Fairfield Civil Court Records

Civil court records for Fairfield are managed through Solano County Superior Court, with the main courthouse located in Fairfield serving as the county seat and primary facility for civil litigation. The court handles all civil cases filed in Fairfield including unlimited and limited civil matters, small claims, and complex litigation. Online access to case information is available through the county's electronic portal with searchable records and document viewing capabilities.

Solano County Superior Court

The main courthouse for Solano County is in Fairfield at 600 Union Avenue, Fairfield, CA 94533. This facility serves as the primary location for civil filings and hearings throughout the county. The courthouse has civil, criminal, family law, probate, and traffic departments.

Phone the court for general information and department locations. Staff can direct you to the proper department for your case type. Courthouse hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The building closes for state holidays.

Solano County also operates a courthouse in Vallejo. Some civil cases may be assigned to the Vallejo location. Check your case documents or call the clerk's office to confirm which courthouse handles your matter.

Online Case Portal

Solano County provides online case access through its portal at portal.solano.courts.ca.gov. The system allows searches by party name, case number, or attorney. Results display case information including filing dates, parties, and case status.

The portal shows registers of actions for public cases. View all filings and court events at no charge. Click on cases to see chronological lists of documents filed and hearings held. The register updates regularly with new entries.

Documents may be available for viewing and download depending on filing date and case type. The system charges fees based on page count for document access. Purchase documents through the portal using a credit card.

Some case types have restricted online access. Family law cases show limited information to protect privacy. Certain civil matters may also have viewing restrictions. If you cannot find information online, contact the clerk's office or visit the courthouse.

Filing Civil Cases

Start a civil case by filing a complaint at the Fairfield courthouse. Bring your original complaint plus copies for each defendant. Pay the filing fee at submission. The clerk stamps your documents and assigns a case number.

Filing fees vary by case type. Unlimited civil cases over $35,000 cost $435. Limited cases from $10,001 to $35,000 cost $370. Cases under $10,000 cost $225. Small claims fees range from $30 to $100 based on claim amount.

After filing, serve the defendant with copies of the complaint and summons. You cannot serve papers yourself. Hire a process server or use the sheriff's office. File proof of service once service is complete.

E-filing is available through approved service providers. Electronic filing lets you submit documents 24 hours a day. You get instant confirmation of filing. Check the court website for approved e-filing systems.

Civil Case Categories

Solano County Superior Court processes various civil matters. Contract disputes make up a significant portion of filings. These include breach of contract claims, business disagreements, and collection actions.

Personal injury cases arise from car accidents, slip and falls, and other incidents. Plaintiffs seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Many cases settle before trial through negotiation or mediation.

Real estate litigation covers property disputes, boundary conflicts, and title issues. Landlord-tenant cases including unlawful detainer actions for evictions are common. Employment cases involve wrongful termination, discrimination, and wage disputes.

Professional malpractice suits target doctors, lawyers, and other licensed professionals. Each case type follows specific procedures under California law and court rules.

Note: Construction defect claims and HOA disputes also fall under civil jurisdiction.

Civil Litigation Process

Defendants have 30 days to respond after being served. Failure to respond allows plaintiffs to seek default judgment. If defendants file answers, cases proceed to discovery. Both sides exchange information and gather evidence.

The court schedules case management conferences to track progress. Judges set deadlines for discovery, motions, and trial. Many cases are referred to mediation or settlement conferences. These alternative methods can resolve cases faster than trial.

If settlement fails, cases go to trial. Trials can be before a judge or jury depending on case type and party requests. Each side presents evidence and arguments. The judge or jury issues a verdict. Appeals are possible after final judgment.

Local rules supplement statewide procedures. Check the Solano County Superior Court website for local rules. Follow all rules to avoid filing rejections or delays.

Visiting the Courthouse

Go to the Fairfield courthouse to view case files in person. Bring valid photo ID. Tell the clerk your case number or party names. Staff retrieve files for review in designated areas. Files cannot leave the clerk's office.

Request copies at the clerk's window. Standard copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies require an additional $40 certification fee. Small copy requests may be completed while you wait. Large requests can take additional time.

California law now allows photographing public court records with personal devices under AB 1524, effective January 1, 2026. Use your phone or camera to copy records without paying per-page fees. Ask staff about specific photography policies.

Courthouse hours are typically 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays. Security screening is required at all entrances. Plan extra time for parking and security. Arrive early for same-day filing deadlines.

Legal Assistance Resources

Solano County Superior Court operates a Self-Help Center providing forms and procedural guidance. Staff explain court processes but cannot give legal advice. Visit during courthouse hours for assistance with forms and understanding procedures.

Legal Services of Northern California offers free legal aid to qualifying low-income residents in Solano County. They handle select civil matters including housing, consumer, and family issues. Call to check eligibility and case type coverage.

The California Courts Self-Help website at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov has extensive guides and resources. Find instructions for filing complaints, responding to lawsuits, and preparing for hearings.

The Solano County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. Get connected with local attorneys practicing in your area of need. Initial consultations may be discounted. This helps you find qualified representation.

Court Fees and Costs

Copy fees are $0.50 per page for standard documents. Certification costs $40 per document plus the per-page copy fee. Certified copies of dissolution judgments cost $15. Research fees of $15 apply when the clerk must search without a case number.

Fee waivers are available if you meet income requirements. Complete the fee waiver application with financial documentation. Submit it with your filing or separately to request waiver of court costs.

Forms are available at courts.ca.gov or at the clerk's office. Approved waivers cover filing fees, service fees, and some other court costs. Waivers do not cover attorney fees or expert witness costs.

Additional Court Information

Local rules supplement statewide civil procedures. Check the Solano County Superior Court website for local rules specific to civil cases. These cover filing requirements, motion practice, and department procedures.

Tentative rulings may be posted online for certain departments. Check before your hearing to see the judge's initial decision. This helps you prepare arguments and understand the court's position.

Court calendars are available online showing scheduled hearings and trials. Verify your hearing date and time before appearing. Bring all required documents and be prepared to address the court.

Other Solano County Cities

Fairfield serves as the county seat for Solano County. Other cities include Vallejo and surrounding communities. All cities in the county share the same Superior Court system and online portal.

For more information about civil court records throughout Solano County, visit the Solano County page.