Quick Answer The San Bernardino County Family Court is located at the San Bernardino Justice Center at 247 West Third Street, San Bernardino, California 92415, phone (909) 521-3101. This is the only family law courthouse for San Bernardino County, serving cities including San Bernardino, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Rialto, Redlands, Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, and many others. The court handles all family law matters including divorce, legal separation, annulment, child custody, child support, spousal support, restraining orders, paternity, guardianship, and adoption. Filing fees are $435 in 2026 with fee waivers available. Free services include the Family Law Facilitator for self represented parties and Family Court Services mediation for contested custody. The court hours are typically 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday.
Table of Contents
Court Location and Contact
The San Bernardino County Family Court is located at the San Bernardino Justice Center. The full contact information is:
San Bernardino Superior Court Family Law Division
247 West Third Street
San Bernardino, California 92415
Phone: (909) 521-3101
Hours of Operation
- Court business hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday
- Filing window typically closes at 3:00 PM
- Closed on weekends and court holidays
- Closed on federal and state holidays
Accessibility
The San Bernardino Justice Center is accessible by car via I-10 East and the 215 Freeway. From the I-10, exit at Waterman Avenue and proceed north. From the 215, exit at Second Street and proceed east. Limited parking is available on site and in nearby paid parking lots. The courthouse is also accessible via OmniTrans bus routes connecting it to various parts of San Bernardino County.
The courthouse is fully ADA accessible with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Sign language interpreters are available with prior request. Court forms are available in Spanish, and interpretation services are available for non English speaking parties.
Cities Served by the Court
San Bernardino County is the largest county in the contiguous United States by area, spanning over 20,000 square miles. The Family Court at 247 West Third Street serves residents from all cities within the county. A board-certified family law specialist with experience in this court can help navigate its specific procedures and judges.
Cities served by the San Bernardino County Family Court include:
- San Bernardino (county seat)
- Ontario
- Rancho Cucamonga
- Fontana
- Rialto
- Redlands
- Victorville
- Hesperia
- Apple Valley
- Chino
- Chino Hills
- Upland
- Montclair
- Highland
- Yucaipa
- Loma Linda
- Grand Terrace
- Colton
- Twentynine Palms
- Barstow
- Big Bear Lake
- And other smaller cities and unincorporated areas
Cases the Court Handles
The San Bernardino County Family Court has jurisdiction over all family law matters in the county. Case types include:
- Divorce (dissolution of marriage)
- Legal separation
- Annulment (judgment of nullity)
- Domestic partnership dissolution
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support establishment, modification, and enforcement
- Spousal support establishment, modification, and enforcement
- Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
- Civil Harassment Restraining Orders
- Paternity actions
- Guardianship of minors
- Adoption proceedings
- Move away requests
- Modification of prior orders
- Enforcement of court orders including contempt proceedings
Court Departments
The Family Law Division operates multiple departments. Different departments handle different aspects of cases. Specific judges hear specific case types. Department assignments are determined at filing and may change for hearings.
Department types typically include:
- Trial departments handling contested final trials
- Law and motion departments hearing temporary orders and discovery motions
- Custody departments specializing in custody and visitation matters
- Departments handling default judgments and stipulated matters
- Settlement conference departments helping resolve cases before trial
Each department has its own clerk, courtroom, and judicial officer. The court calendar lists each department’s daily docket. Knowing which department handles your case is important for procedural matters.
Filing Your Case
Filing a case at the San Bernardino Family Court follows California’s statewide procedures:
- Confirm residency requirements under California Family Code section 2320
- Complete the appropriate Judicial Council forms for your case type
- Travel to 247 West Third Street, San Bernardino, California 92415
- Submit your forms at the filing window (closes earlier than business hours)
- Pay the filing fee or submit a fee waiver application
- Receive your case number and stamped copies
- Serve the other party as required
- File the proof of service
- Proceed through the case to resolution
Self represented parties can use the Family Law Facilitator service to assist with form completion and basic procedures.
Court Procedures
Court procedures at the San Bernardino Family Court follow California Rules of Court and local rules. Important procedural points include:
Notice Requirements
Most motions require at least 16 court days notice to the other party before the hearing under California Code of Civil Procedure section 1005. Notice is measured in court days, which exclude weekends and court holidays. The court calculates the exact deadline based on the hearing date.
Filing Deadlines
Documents are due at specific times before hearings. Late filings may be rejected or may not be considered at the hearing. The court has specific page limits and formatting requirements.
Court Attire
Court attire is business or business casual. Avoid casual wear like t shirts, shorts, flip flops, or hats. Show respect through appropriate appearance. Judges and other court staff appreciate proper attire.
Conduct in Court
Stand when the judge enters and leaves the courtroom. Address the judge as Your Honor. Do not interrupt others including the other party or attorneys. Cell phones should be silenced. Recording is generally not permitted without specific authorization.
Free Court Services
Family Law Facilitator
The Family Law Facilitator program provides free assistance to self represented parties. Services include:
- Help with form completion
- Information about court procedures
- Child support calculations
- Review of paperwork before filing
The Facilitator cannot give legal advice or represent you, but the assistance is significant. The Facilitator service is available at the courthouse during business hours.
Self Help Center
The Self Help Center provides information, forms, and assistance for self represented parties. Various workshops and clinics are offered on common family law topics.
Family Court Services
Family Court Services provides free mediation for contested custody and visitation disputes as required under California Family Code section 3170. Trained mental health professionals or specially trained attorneys serve as mediators.
Special Court Programs
The San Bernardino County Family Court offers several specialized programs:
Court Connection Program
The Court Connection program provides extended services for high conflict custody cases. Specialized resources help families navigate ongoing disputes.
Domestic Violence Resources
The court works with local domestic violence advocacy organizations to support victims. Court staff are trained on safety considerations for domestic violence cases.
Drug and Alcohol Court Programs
In cases involving substance abuse affecting custody, the court may use specialized resources including drug testing, treatment referrals, and progress monitoring.
E Filing and Technology
California Rules of Court rule 5.382 requires electronic filing for attorneys in family law cases. Self represented parties can choose to e file or file in person.
E filing requirements include:
- Registration with an approved e filing service provider
- PDF formatted documents
- Electronic signatures
- Compliance with technical requirements for file size and format
Remote court appearances are increasingly common. Many hearings can be attended via video conference. Specific procedures for remote appearance vary by department. The court website provides current information on remote hearing options.
Court Calendar and Scheduling
The San Bernardino Family Court manages thousands of cases. Calendar pressure affects scheduling. Practical realities include:
- Standard hearings may be scheduled 4 to 12 weeks in the future
- Trial dates may be 6 to 12 months out
- Emergency hearings can be scheduled within 1 to 2 weeks for genuine emergencies
- Settlement conferences are often scheduled before trial
- Status conferences track case progress
Continuances are sometimes granted but require court approval. Repeated continuances are disfavored by the court.
Practical Tips for Court Appearances
To make your court appearance successful:
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early to find parking and pass through security
- Bring all relevant documents in an organized format
- Dress appropriately in business or business casual attire
- Turn off your cell phone before entering the courtroom
- Check in with the courtroom clerk upon arrival
- Stand when the judge enters or leaves the courtroom
- Address the judge as Your Honor
- Speak only when given permission
- Bring proposed orders for the judge to sign if appropriate
- Take notes of any orders the judge makes
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is the San Bernardino County family court?
A: The San Bernardino County Family Court is located at the San Bernardino Justice Center, 247 West Third Street, San Bernardino, California 92415. The phone number is (909) 521-3101. This is the only family law courthouse for San Bernardino County, serving all cities in the county including Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Rialto, Victorville, and many others. The court is accessible via I-10 East and the 215 Freeway with limited parking available.
Q: What hours is the San Bernardino family court open?
A: Court business hours are typically 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday. The filing window typically closes earlier, around 3:00 PM. The court is closed on weekends and on federal and state holidays. Court hearings happen throughout the day during business hours. Specific department schedules may vary. The court website provides current hours and any holiday closures.
Q: Can I file my divorce online with the San Bernardino court?
A: Yes, through e filing services. California Rules of Court rule 5.382 requires electronic filing for attorney represented parties. Self represented parties can choose to e file through approved e filing service providers or file in person at the courthouse. E filing requires registration with an approved provider, PDF formatted documents, and compliance with technical requirements. Many e filing service providers offer assistance with the technical aspects of e filing.
Q: Is there free help available at the San Bernardino family court?
A: Yes. The Family Law Facilitator program provides free assistance to self represented parties. Services include help with form completion, information about court procedures, and child support calculations. The Self Help Center also provides resources and workshops. Family Court Services offers free mediation for contested custody and visitation issues. None of these services provides legal advice or representation, but they significantly help self represented parties navigate the system.
Q: How long do I have to wait for a hearing in San Bernardino family court?
A: Standard hearings are typically scheduled 4 to 12 weeks after filing the request. Trial dates may be set 6 to 12 months out. Emergency hearings can be scheduled within 1 to 2 weeks for genuine emergencies involving immediate danger or urgent circumstances. The court has substantial caseload, so timing is affected by court availability. Continuances are sometimes granted but require approval and are disfavored when used to delay cases.
Q: Can I attend court hearings remotely in San Bernardino?
A: Many hearings allow remote appearance via video conference. Specific procedures vary by department and case type. The court has expanded remote hearing options. To attend remotely, you typically need to request remote appearance in advance and use the court’s approved video platform. Some hearings still require in person appearance, particularly trials and certain custody matters. The court website provides current information on remote appearance procedures.
Q: What should I wear to family court?
A: Business or business casual attire is appropriate for family court. Avoid t shirts, shorts, flip flops, hats, sunglasses indoors, and overly casual clothing. The judge and court staff appreciate appropriate dress as a sign of respect for the court. Clean, professional appearance also makes a positive impression. While there is no formal dress code, judges may comment on inappropriate attire in some cases.
Q: Do I need an attorney to go to San Bernardino family court?
A: You are not legally required to have an attorney for any family law proceeding. The Family Law Facilitator and Self Help Center provide free assistance to self represented parties. Many uncontested divorces and routine matters are successfully handled without attorney representation. However, attorney representation is strongly recommended for contested divorces, complex property cases, custody disputes, restraining order cases, and any case where significant interests are at stake. Many family law attorneys serving the San Bernardino court offer free initial consultations.
Bottom Line
The San Bernardino County Family Court at 247 West Third Street, San Bernardino, California 92415, phone (909) 521-3101, serves all family law matters for the largest county in the contiguous United States. The court handles divorce, custody, support, restraining orders, paternity, guardianship, and adoption for residents of Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Rialto, Redlands, Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, and many other cities. Free services include the Family Law Facilitator, Self Help Center, and Family Court Services mediation. E filing is available and remote hearings are increasingly common. Hours are typically 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday with the filing window closing earlier.
Whether you are filing a new case, responding to one, or navigating ongoing proceedings, understanding the San Bernardino County Family Court system helps. A free consultation with a board-certified family law specialist can help you prepare for your specific situation.
About the Author
Donald Glen Haslam, Esq. is a Board-Certified Family Law Specialist by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization and a senior partner at Haslam & Thorne, LLP in Ontario, California. He has practiced family law exclusively for over 40 years, representing families throughout San Bernardino County and the Inland Empire. Reviewed by Brian George Thorne, Esq., Board-Certified Family Law Specialist.
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Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Court procedures, hours, and services may change. Confirm current information directly with the court before making decisions. For advice specific to your situation, consult with a licensed family law attorney. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship with Haslam & Thorne, LLP.