Anaheim Civil Court Records

Civil court records for Anaheim are maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Orange. All civil litigation filed by Anaheim residents and businesses goes through the Orange County court system. The court handles unlimited civil cases over $35,000, limited civil cases between $10,000 and $35,000, and small claims under $10,000. Orange County provides multiple online portals for different case types. Civil case information dates back to 1996 for unlimited and complex civil actions, and back to 2005 for limited civil actions. Most documents filed on or after January 1, 2008 can be viewed and downloaded online for a fee. The main civil courthouse is the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana at 700 Civic Center Drive West. Phone is (657) 622-6878.

Court Jurisdiction

Civil cases for Anaheim are filed in Orange County Superior Court. Anaheim is part of Orange County, so all civil litigation goes through the county court system. The main civil courthouse is the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana. There are also other courthouses including the North Justice Center in Fullerton which is close to Anaheim.

Orange County Superior Court uses the Tyler Technologies Odyssey case management system. This platform handles e-filing, case tracking, and public access to case information. The court is one of the largest in Southern California.

Cases are filed at the appropriate courthouse based on case type and location. Many Anaheim residents file at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana or the North Justice Center in Fullerton.

Online Case Search

Orange County provides several online portals for case access. The Civil Case & Document Access portal at civilwebshopping.occourts.org allows you to search civil cases. The system contains case summary and register of action information for unlimited and complex civil cases back to 1996, and limited civil cases back to 2005.

Most documents filed on or after January 1, 2008 can be viewed and downloaded. Fees apply for document downloads. The portal shows which documents are available before you purchase them.

The Case Name Search portal at namesearch.occourts.org allows you to search for cases by party name. This helps you find cases when you do not know the case number.

The Case Access hub at occourts.org provides links to all the different portals for civil, criminal, family, probate, and small claims cases.

Filing Civil Cases

Orange County uses electronic filing through the Odyssey e-filing portal. You must register for an account to file documents online. The portal is available 24 hours a day. Documents filed before midnight on a court day are considered filed that day.

Filing fees follow the California statewide schedule. A complaint in an unlimited civil case costs $435. The answer also costs $435. Limited civil fees depend on the claim amount. Small claims fees are based on how much money is being claimed.

Fee waivers are available for people who cannot afford court costs. You file a fee waiver application with financial information. The court reviews it and decides whether you qualify.

Viewing Files at the Courthouse

You can view case files in person at Orange County courthouses. The Central Justice Center in Santa Ana is the main civil courthouse. The North Justice Center in Fullerton is also convenient for Anaheim residents. Bring photo ID. Court security checks identification at the entrance.

Copy fees are $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost an additional $40 certification fee. A certified copy of a dissolution judgment costs $15 instead of $40. Clerks can process small copy requests while you wait. Larger requests take longer.

If you need the court to search for records without a case number, provide as much information as possible. Party names, approximate filing dates, and case type all help clerks locate cases.

Anaheim City Records

The City of Anaheim maintains separate administrative records from the court system. City Clerk records include city contracts, permits, ordinances, and city business documents. The City Clerk is at 200 S. Anaheim Boulevard, 2nd Floor, Room 217. Phone is (714) 765-5166. Public records can be requested at anaheim.net.

City records are not civil court cases. If you need to file a lawsuit or search for civil litigation, you must use Orange County Superior Court. The city does not maintain court case files.

Court Help and Resources

The Orange County Superior Court website at occourts.org provides information about procedures, forms, and services. The site includes guides for civil cases and other case types.

Self-help centers at courthouse locations can answer questions about procedures. Staff cannot give legal advice but can explain court processes. If you need a lawyer, the Orange County Bar Association offers lawyer referral services.

Legal aid organizations in Orange County serve low-income residents with civil legal problems. These groups focus on housing, family law, consumer issues, and public benefits cases.

Nearby Cities

Other major cities in Orange County and Southern California with populations over 100,000: