Pomona Civil Court Records

Civil court records for Pomona are maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. The court has complete jurisdiction over all civil cases filed in Pomona, including contract disputes, personal injury claims, property litigation, debt collection suits, and unlawful detainer evictions. Pomona cases are typically handled at the Pomona Courthouse South located at 400 Civic Center Plaza. You can search for case information online through the county's Civil Index portal or visit the courthouse in person. Records dating back to the early nineteen eighties are available through the court system.

Los Angeles County Court System

Pomona is in Los Angeles County. All civil litigation from Pomona goes through Los Angeles Superior Court. This is the largest trial court system in the nation, serving over ten million residents. The court operates more than forty courthouse locations across the county. Each location serves specific geographic areas.

Pomona cases are filed at the Pomona Courthouse South. The address is 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona, CA 91766. This courthouse handles civil, criminal, family, and traffic matters for the east San Gabriel Valley area. If you need to file papers, view case files, or attend hearings for a Pomona civil case, this is where you go.

The court categorizes civil cases by the dollar amount in dispute. Unlimited civil cases involve more than thirty-five thousand dollars. These include major business lawsuits, serious injury claims, and significant property disputes. Limited civil cases range from ten thousand to thirty-five thousand dollars. Common examples include contract breaches, smaller injury suits, and landlord tenant fights. Small claims cover amounts up to ten thousand for individuals or five thousand for businesses that sue often.

Search Cases Using the Online Portal

Los Angeles County provides online case access through the Civil Index at lacourt.ca.gov. This portal covers all courthouse locations including Pomona. Type a name into the search box to find matching cases. The system shows case numbers, types, filing dates, and locations. Each search costs four dollars and seventy-five cents, paid by credit card.

After finding a case, click on it to see the register of actions. This is a list of every document filed and every court date. Each entry has a date and short description. The register shows the timeline of what happened in the case. You can see when the complaint was filed, when the defendant answered, and when hearings occurred.

Many cases have scanned documents you can download. The system tells you which documents have images available. Downloading costs one dollar per page for the first five pages. Additional pages are forty cents each. The maximum charge for any single document is forty dollars. Older cases may not have document images even though the register of actions is available.

The online system holds records going back decades. Unlimited civil cases appear from nineteen eighty-three forward. Limited civil cases start in nineteen ninety-one. Small claims begin in nineteen ninety-two. Document images are generally available for filings from the two thousands onward. Cases filed at the Pomona courthouse follow the same date ranges as other Los Angeles County locations.

Visit Pomona Courthouse South

The Pomona courthouse is open to the public on weekdays. Typical hours are eight thirty in the morning to four thirty in the afternoon. Bring valid photo ID. Security screens everyone who enters. You must go through metal detectors and have your bags checked. Do not bring weapons, large bags, or prohibited items. Cell phones are usually allowed but check current rules.

The civil clerk's office is inside the courthouse. Clerks can help you locate case files, file documents, and answer basic questions about procedures. They cannot give legal advice. They cannot tell you what to do in your case. They can explain how to fill out forms and where to submit them.

If you want to view a case file in person, give the clerk the case number or party names. Files on site are available right away. Older files may be in storage and require retrieval. Ask about wait times for archived files. You can make copies at the courthouse for fifty cents per page. Certified copies cost an extra forty dollars.

File a New Civil Case

To start a civil lawsuit in Pomona, file a complaint at the Pomona Courthouse South. Filing fees vary by case type. Unlimited civil cases cost four hundred thirty-five dollars. Limited civil cases are three hundred seventy dollars. Small claims fees are lower and depend on the claim amount. Fee waivers exist for people who cannot afford the costs. Ask the clerk about fee waiver applications.

Most civil cases require electronic filing. Los Angeles County mandates e-filing for attorneys in nearly all situations. Self-represented litigants may file on paper in some cases but electronic filing is preferred. The e-filing portal is at portal-lasc.journaltech.com. Create an account. Upload your documents as PDFs. Pay fees by credit card or e-check. The system operates twenty-four hours a day.

Once filed, you get a case number. Serve the other party with the court papers. Service means delivering documents according to legal rules. You cannot serve them yourself. Hire a process server or use the sheriff. The defendant then has time to respond. If they answer, the case proceeds. If they ignore it, you may win by default.

Small claims works differently. Fill out simple forms. Pay a small fee. Serve the defendant. Go to the hearing. Explain your side to the judge. The other party explains theirs. The judge decides. Most small claims hearings last less than an hour. You do not need a lawyer. The process is designed for regular people.

Get Copies of Court Documents

Several methods exist for getting copies of Pomona civil court documents. The online portal is fastest if images are available. Pay the per-page fee. Download instantly. This works for cases with electronic files. For documents not scanned, request copies from the clerk.

Visit the Pomona courthouse to get copies in person. Bring the case number. The clerk pulls the file and makes copies while you wait if the file is on site. Off-site files take longer to retrieve. Pay fifty cents per page. Certified copies add forty dollars.

Mail requests are also an option. Write to the court with the case number and list of needed documents. Include your address and a check for estimated costs. The court processes your request and mails copies. This takes several weeks. Storage files add more time. For urgent needs, use online or in-person methods.

Note: Sealed cases and confidential records require special permission to access.

Legal Aid and Assistance

Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles serves Pomona residents who need civil legal help. They provide free services to low income people. Housing, consumer, and family law are common areas. Income limits apply. Check their website to see if you qualify.

The Los Angeles County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral program. Pay a small consultation fee. Meet with a private attorney who handles your type of case. If you hire them, the consultation fee often counts toward total costs. This helps you find the right lawyer.

The court website at lacourt.ca.gov has self-help materials. Download forms. Read guides. Find answers to common questions. Some courthouses have self-help centers with staff who assist with paperwork. They cannot represent you or give legal advice.

Types of Civil Cases Filed

Pomona sees many kinds of civil cases. Debt collection lawsuits are very common. Credit card companies, medical providers, and other creditors sue people who owe money. Many result in default judgments when defendants do not respond. Unlawful detainer evictions happen frequently. Landlords file these when tenants do not pay rent or break lease rules.

Contract disputes arise from broken business or personal agreements. Real estate cases involve property sales, boundary disputes, and construction problems. Personal injury claims come from car accidents, slip and falls, and other incidents where someone got hurt. These cases can be limited or unlimited civil depending on the severity of injuries and damages.

Business litigation happens in Pomona given the city's commercial activity. Partnership disputes, breach of contract claims, and fraud allegations can all lead to unlimited civil cases. These often involve extensive discovery and lengthy trials.

Court Services and Contact

The Pomona courthouse offers services beyond filing and viewing cases. You can pay outstanding fees, request certified copies, and submit motions. The clerk's office answers procedural questions about forms and deadlines. They can tell you hearing dates and whether documents have been filed. For legal strategy questions, consult a lawyer.

Check the online portal for case status updates. The register of actions shows all activity and updates daily. You can track progress without calling the court. If you need information not available online, contact the clerk's office. Phone numbers are on the Los Angeles County court website. Mornings tend to be busier. Try calling in the afternoon.

Los Angeles County Information

Pomona is one of many cities in Los Angeles County served by the Superior Court system. The county has numerous courthouse locations. Each serves specific communities. For complete information about all Los Angeles County court facilities and services, visit the Los Angeles County page.

Nearby cities like Ontario, Claremont, and La Verne may also file cases at the Pomona courthouse depending on their location. Check the court website to determine which facility serves your address.