How do I find divorce papers from L.A. County from 1981. Are they public record and can I get a copy of them?

Answer 1

Yes, they are public record, but getting a copy of them, unless they are your own divorce papers can be a little tricky. You have to go down to the court house, or call them if you aren't in the area and fill out a request form. On that request form you are going to have to tell them why you want them, what relationship you are to the parties in the divorce, etc. They can even deny you the copies if you don't have a valid reason to obtain them. Public records will only provide you with the parties name and the date of the divorce, everything else in the copies you request is deemed as personal, unless you know someone on the inside who'll get them for you.