Simi Valley Civil Court Records

Civil court cases in Simi Valley are processed through the Ventura County Superior Court system. This includes contract disputes, personal injury claims, property lawsuits, and small claims matters. The court maintains digital records for cases filed in recent decades, with access available through online portals and in-person visits to the courthouse. Residents can search for case info by name or case number using the county's electronic filing system.

Ventura County Superior Court Jurisdiction

All civil court filings in Simi Valley fall under the jurisdiction of Ventura County Superior Court. The court system handles both limited and unlimited civil cases. Limited cases involve disputes up to $35,000. Unlimited cases cover amounts over $35,000. Small claims cases up to $10,000 also go through this court.

The main Hall of Justice for Ventura County sits at 800 South Victoria Avenue in Ventura, CA 93009. This courthouse serves as the primary location for civil filings and hearings. Phone the Records Department at (805) 289-8668 for questions about case files and documents. Hours run from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays. Some civil matters may be heard at other branch locations in the county depending on case type and filing location.

Simi Valley residents typically file civil cases at the main Ventura courthouse. The court accepts filings in person, by mail, or electronically through approved systems. Many attorneys use electronic filing for speed and convenience. Self-represented litigants can file at the clerk's window during business hours.

Search Civil Cases Online

Ventura County provides a public portal for searching civil court records at ventura.ecourt.com. The system shows case info for matters filed in recent years. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney name. Results display the register of actions, which lists all filings and court events in chronological order.

The portal does not charge fees for basic searches. Viewing and downloading documents costs $0.50 per page. Most civil case documents filed after a certain date are available electronically. Older cases may require in-person review at the courthouse. Family law and other sensitive case types have restricted remote access under California Rules of Court.

To use the portal, go to the website and select the search option. Enter the last name of a party or the full case number. The system returns matching results within seconds. Click on a case to view details. You can see filing dates, hearing schedules, and party information. Download options appear for available documents.

Visiting the Courthouse

If you need to view records not available online, visit the Hall of Justice in Ventura. Bring a valid photo ID. Tell the clerk the case number or names of parties involved. Staff will retrieve the file for you to review in a designated area. Files cannot leave the clerk's office.

Copying services are available at the courthouse. Staff charge $0.50 per page for standard copies. Certified copies cost an additional $40 certification fee. You can also take photos of public records with your phone under AB 1524, which became law in 2026. This lets you copy records without paying per-page fees.

Parking is available near the courthouse. Plan extra time for security screening at the entrance. Large bags and certain items are not permitted inside. Check the court website for current security policies before your visit.

Note: Court records are public except for sealed or confidential files.

Filing Fees and Service Costs

Filing a new civil case in Ventura County requires payment of state-mandated fees. The amount depends on the claim size. Unlimited civil cases over $35,000 cost $435 to file. Limited cases between $10,001 and $35,000 cost $370. Cases under $10,000 cost $225. Small claims filings range from $30 to $100 based on claim amount and number of filings per year.

Fee waivers are available for low-income litigants. You must complete a fee waiver application and provide proof of income. The court reviews applications and grants waivers if you meet eligibility criteria. Forms are available at courts.ca.gov or at the clerk's office.

Research fees apply when you request the clerk to search for records without providing a case number. The court charges $15 for searches taking more than 10 minutes. This covers staff time spent locating files. Provide as much information as possible to reduce research time and fees.

Types of Civil Cases Filed

Common civil cases in Simi Valley include:

• Contract disputes between businesses or individuals
• Personal injury claims from accidents or negligence
• Property damage lawsuits
• Landlord-tenant disputes and unlawful detainer actions
• Debt collection cases
• Business litigation and partnership disputes
• Construction defect claims

Each case type follows specific procedures set by California law and court rules. Some cases require mediation before trial. Others move straight to court hearings. Your case may settle before trial through negotiation or alternative dispute resolution.

Legal Aid and Self-Help Resources

Ventura County Superior Court operates a Self-Help Legal Access Center. The center provides forms, instructions, and limited assistance for people representing themselves. Staff cannot give legal advice but can explain procedures and help you fill out forms. The center is located at the main courthouse in Ventura.

California Courts Self-Help website at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov offers guides on civil procedures. You can find info on filing lawsuits, responding to complaints, and preparing for hearings. The site includes video tutorials and step-by-step instructions for common case types.

Legal aid organizations serve low-income residents who cannot afford private attorneys. California Rural Legal Assistance provides free legal help in Ventura County for qualifying individuals. Contact them to see if you meet income guidelines. They handle certain civil matters including housing, consumer, and family issues.

The Ventura County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. Call to get names of attorneys who practice in your area of need. Initial consultations may be available at reduced rates. This helps you find qualified legal representation for your civil matter.

Related Court Information

Simi Valley also handles traffic citations, criminal cases, and family law matters through separate divisions of Ventura County Superior Court. Civil cases are distinct from these other case types. They involve private disputes between parties rather than government prosecution or family relationships.

For questions about specific cases, contact the Records Department directly. Have your case number ready when you call. Staff can tell you hearing dates, filing requirements, and document availability. They cannot provide legal advice or predict case outcomes.

Check the court website at ventura.courts.ca.gov for forms, local rules, and department information. The site lists tentative rulings, court calendars, and service updates. Sign up for email notifications about changes to court operations or filing procedures.

Nearby Cities in Ventura County

Other cities in Ventura County with civil court records include Ventura and surrounding communities. All share the same Superior Court system. Cases filed in any city within the county go through the same court structure and online portal. You can search for records from any location within Ventura County using the same tools and resources.