Mariposa County Civil Court Records

Civil court records for Mariposa County are maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Mariposa. The courthouse in Mariposa serves the entire county. All civil cases are filed and processed through this single location. The court handles unlimited civil cases over $35,000, limited civil cases up to $35,000, and small claims under $10,000. Mariposa County sits on the western edge of the Sierra Nevada near Yosemite National Park. Despite being a small rural county, the court follows all California civil procedure rules and maintains public access to court records.

Mariposa County Courthouse

The Mariposa County Superior Court is at 5100 Bullion Street in Mariposa, California 95338. This historic courthouse serves all of Mariposa County. The civil clerk's office accepts filings and handles public records requests. The courthouse also houses criminal, family, and probate divisions.

Court hours are Monday through Friday, typically 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Call ahead to confirm hours at (209) 966-2005. The courthouse may have limited hours or closures during holidays. Staff can tell you when specific departments are open.

Mariposa is a small town about 30 miles from the entrance to Yosemite National Park. The town sits along Highway 140. Plan your travel time if you are coming from larger cities. The nearest large city is Merced, about 50 miles west.

When you visit the courthouse, bring valid photo ID. Security screening is required to enter. Public computers may be available to search case information. Ask the clerk for help using the case search system if needed.

How to Access Civil Records

Mariposa County Superior Court does not have a public online portal for case searches. You need to contact the court directly to get case information. Visit in person, call, or send a mail request.

To request records by mail, send a written request to the courthouse at the address above. Include the case number if you know it. If not, provide the full names of the parties and any other details you have. List which documents you want copies of. Include your mailing address and phone number.

Include payment for copy costs or ask for an estimate. Copies cost $0.50 per page under California Government Code Section 70627. Certified copies require an additional $40 certification fee. Certified copies of dissolution judgments cost $15 under Government Code Section 70674.

If the clerk must search for records without a case number, a $15 research fee may apply for searches over 10 minutes. Having the case number speeds up the search and helps avoid this fee.

In-person visits often work best for rural counties like Mariposa. You can view files and get copies on the same day if the clerk is not busy. Bring cash, check, or money order for payment. Ask about accepted payment methods when you call.

Note: You can now photograph court records with your camera or phone when viewing files at the courthouse under recent California law.

Filing a Civil Case

To start a civil case in Mariposa County, prepare your complaint and supporting documents. File them with the civil clerk at the courthouse in Mariposa. The clerk reviews your documents and accepts them if they meet filing requirements. You pay the filing fee when you submit the complaint.

Filing fees follow the California statewide schedule. Unlimited civil complaints cost $435 to file. The defendant pays $435 to file an answer. Limited civil cases between $10,000 and $35,000 cost $370 for the complaint. Smaller limited civil cases under $10,000 cost $225.

Small claims cases have lower fees based on the amount claimed. Claims up to $1,500 cost $30. Claims between $1,500 and $5,000 cost $50. Claims between $5,000 and $10,000 cost $75. Small claims court is designed for people to handle their own cases without lawyers.

If you cannot afford the fees, apply for a fee waiver. Complete the fee waiver application with information about your income and expenses. The court reviews your financial information and decides whether to grant the waiver. If approved, you can file without paying the standard fees.

You can file documents by mail or in person. Mail filings should include payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want copies back. The clerk processes mail filings and stamps them with the filing date.

Types of Civil Cases

Mariposa County Superior Court handles all civil case types. Unlimited civil cases involve amounts over $35,000. These include personal injury lawsuits, business disputes, real estate litigation, and complex contract cases. Discovery is allowed. Trials can last several days for complicated matters.

Limited civil cases cover disputes up to $35,000. Common limited civil cases include breach of contract, property damage, debt collection, and landlord-tenant disputes. Unlawful detainer eviction cases are limited civil matters. Procedures are simpler than unlimited civil cases. Trials are usually shorter.

Small claims court handles amounts up to $10,000. You represent yourself without a lawyer. Both sides present evidence to the judge informally. The judge decides most cases quickly, often the same day. You can appeal a small claims decision to the limited civil division.

The court also hears probate matters for estates of deceased persons. Guardianship and conservatorship cases protect minors and incapacitated adults. These proceedings have special rules and procedures.

Legal Help and Resources

The Mariposa County Superior Court website at mariposa.courts.ca.gov has basic court information. You can find contact details, locations, and general filing instructions. Check the website for court holidays and closures.

California Courts Self-Help at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov provides free resources for people representing themselves. You can download forms and read step-by-step guides for different case types. The guides explain court procedures in plain language without legal jargon.

Legal aid may be available for low income residents. Central California Legal Services serves Mariposa County. They provide free legal help in civil matters for people who qualify. Contact them to see if they can assist with your case.

The State Bar of California operates a lawyer referral service at calbar.ca.gov. You can search for attorneys by location and practice area. Many lawyers offer reduced-fee initial consultations through the referral program.

Because Mariposa County is small, some attorneys may be based in larger nearby counties like Merced or Fresno. Any attorney licensed in California can represent clients in Mariposa County.

Public Access to Records

Most civil court records in California are public. Government Code Section 68150 requires courts to make records reasonably accessible. You can view and copy civil case files unless access is restricted by law.

California Rules of Court Rule 2.503 restricts remote electronic access to certain case types. Family law, guardianship, conservatorship, and mental health cases can only be viewed at the courthouse. Registers of actions and calendars are available remotely. Full case files require in-person review.

Unlawful detainer eviction cases have a 60-day confidentiality period under Code of Civil Procedure Section 1161.2. Public access is limited for the first 60 days after filing. Records become public after this period if the plaintiff wins.

Sealed records are not available to the public. Courts seal records only by court order. Sealing is allowed when required by law or necessary to protect significant privacy interests. You need court permission to access sealed documents.

Nearby California Counties

Mariposa County borders several other Sierra foothill counties. Each has its own Superior Court.