Contra Costa Civil Court Records

Civil court records in Contra Costa County are managed by the Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa. The court provides online access to civil case information through its public portal. Documents filed after November 13, 2007 are available free from the Public Portal. You can search for cases, view registers of actions, and download court documents without paying fees for online access. The court handles unlimited civil cases over $35,000, limited civil matters between $10,000 and $35,000, and small claims under $10,000. Physical records are available at courthouse locations throughout the county.

Free Online Case Access

Contra Costa Superior Court offers free online access to civil case information. The Public Portal at cc-courts.org lets you search for cases and download documents at no charge. This saves money compared to counties that charge fees for online access.

The portal includes documents filed after November 13, 2007. Older cases exist but are not available digitally. You must view physical files for cases filed before that date. The online system updates regularly with new filings, hearings, and court orders.

You can search by case number, party name, or attorney name. Search results show the register of actions. The register lists all documents filed, hearings scheduled, and orders entered. Click on individual documents to view or download them in PDF format. Downloads are free through the portal.

The system is available 24 hours a day. You don't need an account to search for cases or view documents. The free access makes it easy to research cases, monitor ongoing litigation, or get copies of court filings without visiting the courthouse.

Court Locations

Contra Costa County has several courthouse locations. The main number for the Superior Court is (925) 608-1000. Court staff can direct you to the right location for your case. Different courthouses handle cases from different geographic areas of the county.

The county seat is Martinez. Many unlimited civil cases are filed at the Martinez courthouse. Richmond has a courthouse that serves the western part of the county. Walnut Creek handles cases from the central county area. Antioch serves the eastern portion of the county. Each location has specific departments and judges assigned to different case types.

Courthouse hours are typically weekdays during business hours. Call ahead to confirm hours for specific departments. Bring photo ID when you visit. Security staff check IDs at the entrance. The clerk's office at each location can help with filing and records requests.

Obtaining Court Documents

You have multiple ways to get copies of civil court documents in Contra Costa County. The online portal is the easiest method. Search for the case and download the documents you need. Online downloads are free for documents available in the system.

For records not available online, visit the courthouse where the case was filed. Ask the clerk for copies of specific documents. Provide the case number or party names. The clerk will locate the file and make copies. Copy fees are $0.50 per page. Bring cash or a check for payment.

Certified copies cost extra. The certification fee is $40.00 per document. Certified copies of dissolution judgments cost $15.00. Certification means the clerk stamps the document to verify it's a true copy of the court record. You need certified copies for official uses like appeals or government applications.

Mail requests are accepted. Write to the courthouse where the case is filed. Include the case number, what documents you want, and your return address. Send a check for the estimated costs. The court will process your request and mail the copies. Processing times vary based on workload. Allow several weeks for mail requests.

Types of Civil Cases

Contra Costa Superior Court handles unlimited civil cases involving disputes over $35,000. These cases include personal injury lawsuits, business litigation, real estate disputes, and professional malpractice claims. Unlimited civil cases follow formal procedures. Discovery can be extensive. Trials may last days or weeks. Many cases settle before trial through negotiation or mediation.

Limited civil cases cover amounts between $10,000 and $35,000. Common limited civil matters include contract disputes, property damage claims, landlord-tenant conflicts, and debt collection lawsuits. Unlawful detainer eviction cases fall under limited civil jurisdiction. Procedures are simpler than unlimited civil. Discovery is restricted. Cases typically resolve faster.

Small claims court handles disputes up to $10,000 for individuals. Businesses can claim up to $5,000. People file small claims for everyday problems like unpaid debts, security deposits, minor accidents, and consumer complaints. Lawyers are not allowed in small claims court except on appeal. Both sides present their case to the judge. The judge makes a decision the same day in most cases.

Note: Eviction cases are confidential for the first 60 days after filing under California law.

Filing a Civil Case

To file a civil case in Contra Costa County, prepare a complaint that describes your legal claims. The complaint must name all parties, state the facts, and explain what you want the court to do. File the complaint at the appropriate courthouse. Bring the original and copies for all defendants you are suing.

Filing fees are set by California law. Unlimited civil complaints cost $435.00. Limited civil complaints for amounts over $10,000 up to $35,000 cost $370.00. Complaints for amounts under $10,000 cost $225.00. Small claims fees vary based on the amount claimed. If you can't pay the filing fee, apply for a fee waiver. The clerk can give you a fee waiver form.

After filing, you must serve the defendants with copies of the complaint and summons. You cannot serve the papers yourself. Hire a process server, use the sheriff, or ask an adult friend to do it. The person serving fills out a proof of service form. File the proof of service with the court to show you completed service correctly.

The defendant has 30 days to respond after being served. If they don't respond, you can request a default judgment. If they file an answer, the case proceeds with discovery and moves toward trial or settlement. The court clerk provides procedural information but cannot give legal advice about your case.

Electronic Filing

Contra Costa Superior Court uses electronic filing for many civil cases. Attorneys are required to file electronically in most instances. Self-represented parties can choose to file on paper or electronically. E-filing systems accept documents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To use e-filing, register with an approved e-filing service provider. The provider charges a service fee in addition to court filing fees. Once registered, you upload your documents in PDF format. The system routes them to the court for processing. Documents filed before midnight on a court day are considered filed that day.

E-filing saves time compared to filing in person. You don't have to travel to the courthouse or wait in line at the clerk's office. The system sends confirmation when your filing is accepted. You can check the status of your filings through the e-filing provider's website.

Major Cities in Contra Costa County

Contra Costa County includes several cities in the East Bay area. All civil cases from these cities are filed in Contra Costa Superior Court.

Nearby California Counties

Contra Costa County borders other Bay Area counties. Each has its own Superior Court system for civil litigation.