El Dorado County Civil Cases

Civil court records for El Dorado County are maintained by the Superior Court and made available through online case index systems. The county serves a population over 190,000 and includes cities like Placerville and South Lake Tahoe. You can search for civil cases through the court's online case index. The system provides access to case information for cases filed after 2000. Older cases require in-person visits or written requests. Civil cases include unlimited matters over $35,000, limited cases from $10,000 to $35,000, small claims under $10,000, and probate proceedings. The court provides information about record search requests through its website at eldorado.courts.ca.gov.

Online Case Index

El Dorado County Superior Court provides an online case index for cases filed after 2000. The system allows you to search by party name or case number. Search results show basic case information including the case type, filing date, and status. The index helps you identify relevant cases and obtain case numbers for requesting additional information or documents.

Cases filed before 2000 are not available in the online index. These older cases exist in paper format only. You need to visit the courthouse or submit a written request to access pre-2000 case files. Staff can search the paper index to locate older cases if you provide party names and an approximate filing date.

The online case index shows basic information but may not include full registers of actions or document images. For detailed case information or copies of documents, you need to visit the courthouse in person or submit a written request by mail. The court provides forms and instructions for record requests on its website.

Requesting Case Documents

You can request copies of case documents by visiting the courthouse in person, submitting a written request by mail, or calling the court clerk's office. When requesting records, provide as much information as possible including the case number, party names, and the specific documents you need. This helps staff locate the file quickly and process your request efficiently.

Copy fees are $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost an additional $40 for the certification on top of the copy fee. If the clerk spends more than 10 minutes searching for records without a case number, the court charges a $15 research fee. Include payment with your request or be prepared to pay when you pick up the documents.

Processing times vary depending on workload and whether the file is stored on-site or in off-site archives. Files at the courthouse can usually be retrieved quickly. Files in off-site storage take longer. Allow extra time for mail requests. Written requests can take several weeks to process depending on the complexity of your request and current workload.

Visiting the Courthouse

El Dorado County has courthouses in two locations. The main courthouse is at 1354 Johnson Boulevard in South Lake Tahoe. The Placerville courthouse at 495 Main Street handles most civil cases for the western part of the county. Both locations provide public access to case files during business hours.

You need valid photo identification to view case files. Tell the clerk which case you want to see. Provide a case number if you have one. If you only know party names, the clerk will search the index to find the case. Files stored at the courthouse are usually available within a few minutes. Files kept in off-site storage take longer to retrieve.

You can review files and take notes. No cameras or phones are allowed in the file review area. If you need copies, ask the clerk. Copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost an additional $40 for the certification on top of the copy fee.

Filing Fees and Court Costs

El Dorado County follows California's statewide civil fee schedule. Filing an unlimited civil complaint over $35,000 costs $435. The defendant's answer in an unlimited case also costs $435. Limited civil complaints seeking $10,000 to $35,000 cost $370 to file. Cases under $10,000 cost $225 for the answer or first paper filed by the defendant.

Small claims filing fees depend on the claim amount and how many cases you have filed. Most individuals pay between $30 and $75 to file a small claims case. Businesses that file more than 12 small claims per year pay higher fees. The court website has a complete fee schedule showing all filing, motion, and service fees.

Copy fees are uniform across California at $0.50 per page. Certification adds $40 to any document. If you request a certified copy of a 25-page order, you pay $12.50 for copies plus $40 for certification, totaling $52.50. Exemplification costs $50 plus copy fees. Exemplification is a higher authentication level sometimes required for use in other states or federal proceedings.

Types of Civil Cases

El Dorado County Superior Court handles all types of civil disputes within the county. Unlimited civil cases involve claims over $35,000. These include personal injury from auto accidents, slip and fall incidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, breach of contract, business disputes, employment litigation, real estate conflicts, and professional negligence.

Limited civil cases cover amounts between $10,001 and $35,000. Common limited civil matters include:

• Landlord-tenant disputes over rent or lease violations
• Unlawful detainer eviction proceedings
• Property damage claims under $35,000
• Debt collection lawsuits by creditors
• Breach of contract between individuals or businesses
• Consumer complaints about goods or services

Small claims court handles disputes up to $10,000. You represent yourself without a lawyer. The process is informal and quick. Most cases are heard within two to three months of filing. The judge makes a decision the same day in most situations. Common small claims cases include security deposit disputes, minor vehicle damage, unpaid loans between friends or family, and contract disagreements under $10,000.

Probate cases deal with estates of deceased persons, wills, trusts, conservatorships, and guardianships. Probate records are generally public unless sealed by court order. Simple uncontested estates might close in six to nine months. Contested probate litigation can take years to resolve.

Public Access and Privacy Rules

California law requires courts to make records reasonably available to the public. Government Code Section 68150 establishes the framework for electronic record access. Courts must provide access to records in some form, whether electronic or paper. But access varies by case type under California Rules of Court Rule 2.503.

Civil unlimited and limited cases are generally public records. Family law, guardianship, conservatorship, mental health, civil harassment, workplace violence, elder abuse, and gun violence restraining order cases have limited remote access. You can see basic case information online, but you must visit the courthouse to view actual documents. These restrictions protect sensitive personal information from widespread internet distribution.

Sealed cases do not appear in any public search. A judge seals a case only when required by law or when a party proves a compelling interest that outweighs the public's right to access. Parties seeking to seal records must follow strict procedures. Most civil cases remain fully public throughout their existence.

Unlawful detainer eviction cases are masked from public view for 60 days after filing under Code of Civil Procedure Section 1161.2. After 60 days, the case becomes searchable if the landlord obtained a judgment after trial. This delay protects tenants from having eviction filings immediately appear in background checks when they search for new housing.

Note: If you are unsure whether you can access a specific record, contact the court clerk's office for guidance.

Self-Help and Legal Assistance

El Dorado County Superior Court operates a self-help center for people without lawyers. The center provides information about court procedures, forms, and filing requirements. Staff can explain how the process works but cannot give legal advice about what you should do in your case. Self-help services are free and available at both courthouse locations.

Legal Services of Northern California serves El Dorado County with free civil legal assistance to low-income residents. They handle housing, family law, consumer, and public benefits matters. You must meet income guidelines to qualify. Contact Legal Services to see if they can assist with your case.

The El Dorado County Bar Association operates a lawyer referral service. For a modest fee, you get a 30-minute consultation with a private attorney. This helps you understand your legal options and decide whether to hire a lawyer for full representation. The bar association website lists participating attorneys by practice area.

Court Contact Information

The Placerville courthouse is at 495 Main Street, Placerville, CA 95667. This is the county seat location handling most civil cases. The South Lake Tahoe courthouse is at 1354 Johnson Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. This location serves the Lake Tahoe area.

Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Some services close earlier for processing. Arrive before 3:30 p.m. if you need same-day filing or records access. The courthouse is closed on state holidays. Check the court website for holiday schedules.

For general information, visit eldorado.courts.ca.gov. The website has forms, fee schedules, local rules, court calendars, and information about record search requests. You can also find contact information for specific departments and services.

Cities in El Dorado County

Placerville is the county seat with a population around 11,000. South Lake Tahoe is the largest city with a population over 20,000. The county also includes the city of Folsom (shared with Sacramento County). Many areas of El Dorado County are unincorporated. All civil cases filed in the county go through the El Dorado County Superior Court system.

Nearby Counties

El Dorado County borders Placer County to the west, Sacramento County to the southwest, Amador County to the south, Alpine County to the southeast, and Nevada to the east. Each county operates its own Superior Court with separate case records. If your case involves parties or property in another county, you may need to file there instead of El Dorado County.