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Lamoreaux Justice Center — Juvenile, Family Law & Restraining Order Court
The Lamoreaux Justice Center in Orange is the Orange County Superior Court's juvenile and family courthouse. It does not hear adult criminal cases: adult misdemeanors and felonies are filed at the Central, Harbor, North, or West Justice Center, depending on the city where the case arose. Here is what Lamoreaux does handle, and where it overlaps with a criminal case.
Court Information
Address
341 The City Dr S, Orange, CA 92868
About this courthouse
This is Orange County's juvenile and family courthouse. It hears juvenile, family law, and domestic violence restraining order cases for every city in the county, and it does not hear adult criminal cases.
Official Lamoreaux Justice Center DirectoryWhat the Lamoreaux Justice Center Handles
- Juvenile delinquency — cases where a minor is accused of a crime
- Juvenile dependency — child welfare cases brought by the county
- Family law — divorce, child custody, and support
- Domestic violence restraining orders — requests under California's Domestic Violence Prevention Act
The building also houses a Self-Help Center, Family Court Services (mediation), and the Office of the Family Law Facilitator. It serves every city in Orange County and the unincorporated areas. Sources: the court's Lamoreaux Justice Center page and its Court Designation List (revised June 30, 2025).
Where Adult Criminal Cases Are Heard Instead
If you were arrested or cited as an adult, your case will not be at Lamoreaux. The court files adult misdemeanor and felony cases at one of four justice centers, based on the city where the case arose. Adult criminal cases from Irvine, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, and San Clemente go to the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach, and cases from the City of Orange go to the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana, even though Lamoreaux is in Orange.
In felony cases, some hearings are held at the Central Justice Center, and the trial goes to whichever justice center has an open trial courtroom.
Domestic Violence: One Incident, Two Courts
A domestic violence arrest can lead to two separate cases. The criminal charge, such as Penal Code 273.5 or 243(e)(1), is prosecuted by the Orange County District Attorney's Office at the justice center for the city where the incident happened, and the criminal judge usually issues a criminal protective order. Separately, the other person can ask the family court at Lamoreaux for a domestic violence restraining order.
The two cases run on different schedules and use different standards of proof, and anything you say at a restraining order hearing can be used against you in the criminal case. Talk to a criminal defense lawyer before you testify or file a response. Learn more about domestic violence defense, fighting a restraining order, and which Orange County court handles a domestic violence case.
Juvenile Cases at Lamoreaux
When a minor is accused of a crime in Orange County, the case is heard in juvenile court at the Lamoreaux Justice Center, not at the adult courthouse for the city. The District Attorney files a petition under Welfare and Institutions Code 602, a judge decides the case without a jury, and the focus is rehabilitation. For some serious offenses involving older minors, prosecutors can ask a judge to transfer the case to adult criminal court, which makes early representation critical.
See our juvenile crimes defense page and what parents need to know about juvenile court in Orange County.
Visiting the Lamoreaux Justice Center
Lamoreaux is a full-security facility: everyone passes through weapons screening and has bags x-rayed. The court says cameras and recording devices are not allowed into this justice center, so call (657) 622-6878 before your visit if you are unsure what you can bring. Family Law and Juvenile Court hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Why Choose Steven A. Alexander for Your Lamoreaux Justice Center Case
- 30+ years of experience appearing at Orange County courthouses
- 5,000+ serious felony cases handled across California
- 250+ trials — actual trial experience, not just plea negotiations
- Bilingual representation — English and Spanish (~70% of clients are Spanish-speaking)
- No-obligation consultation — discuss your case before committing
- 24/7 availability for jail releases and emergencies
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Lamoreaux Justice Center located?
The Lamoreaux Justice Center is at 341 The City Dr S, Orange, CA 92868. This is Orange County's juvenile and family courthouse. It hears juvenile, family law, and domestic violence restraining order cases for every city in the county, and it does not hear adult criminal cases.
Are adult criminal cases heard at the Lamoreaux Justice Center?
No. Lamoreaux Justice Center hears juvenile, family law, and domestic violence restraining order cases. Adult misdemeanor and felony cases are filed at the Central, Harbor, North, or West Justice Center, depending on the city where the case arose. Adult criminal cases from Irvine, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, and San Clemente go to the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach, and cases from the City of Orange go to the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana.
What cases are heard at the Lamoreaux Justice Center?
Juvenile delinquency and dependency cases, family law cases such as divorce, custody, and support, and domestic violence restraining orders for every city in Orange County. The building also houses a Self-Help Center, Family Court Services, and the Office of the Family Law Facilitator.
If I am arrested for domestic violence, will my case be at Lamoreaux?
Your criminal case will not. A domestic violence charge is prosecuted at the justice center for the city where the incident happened. A restraining order request from the other person is a separate family court case heard at Lamoreaux, and what you say at that hearing can be used against you in the criminal case.
My child was arrested in Orange County. Where will the case be heard?
Juvenile delinquency cases from anywhere in Orange County are heard at the juvenile court in the Lamoreaux Justice Center. A judge, not a jury, decides the case, and the goal is rehabilitation. For some serious offenses involving older minors, prosecutors can ask a judge to move the case to adult court.
Can I bring my phone into the Lamoreaux Justice Center?
The court says cameras and recording devices are not allowed into Lamoreaux, and everyone goes through weapons screening. Call the court at (657) 622-6878 before your visit if you are unsure what you can bring.
Have a Case at Lamoreaux Justice Center?
Contact the Law Offices of Steven A. Alexander to schedule a consultation. Bilingual. Experienced. Available 24/7.