Find Vallejo Civil Court Records

Civil court proceedings in Vallejo are managed through Solano County Superior Court, which maintains jurisdiction over all civil litigation filed in the city. The court system handles contract disputes, personal injury claims, property cases, and small claims actions. Online access to case records is available through the county's electronic portal, with document viewing and downloading capabilities for most civil filings in recent years.

Solano County Superior Court

Vallejo civil cases fall under Solano County Superior Court's jurisdiction. The county operates courthouse locations in Fairfield and Vallejo. Civil matters can be filed at either location depending on where the dispute arose or where parties reside.

The Vallejo courthouse is located at 321 Tuolumne Street, Vallejo, CA 94590. This facility handles various case types including civil litigation. Court staff can direct you to the proper department for your matter. Call the main court number for department info and filing questions.

Many civil cases are heard at the main courthouse in Fairfield at 600 Union Avenue, Fairfield, CA 94533. Check your case documents or call the clerk's office to confirm where your hearings will take place. The court assigns cases to departments based on case type and availability.

Search Civil Cases Online

Solano County provides online case access through its portal at portal.solano.courts.ca.gov. The system allows searches by party name, case number, or attorney. Results display case info including filing dates, parties, and case status.

The portal shows registers of actions for public cases. Click on a case to view all filings and court events. Documents may be available for viewing and download depending on filing date and case type. The system charges fees for document access based on page count.

Some case types have restricted online access. Family law cases show limited info online to protect privacy. Certain civil matters may also have viewing restrictions. If you cannot find a case online, visit the courthouse or contact the clerk's office for assistance.

How to File Civil Cases

Start a civil case by filing a complaint at the clerk's office. Bring your original complaint plus copies for each defendant. Pay the filing fee at submission. The clerk stamps your documents and assigns a case number.

Filing fees vary by case type. 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.

After filing, you must serve the defendant with copies of the complaint and summons. You cannot serve papers yourself. Hire a process server or use the sheriff's office. File proof of service with the court once service is complete.

E-filing is available through approved service providers. Electronic filing lets you submit documents 24 hours a day. You get instant confirmation of filing. Most attorneys use e-filing for convenience and speed.

Note: Fee waivers are available for qualifying low-income litigants through application.

Visiting the Courthouse

Go to the Vallejo or Fairfield courthouse to view case files in person. Bring valid photo ID. Tell the clerk your case number or party names. Staff retrieve files for review in designated areas. Files cannot leave the clerk's office.

Request copies at the clerk's window. Standard copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies require an additional $40 certification fee. Small copy requests may be completed while you wait. Large requests can take additional time for processing.

California law now allows photographing public court records with personal devices. AB 1524 permits this starting January 1, 2026. Use your phone or camera to copy records without paying per-page fees. Ask staff about specific photography policies before taking pictures.

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

Civil Case Types Handled

Solano County Superior Court processes various civil matters. Contract disputes make up a significant portion of filings. These include breach of contract claims, business disagreements, and collection actions. Parties sue to enforce agreements or recover damages from broken contracts.

Personal injury cases arise from car accidents, slip and falls, and other incidents causing harm. Plaintiffs seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. These cases often settle before trial through negotiation or mediation.

Real estate litigation covers property disputes, boundary conflicts, and title issues. Landlord-tenant cases including unlawful detainer actions for evictions are common. Construction defect claims and HOA disputes also fall under civil jurisdiction.

Professional malpractice suits target doctors, lawyers, accountants, and other licensed professionals. Employment cases involve wrongful termination, discrimination, and wage disputes. Each case type follows specific procedures under California law.

Civil Litigation Process

The defendant has 30 days to respond after being served. Failure to respond allows the plaintiff to seek default judgment. If the defendant files an answer, the case proceeds to discovery. Both sides exchange information and gather evidence.

The court schedules case management conferences to track progress. Judges set deadlines for discovery, motions, and trial. Many cases are referred to mediation or settlement conferences. These alternative dispute resolution methods can resolve cases faster than trial.

If settlement fails, the case goes to trial. Trials can be before a judge or jury depending on the case type and party requests. Each side presents evidence and arguments. The judge or jury issues a verdict. Appeals are possible after final judgment.

Legal Assistance Resources

Solano County Superior Court operates a Self-Help Center providing forms and procedural guidance. Staff explain court processes but cannot give legal advice. Visit during courthouse hours for assistance with filling out forms and understanding procedures.

Legal Services of Northern California offers free legal aid to qualifying low-income residents in Solano County. They handle select civil matters including housing, consumer, and family issues. Call to check eligibility and case type coverage.

The California Courts Self-Help website at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov has extensive guides and resources. Find instructions for filing complaints, responding to lawsuits, and preparing for hearings. Video tutorials walk through common procedures step by step.

The Solano County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. Get connected with local attorneys practicing in your area of need. Initial consultations may be discounted. This helps you find qualified representation for your civil case.

Court Fees and Expenses

Copy fees are $0.50 per page for standard documents. Certification costs $40 per document plus the per-page copy fee. Certified copies of dissolution judgments cost $15. Research fees of $15 apply when the clerk must search for records without a case number.

Fee waivers are available if you meet income requirements. Complete the fee waiver application with financial documentation. Submit it with your filing or separately to request waiver of court costs. The court reviews applications and approves or denies based on eligibility criteria.

Forms are available at courts.ca.gov or at the clerk's office. Approved waivers cover filing fees, service fees, and some other court costs. Waivers do not cover all expenses such as attorney fees or expert witness costs.

Additional Court Information

Local rules supplement statewide civil procedures. Check the Solano County Superior Court website for local rules specific to civil cases. These cover filing requirements, motion practice, and department procedures. Follow all local rules to avoid filing rejections or delays.

Tentative rulings may be posted online for certain departments. Check before your hearing to see the judge's initial decision. This helps you prepare arguments and understand the court's position. Rulings typically post the afternoon before the hearing.

Court calendars are available online showing scheduled hearings and trials. Verify your hearing date and time before appearing. Arrive early to find parking and go through security. Bring all required documents and be prepared to address the court.

Other Solano County Cities

Vallejo is one of several cities in Solano County served by the Superior Court. Fairfield also has a courthouse location. All cities in the county share the same court system and online portal. Search for cases from any location using the county-wide case access system.

For more information about civil court records throughout Solano County, visit the Solano County page.