Search Murrieta Civil Court Records

Civil court cases in Murrieta are handled by Riverside County Superior Court, which maintains jurisdiction over all civil litigation filed within the city. The Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta serves as the primary courthouse for the area. The court system processes unlimited and limited civil cases, small claims matters, and complex litigation. Online access to case information is provided through the county's electronic Public Access Portal with searchable records dating back to the 1990s.

Southwest Justice Center

The Southwest Justice Center serves Murrieta and surrounding Southwest Riverside County communities. It is located at 30755-D Auld Road, Murrieta, CA 92563. This courthouse handles civil, criminal, family law, and traffic matters for the region.

Phone the courthouse for general information and department locations. Staff can direct you to the proper department for your case type. Courthouse hours are Monday through Friday during business hours. The building closes for state holidays.

Riverside County Superior Court operates multiple courthouses serving different areas. Cases are assigned based on filing location and case type. Murrieta residents typically file at the Southwest Justice Center. Some matters may be heard at other locations depending on court assignment.

Public Access Portal

Riverside County provides online case access through the Public Access Portal at epublic-access.riverside.courts.ca.gov. The portal allows searching for civil cases by party name, case number, or attorney name. Results display case information and registers of actions.

Name search credits are required for searching by party name. Purchase credits online: $1.00 for 1 credit, $3.50 for 5 credits, $5.00 for 10 credits, $25.00 for 75 credits, or $250.00 for 30 days of unlimited searches. Case number searches do not require credits.

Document viewing and downloading costs $1 per page for the first 5 pages and $0.50 per page for each additional page, with a cap of $50 per document. Purchase documents through the portal using a credit card. Most documents filed in recent years are available electronically.

Date ranges for available records vary by location. The system includes civil cases from the 1990s to present for most courthouse locations. Check the portal for specific date ranges applicable to your search.

Note: Unlawful Detainer eviction cases are confidential for the first 60 days and cannot be viewed during that period.

Filing Civil Actions

File civil cases at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta. Bring your complaint and required copies for service. Pay the filing fee when submitting documents. The clerk stamps your papers and assigns a case number.

Filing fees follow state guidelines. 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 and filing frequency.

After filing, serve the defendant with copies of the complaint and summons. You cannot serve these yourself. Use a registered process server or sheriff's office. File proof of service with the court showing the defendant received notice.

Electronic filing is available for civil cases. Registered users file documents through approved e-filing providers. E-filing allows 24-hour submission and provides instant confirmation of filings.

Types of Civil Cases

Riverside County Superior Court handles diverse civil matters:

• Contract disputes and breach of contract claims
• Personal injury from accidents and negligence
• Property damage and real estate litigation
• Landlord-tenant disputes and unlawful detainer
• Debt collection and creditor claims
• Business litigation and commercial disputes
• Employment cases and wrongful termination

Each case type follows specific procedures set by California law and court rules. Some require mediation before trial. Judges manage cases through conferences and scheduling orders. Many cases settle through negotiation or alternative dispute resolution.

Civil Litigation Process

Defendants have 30 days to respond after service. Failing to respond allows plaintiffs to seek default judgment. When defendants file answers, cases proceed to discovery. Both sides exchange information and gather evidence.

The court schedules case management conferences to set deadlines and track progress. Judges issue scheduling orders for discovery cutoffs, motion dates, and trial dates. Many cases are referred to mediation or settlement conferences to encourage resolution without trial.

If cases do not settle, they proceed to trial before a judge or jury. Both sides present evidence and arguments. The fact finder issues a verdict. Post-trial motions and appeals may follow final judgments.

Riverside County has local rules that supplement state civil procedures. Find local rules on the court website at riverside.courts.ca.gov. Follow all rules to avoid delays or rejected filings.

Visiting the Courthouse

Visit the Southwest Justice Center to view physical case files. Bring valid photo ID. Provide case numbers or party names to staff. They retrieve files for viewing in designated areas. Files must remain in the clerk's office.

Request copies at the clerk's window. Copy fees are $0.50 per page. Certified copies require additional certification fees. Small requests may be completed while you wait. Large requests take additional processing time.

AB 1524 now allows photographing public records with personal devices starting January 1, 2026. Bring your phone or camera to copy documents without per-page fees. Ask staff about specific photography policies.

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

Legal Assistance and Self-Help

Riverside County Superior Court operates Self-Help Centers at courthouse locations. Centers provide forms, instructions, and procedural guidance. Staff explain court processes but cannot give legal advice. Visit during open hours for assistance.

Legal aid organizations serve qualifying low-income residents. Inland Counties Legal Services provides free legal help for civil matters including housing, consumer, and family issues. Contact them to check eligibility and case type coverage.

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

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

Court Fees and Costs

Name search credits range from $1.00 for one search to $250.00 for unlimited searches per 30 days. Document downloads cost $1 per page for first 5 pages, then $0.50 per page, capped at $50 per document. Courthouse copies are $0.50 per page.

Fee waivers are available for qualifying low-income filers. Complete the application with financial documentation. Submit with your filing or separately. The court reviews and approves or denies based on income eligibility.

Get fee waiver forms at courts.ca.gov or courthouse clerk's offices. Approved waivers cover filing fees and most court costs. Waivers do not cover attorney fees or expert costs.

Court Programs and Services

The court offers alternative dispute resolution programs including mediation. ADR can resolve cases faster and cheaper than trial. Ask about programs when filing or at case management conferences.

Tentative rulings may be posted online for certain departments. Check the court website for your department's page. Rulings help you understand the judge's preliminary thinking and prepare arguments.

Court calendars are available online showing scheduled hearings and trials. Verify appearance dates before going to court. Bring all required documents and be prepared to address the court.

Riverside County Court System

Murrieta is one of several cities in Riverside County served by the Superior Court. All share the same court system and online portal. You can search cases from any location using county-wide tools.

For comprehensive information about Riverside County civil court records, visit the Riverside County page.