Lamoreaux Justice Center – Orange County Superior Court

The Lamoreaux Justice Center, located at 341 The City Drive South, Orange, CA 92868, is the primary hub for family law and juvenile matters within the Superior Court of California, County of Orange.

This specialized, multi-story courthouse handles highly sensitive legal proceedings, including complex divorce asset divisions and child custody disputes, as well as juvenile delinquency and dependency cases.

Navigating family court or juvenile court proceedings can be emotionally overwhelming and legally complex. Having the right information before stepping through the front doors is critical to protecting your family, your future, and your rights.

If you need to contact the court clerk's office directly, call the main switchboard at (657) 622-6878.

Courthouse Contact & Location Directory

To streamline your visit or remote appearance, use the directory below to contact the specific department handling your file. The court's standard hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Department / Service	Contact Number	Location / Room
Physical Address	341 The City Drive, Orange, CA 92868	Main Complex
Main Courthouse Switchboard	(657) 622-6878	General Inquiries
Family Law Clerk's Office	(657) 622-6008	7th Floor
Juvenile Court Administration	(657) 622-5509	2nd Floor
Family Court Services (Mediation)	(657) 622-6169	Room 507
Self-Help Center / Family Law Facilitator	(657) 622-5079	1st Floor

Legal Case Types Handled at Lamoreaux Justice Center

Unlike general jurisdiction courthouses that manage standard civil or adult criminal trials, Lamoreaux focuses exclusively on domestic relations and juvenile justice matters.

1. Family Law Proceedings

The family law panels on the upper floors handle matters involving the restructuring of families and domestic relationships. This includes:

• Divorce & Legal Separation: Dissolution of marriage, division of community property, and spousal support modifications.

• Child Custody & Visitation: Establishing legal and physical custody arrangements, move-away requests, and visitation schedules.

• Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVRO): Emergency and permanent protective orders to safeguard individuals from domestic abuse.

• Paternity Actions: Establishing legal parentage and subsequent child support obligations.

2. Juvenile Law Matters

The lower floors house highly confidential juvenile courtrooms, which are strictly divided into two distinct categories:

• Juvenile Delinquency (W&I Code 602): Cases involving minors under the age of 18 who are accused of committing offenses that would be considered criminal if committed by an adult.

• Juvenile Dependency (W&I Code 300): Cases where the Orange County Social Services Agency (SSA) intervenes due to allegations of child abuse, neglect, or abandonment.

🛑 Mandatory Security & Courthouse Entry Rules

The Lamoreaux Justice Center operates under strict state security protocols. Every visitor must pass through a metal detector and weapons screening checkpoint at the main entrance.

All briefcases, purses, and pockets will be x-rayed. Items like pocket knives (of any length), metal nail files, scissors, tactical pens, and chemical pepper sprays are strictly prohibited and will be permanently confiscated by Orange County Sheriff's deputies at the door.

Parking, Arrival, and Transit Logistics

• On-Site Paid Parking: A multi-level public parking structure is located directly adjacent to the courthouse facility off The City Drive. The structure accepts cash and credit cards, charging an hourly rate up to a daily maximum.

• Early Arrival Strategy: Because this courthouse handles massive volumes of daily family law filings and mandatory morning calendar calls, the lines at the security entrance can back up significantly between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. It is strongly advised to arrive at least 45 minutes before your scheduled hearing time.

• Public Transportation: The facility is highly accessible via the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) bus lines, with major stops located right along The City Drive South and nearby at the Outlets at Orange.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I wear to my court appearance at the Lamoreaux Justice Center?

You should dress in professional, conservative attire. While a formal suit is not mandatory, business casual clothing (such as a collared shirt, slacks, or a conservative dress) shows respect for the court. Avoid wearing shorts, flip-flops, tank tops, or clothing with offensive language or graphics, as judges can bar you from entering the courtroom for inappropriate attire.

Can I bring my children with me to family court?

Unless the judge has explicitly ordered your child to be present for an interview or testimony, it is highly recommended that you do not bring children to court. Family law proceedings can be adversarial and stressful. If you must bring them, the courthouse features a supervised children's waiting room (when operational), but availability is limited and you should secure outside childcare whenever possible.

What happens if I miss my court date at Lamoreaux?

The consequences depend on your case type. In family law cases, if you fail to appear, the judge can make binding orders in your absence regarding child custody, support, or property division (known as a default judgment). In a juvenile delinquency case, missing a mandatory hearing can prompt the judge to issue a Warrant of Arrest for the minor. If an emergency arises, contact your attorney or the clerk's office immediately before your hearing time.

Where do I go if I cannot afford a lawyer for my divorce or custody case?

The Self-Help Center and Family Law Facilitator Office is located on the 1st floor of the Lamoreaux Justice Center. They provide free legal information, help clarify court procedures, and offer assistance with filling out mandatory California family law forms. Please note that they provide administrative guidance only—they cannot represent you as your attorney in front of a judge.

Are juvenile court cases open to the general public?

No. To protect the privacy and future of minors, juvenile dependency and juvenile delinquency proceedings are strictly confidential. Only the minors, their parents or legal guardians, involved social workers, probation officers, attorneys, and explicitly authorized parties are allowed inside the courtroom.