Modoc County Civil Court Records

The Superior Court of California, County of Modoc maintains civil court records for all legal disputes filed in the county. Civil cases include unlimited actions over $35,000, limited cases up to $35,000, and small claims under $10,000. The court serves Alturas and all other communities in Modoc County. You can search for case information online or visit the courthouse in person. Most records are open to the public, though some sensitive matters may be sealed by court order or restricted by law.

Search Cases Online

Modoc County Superior Court provides online access to civil case information. While the court's public portal has had technical issues in the past, you can still access case details through the statewide court system resources. Visit the California Courts website at courts.ca.gov to get contact information for Modoc County Superior Court.

The court clerk's office can help you look up case information by phone or in person. Have the case number ready when you call or visit. If you only have the names of the parties, staff can search for the case, but it may take longer. The clerk can tell you the case status, upcoming hearing dates, and what documents have been filed.

For online searches through other California county systems, you may need to register an account. Some courts charge fees for name searches or document downloads. Check with Modoc County Superior Court about current online access options and any fees that apply.

Visiting the Courthouse

The Modoc County Superior Court is located in Alturas, the county seat. 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, this is where you go.

Court hours are typically Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Some offices may close for lunch between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. Call ahead to confirm current hours before making the trip. The phone number and directions are available on the California Courts website.

When you arrive, bring a valid photo ID. Court security checks identification at the entrance. Tell the clerk what case you need to see or what service you need. The staff will pull files for you to review or help you with filing paperwork. Clerks cannot give legal advice, but they can explain court procedures and requirements.

Court Fees in Modoc County

Filing fees follow California's statewide schedule. An unlimited civil complaint costs $435 to file. This applies to cases seeking more than $35,000 in damages. The defendant's answer in an unlimited case also costs $435.

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

Copy fees are standard across California. Copies cost $0.50 per page. If you need certified copies, the court charges $40 for the certification plus the per-page copy fee. A 10-page certified document costs $5.00 for copies and $40.00 for certification, which totals $45.00. The court may charge a $15 research fee if staff must spend more than 10 minutes searching for records without a case number.

Civil Case Types

Modoc County Superior Court handles all types of civil disputes. Unlimited civil cases involve claims over $35,000. These cases include personal injury from car crashes, medical malpractice, breach of contract, real estate disputes, and business litigation. Cases with complex legal issues or many parties often fall into the unlimited category.

Limited civil cases cover amounts between $10,000 and $35,000. Common limited civil matters include landlord-tenant disputes, property damage claims, debt collection, and contract disagreements. Unlawful detainer eviction cases are limited civil cases. The procedures in limited civil court are simpler and move faster than unlimited civil cases.

Small claims court resolves disputes up to $10,000 for most people. Businesses that file more than 12 small claims per year are limited to $5,000 per case. You represent yourself in small claims court. No lawyers are allowed. You present your evidence directly to the judge. The judge decides the case and announces the ruling on the same day in most situations.

Typical small claims cases are:

• Unpaid loans or debts between individuals
• Security deposit disputes when a tenant moves out
• Property damage from accidents or negligence
• Breach of contract for services or goods not delivered
• Consumer complaints about defective products

How to Get Copies

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

For mail requests, send a written letter to the court. Include the case number, the names of the parties, and what documents you need. Provide your return address and phone number in case staff need to contact you. Mail requests take longer than in-person visits because the court processes requests in the order received.

If the case file is old or inactive, it may be stored off-site. The clerk will request the file from storage if it is not at the courthouse. Retrieval times vary depending on where the file is stored. Ask the clerk for an estimate when you make your request.

Note: Most civil records are public, but certain documents may be confidential or sealed by court order.

Legal Resources

The California Courts self-help website at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov offers free guides and forms for civil cases. You can find step-by-step instructions for filing a lawsuit, responding to a complaint, or handling small claims cases. Forms are available in English and Spanish.

Modoc County residents may qualify for free legal help from legal aid organizations. These groups assist low-income people with civil legal problems. Contact local social service agencies or the State Bar of California to find legal aid resources in your area.

Court clerks cannot provide legal advice. They can answer questions about court procedures and help you find the right forms, but they cannot tell you what to do in your case or help you fill out paperwork. If you need legal advice, talk to an attorney.

Nearby California Counties

Modoc County borders other counties with their own Superior Courts.