Search Mono County Civil Records

The Superior Court of California, County of Mono, maintains all civil court records for this Eastern Sierra county. Civil cases are filed at the courthouse in Bridgeport or the branch in Mammoth Lakes. The court handles unlimited civil cases over $35,000, limited civil cases up to $35,000, and small claims matters under $10,000. Court records include case files, pleadings, motions, orders, and judgments. Public access to civil records is available through in-person visits and records requests to the court clerk.

Mono County Courthouses

Mono County Superior Court operates from two locations. The main courthouse is at 100 Thompsons Way in Bridgeport, California 93517. This is the county seat where civil filings are typically submitted. The Mammoth Lakes branch is at 452 Old Mammoth Road, Suite B, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546. Both locations serve different parts of this geographically large county.

Court hours may be limited in this small rural county. Call ahead to confirm hours and which location handles your case type. The Bridgeport court phone is (760) 932-5241. The Mammoth Lakes phone is (760) 924-5444. Staff can direct you to the right location.

Mono County is a mountainous region with long distances between towns. Bridgeport is in the north near Yosemite. Mammoth Lakes is about 50 miles south. Winter weather affects travel. Check road conditions before making the trip to either courthouse.

You can view court files in person during business hours. Bring valid photo ID. The clerk's office can pull files for you if you provide the case number or party names. Staff are available to answer procedural questions but cannot give legal advice.

Getting Civil Court Records

Mono County does not offer online case search like larger California counties. You must request records directly from the court. Contact the clerk's office by phone, mail, or in person.

For records requests by mail, write to the courthouse where the case was filed. Include the case number if you have it. If not, provide the full names of all parties. List the specific documents you want. Include your contact information and payment or request a cost estimate.

Copies cost $0.50 per page under California Government Code Section 70627. This is the standard fee for all California courts. Certified copies cost an additional $40 for the certification. Certified copies of dissolution judgments cost $15 to certify under Government Code Section 70674.

If the clerk must search for records without a case number, there may be a $15 search fee for searches over 10 minutes. Providing the case number helps speed up the process and avoid extra fees.

In-person requests often get faster service. Visit the courthouse and ask the clerk for the records you need. If staff is not busy, they can make copies while you wait. Bring payment for the copies. Call ahead to ask about accepted payment methods.

Note: California law now allows you to photograph court records with your own camera or cell phone when viewing files at the courthouse.

How to File a Civil Case

To file a civil case in Mono County, submit your complaint to the civil clerk. The clerk reviews the documents to make sure they meet basic requirements. You pay the filing fee at the time of filing.

Filing fees match the statewide California schedule. An unlimited civil complaint costs $435. 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 for initial filings.

Small claims cases have much lower fees. You pay $30 to file a claim up to $1,500. Claims between $1,500 and $5,000 cost $50 to file. Claims between $5,000 and $10,000 cost $75. Small claims court is designed for people to represent themselves without lawyers.

Fee waivers are available if you cannot afford court costs. Complete a fee waiver application with details about your income and expenses. The court reviews your application and decides whether to grant the waiver. Approved waivers let you file your case without paying standard fees.

You can file documents by mail or in person. For mail filings, send your documents with payment to the appropriate courthouse. The clerk processes the filing and stamps it with the filing date. Include a stamped return envelope if you want copies back.

Civil Case Categories

Mono County Superior Court hears all types of civil cases. Unlimited civil cases involve amounts over $35,000. These include complex business disputes, personal injury lawsuits, real estate cases, and contract litigation. Formal trial procedures apply. Discovery can be extensive. Cases may take a year or more to resolve.

Limited civil cases handle disputes up to $35,000. Common cases include breach of contract, property damage, debt collection, and landlord-tenant disputes. Unlawful detainer eviction cases are limited civil matters. Discovery is restricted. Trials are shorter than unlimited civil trials.

Small claims court handles amounts up to $10,000 for individuals and $5,000 for businesses. Common small claims cases involve unpaid debts, property damage, contract disputes, and security deposits. You do not need a lawyer. Present your evidence to the judge. The judge decides most cases the same day.

Probate cases involve estates of deceased persons. Guardianship and conservatorship cases protect minors and incapacitated adults. These special proceedings have their own rules and procedures.

Legal Assistance and Help

Visit the Mono County Superior Court website at mono.courts.ca.gov for basic court information. The site has contact details, locations, and general filing instructions.

The California Courts Self-Help Center at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov provides extensive resources for people representing themselves. You can download forms and read guides for different civil case types. Instructions are written in plain language without legal jargon.

Legal aid services may be available for low income residents. Legal Services of Northern California serves rural counties including Mono. They provide free legal help in civil matters if you qualify based on income. Contact them to see if they can assist your case.

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

Because Mono County is small and rural, you may need to work with attorneys from nearby counties like Inyo or Tuolumne. Any California-licensed attorney can represent clients in Mono County.

Court Records Privacy Rules

Civil court records are generally public under California law. Government Code Section 68150 requires courts to provide reasonable access to records. You can view and copy most civil case files.

Some case types have restricted access. California Rules of Court Rule 2.503 limits remote electronic access to family law, guardianship, conservatorship, and mental health cases. You can only see registers of actions and calendars online. Full case files must be reviewed at the courthouse.

Unlawful detainer eviction records are confidential for 60 days after filing under Code of Civil Procedure Section 1161.2. Public access is restricted during this period. After 60 days, the records become public if the landlord wins at trial.

Sealed records require a court order. Only the judge can seal a record. Sealing is allowed only when required by law or to protect important privacy interests. You cannot access sealed records without court permission.

Nearby California Counties

Mono County borders several other California counties. Each operates its own Superior Court system.