Lassen County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Lassen County in 2026
LassenRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Lassen County, California. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, final decrees, and related court documents. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property division orders, spousal support determinations, and child custody arrangements. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by the Lassen County Superior Court.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Lassen Superior Court's Case Index & Calendar Portal allows members of the public to search non-confidential and non-sealed Civil, Criminal, Family Law, and Probate cases at no charge. Basic case information is available without a fee; copies of documents require payment of applicable fees.
2. California Courts Online Portal
The California Courts statewide website provides access to court self-help resources, case information links, and guidance on locating records across California's 58 superior courts. This portal assists requesters who are uncertain which county court holds a particular case.
3. California Department of Public Health – Vital Records
California does not issue a separate "divorce certificate" in the manner of a birth or death certificate; however, the California Department of Public Health maintains a Divorce Index for dissolutions finalized between 1962 and June 1984. Records outside that range must be obtained directly from the superior court where the case was filed. A fee applies for index searches.
In-Person Searches
Lassen County Superior Court – Records Division
Lassen Superior Court
2610 Riverside Drive
Susanville, CA 96130
Phone: (530) 251-8205
Lassen Superior Court
Members of the public may visit the Records Division during regular court business hours to search case files, view documents at public access terminals, request certified copies, and receive staff assistance. Requesters are advised to bring the full names of both parties and the approximate filing date to facilitate the search.
Records Department Services:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified and non-certified copies
- Access archived and historical case files
- Submit certified copy request forms in person
By Mail
Written Request:
Members of the public may submit a written request by mailing the completed Records Request Form along with any necessary information or attachments to:
Lassen Superior Court
Attn: Records
2610 Riverside Drive
Susanville, CA 96130
Requests should include:
- Full names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
- Requester's full name and contact information
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
Processing time varies; requesters should allow one to two weeks for standard mail requests.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
Phone: (530) 251-8205
Court staff may confirm by telephone whether a case exists, provide a case number, confirm case status, and verify the filing date. Staff are not able to provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or any confidential case information over the telephone.
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in California may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, request documents, and, where legally authorized, petition the court for access to sealed or restricted records. The State Bar of California maintains a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation in family law matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or date of filing
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Lassen County
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under California law, a petition for dissolution of marriage is filed in the superior court of the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Pursuant to California Family Code § 2320, at least one spouse must have been a resident of California for six months and a resident of the county where the petition is filed for three months immediately preceding the filing date. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Cases finalized recently may not appear in online systems immediately
- Allow several business days to weeks after the final hearing for the record to be indexed
- Electronic filing has reduced processing delays for cases filed in recent years
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be stored in paper archives
- Archived records may require additional retrieval time
- Records from before 1985 may not be digitized and may require an in-person or mail request
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- The divorce was filed in a different county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case is still pending and has not been finalized
- Very old records are stored in off-site archives
- The case has been sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Lassen Superior Court Records Division at (530) 251-8205
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the California Department of Public Health Divorce Index for cases between 1962 and June 1984
- Consult a licensed California family law attorney
What Are Lassen County Divorce Records?
Lassen County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed with the Lassen County Superior Court. These records are maintained by the Clerk of Court as part of the family law case file and constitute public records subject to applicable access rules and confidentiality protections.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
The complete case file includes all documents filed by the parties and issued by the court throughout the proceeding:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial disclosure declarations
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Settlement agreements
- Motions, stipulations, and court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Final judgment of dissolution
Final Decree
The final judgment of dissolution is the official court order terminating the marriage. It establishes:
- The legal date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal support terms, if any
- Child custody and visitation arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Court-ordered name changes
Certified copies of the final decree are available from the Lassen Superior Court Records Division upon payment of applicable fees.
Supporting Documents
Supporting documents filed during the proceeding may include marriage certificates submitted as exhibits, financial disclosure statements, property appraisals, parenting plan attachments, and post-judgment modification orders.
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Legal Purposes
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documentation for legal name change
- Property transfer and title recording
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration proceedings requiring proof of prior marriage dissolution
- Social Security benefit determinations
Personal Purposes
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping
- Verification of divorce terms and obligations
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Clerk of the Lassen County Superior Court serves as the primary custodian of all divorce records filed in that court. The Clerk indexes records by party names, maintains the complete case file, and provides certified copies upon request. The California Department of Public Health maintains a limited Divorce Index covering cases finalized between 1962 and June 1984.
Legal Framework:
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in California are governed by the California Family Code, which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for divorce. Public access to court records is governed by California Rules of Court, Rule 2.550, which presumes that court records are open to the public unless a specific legal basis for restriction exists.
Are Lassen County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed with the Lassen County Superior Court are public court records, accessible to any member of the public pursuant to California's presumption of open access to court proceedings and records. As stated by the Lassen Superior Court, "California Rules of Court provide the public with reasonable access to court records for viewing and copying. Court case files are public records." However, certain categories of information within those files are subject to restriction, redaction, or sealing under applicable law.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (spouses)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and times
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information
- Social Security numbers (redacted pursuant to California Rules of Court)
- Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal)
- Certain income and asset details subject to protective orders
Children's Information
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Child custody evaluation reports (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Sensitive Personal Information
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Sealed Records:
A court may seal records upon a showing that the interests of a party or child outweigh the public's right of access. Sealed records are not available to the general public without a court order. Cases involving domestic violence, abuse allegations, or confidential settlements may be subject to sealing orders.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requester | Access Level |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents and docket entries |
| Parties to the case | Full access to their own case file |
| Licensed attorneys | Case files; may petition for sealed records |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to certain restricted records |
Prohibited Uses:
- Stalking or harassment of any party
- Identity theft or fraud
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Any purpose prohibited by court order
Obtaining Confidential Records:
A party seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the court demonstrating good cause. The court applies a balancing test weighing the requester's legitimate need against the privacy interests of the affected parties. Certain agencies, including child protective services and law enforcement, hold statutory access rights under California law.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Lassen County?
The Lassen County Superior Court charges fees for copies and certified copies of court records in accordance with the California Government Code § 70627, which establishes the fee schedule applicable to superior court records.
Current Fee Structure:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| First page of a document (copy) | $0.50 per page |
| Additional pages (copy) | $0.50 per page |
| Certification of a document | $25.00 per document |
| Exemplification (additional seal) | $40.00 per document |
| Search fee (when applicable) | Varies |
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Viewing case records at a public access terminal in the courthouse
- Reviewing the case index and docket entries online through the Case Index & Calendar Portal
- Confirming case existence and status by telephone
Accepted Payment Methods:
The Lassen Superior Court accepts cash, money orders, and checks made payable to the Lassen County Superior Court. Members of the public submitting mail requests should include a money order or check; cash is not accepted by mail.
Fee Waivers:
Members of the public who qualify based on income may apply for a fee waiver using Judicial Council Form FW-001. Eligibility is determined based on income relative to the federal poverty level and participation in qualifying public benefit programs. Fee waiver applications are available at the courthouse and through the California Courts self-help center.
Notes on Fees:
- Fees are subject to change by the Judicial Council of California
- Certified copies carry a higher fee than non-certified copies
- Requests for voluminous records may incur additional search and retrieval fees
- The California Department of Public Health charges a separate fee for Divorce Index searches
What's Included in Divorce Records in Lassen County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Lassen County Superior Court contains all documents filed by the parties and issued by the court from the date of initial filing through final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record and their contact information
- Filing date and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
The petition for dissolution of marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's identifying information, the date and location of marriage, the date of separation, the grounds for divorce (in California, irreconcilable differences under California Family Code § 2310), information regarding minor children, property claims, and the relief requested. The respondent's answer or response sets forth the respondent's position, admissions or denials, and any counterpetition.
Financial Disclosure Documents:
California requires both parties to complete and exchange preliminary and final declarations of disclosure. These documents include:
- Income and expense declarations
- Schedule of assets and debts
- Tax returns and supporting financial documents
- Pay stubs and employer information
- Bank, investment, and retirement account statements
Property-Related Documents:
- Inventory of marital assets including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investment accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property
- Inventory of marital debts including mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card balances, and other liabilities
- Real property appraisals and business valuations
- Expert reports on asset values
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan specifying legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, holiday arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support calculation worksheets reflecting income, overnights, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses
- Child support order specifying amount, payment method, and schedule
- Custody evaluation reports, if ordered by the court
- Guardian ad litem reports, if a guardian was appointed
Support Documents:
- Spousal support orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Income and expense declarations supporting support calculations
Settlement Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement resolving all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related matters
- Mediation agreement, if the parties participated in mediation (note: mediation communications are confidential, but the resulting agreement may be filed with the court)
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders issued during the pendency of the case
- Restraining orders, if applicable
- Final judgment of dissolution including all findings of fact, conclusions of law, property awards, support orders, custody determinations, and the judge's signature and court seal
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts, filed as separate orders directed to plan administrators
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody, visitation, or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement orders
- Income deduction orders for support enforcement
What Is Typically Confidential or Redacted:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Minor children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details subject to sealing orders
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Mediation communications
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Lassen County?
Proof of divorce in Lassen County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution issued by the Lassen County Superior Court. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the clerk's certification, making it legally acceptable for remarriage, name change, immigration, and other official purposes.
Step 1 – Identify the Case
Locate the case number and filing date using the Case Index & Calendar Portal. Search by the full legal names of both parties.
Step 2 – Submit a Records Request
Members of the public may obtain a certified copy of the final judgment by:
- Appearing in person at the Lassen Superior Court Records Division, 2610 Riverside Drive, Susanville, CA 96130
- Submitting a completed Records Request Form by mail to the same address, Attn: Records
- Reviewing the obtain a copy of a court file page for the current request form and instructions
Step 3 – Provide Required Information
The request must include:
- Full names of both spouses
- Case number, if known
- Approximate date of the final judgment
- Requester's name, address, and contact information
- Payment of applicable certification fees
Step 4 – Receive the Certified Copy
In-person requests are processed at the counter during business hours. Mail requests are processed and returned by mail; allow one to two weeks for processing and delivery.
Lassen Superior Court – Records Division
2610 Riverside Drive
Susanville, CA 96130
Phone: (530) 251-8205
Lassen Superior Court Records Information
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Lassen County?
A divorce proceeding in Lassen County may be partially or fully confidential under specific legal circumstances, though the default presumption under California law is that court records are open to the public.
Circumstances Under Which Divorce Records May Be Confidential:
- Domestic violence cases: Courts may seal records or redact identifying information to protect the safety of a victim pursuant to California's domestic violence statutes.
- Cases involving minor children: Addresses, school information, psychological evaluations, and guardian ad litem reports may be restricted or sealed to protect the welfare of children.
- Sealed financial records: Tax returns, detailed financial statements, and proprietary business information may be filed under seal upon a showing of good cause.
- Mediation records: Communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential by statute and are not part of the public court record.
- Court-ordered sealing: Any party may petition the court to seal specific documents or the entire case file. The court applies the balancing test established under California Rules of Court, Rule 2.550, weighing the public's right of access against the privacy interests of the parties.
- High-conflict or high-profile cases: Courts retain discretion to restrict access where public disclosure would cause substantial harm.
Even in confidential cases, the existence of the case and basic docket information may remain accessible to the public unless the entire case is sealed by court order.
How Long Does Lassen County Keep Divorce Records?
The Lassen County Superior Court retains divorce records in accordance with the retention schedules established by the California Judicial Council and applicable state law.
Retention Periods:
- Active case files: Retained indefinitely while the case remains open or subject to post-judgment proceedings.
- Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently as part of the official court record. Final judgments of dissolution are not subject to destruction.
- Supporting documents and pleadings: Retained for a minimum period established by the California Rules of Court; older paper records may be transferred to off-site storage or microfilmed.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's electronic case management system and are accessible through the online case portal.
- Pre-1985 records: Paper records from before the court's transition to electronic filing may be archived and require additional retrieval time; some records from this period have been microfilmed.
Under the California Government Code, superior courts are required to maintain permanent records of all judgments. Members of the public seeking records from archived or older cases should contact the Lassen Superior Court Records Division directly at (530) 251-8205 to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.
Practical Considerations:
- Recent cases are accessible through the online case portal
- Cases from the 1990s through early 2000s may exist in both paper and electronic formats
- Cases predating 1985 may require special retrieval requests and extended processing time
- The California Department of Public Health Divorce Index covers cases finalized between 1962 and June 1984 and serves as an alternative source for older records