Jurisdiction is one of the most important considerations when couples file for divorce. The location where you file will influence which state laws apply and also what legal professionals will hear your case.
Those considering divorce in San Ramon may wonder what court they may have to visit for divorce proceedings. Typically, divorces in the San Ramon area will have their hearings at the Contra Costa County Superior Court of California.
What do you need to know as someone who may attend divorce hearings at the Contra Costa County Superior Court?
Where and when you will attend court
The court is located in Martinez, California at 751 Pine Street. As you may already realize, the courts are only open for what people once called bank hours.
Most court facilities are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon. The clerk windows where people must file paperwork, such as petitions to initiate divorce proceedings, close at 3 p.m. rather than at 5 p.m.
What amenities do the courts offer?
The courts try to make meetings and hearings as convenient and safe as possible. There are secure entrances to the family law courtrooms to protect everyone from violence. There are filing windows, as well as facilities for mediation. There is also free drop-in child care in the facility’s children’s waiting rooms.
Children between the ages of 2 and 12 can stay in safe, supervised spaces with other children. You won’t even need to pack specific forms of entertainment, as the children’s waiting room has games, movies and even craft supplies.
You can keep yourself and your children out of court
While it is nice to know the courthouse’s location and what amenities it can offer those attending hearings, many people would prefer to never see the inside of a courthouse. When you hire a lawyer, they can potentially handle every aspect of the divorce, from filing the initial paperwork to attending hearings.
You could avoid all of the stress and frustration involved with going to court and could keep your children completely separate from your divorce process in many cases. Learning more about the family law system in the San Ramon area will help those contemplating divorce.