- Enter the required case information.
- Submit the search to view case details.
Divorce Records Fees & Delivery
Here are the common fees for Sacramento divorce and related family law records:
| Request Method | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Public case search | Free | Online search at official portal; no certified downloads. |
| Standard copy | $0.50 per page | Basic copy of record pages. |
| Certified Divorce Decree | $15 + standard copy fee | Official certified judgment copy. |
| Certified Full Document/File | $40 + standard copy | Entire certified file, including attachments. |
| Records Search | $15 if no case number | Fee applied when the court must search by name. |
| Mail delivery postage | Varies | Online search at the official portal; no certified downloads. |
Legal Considerations & Privacy
Marriage and divorce records contain sensitive personal information, so not all details are freely accessible. Sacramento County maintains a balance between public transparency and individual privacy, allowing general access to some records while restricting others to authorized individuals. Understanding these rules helps protect personal information and ensures that legal requests are handled correctly.
What You Can & Cannot Access
Access to Sacramento County marriage and divorce records depends on the type of record and the requester’s relationship to it. Some records are public, while others are confidential or sealed to protect personal information. Not all marriage and divorce records are freely available. Family Court often oversees sensitive matters involving marriages and divorces, which can affect how records are classified and accessed. Standard marriage licenses and finalized divorce decrees are generally open for public viewing, but confidential records, like certain marriage licenses issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), are restricted. Only the spouses themselves, their attorneys, or specific government agencies can request certified copies. Divorce records may also be sealed if they include sensitive information about children, finances, or court-ordered agreements. Even public records require proof of identity and legal standing before certified copies are issued, ensuring personal details are protected while still allowing legitimate access.
State Requirements
California law sets specific rules on who can access marriage and divorce records and how they are released. The California Family Code and Health and Safety Code define these standards to balance privacy and legal transparency. Most finalized divorce decrees are publicly accessible, but courts may limit access if records contain information about minor children, financial settlements, or confidential agreements. Marriage records labeled as confidential can only be issued to spouses or legally authorized agents. Attempting to obtain restricted records without proper authorization can result in legal consequences. These state rules ensure that residents, researchers, and authorized parties can verify information safely, while sensitive personal details remain protected.
Sacramento County Offices for Marriage & Divorce Records
Residents can obtain official marriage and divorce records at dedicated Sacramento County offices or online. Certified copies, authorized documents, and public records are available through both in-person and digital services.
Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder (Marriage Records)
Location: 600 8th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Contact: (916) 874-6331 | ccr.saccounty.gov
Services:
- Certified marriage certificates
- Authorized/informational copies
- Public record inquiries
Sacramento Superior Court – Family Law Division (Divorce Records)
Location: 3341 Power Inn Rd, Sacramento, CA 95826
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Contact: (916) 874-6015 | saccourt.ca.gov
Services:
- Certified divorce decrees
- Final judgments
- Family law case documents
- Public access to court records
Other Useful Locations & Online Access
Mailing:
- Clerk/Recorder: 600 8th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
- Superior Court: 3341 Power Inn Rd, Sacramento, CA 95826
Online:
- Public Case Access System: Divorce records
- Clerk/Recorder website: Marriage certificates
Nearby services include notaries, legal aid, and genealogy centers.
FAQs About Marriage & Divorce Records
Sacramento County marriage and divorce records are public documents, though access rules can differ. Copies can be requested in person, by mail, or online, with processing times varying by record type.
Can I Get Someone Else’s Marriage or Divorce Records?
Most marriage and divorce records in Sacramento County are available to the public, but access to certified copies for another person may require verification or proof of eligibility. Marriage certificates are typically easier to obtain, while divorce documents—especially recent cases—may have privacy restrictions to protect sensitive personal information, meaning requesters might need to provide identification or legal authorization to receive a copy.
How Long Does It Take to Receive a Copy?
The time it takes to receive Sacramento County marriage or divorce records depends on the request method, with in-person requests often completed the same day and mail or online requests taking several weeks. Courthouses process documents after verifying identification and payment, and high-demand periods or archived records can extend delivery times, so planning helps ensure timely access to the needed documents.
Difference Between a Divorce Certificate vs. Divorce Decree
A divorce certificate is a concise summary of the divorce, listing names, date, and case number, whereas a divorce decree is the full court document detailing all rulings, including custody, property, and financial arrangements. Requesters generally choose a certificate for basic verification or personal use, while the decree is necessary for legal matters that require detailed information from the court’s decision.
Cost Comparison for Marriage vs Divorce Records
Fees for marriage and divorce records in Sacramento County vary by type and copy number, with marriage certificates generally costing less than divorce documents. Standard charges range from about $15–20 for marriage certificates and $20–25 for divorce certificates or decrees, with additional costs for mailing, expedited service, or notarized copies, so it helps to review fees before submitting a request.
What to Do if Records Are Old or Archived?
Older marriage and divorce records may be stored in archives and require special requests for retrieval, which can take longer than standard documents. Providing detailed information such as full names, dates, and case numbers helps the courthouse locate records efficiently, and in some cases, older files may be scanned digitally, though not all archived documents are available in electronic format.