Family Law – How to File for a Divorce
Phone: (415) 444-7040
Email: familylaw@marincourt.org
Location: Civic Center, Hall of Justice, Room 113
Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm


Filing for a Divorce, Legal Separation or Nullity of Marriage

It is strongly suggested that you consult with a family law attorney so that you are informed of your legal rights and the important legal issues that may affect your case. Below are options to assist you in filing your family law case.

  1. You may contact the Lawyer Referral Service of the Marin County Bar Association at (415) 499-1314 for a low cost consultation with a family law attorney.
  2. You may contact an attorney for legal advice or to represent you by looking in the telephone book. Many attorneys have a reasonable fee for an initial consultation.
  3. You may represent yourself. You may seek assistance from Legal Self Help Services located at the Civic Center, Hall of Justice, Room C-27, San Rafael, CA 94903, (415) 444-7130. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. To allow yourself enough time to receive assistance from the staff, and to complete your paperwork, please arrive at their office no later than 11:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m.
  4. You may contact the Family & Children's Law Center for legal representation at 30 North San Pedro Road, Suite 245, San Rafael, CA, 94903, (415) 492-9230. This agency has a sliding fee scale.
  5. You may view Court's Local Rules online for the local procedures that you must follow to file your action in the Court.

Obtaining Forms

Judicial Council forms and local forms may be downloaded from the Court's web site. Family Law forms are also available in the Clerk's Office. Required forms may include both Judicial Council and local forms.