San Bernardino County is the largest county by land area in the contiguous United States — spanning more than 20,000 square miles from the sprawling Inland Empire cities of San Bernardino, Fontana, and Rancho Cucamonga, to the mountain communities of Big Bear Lake, the high desert cities of Victorville, Hesperia, and Apple Valley, and the remote expanse stretching to the Nevada and Arizona borders near Needles. That geographic diversity means the family court system here is equally spread out, with courthouse districts that serve vastly different communities, each with its own filing rules, contact points, and procedures.
For families in San Bernardino County facing a divorce, custody dispute, child support issue, or domestic violence matter, knowing which courthouse handles your case — and understanding the resources available to you — can make an enormous difference in how your case proceeds.
At The Sands Law Group, led by attorney Thomas Sands, we represent families throughout San Bernardino County and the broader Inland Empire in divorce, child custody, spousal support, and all areas of California family law. This resource center is designed to give you a practical starting point, whether you are just beginning the process or trying to make sense of a case already underway.
When you are ready to speak with an attorney, contact us for a free case evaluation.
How Does the San Bernardino County Family Court System Work?
The San Bernardino County Superior Court Family Law Division handles extensive jurisdiction over many domestic matters. It is designed to resolve disagreements arising from divorce and legal separation, including provisions for the care of children, and is committed to the processing and management of all domestic matters with integrity, sensitivity, and timeliness.
The Family Law Division handles matters including dissolution of marriage, domestic partnership, legal separation, nullity, adoption, domestic violence restraining orders, and child support.
Unlike some California counties with a single centralized family law courthouse, San Bernardino County operates across multiple distinct geographic districts. Your correct filing location is determined by where you live, not by where you prefer to file. Using the court’s official “Where Can I File for Divorce?” tool before preparing any documents is strongly recommended.
San Bernardino County Courthouse Locations for Family Law Matters
The network of family law courthouses across San Bernardino County ensures efficient access to justice for all residents while reducing travel time and improving case management. Below are the primary courthouse locations handling family law matters, organized by district.
San Bernardino District — Central
Historic Courthouse — Family Law Division — 351 North Arrowhead Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92415-0245
The primary family law courthouse for San Bernardino County. Serves San Bernardino, Highland, Redlands, Loma Linda, Rialto, Yucaipa, Bloomington, Fontana, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, Mentone, Crestline, and surrounding communities.
Family Law Office: (909) 521-3136
Family Court Services: (909) 521-3180
Courthouse Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Clerk’s Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Child Support Division — 655 West Second Street, Second Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92415-0248
Handles child support matters, with clerk’s office and Family Law Facilitator/Self-Help Services on the second floor.
Rancho Cucamonga District — West Valley / Ontario
Rancho Cucamonga Courthouse — 8303 Haven Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Serves the West Valley communities including Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Upland, Chino, Chino Hills, Montclair, and surrounding areas.
Phone: (909) 350-9764
Fontana District
Fontana Courthouse — 17780 Arrow Boulevard, Fontana, CA 92335
Handles civil and family law hearings and filings for Fontana and nearby communities.
Phone: (909) 350-9322
Victorville District — High Desert
Victorville Courthouse — 14455 Civic Drive, Victorville, CA 92392
Serves the High Desert communities including Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Adelanto, Phelan, Pinon Hills, Oak Hills, and surrounding areas.
Phone: (760) 269-4795
Family Court Services Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Barstow District
Barstow Courthouse — 235 East Mountain View Street, Barstow, CA 92311
Serves Barstow and unincorporated desert communities including Yermo, Lenwood, Daggett, Hinkley, Newberry Springs, Trona, Baker, and surrounding areas.
Phone: (760) 718-3715
Family Court Services Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Big Bear District — Mountain Communities
Big Bear Courthouse — 477 Summit Boulevard, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Serves the mountain communities of Big Bear Lake, Big Bear City, Running Springs, Lake Arrowhead, Twin Peaks, Crestline, and surrounding areas.
Joshua Tree District — Desert
Joshua Tree Courthouse — 6527 White Feather Road, Joshua Tree, CA 92252
Serves Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms, Yucca Valley, Landers, Morongo Valley, Pioneer Town, and surrounding desert communities.
Family Law: (760) 974-3047
Family Court Services: (760) 974-3039
Family Court Services Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Needles District
Needles Courthouse — 1111 Bailey Avenue, Needles, CA 92363
Serves the far eastern communities along the Colorado River corridor.
Phone: (760) 269-4962
Important filing note: Documents filed or mailed to the San Bernardino County Family Law Division must include the full zip-code-plus-four extension (Family Law: 92415-0245). Always confirm your district assignment using the court’s official “Where Can I File?” tool before preparing any documents.
Divorce & Family Law — Helpful Links
The following official resources provide useful information about the California divorce process and the San Bernardino County Superior Court system.
San Bernardino County Superior Court — Family Court Services
The Family Court handles extensive jurisdiction over domestic matters, designed to resolve disagreements arising from divorce and legal separation, including provisions for the care of children.
https://sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-court-services
San Bernardino County Superior Court — Family Law Division
Information on dissolution of marriage, legal separation, nullity, domestic violence restraining orders, child support, and adoptions in San Bernardino County.
https://sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-law
San Bernardino County Superior Court — Family Law Self-Help
Self-help guidance for unrepresented parties covering dissolution of marriage, responding to a petition, custody and support, finalizing your case, and more.
https://sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov/self-help/self-help-family-law
San Bernardino County Superior Court — Self-Help Family Law Videos
Video resources hosted on the court’s Family Court Services page, providing self-help guidance on family law procedures for unrepresented litigants.
https://sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-court-services/self-help-family-law-videos
San Bernardino County Superior Court — Online Resources
A curated collection of online resources for family court matters in San Bernardino County.
https://sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-court-services/online-resources
San Bernardino County Superior Court — Domestic Violence and Restraining Orders
Information on how to obtain a domestic violence restraining order in San Bernardino County, including the forms required and the protections available to victims.
https://sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-law/domestic-violence-and-restraining-orders
Domestic Violence and Child Custody (English)
A court-published information sheet explaining the intersection of domestic violence and child custody proceedings in San Bernardino County — important reading for any parent facing both issues simultaneously.
Download PDF: https://sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov/system/files/3044sheeten_1536175599_2610593_1538584861_9596523.pdf
Domestic Violence and Child Custody (Spanish / Español)
The same court-published information sheet available in Spanish for Spanish-speaking litigants.
Download PDF: https://sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov/system/files/3044sheetsp_1536175599_3928732_1538584861_5843655.pdf
San Bernardino County Superior Court — Where Can I File?
Use this official tool to confirm which San Bernardino County courthouse is the correct filing location for your family law case based on your city or address.
https://sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov/general-information/where-can-i-file
Online Form Preparation and eFiling (TurboCourt)
TurboCourt guides you through a series of questions about your case and prepares the appropriate family law, domestic violence, guardianship, and child support forms for filing in California Superior Courts. Registration is required and a convenience fee applies.
https://sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing/online-form-preparation-filing
California Courts Self-Help Center — Divorce Overview
The statewide California Courts self-help portal walks you through the divorce process step by step, including what forms to file, timelines, and what to expect at each stage.
https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/divorce
California Courts — Divorce Flowchart
A visual overview of the dissolution of marriage process in California, from filing the petition through entry of final judgment.
https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/divorcepath.pdf
Court Rules, Procedures & Fee Information
These resources are particularly useful for attorneys, self-represented litigants preparing for hearings, and anyone who needs to understand the procedural rules and cost structure of the San Bernardino County Superior Court.
Family Law Local Rules of Court
San Bernardino County Superior Court local rules governing family law proceedings. Required reading for anyone preparing filings or appearing in court.
https://sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing/local-rules-court
Fee Schedule (PDF)
The official San Bernardino County Superior Court fee schedule covering filing fees and other court costs.
Download PDF: https://sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov/system/files/civil/feesched.pdf
Resource Directory (PDF)
A court-published directory of community resources available to Family Court Services participants in San Bernardino County, including counseling, support services, and referral agencies.
Download PDF: https://sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov/system/files/general/fcsresourcedirectory.pdf
Supervised Visitation Providers (PDF)
A list of court-approved supervised visitation providers serving San Bernardino County, for cases where the court has ordered that parenting time occur with a monitor present.
Download PDF: https://sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov/system/files/general/fcssupervisedvisitationproviders.pdf
New Procedure for Custody and Visitation Agreements (PDF)
An important court notice outlining updated procedures for submitting custody and visitation agreements in San Bernardino County family law cases.
Download PDF: https://sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov/system/files/fcsnewprocedureforcustodyandvisitationagreements.pdf
Family Court Services Questionnaire (PDF)
The questionnaire completed by parties before their Child Custody Recommending Counseling session. Completing this accurately and thoroughly helps the counselor understand your family’s situation.
Download PDF: https://sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov/system/files/fcsquestionnaire.pdf
Family Court Services Contact Information Sheet (PDF)
A reference sheet with contact information for Family Court Services offices across San Bernardino County’s courthouse districts.
Download PDF: https://sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov/system/files/fcscontactinformationsheet.pdf
Divorce & Parentage Petition Forms
California divorce and family law cases require specific Judicial Council forms at each stage of the process. All forms below are official, free fillable PDFs published by the California Courts. The forms you need will depend on the specifics of your situation — an attorney can advise you on which apply to your case.
FL-100 — Petition for Dissolution of Marriage/Domestic Partnership
The first document filed to open a divorce case. It states the grounds for divorce, identifies the parties and any minor children, and outlines the orders you are requesting from the court.
FL-110 — Summons (Family Law)
Served on the respondent alongside the Petition. The first page outlines that the respondent has 30 days to file a response. The second page contains the Standard Family Law Restraining Orders — including prohibitions on hiding or transferring money or property, changing insurance beneficiaries, or taking minor children out of California.
FL-115 — Proof of Service of Summons
The petitioner files this form to prove that the Summons and Petition were properly served on the respondent according to California law. Proper service starts the mandatory six-month waiting period.
FL-105/GC-120 — Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA)
If a divorce case involves minor children, California law requires parents to complete this form with information regarding the children’s names, ages, and all addresses at which they lived within the last five years.
FL-150 — Income and Expense Declaration
A sworn financial statement each party must file, detailing monthly income, expenses, assets, and debts. Courts rely on this form to determine child support, spousal support, and attorney’s fee awards.
FL-142 — Schedule of Assets and Debts
Used to provide a complete inventory of all assets and debts for purposes of property division. Required as part of California’s mandatory financial disclosure process.
FL-311 — Child Custody and Visitation (Parenting Time) Application Attachment
An attachment used when requesting specific custody and visitation orders as part of a divorce or custody proceeding.
FL-200 — Petition to Establish Parental Relationship
Used to establish the legal parent-child relationship in paternity cases involving unmarried parents.
FW-001 — Request to Waive Court Fees
If you cannot afford the court filing fee, you may qualify for a fee waiver by submitting this form.
California Family Law Calculators
Understanding the financial and custody dimensions of a divorce before you walk into court can help you make better decisions and set realistic expectations. The Sands Law Group offers three free California-specific calculators to help you get a working estimate of what your situation may look like under state guidelines.
These calculators are intended for general informational purposes. Actual court orders depend on the specific facts of your case, and the results should not be treated as legal advice.
California Child Support Calculator
California uses a statewide guideline formula to calculate child support. This calculator factors in each parent’s income, the custody timeshare, tax filing status, and other allowable deductions to generate an estimate of monthly support obligations.
Website: https://www.thesandslawgroup.com/california-child-support-calculator/
California Child Custody Time Calculator
Parenting time — how many overnights each parent has per year — directly affects child support calculations and is central to any custody arrangement. Use this calculator to map out a proposed custody schedule and determine the resulting timeshare percentage.
Website: https://www.thesandslawgroup.com/california-child-custody-time-calculator/
California Spousal Support Calculator
Spousal support (alimony) in California is determined by a range of factors under Family Code § 4320, but during temporary support proceedings, courts often use a formula as a starting point. This calculator provides a general estimate based on both parties’ incomes and the length of the marriage.
Website: https://www.thesandslawgroup.com/california-spousal-support-calculator/
Child Support Resources
Child support is one of the most contested issues in any divorce or separation. The resources below can help San Bernardino County parents understand their rights and obligations and access county enforcement services.
San Bernardino County Department of Child Support Services (DCSS)
The San Bernardino County Department of Child Support Services determines parentage, establishes and enforces child support orders, and secures payments to assist the financial and medical needs of children. Services are available in person, by phone, online, and by email.
Website: https://childsupport.sbcounty.gov
San Bernardino County Superior Court — Child Support Division
The court’s Child Support Division handles court-ordered child support matters and houses the Family Law Facilitator/Self-Help Center on the second floor.Address: 655 West Second Street, Second Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92415-0248
Website: https://sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-law/child-support
San Bernardino County Superior Court — Family Law Facilitator
Family Law Facilitators are licensed attorneys who provide free assistance to unrepresented litigants regarding child and spousal support calculations, petitions, responses, motions, and general family law questions. Facilitators can help with preparing forms and providing general information, but cannot go to court with you.
Website: https://sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov/self-help/child-support/family-law-facilitator
Family Court Services — Child Custody Recommending Counseling (CCRC)
Family Court Services provides Child Custody Recommending Counseling, a process where a counselor helps parents agree on custody and parenting plans. If parents cannot agree, the counselor makes a recommendation to the court. This service is free and usually happens before the first court date. Both parents must complete the required orientation class before the counseling session.
Website: https://sanbernardino.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-court-services
California Courts — Child Support Self-Help
An overview of how child support works in California, including how to request, modify, or enforce a child support order.
Additional Family-Related Agencies & Resources
San Bernardino County Bar Association (SBCBA)
The SBCBA Lawyer Referral Service connects San Bernardino County residents with qualified private attorneys across practice areas, including family law.
Website: https://www.sbcba.org
Phone: (909) 885-1986
San Bernardino County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
San Bernardino County DCFS responds to reports of child abuse and neglect and works with families to ensure child safety and family stability.
Website: https://hss.sbcounty.gov/dcfs/
Phone: (800) 827-8724 (24-hour child abuse hotline)
LawHelpCalifornia
The statewide resource for self-help legal information and referrals to local legal aid providers and pro bono assistance, covering divorce, custody, support, housing, and more.
Website: https://www.lawhelpca.org
California Courts Self-Help Center
The statewide self-help portal covering divorce, custody, support, restraining orders, and more, with step-by-step guides and links to all official California Judicial Council forms.
Website: https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov
Ready to Speak with a Riverside Divorce Attorney?
San Bernardino County’s sheer size, and the range of communities it encompasses, from Fontana and Rancho Cucamonga to Victorville, Big Bear, and Joshua Tree, means that family law cases here can look very different depending on where you live and which courthouse district handles your case. Procedures, local forms, and court expectations vary by district, and having an attorney who understands the San Bernardino County court system can directly affect the outcome of your case.
Sand Berdardino divorce lawyer, Thomas Sands and his team represent working families throughout San Bernardino County and the Inland Empire in divorce, child custody, spousal support, property division, and related family law matters. We bring experienced, knowledgeable representation at rates that are accessible to everyday families — because you shouldn’t have to choose between quality legal counsel and financial stability.
Whether you are just starting to consider your options or you are in the middle of an active case and need guidance, we are here to help.
Contact us online today or call us at 213-788-4412 for a free case evaluation about your case. We will take the time to understand your situation, explain your rights, and walk you through what to expect at every step of the process.
TOLL-FREE: 855-SANDS4U
