Find Lassen County Civil Records

Lassen County Superior Court maintains civil court records for all disputes filed in the county. You can search case details online through the court's case index and calendar portal. The system shows information for civil lawsuits, small claims, probate matters, and family cases. Civil records include unlimited cases over $35,000, limited cases up to $35,000, and small claims under $10,000. Most files are available to the public. The court serves Susanville and nearby communities throughout Lassen County.

Search Cases Online

Lassen County Superior Court offers free online access to case information through the case index and calendar portal at lassen.courts.ca.gov. This portal lets you search for cases by party name, case number, or other details. You can view case status, upcoming hearings, and basic filing information.

The online system displays the register of actions for each case. This shows a list of all documents filed and all court events. You can see when papers were submitted, when hearings took place, and what the judge ordered. The register gives you a clear timeline of what happened in the case.

Not all documents are available to download remotely. For document copies, you may need to visit the courthouse or submit a written request. The court clerk can tell you if specific documents are available online or if you need to request them another way.

Lassen County Courthouse

The Lassen County Superior Court is located in Susanville. 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, you visit this location.

Court hours are Monday through Friday. Most offices open at 8:00 AM and close by 4:00 PM. Some offices may close for lunch. Call ahead to confirm current hours before making the trip. Court contact information and directions are on the court website.

When you visit in person, bring a valid photo ID. Security staff check identification at the entrance. Tell the clerk what case you need to see or what service you need. Staff will assist you with finding files or answering questions about court procedures.

Civil Court Fees

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

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

Copy fees are $0.50 per page. If you need certified copies, add $40 for the certification on top of the per-page cost. A certified copy of a 10-page document would cost $5.00 for copies plus $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 Disputes

Lassen County Superior Court handles many kinds of civil cases. Unlimited civil cases involve claims over $35,000. These include personal injury, breach of contract, real estate disputes, and business litigation. Cases with complex legal issues or multiple parties often fall into this category.

Limited civil cases involve amounts between $10,000 and $35,000. Common limited civil matters are landlord-tenant disputes, property damage, debt collection, and contract disagreements. Unlawful detainer eviction cases are processed as limited civil cases. The procedures move faster than unlimited civil litigation.

Small claims court resolves disputes up to $10,000. Most people can file for amounts up to this limit. Businesses filing more than 12 small claims per year are capped at $5,000 per case. You represent yourself in small claims. No lawyers are allowed. You present your evidence to the judge, who decides the case on the spot in most situations.

Common small claims cases include unpaid loans, security deposit disputes, property damage, breach of contract, and consumer complaints about defective products or services. The process is simpler and faster than other civil cases.

Getting Copies of Records

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

You can also mail a written request to the court. Include the case number, the names of the parties, and what documents you need. Provide a return address and phone number. 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.

Note: Most civil records are public, but some information may be sealed or confidential by law or court order.

Legal Help and Resources

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

Lassen County residents may qualify for free legal assistance from legal aid organizations. These groups help low-income individuals with civil legal problems. Check with local social service agencies or the state bar association to find legal aid resources in your area.

The court clerk cannot give legal advice. Staff 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

Lassen County borders several other counties, each with its own Superior Court.