San Francisco, California Family Court Guide

San Francisco sits in San Francisco County, California, so family court is handled at the county level. How and where to file family court papers from San Francisco: the right clerk of court, e-filing, filing fees, and self-help for custody, child support, and divorce.

The most time-sensitive thing for any San Francisco parent is the response clock. In California you generally have 30 days to file a written response after you are served (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. 412.20; Summons FL-110). Calendar days from service. Miss that window and the other side can ask the San Francisco county court that serves San Francisco to move ahead without you, so put the deadline on your calendar the day you are served and confirm the exact date with the clerk.

Child support for San Francisco families is set under California's Income Shares guideline. Both parents' incomes combined; obligation split proportionally by income share. The judge applies the same statewide formula whether you file in San Francisco or anywhere else in California, so an honest income picture and the official worksheet matter more than where in the state you live.

When San Francisco parents split parenting time, California courts call the schedule "Custody & Visitation", and that is the language to use in your paperwork. If safety is the issue, the order to ask the San Francisco county court that serves San Francisco about is the Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO).

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file family court papers if I live in San Francisco, California?

San Francisco sits in San Francisco County, California. Family court matters for San Francisco residents are filed with the clerk of court for the San Francisco county. Start with the San Francisco county court resources linked on this page to confirm the family division, courthouse location, hours, and accepted filing formats. FamilyCourtHelp.com is a self-help resource and not a law firm.

Can I e-file my San Francisco family court case online?

California uses No statewide portal; each county superior court chooses its own e-filing providers for electronic court filings. Whether self-represented filers in San Francisco can e-file depends on the court and case type, so confirm with the clerk before you submit. Where e-filing is not open to you, the clerk will accept paper filings in person or by mail.

How much does it cost to file for divorce or custody in San Francisco?

Dissolution filing fee: ~$435-$450. The exact amount is set by the clerk and changes over time, so verify the current schedule before filing. If you cannot afford the fee, California courts let you ask for a fee waiver based on income.

Is there free self-help for self-represented parents near San Francisco?

Yes. California maintains a statewide self-help resource for people without a lawyer, and many clerks run a local self-help center too. Use those official resources for forms and procedure, and use FamilyCourtHelp.com to organize your case, draft documents, and prepare. This page is educational and not legal advice.

Which county court covers San Francisco?

San Francisco is served by the San Francisco county court in California. Divorce, custody, child support, and parenting-plan cases for San Francisco residents are heard in that court's family division.

How long do I have to respond to a family court case in San Francisco, California?

In California you generally have 30 days to file a written response after you are served (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. 412.20; Summons FL-110). Calendar days from service. The summons you were served lists your own deadline, and service method or case type can change it, so confirm the exact date with the clerk that serves San Francisco before you rely on it.

How is child support calculated for San Francisco families?

California uses the Income Shares model. Both parents' incomes combined; obligation split proportionally by income share. Run the numbers on the California child-support worksheet for an estimate; the judge sets the final amount and can adjust it for the facts of your case.

What is a restraining order called in California?

In California it is generally called a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO). You request it through the same court system that serves San Francisco. If you or your children are in immediate danger, call 911 first, then ask the clerk how to file for emergency protection the same day.