Humboldt County Civil Records

Civil court records for Humboldt County are maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Humboldt. The main courthouse is located in Eureka and handles all civil litigation matters for the county. The court provides a case record request form on its website for requesting documents. You can submit requests online, by mail, or in person at the courthouse. Most civil records are public under California law but some case types have restricted access. The court charges fees for copies and certifications based on the statewide fee schedule. Processing times vary depending on file location and workload.

Case Record Request Form

Humboldt County Superior Court provides an online case record request form at humboldt.courts.ca.gov. Fill out the form with the case information you need. You can request copies of documents, certified copies, or other court records. The form asks for your name, contact information, case number if known, and description of the records you want.

Submit the form online through the court website. You can also print it and mail it to the courthouse or bring it in person. Include payment with your request. The court accepts checks, money orders, and credit cards. Processing time depends on the complexity of your request and whether the file is on-site or stored off-site.

If you do not have the case number, provide as much information as possible about the case. Include party names, approximate filing date, and type of case. This helps court staff locate the file. Requests with case numbers are processed faster than those requiring a search.

Humboldt County Courthouse

The Humboldt County Superior Court main courthouse is at 825 Fifth Street in Eureka, California 95501. All civil cases for the county are filed here. Call (707) 445-7256 for general court information. The civil clerk's office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Walk in during business hours to file new cases, make payments, or request copies of records. Bring valid photo ID if you want to review physical case files. The clerk's office can help with procedural questions and direct you to the right forms. Staff cannot provide legal advice about your specific case but can explain court rules and filing requirements.

Public parking is available near the courthouse in lots and on the street. Some parking has time limits or meter fees. Arrive early for morning hearings as parking fills up. All visitors pass through security screening at the entrance. Do not bring weapons, large bags, or recording devices without prior approval. Check the court website for a complete list of prohibited items.

The court has branch locations in other parts of the county for certain case types. Civil cases are primarily handled at the Eureka courthouse. Contact the clerk's office if you have questions about which location serves your needs.

Fees for Copies and Filing

Copy fees in Humboldt County follow California state law. Copies cost $0.50 per page. If you need 40 pages, the cost is $20.00. Certified copies add a $40 certification fee on top of the copy charge. A certified 20-page document costs $10.00 for copies plus $40.00 for certification, totaling $50.00.

The court charges $15 to search for records if you do not provide a case number and the search takes over 10 minutes. Provide case numbers whenever possible to avoid this fee and speed up your request. Exemplification costs $50 plus the per-page copy fee. This higher level of certification is sometimes needed for use in other states or federal courts.

Filing fees match the California statewide schedule. An unlimited civil complaint where the amount exceeds $35,000 costs $435 to file. The defendant pays $435 to file an answer in an unlimited case. Limited civil complaints between $10,000 and $35,000 cost $370. An answer in a limited civil case under $10,000 costs $225. Small claims fees range from $30 to $75 based on the claim amount.

Fee waivers are available for people who cannot afford court fees. You must file an application with financial information. The court reviews it and decides if you qualify. Forms are available at the clerk's office or on the court website. Legal aid organizations in Humboldt County can help with fee waiver applications if you need assistance.

Types of Civil Cases

Humboldt County Superior Court handles unlimited civil cases where the amount in dispute exceeds $35,000. These include personal injury claims from car accidents, workplace injuries, and slip and fall incidents. Medical malpractice cases are unlimited civil matters. Business disputes involving breach of contract, fraud, and partnership disagreements fall under unlimited jurisdiction. Real estate litigation over title disputes, boundary issues, and construction defects also qualifies as unlimited civil.

Limited civil cases involve amounts from $10,000 to $35,000. Common limited civil cases include landlord-tenant disputes, property damage claims, contract disagreements, and debt collection lawsuits. Unlawful detainer eviction cases fall under limited civil jurisdiction. These cases have simplified procedures compared to unlimited cases. Discovery is more restricted and trials are shorter. Appeals go to the appellate division of Superior Court rather than the Court of Appeal.

Small claims court handles disputes up to $10,000 for individuals. Businesses that file more than 12 small claims per year are limited to $5,000 per claim. No lawyers are allowed in small claims hearings. Both sides present their case directly to the judge. The judge usually decides that day. Common small claims matters are:

• Security deposit disputes when tenants move out
• Vehicle damage from minor accidents
• Personal loans that were not repaid
• Complaints about defective products or poor service
• Simple contract breaches
• Property damage from neighbors or their pets
• Unpaid bills for work performed

Probate cases deal with estates of deceased persons. The court supervises distribution of assets, appoints executors, and resolves will contests. Conservatorships for adults who cannot care for themselves go through probate court. Guardianships of minor children are also probate matters. These cases follow specific timelines and procedures set by California Probate Code.

Record Access and Privacy

California law makes most civil court records public. Anyone can request access to cases and view the register of actions. You do not need to be a party to the case or explain why you want the information. The public has a right to access court files under state law. But certain information is kept confidential to protect privacy.

Family law cases have limited access. Many documents in divorce, custody, and support cases are not available to the public. This protects privacy in sensitive family matters. You must be a party or have court permission to view certain family law documents. Criminal case documents also have restrictions. The register of actions is public but many documents require you to be a party or have a legal reason to access them.

Courts remove sensitive data from public records. Financial account numbers are redacted. Social Security numbers are truncated or removed. Information about minor children in custody disputes is often sealed. A party can file a motion asking the judge to seal records by showing good cause. Sealed records do not appear in public searches and are not available without court order.

Unlawful detainer eviction cases have a 60-day confidentiality period under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1161.2. During the first 60 days after filing, the case is not available to the general public unless you are a party or provide specific case details. After 60 days, if the plaintiff won at trial, the case becomes fully public.

How Long Requests Take

Processing times for record requests in Humboldt County vary by workload and file location. If the file is on-site and staff are not busy, you might get copies within a few days. If the file is stored off-site, retrieval takes longer. The court will contact you with an estimate when you submit your request.

In-person requests at the courthouse may be processed the same day if the file is immediately available and the request is simple. More complex requests or files that need retrieval from storage take longer. Bring the case number to speed things up. Staff can estimate processing time when you make your request.

Written requests by mail or online form take longer than in-person visits. The court processes them in the order received. Processing time depends on current workload. It can take several weeks during busy periods. Include complete contact information so staff can reach you with questions. If you need records urgently, visit the courthouse in person and ask about expedited service.

Cities in Humboldt County

Humboldt County includes several cities and unincorporated areas. All civil cases from county residents are filed at Humboldt County Superior Court.

Nearby Counties

Humboldt County borders other counties with separate Superior Court systems.