Irvine Civil Court Records
Civil court records for Irvine are maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Orange. All civil litigation filed by Irvine 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. Multiple online portals provide access to case information and documents. Civil case information dates back to 1996 for unlimited cases and 2005 for limited cases. Most documents filed on or after January 1, 2008 can be viewed and downloaded online. The main civil courthouse is the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana. The Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach is also convenient for Irvine residents. Fees apply for document downloads.
Irvine Court Quick Facts
Court Jurisdiction
Civil cases for Irvine are filed in Orange County Superior Court. Irvine is a large city in Orange County. Cases may be filed at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana or at the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach. Both locations are convenient for Irvine residents.
Orange County Superior Court uses the Tyler Technologies Odyssey case management system. This platform handles e-filing, case tracking, and public access to records. The court is one of the largest in Southern California, serving over 3 million residents.
Cases are assigned to the appropriate courthouse based on case type and location. Complex civil cases may be handled at the Civil Complex Center in Santa Ana.
Online Case Search
Orange County provides multiple online portals for case access. The Civil Case & Document Access portal at civilwebshopping.occourts.org allows you to search civil cases and download documents. The system contains case information for unlimited civil cases back to 1996 and limited civil cases back to 2005.
Most documents filed on or after January 1, 2008 are available for viewing and downloading. 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 lets you search by party name. This is useful when you do not know the case number but know the names of parties involved in the case.
The general Case Access hub at occourts.org provides links to all online portals including civil, criminal, family law, probate, and small claims.
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. Approved waivers eliminate most filing fees.
Viewing Files at the Courthouse
You can view case files in person at Orange County courthouses. The Central Justice Center in Santa Ana and the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach are both convenient for Irvine 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. Small copy requests can be processed while you wait. Larger requests take more time.
If you need the court to search for records without a case number, provide party names, approximate filing dates, and case type. This helps clerks locate the case faster.
Irvine City Records
The City of Irvine maintains separate administrative records from the court system. City records include city contracts, permits, ordinances, and city business documents. Phone is (949) 724-6205. The city operates Irvine Quick Records at irvinequickrecords.com for public records requests.
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 with populations over 100,000: