California Private Investigator Practice Exam

Where are dissolution of marriage records held?

1. County clerk's office

2. Family court

3. Superior court

4. District court

The correct answer is: Superior court

Dissolution of marriage records, commonly known as divorce records, are held in the Superior Court. In California, family law matters, including divorce proceedings, are under the jurisdiction of the Superior Court system. Each county has a Superior Court that handles civil, criminal, and family law cases. Therefore, when a marriage is dissolved, the court where the case was filed and processed maintains the official records. While the county clerk's office does manage certain filings and records, the actual dissolution records originate and are kept at the Superior Court where the divorce case is adjudicated. Family court, often considered part of the Superior Court's division, typically refers to the branch dealing with family law disputes but does not hold the records itself. District courts are not relevant in this context as they deal with federal and other matters outside state law, such as family law issues in California. Thus, the most accurate location for dissolution of marriage records is the Superior Court.