Colusa County Civil Records

The Superior Court of California, County of Colusa maintains civil court records for all cases filed in the county. Civil cases include unlimited actions over $35,000, limited cases up to $35,000, and small claims under $10,000. The court serves Colusa and all other communities in Colusa County. Most civil records are open to the public, though some sensitive cases may be sealed or confidential under California law or court order. You can access case information by visiting the courthouse or contacting the court clerk.

Accessing Court Records

Colusa County Superior Court provides access to civil case records. While the court previously had an online case management system, current public access is primarily through in-person visits or by contacting the court clerk directly. You can call the court to inquire about specific case information or to find out what documents are available.

When you contact the court, have the case number ready if you know it. If you only have the names of the parties, the clerk can search for the case, but it may take longer. Staff can tell you the case status, upcoming hearing dates, and what documents have been filed.

For official records or certified copies, you will need to visit the courthouse in person or submit a written request. The clerk can provide copies of documents from the case file for the standard copy fee.

Colusa County Courthouse

The Colusa County Superior Court is located in Colusa, the county seat. This courthouse handles all civil filings for the entire county. If you need to file a case, review files in person, or speak with court staff, this is where you go.

Court hours are typically Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Some offices may close for lunch. Call ahead to confirm current hours before making the trip. The phone number is available on the California Courts website at courts.ca.gov.

When you visit in person, bring a valid photo ID. Court security checks identification at the entrance. Tell the clerk the case number or the names of the parties. The clerk will pull the file for you to review or help you with filing paperwork. Court staff can explain procedures but cannot give legal advice.

Filing and Copy Fees

Filing fees in Colusa County follow California's statewide schedule. An unlimited civil complaint costs $435 to file. This applies when your claim exceeds $35,000. The defendant's answer in an unlimited case also costs $435.

Limited civil cases involve claims between $10,000 and $35,000. A limited civil complaint costs $370. For cases under $10,000, the answer or first paper costs $225. Small claims filings range from $30 to $100 depending on the claim amount and how many cases you file per year.

Copy fees are $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost $40 for the certification plus the per-page copy fee. If you need certified copies of a 10-page document, you pay $5.00 for copies and $40.00 for certification, totaling $45.00. If court staff must spend more than 10 minutes searching for records without a case number, a $15 research fee applies.

Types of Civil Cases

Colusa County Superior Court handles all types of civil disputes. Unlimited civil cases involve claims over $35,000. These include personal injury from car accidents, medical malpractice, breach of contract, real estate disputes, and business litigation. Complex cases with multiple parties or difficult legal issues often fall into this category.

Limited civil cases cover amounts between $10,000 and $35,000. Common limited civil matters include landlord-tenant disputes, property damage, debt collection, and contract disagreements. Unlawful detainer eviction cases are limited civil cases. The procedures in limited civil court are simpler and faster than unlimited civil cases.

Small claims court resolves disputes up to $10,000 for most people. Businesses that file more than 12 small claims per year are limited to $5,000 per case. You represent yourself in small claims. No lawyers are allowed. You present your evidence directly to the judge. The judge decides the case and announces the ruling the same day in most situations.

Typical small claims cases include:

• Unpaid loans or debts between individuals
• Security deposit disputes when a tenant moves out
• Property damage from accidents or negligence
• Breach of contract for services or goods
• Consumer complaints about defective products

Note: Civil case records are generally public, but some information may be sealed or confidential by court order or law.

Getting Copies of Records

You can request copies of civil court records in person or by mail. Visit the courthouse and ask the clerk for copies. Staff can make copies while you wait if the file is on-site and your request is not too large. Bring the case number to speed up the process.

For mail requests, send a written letter to the court. Include the case number, the names of the parties, and what documents you need. Provide a return address and phone number in case staff need to contact you. Mail requests take longer than in-person visits because staff process requests in the order received.

Some case files may be stored off-site if they are old or inactive. If the file you need is not at the courthouse, staff will request it from storage. Retrieval times vary. Ask the clerk for an estimate when you make your request.

Legal Help

The California Courts self-help website at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov provides free guides and forms for civil cases. You can find instructions for filing a lawsuit, responding to a complaint, or handling small claims cases. Forms are available in English and Spanish.

Colusa County residents may qualify for free legal assistance from legal aid organizations. These groups help low-income individuals with civil legal problems. Contact local social service agencies or the State Bar of California to find legal aid resources in your area.

Court clerks cannot give legal advice. They can answer questions about court procedures and forms, but they cannot tell you what to do in your case or help you fill out paperwork. If you need legal advice, consult an attorney.

Nearby California Counties

Colusa County borders other counties with their own Superior Courts.