Napa County Civil Court Records

Civil court records in Napa County are maintained by the Superior Court and available through an online case lookup system. The county has a population over 140,000 and is known for its wine country. The city of Napa serves as the county seat. You can search civil cases by party name, case number, or attorney through the court's online portal. The system displays case summaries, registers of actions, and many documents filed since the court began electronic filing. Civil cases include unlimited matters over $35,000, limited cases from $10,000 to $35,000, small claims under $10,000, and probate proceedings. The court uses Tyler Technologies Odyssey software, which is the same platform used by many California counties for public case access.

Search Cases Online

Napa County Superior Court provides online case access at napa.courts.ca.gov. The portal uses Odyssey software from Tyler Technologies. You do not need to register or create an account. Just enter a party name or case number to search.

Search results show the case type, filing date, and current status. Click on any case to see the full register of actions. The register lists every document filed, every hearing scheduled, and every order issued by the judge. This provides a complete timeline of the case from filing to disposition.

Many documents are available to download. The court charges $0.50 per page for document downloads. You pay by credit card through the portal. Documents filed after the court implemented electronic filing are more likely to be available. Older cases may only have partial records scanned. There is no charge to search cases or view the register of actions. You only pay if you download actual documents.

Some case types have restricted remote access under California Rules of Court Rule 2.503. Family law cases appear in searches, but you must visit the courthouse to view documents. The same restriction applies to guardianship, conservatorship, mental health, and civil harassment cases. These limits protect sensitive personal information.

Viewing Records at the Courthouse

The Napa County Superior Court is at 1111 Third Street in Napa. The courthouse handles all civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases for the county. Public access to case files is available during business hours. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

You need valid photo identification to view case files. Tell the clerk which case you want to see. Provide a case number if you have one. If you only know party names, the clerk will search the index to find the case. Files stored at the courthouse are usually available within a few minutes. Files kept in off-site storage take longer to retrieve.

You can review files and take notes. No cameras or phones are allowed in the file review area. If you need copies, ask the clerk. Copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost an additional $40 for the certification on top of the copy fee. If the clerk spends more than 10 minutes searching for records without a case number, the court charges a $15 research fee.

Filing Fees and Court Costs

Napa County uses California's statewide civil fee schedule. Filing an unlimited civil complaint over $35,000 costs $435. The defendant's answer in an unlimited case also costs $435. Limited civil complaints seeking $10,000 to $35,000 cost $370 to file. Cases under $10,000 cost $225 for the answer or first paper filed by the defendant.

Small claims filing fees vary by claim amount and filer type. Most individuals pay between $30 and $75 to file a small claims case. Businesses that file more than 12 small claims per year pay higher fees. The court website has a complete fee schedule showing all filing, motion, and service fees.

Copy fees are standard across California at $0.50 per page. Certification adds $40 to any document. If you request a certified copy of a 10-page judgment, you pay $5 for copies plus $40 for certification, totaling $45. Exemplification costs $50 plus copy fees. Exemplification is a higher authentication level sometimes required for use in other states or federal proceedings.

Types of Civil Cases

Napa County Superior Court handles all types of civil disputes within the county. Unlimited civil cases involve claims over $35,000. These include personal injury from auto accidents, slip and fall incidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, breach of contract, business disputes, employment litigation, real estate conflicts, and professional negligence. Unlimited civil cases use full discovery procedures with depositions, interrogatories, and document requests.

Limited civil cases cover amounts between $10,001 and $35,000. Common limited civil matters include:

• Landlord-tenant disputes over rent or lease violations
• Unlawful detainer eviction proceedings
• Property damage claims under $35,000
• Debt collection lawsuits by creditors
• Breach of contract between individuals or businesses

Small claims court handles disputes up to $10,000. You represent yourself without a lawyer. The process is informal and quick. Most cases are heard within two to three months of filing. The judge makes a decision the same day in most situations. Common small claims cases include security deposit disputes, minor vehicle damage, unpaid loans, and contract disagreements under $10,000.

Probate cases deal with estates of deceased persons, wills, trusts, conservatorships, and guardianships. Probate records are generally public unless sealed by court order. Simple estates might close in six to nine months. Contested probate litigation can take years to resolve.

Public Access and Confidentiality

California law requires courts to make records reasonably available to the public. Government Code Section 68150 establishes the framework for electronic record access. Courts must provide access to records in some form, whether electronic or paper. But access varies by case type under California Rules of Court Rule 2.503.

Civil unlimited and limited cases have full remote access. You can search cases and download documents from anywhere with an internet connection. Family law, guardianship, conservatorship, mental health, civil harassment, workplace violence, elder abuse, and gun violence restraining order cases have limited remote access. You can see basic case information online, but you must visit the courthouse to view actual documents. These restrictions protect sensitive personal information from widespread internet distribution.

Sealed cases do not appear in any public search. A judge seals a case only when required by law or when a party proves a compelling interest that outweighs the public's right to access. Parties seeking to seal records must follow strict procedures set out in California Rules of Court. Most civil cases remain fully public.

Unlawful detainer eviction cases are masked from public view for 60 days after filing under Code of Civil Procedure Section 1161.2. After 60 days, the case becomes searchable if the landlord obtained a judgment after trial. This delay protects tenants from having eviction filings immediately appear in background checks when they search for new housing.

Note: If you are unsure whether you can access a specific record remotely, contact the court clerk's office for guidance.

Self-Help and Legal Assistance

Napa County Superior Court operates a self-help center for people without lawyers. The center provides information about court procedures, forms, and filing requirements. Staff can explain how the process works but cannot give legal advice about what you should do in your case. Self-help services are free and available at the Napa courthouse.

Legal Aid of Napa Valley provides free civil legal services to low-income residents. They handle housing, family law, consumer, and public benefits matters. You must meet income guidelines to qualify. Contact Legal Aid to see if they can assist with your case.

The Napa County Bar Association operates a lawyer referral service. For a modest fee, you get a 30-minute consultation with a private attorney. This helps you understand your legal options and decide whether to hire a lawyer for full representation. The bar association website lists participating attorneys by practice area.

Court Contact Information

The courthouse is at 1111 Third Street, Napa, CA 94559. This location handles all civil cases for the county. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Some services close earlier for processing. Arrive before 3:30 p.m. if you need same-day filing or records access. The courthouse is closed on state holidays.

For general information, visit napa.courts.ca.gov. The website has forms, fee schedules, local rules, court calendars, and links to online services. You can also find contact information for specific departments and services.

Cities in Napa County

Napa is the county seat and largest city with a population around 80,000. Other incorporated cities include American Canyon, Calistoga, St. Helena, and Yountville. All civil cases filed in these cities go through the Napa County Superior Court in Napa.

Nearby Counties

Napa County borders Sonoma County to the west, Lake County to the north, Yolo County to the northeast, and Solano County to the southeast. Each county operates its own Superior Court with separate case records. If your case involves parties or property in another county, you may need to file there instead of Napa County.