Q. ARE THE CLERK'S OFFICES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?

A: The Clerk's Offices are open for in-person transactions between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Clerk's Office employees are available to assist by telephone from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and are processing documents submitted by E-Filing or by U.S. Mail or Drop-Box (for self-represented parties only) throughout the day.

For questions regarding Family Law, you may call:

• Santa Maria: 805-614-6414
• Santa Barbara: 805-882-4520

 

Q. IS THE COURT HEARING FAMILY LAW MATTERS?

A: Most departments are hearing family law proceedings in person or by Zoom. Judge James Rigali in Santa Maria Department 2 hears family law matters in-person only, unless in-person appearances are specifically authorized by the court. Please refer to the Information/Process for Remote Appearance – Civil document for information on proceedings that require
personal appearances and how to request appearance by Zoom. Info/Process for Remote Appearance-Civil

The court no longer routinely allows the use of Court Call.

Q: IS THE OFFICE OF THE FAMILY LAW FACILITATOR OPEN TO HELP SELF-REPRESENTED LITIGANTS WITH THEIR FAMILY LAW ISSUES?

A: The Family Law Facilitator is available for remote assistance. You may contact Family Court Services at:

• For cases filed in Santa Barbara: 805.882.4660 or email at SBFLF@sbcourts.org. Se habla español.
• For cases filed in Santa Maria: 805.614.6442. Se habla español.
  You may obtain more information and assistance regarding completing legal paperwork, obtaining forms, and information at
  https://www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp.htm.
  
  

Q. HOW DO I FILE FAMILY LAW DOCUMENTS IF I HAVE NO ACCESS TO ELECTRONIC FILING?

A: All attorneys are required to E-file. Self-Represented parties are encouraged to E-file. Electronic filing is available at www.sbcourts.org.

Self-Represented parties only: For urgent or emergency documents that can only be filed in paper, you may mail your documents by U.S. mail to the proper courthouse location at the address listed on the Court website, www.sbcourts.org, or via the drop boxes located in Santa Maria, Santa Barbara and Lompoc.

Q: HOW DO I FILE LEGAL DOCUMENTS IF I HAVE NO ACCESS TO ELECTRONIC FILING?

A: All attorneys are required to use electronic filing.

Self-Represented parties only: If it is impossible for Self-Represented parties to file documents electronically, you may mail your documents by U.S. mail to the proper courthouse location at the address listed on the Court website https://www.sbcourts.org/gi/loc/index.shtm.

You may also use the drop boxes located in Santa Maria at the front of the Civil Clerk's Office, in Santa Barbara during business hours in front of the Civil Clerk's Office at 1100 Anacapa St; and in Lompoc at the entrance for Superior Court.

Self-represented parties may file by FAX in Santa Maria or Santa Barbara. FAX filings fees are $1.00 per page and you must include the Judicial Council FAX cover sheet, form MC-005, and include a credit card number and three-digit security code on the form.

FAX filing numbers:

• Santa Barbara: 805.882.4519
  Santa Maria: 805.614.6616

Q: HOW DO I REQUEST AN EMERGENCY EX PARTE HEARING?

A: Please refer to local rules regarding ex parte requests: 1405, 1406, 1407, 1408, and 1410. https://www.sbcourts.org/ff/local-rules.shtm#1405

Q: HOW DO I SCHEDULE MEDIATION FOR CHILD CUSTODY AND VISITATION IF ORDERED BY THE COURT?

A: Family Court Services continues to offer remote mediation appointments. Appointments can be requested by contacting Family Court Services at these telephone numbers:

• Santa Barbara (805) 882-4667

  Santa Maria (805) 614-6429