Friday, March 31, 2023


The Court will be closed on Friday, March 31st in observance of César Chávez Day

Family Law - Quick Guide

Updated December 15, 2022

Family Relations Courthouse

3341 Power Inn Road
Sacramento, California 95826
916-875-3400

  • Filings submitted by US Mail will be processed and returned to you by mail in one to two weeks; six weeks or longer for judgments. Please include a self-addressed envelope with enough postage to return the filed/endorsed documents to you.
  • Drop box available for filing documents. Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except court holidays. For tips on using the Drop box, download our printable Filing Instructions.
  • Documents submitted by attorneys without a stamped, self-addressed envelope will be placed in the attorney cabinet for pickup.
  • To file in-person, you must either make an appointment online or request a service ticket from Reception. In person filing is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm., except court holidays.

Family Law Hearings

  • Family Law hearings are conducted in person except for those involving the Department of Child Support Services.
  • Proceedings involving the Department of Child Support Services are held remotely via Zoom, but parties and attorneys may appear in person if preferred.
  • Zoom Hearing and Etiquette Instructions
  • Family Law Calendar Search
  • Information on requesting or objecting to a remote appearance can be found here.

Family Law Trials and Settlement Conferences

  • Family Law Trials & Settlement Conferences are in person excluding child support where the Department of Child Support Services is involved.
  • Proceedings involving the Department of Child Support Services are held remotely via Zoom, but parties and attorneys may appear in person if preferred.
  • Information on requesting or objecting to a remote appearance can be found here.

Court Records

Self-Help Center

  • Remote assistance is available via e-Correspondence.
  • In-person assistance is available on a walk-in basis Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, except court holidays. Start at Reception.
  • Workshops are offered on a variety of topics and may require an appointment.
  • Assistance is only available to self-represented litigants.

Family Court Services

  • For your convenience we encourage you to appear for your mediation appointment by Zoom, although you may appear in-person if you prefer. Please see your Notice of Mediation packet for additional information, or contact FCS at FCS@saccourt.ca.gov.
  • Accommodations will be made to interview children when deemed appropriate by the Court.
  • The Parenting Plan Questionnaire and any additional documents (10 page limit) can be submitted via US Mail or in person in Room 104.
  • In order to access your mediation report prior to the hearing, be sure to submit the Family Law Case Participant Enrollment Form (Party) with a copy of your valid government issued photo identification attached to register your email.

Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
and Elder Abuse Restraining Orders

  • Filed in person only by appointment or on a walk-in basis Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm., except court holidays. Start at Reception for a service ticket.
  • Filings received Monday – Friday between 8:30 am and 2:00 pm may receive same day order.
  • Once the order is signed, court staff will call the filer and provide instructions on picking it up.

Requesting an Interpreter

  • For all family law proceedings, please call (916) 875-2620 at least ten days before the hearing.

Temporary Orders / Ex Parte Requests

  • The current procedure for submitting ex parte applications can be found here.

As information can change quickly, please continue to check the Sacramento Superior Court Family Law Webpage frequently for any new information and advisements.