Stockton Civil Court Records

Civil court records for Stockton are managed by the Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin. All civil litigation filed by Stockton residents and businesses goes through the San Joaquin 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. Online case search is available through the FullCourt portal. You can search by party name or case number. The system shows case information and the register of actions. Copy fees are $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost an additional $40. Processing time for records requests is approximately 20 business days. The court is located in Stockton as the county seat.

Court Jurisdiction

Civil cases for Stockton are filed in San Joaquin County Superior Court. Stockton is the county seat of San Joaquin County, so the main courthouse is located in Stockton. The court serves the entire county including all cities and unincorporated areas.

San Joaquin County Superior Court uses the FullCourt case management system. This system handles case tracking, public access, and court operations. The court serves a growing population in Central California.

Cases are filed at the main courthouse in Stockton. The court handles all types of civil cases including contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, real estate matters, and business litigation.

Online Case Search

San Joaquin Superior Court provides online case search through the FullCourt portal at cms.sjcourts.org. You can search civil, family, probate, criminal, and traffic cases. The portal is free to use for basic case information.

The system shows case numbers, party names, filing dates, case status, and case type. The register of actions displays all documents filed in the case with filing dates and document descriptions. This lets you see the full history of the case.

Document access may be limited through the online portal. Check the system for which documents are available for viewing or download. Some documents may only be accessible at the courthouse.

Filing Civil Cases

San Joaquin County uses electronic filing for civil cases. You must register for an account to file documents online. The e-filing system 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 the San Joaquin County courthouse in Stockton. Bring photo ID. Court security checks identification at the entrance. Clerks will pull case files for you to review at the clerk's office.

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 longer.

Processing time for records requests is approximately 20 business days. This applies to mail requests and large copy orders. Simple in-person copy requests are usually faster.

If you need the court to search for records without a case number, provide as much information as possible. Party names, approximate filing dates, and case type all help clerks locate the case faster.

Stockton City Records

The City of Stockton maintains separate administrative records from the court system. City records include city contracts, permits, ordinances, and city business documents. Email records requests to recordsrequest@stocktonca.gov or call (209) 937-8459.

City records are not civil court cases. If you need to file a lawsuit or search for civil litigation, you must use San Joaquin County Superior Court. The city does not maintain court case files.

Court Help and Resources

The San Joaquin Superior Court website provides information about procedures, forms, and services. The site includes guides for civil cases and other case types. You can find contact information for the courthouse and different court divisions.

Self-help centers at the courthouse can answer questions about procedures. Staff cannot give legal advice but can explain court processes. If you need a lawyer, the San Joaquin County Bar Association offers lawyer referral services.

Legal aid organizations in San Joaquin 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 Northern and Central California with populations over 100,000: