Navigating a divorce or family law matter in Riverside County presents its own unique set of challenges.
With one of the largest geographic footprints of any county in California, Riverside County spans more than 7,000 square miles from the city of Riverside and the Inland Empire to the Coachella Valley, the desert communities of the Blythe area, and the fast-growing southwest corridor of Murrieta and Temecula.
Knowing which courthouse handles your case, which forms to file, and where to find county-specific support services can make a significant difference in how your case unfolds.
At The Sands Law Group, led by family law attorney Thomas Sands, we help families throughout the Inland Empire and Riverside County navigate divorce, child custody, spousal support, and all aspects of California family law. This resource page is designed to give you a practical starting point with courthouse locations, official court forms, child support resources, and community agencies that serve Riverside County residents.
If you have questions about your specific situation, contact us for a free case evaluation with an experienced Riverside County family law attorney.
How Does the Riverside County Family Court System Work?
The Riverside County Superior Court Family Law Division handles cases in which people are ending a marriage or registered domestic partnership, identifying a childโs legal parents, determining custody and visitation issues, establishing or enforcing child and spousal support, or dealing with domestic violence issues.
The Superior Court of California, County of Riverside, assigns cases to specific courthouses based on the letters found in the case number prefix and the city or zip code where the parties reside. Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, Elder Abuse Restraining Orders, and Appeals can be filed at any court location.
Unlike Los Angeles Countyโs centralized structure, Riverside Countyโs court system is organized across several distinct geographic districts, Western, Mid-County, and Desert, each served by its own courthouse locations. Confirming your correct filing location before submitting documents is essential, as cases may be transferred if filed in the wrong venue.
Riverside County Courthouse Locations for Family Law Matters
Family cases in Riverside County are heard at multiple courthouse locations spread across the countyโs geographic districts. Below are the primary courthouses handling family law matters, organized by district, with service area context for each.
Western District โ City of Riverside
Riverside Family Law Courthouseย โย 4175 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92501
The primary dedicated family law courthouse in Riverside County. Serves the city of Riverside and surrounding western communities including Corona, Norco, and Jurupa Valley. Mailing address: P.O. Box 431, Riverside, CA 92502.
Phone: (951) 777-3147
Note: Clerkโs Office hours: MondayโFriday, 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Riverside Hall of Justiceย โย 4100 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92501
Handles a range of civil and criminal matters in the western district. Located adjacent to the Family Law Courthouse in downtown Riverside.
Phone: (951) 777-3147
Corona Courthouseย โย 505 S. Buena Vista Ave., Suite 201, Corona, CA 92882
Serves the city of Corona and surrounding northwest Riverside County communities.
Phone: (951) 777-3147
Moreno Valley Courthouseย โย 13800 Heacock Street, Building D, Suite 201, Moreno Valley, CA 92553
Serves Moreno Valley, Perris, and nearby communities in the central-western portion of the county.
Phone: (951) 777-3147
Mid-County District
Southwest Justice Centerย โย 30755-D Auld Road, Murrieta, CA 92563
The primary courthouse for the fast-growing southwest corridor of Riverside County, serving Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, Lake Elsinore, and surrounding communities.
Phone: (951) 777-3147
Hemet Courthouseย โย 880 N. State Street, Hemet, CA 92543
Serves Hemet, San Jacinto, and surrounding mid-county communities. Family Law Facilitator services are available at this location.
Phone: (951) 777-3147
Banning Justice Centerย โย 311 E. Ramsey Street, Banning, CA 92220
Serves the Pass area communities including Banning, Beaumont, Cabazon, and Calimesa.
Phone: (951) 777-3147
Desert District
Larson Justice Centerย โย 46-200 Oasis Street, Indio, CA 92201
The primary courthouse for the Coachella Valley, serving Indio, Coachella, Palm Desert, Cathedral City, and the eastern desert communities. Family Law Facilitator services are available at this location.
Phone: (760) 393-2617
Palm Springs Courthouseย โย 3255 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Serves Palm Springs and the western Coachella Valley.
Phone: (760) 393-2617
Blythe Courthouseย โย 265 N. Broadway, Blythe, CA 92225
Serves the far eastern desert communities along the Colorado River, including Blythe and surrounding areas.
Phone: (760) 393-2617
Note: Open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays only.
Important filing note: The filing cut-off time is 4:00 p.m. for documents submitted in person and via courthouse drop boxes. Documents received electronically via eSubmit between 12:00 a.m. and 11:59:59 p.m. on a court day are deemed filed on that court day. Always confirm your courthouse assignment using the courtโs zip code filing tool before preparing documents.
Divorce & Family Law โ Helpful Links
The following official resources provide useful information about the California divorce process and the Riverside County Superior Court system.
Riverside County Superior Court โ Family Law Division
The official family law page for the Riverside County Superior Court, including information on dissolution of marriage, legal separation, paternity, custody, support, and domestic violence matters.
https://www.riverside.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-law
Riverside County Superior Court โ Family Law FAQs
Answers to frequently asked questions about Riverside County family law proceedings, including questions on service of process, paternity, responding to a petition, child support, and more.
https://www.riverside.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-law/family-law-faqs
Riverside County Superior Court โ Family Law Self-Help
The Superior Court of Riverside County offers free self-help resources on basic legal issues including family law, evictions, restraining orders, and small claims. Self-Help Information Centers provide general assistance to people who do not have attorneys.
https://www.riverside.courts.ca.gov/self-help
Riverside County Superior Court โ Divorce & Separation Self-Help
Step-by-step guidance from the court on the dissolution of marriage process in Riverside County, including facilitator information and workshop schedules.
https://www.riverside.courts.ca.gov/self-help/divorce-separation
Riverside County Superior Court โ Family Law Self-Help Form Packets
Self-help form packets include groups of fillable forms required to begin or complete a family law case, covering dissolution of marriage, legal separation, nullity, paternity, custody and visitation, and domestic violence restraining orders. Packets are designed to be completed before attending a court workshop.
https://www.riverside.courts.ca.gov/flpackets
Riverside County Superior Court โ Families & Children Self-Help
The courtโs self-help hub covering child custody, visitation, child support, paternity, mediation, and Family Law Facilitator services specific to Riverside County.
https://www.riverside.courts.ca.gov/self-help/families-children
Riverside County Superior Court โ Domestic Violence
Information on domestic violence restraining orders in Riverside County, including how to request an order, the forms required, and what protections a restraining order provides. Domestic Violence Restraining Orders may be filed at any Riverside County courthouse location.
https://www.riverside.courts.ca.gov/self-help/domestic-violence
Riverside County Superior Court โ Where to File (Zip Code Tool)
Use this official tool to confirm which Riverside County courthouse is the correct filing location for your case based on your zip code or city.
https://www.riverside.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing/where-file
Riverside County Superior Court โ eSubmit (Electronic Document Filing)
The eSubmit program allows court customers to electronically deliver documents in appeals, family law, probate, juvenile, criminal, and traffic cases to the court securely via the Internet. A $2.00 transaction fee applies to all non-exempt submissions. There are no fees associated with filing a domestic violence or gun violence restraining order.
https://www.riverside.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing/esubmit
Riverside County Superior Court โ Self-Help Events & Workshops
The Riverside Superior Court offers free workshops and online clinics on dissolution of marriage, paternity cases, modifying support and custody orders, and preparing for Mandatory Settlement Conferences. Self-Help Legal Services is closed on court holidays and the last Friday of every month.
https://www.riverside.courts.ca.gov/SelfHelpEvents
California Courts Self-Help Center โ 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 โ 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 Riverside County Superior Court.
Family Law Local Rules (PDF)
The Riverside County Superior Courtโs local rules governing family law proceedings, including rules on remote appearances at non-evidentiary hearings and other county-specific procedures.
https://www.riverside.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules
Trial Rules and Procedures (PDF)
The courtโs rules and procedures governing trial conduct in Riverside County Superior Court. Required reading for anyone preparing for a contested family law trial.
https://www.riverside.courts.ca.gov/general-information/local-rules
Fee Schedule (PDF)
The official Riverside County Superior Court fee schedule covering filing fees and other court costs. Fees in Riverside County may vary from the statewide schedule in certain case types.
https://www.riverside.courts.ca.gov/system/files/general/feeschedule.pdf
Court Calendars
View daily Family Law, Child Support Services, Civil, Probate, Criminal, and Traffic calendars. Department calendars can be viewed for the current day and the next three business days.
https://www.riverside.courts.ca.gov/online-services/court-calendars
Dept. F501 Standing Orders (PDF)
The standing orders for Department F501 at the Riverside Family Law Courthouse. All parties with cases assigned to this department are expected to review and comply with these orders before appearing.
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 โ an attorney can advise you on which apply to your case.
FL-100 โ 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 โ 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, which outline the things neither spouse can do without a written agreement or court order โ including hiding or transferring money or property, changing insurance beneficiaries, or taking minor children out of California.
FL-115 โ 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 โ 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 childrenโs names, ages, and all addresses at which they lived within the last five years.
FL-150 โ 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 attorneyโs fee awards.
FL-142 โ 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 Californiaโs mandatory financial disclosure process.
FL-311 โ 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 โ Petition to Establish Parental Relationship
Used to establish the legal parent-child relationship in paternity cases involving unmarried parents.
FW-001 โ 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 parentโs 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 โ how many overnights each parent has per year โ 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 ยง 4320, but during temporary support proceedings, courts often use a formula as a starting point. This calculator provides a general estimate based on both partiesโ 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 Riverside County parents understand their rights and obligations and access county enforcement services.
Riverside County Department of Child Support Services (DCSS)
The Riverside County Department of Child Support Services establishes child and medical support orders, paternity orders, locates parents, and enforces support orders. Walk-in services are available MondayโFriday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except county holidays. Walk-in interviews are conducted between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Website: https://rivcodcss.com
Riverside County Superior Court โ Family Law Facilitator (Child Support)
Family Law Facilitators from the Riverside Superior Court are available to provide free assistance on child support needs at multiple courthouse locations. The court also provides waiting rooms for the children of family law litigants at the Riverside Family Law, Hemet, and Larson Justice Center (Indio) courthouses.
Website: https://www.riverside.courts.ca.gov/self-help/families-children
Riverside County Superior Court โ Family Law Facilitator (General)
Family Law Facilitators are licensed attorneys who provide free assistance to unrepresented litigants regarding petitions, responses, support calculations, motions, and general family law questions. They can help with preparing forms and providing general information, but cannot go to court with you. New filers must attend a workshop before meeting individually with a Facilitator.
Website: https://www.riverside.courts.ca.gov/self-help/divorce-separation
Riverside County Superior Court โ Child Custody Recommending Counseling (CCRC)
California Family Code Section 3170 requires mediation, or Child Custody Recommending Counseling services, in family law cases when parents cannot agree on custody and visitation arrangements. The parenting plan addresses legal custody, physical custody, timeshare schedules, telephone contact, transportation, and any other special needs pertaining to child custody.
Website: https://www.riverside.courts.ca.gov/self-help/families-children
California Courts โ 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
Riverside County Bar Association (RCBA)
The RCBA Lawyer Referral Service connects Riverside County residents with qualified private attorneys. A reduced-fee initial consultation may be available.
Website: https://www.riversidecountybar.com
Phone: (951) 682-1015
Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS)
DPSS provides a range of social services for Riverside County families, including child welfare, domestic violence services, and public assistance programs.
Website: https://rivcodpss.org
LawHelpCA
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?
Family law matters in Riverside County , whether in the family law courthouse in downtown Riverside, the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta, or the Larson Justice Center in Indio, require a Riverside divorce attorney who understands not just California family law, but the specific procedures, departments, and expectations of the local courts where your case will be heard.
At The Sands Law Group, Thomas Sands and his team represent working families throughout Riverside County and the Inland Empire in divorce, child custody, spousal support, and related family law matters. We offer experienced, accessible representation at rates designed for real families โ not just those who can afford premium Inland Empire legal fees.
Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation. We will listen to your situation, explain your options, and help you understand the path forward, with no obligation.
Contact us online today or call us at 213-788-4412 for a free case evaluation about your case.
TOLL-FREE: 855-SANDS4U
