Search Pasadena Civil Court Cases

Civil court records for Pasadena are maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. The court has jurisdiction over all civil litigation filed in Pasadena, from small claims under ten thousand dollars to major unlimited civil cases worth millions. Cases include contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, property claims, debt collection matters, and unlawful detainer evictions. Pasadena residents typically file cases at the Pasadena Courthouse located at 300 East Walnut Street. Online access is available through the Los Angeles County Civil Index portal where you can search by party name or case number. Records from the nineteen eighties forward are available in most case types.

Los Angeles County Superior Court

Pasadena is in Los Angeles County. All civil cases from Pasadena go through Los Angeles Superior Court, the largest trial court system in the nation. The court serves over ten million residents across the county and operates more than forty courthouse facilities. Pasadena has its own courthouse serving the city and surrounding areas.

The Pasadena Courthouse is at 300 East Walnut Street, Pasadena, CA 91101. This location handles civil, criminal, family, and other matters for Pasadena and nearby communities in the San Gabriel Valley. If your case involves Pasadena, this is typically where you file papers, view records, and attend hearings.

Los Angeles County categorizes civil cases by the dollar amount in dispute. Unlimited civil cases involve more than thirty-five thousand dollars. These include major business fights, serious personal injury claims, and significant property disputes. Limited civil cases cover amounts between ten thousand and thirty-five thousand dollars. Small claims handle amounts up to ten thousand for individuals or five thousand for businesses that sue frequently. Each category has different procedures and rules.

Find Cases Online

Los Angeles County offers online case search through the Civil Index at lacourt.ca.gov. This portal covers all courthouse locations including Pasadena. Type a name into the search box to find matching cases. Each search costs four dollars and seventy-five cents. You pay by credit card when you run the search. Results show the case number, type, filing date, and courthouse location.

Click on a case to see the register of actions. This lists every document filed and every court date in chronological order. Each entry has a date and short description. The register shows the timeline of what happened in the case from start to finish. You can see when the lawsuit was filed, when the other side responded, and when hearings were held. The register updates every day.

Many cases have scanned documents you can download. The system tells you which documents have images available. The first five pages of any document cost one dollar per page. Additional pages are forty cents each. No document costs more than forty dollars no matter how long it is. Older cases might not have document images even though the register of actions is accessible.

Records in the online system go back to the early nineteen eighties for unlimited civil cases. Limited civil records start in nineteen ninety-one. Small claims begin in nineteen ninety-two. Document images are generally available from the two thousands forward. Pasadena cases follow the same date ranges as other Los Angeles County locations.

Visit Pasadena Courthouse

The Pasadena courthouse is open to the public on weekdays. Typical hours are eight thirty in the morning until four thirty in the afternoon. You need valid photo ID to enter. Security screens everyone. Bring only necessary items. Do not bring weapons or prohibited items. Cell phones are usually okay but check current rules before your visit.

The civil clerk's office can help you find files, file documents, and answer procedural questions. Staff can explain how to fill out forms and where to submit them. They cannot give legal advice. They cannot tell you what to do in your case. To view a case file, give the clerk the case number or party names. Files on site are available right away. Older files in storage take longer to retrieve.

Copies cost fifty cents per page. Certified copies add a forty dollar certification fee. If you request many pages or multiple files, costs add up. Consider using the online portal for downloading documents if available to save money.

File a Civil Lawsuit

To start a civil case in Pasadena, file a complaint at the Pasadena Courthouse. Filing fees depend on the case type. Unlimited civil cases cost four hundred thirty-five dollars. Limited civil cases are three hundred seventy dollars. Small claims fees vary based on the claim amount. Fee waivers are available for people who cannot afford court costs. Ask the clerk about fee waiver forms.

Los Angeles County requires electronic filing in most situations. Attorneys must e-file in nearly all cases. Self-represented parties may file on paper in some circumstances but electronic filing is preferred. The e-filing portal is at portal-lasc.journaltech.com. Create an account. Upload documents as PDFs. Pay fees by credit card or e-check. The system is available twenty-four hours a day.

After filing, serve the defendant with the legal papers. Service must comply with court rules. You cannot serve them yourself. Hire a process server or use the sheriff. The defendant then has time to respond. If they file an answer, the case moves forward. If they do not respond, you may be able to get a default judgment in your favor.

Small claims works differently. Fill out simple forms. Pay a small fee. Serve the defendant. Go to the hearing. Both sides explain their positions to the judge. The judge decides, usually the same day. No lawyers are needed. The process is designed for regular people to use without legal help.

Request Document Copies

You can obtain copies of Pasadena civil court documents several ways. The online portal lets you download documents if images are available. Pay the per-page fee. Download immediately. This works for cases with electronic files. For documents not scanned, request copies from the clerk at the courthouse.

Visit in person to get copies. Bring the case number. The clerk pulls the file and makes copies while you wait if the file is on site. Archived files require retrieval time. Pay fifty cents per page. Certified copies cost an additional forty dollars for the certification.

Mail requests are also possible. Write to the court with the case number and specific documents you need. Include your contact information and payment for estimated costs. The court processes mail requests and sends copies back. This can take several weeks. Storage files add more time. For urgent needs, use online or in-person methods.

Legal Aid Resources

Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles serves Pasadena residents who need civil legal assistance. They provide free legal services to low income individuals and families. Common areas include housing, consumer issues, and family law. Income limits apply. Check their website or call to see if you qualify for help.

The Los Angeles County Bar Association offers a lawyer referral service. Pay a modest consultation fee to meet with a private attorney who handles your type of case. If you hire that lawyer, the consultation fee often applies toward the total cost. This helps you find appropriate legal representation.

The court website at lacourt.ca.gov has self-help materials. Download forms. Read guides and instructions. Find answers to frequently asked questions. Some courthouse locations have self-help centers where staff assist with paperwork. They cannot represent you or give legal advice about your specific situation.

Common Civil Cases in Pasadena

Pasadena sees many types of civil lawsuits. Contract disputes arise when parties disagree about business or personal agreements. Real estate cases involve property sales, boundary disputes, construction defects, and landlord tenant issues. Personal injury claims happen when someone is hurt and seeks compensation. Car accidents are a frequent source of these lawsuits.

Debt collection cases make up a large portion of civil filings. Credit card companies, medical providers, and other creditors sue people who owe money. Many result in default judgments when defendants fail to respond. Unlawful detainer evictions occur when landlords want tenants out for unpaid rent or lease violations. These cases move quickly through the court system.

Business litigation happens given Pasadena's commercial activity. Partnership disputes, breach of contract claims, and fraud allegations can lead to unlimited civil cases. These often involve extensive discovery, expert witnesses, and lengthy trials. Professional malpractice cases against doctors, lawyers, or other professionals also fall into this category.

Note: Family law cases have separate procedures and privacy protections under California law.

Court Services and Information

Beyond filing and viewing cases, the Pasadena courthouse offers other services. Pay outstanding fees. Request certified copies of orders. Submit motions and other legal documents. The clerk's office answers procedural questions. They can tell you when hearings are scheduled and whether documents have been filed. For legal strategy advice, consult an attorney.

Use the online portal to check case status. The register of actions lists all activity and updates daily. You can monitor case progress without calling or visiting the courthouse. If you need help not available online, contact the clerk's office. Phone numbers and hours are posted on the Los Angeles County court website. Mornings tend to be busier. Afternoons may have shorter wait times.

Los Angeles County Information

Pasadena is one of many cities in Los Angeles County served by the Superior Court system. For complete information about all courthouse locations and court services throughout the county, visit the Los Angeles County page with details on filing requirements, fees, and procedures.