Nevada County Civil Records Search

The Superior Court of California, County of Nevada, maintains all civil court records for the county. Nevada County has two courthouse locations serving different parts of this Sierra Nevada foothill region. The main courthouse is in Nevada City. A branch court operates in Truckee. All civil cases including unlimited civil matters over $35,000, limited civil cases up to $35,000, and small claims are handled through these locations. Court records include case files, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, and registers of actions for all civil litigation in the county.

Nevada County Courthouses

Nevada County Superior Court operates two facilities. The main courthouse is at 201 Church Street in Nevada City, California 95959. Most civil filings are submitted here. The Truckee branch is at 10075 Levon Avenue, Suite 201, Truckee, CA 96161. This branch serves the eastern part of the county near Lake Tahoe.

Court hours are Monday through Friday, generally 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Hours may vary by location and department. Call ahead to confirm hours before visiting. The Nevada City court phone is (530) 265-1282. The Truckee court phone is (530) 582-7834. Staff can tell you which location handles your case type.

Nevada City and Truckee are about 40 miles apart. Nevada City is in the western Sierra foothills near Grass Valley. Truckee is a mountain town near the Nevada border. Winter weather can affect travel to either location. Check road conditions before your trip, especially during snow season.

Bring photo ID when you visit either courthouse. Security screening is required. You can view public court files during business hours. The clerk can help you locate files if you provide the case number or party names.

Access to Civil Court Records

Nevada County Superior Court provides access to civil records through in-person visits and written requests. Online access options are limited compared to larger California counties. Contact the courthouse directly for most case information.

To request records by mail, write to the courthouse where the case was filed. Include the case number if you have it. Without a case number, provide the full names of all parties. List the specific documents you need. Include your contact information and payment or request a cost estimate.

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

A $15 research fee may apply if the clerk must search for records without a case number and the search takes more than 10 minutes. Providing the case number helps avoid this extra cost. You can often find case numbers by calling the clerk's office first.

Visiting the courthouse in person lets you view files and get copies the same day. The clerk can make copies while you wait if time allows. Bring payment in the form of cash, check, or money order. Call ahead to confirm accepted payment methods at each location.

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

Filing Civil Cases

File civil cases at the Nevada County courthouse serving your area. The civil clerk's office accepts complaints, answers, and other court filings. You pay the filing fee when you submit your initial documents.

Filing fees follow the California statewide fee schedule. Unlimited civil complaints over $35,000 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 for initial filings.

Small claims cases have lower fees. Claims up to $1,500 cost $30 to file. Claims between $1,500 and $5,000 cost $50. Claims between $5,000 and $10,000 cost $75. Small claims court is designed so people can represent themselves without hiring 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 the application and decides whether to grant the waiver. Approved fee 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 self-addressed stamped envelope if you want copies returned to you.

Civil Case Categories

Nevada County Superior Court handles all types of civil cases under California law. Unlimited civil cases involve amounts over $35,000. These include business disputes, personal injury claims, real estate litigation, and complex contract cases. Discovery is extensive. Trials can last days or weeks depending on the complexity.

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

Small claims court handles amounts up to $10,000 for individuals and $5,000 for businesses that file frequently. You represent yourself without lawyers. Both sides present evidence informally. The judge decides most cases the same day. Appeals from small claims go to the limited civil division.

The court also handles probate cases involving estates of deceased persons. Guardianship and conservatorship cases protect minors and incapacitated adults. These special proceedings have their own timelines and procedures.

Legal Help and Resources

Visit the Nevada County Superior Court website at nevada.courts.ca.gov for court information. The site has contact details, locations, forms, and local rules. Check for updates about court hours and closures.

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. The guides explain procedures in plain language.

Legal aid may be available for low income residents. Legal Services of Northern California serves Nevada County. 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. Search for attorneys by location and practice area. Many lawyers offer reduced-fee initial consultations through this program.

Local attorneys in Nevada County and nearby areas handle civil cases. Any attorney licensed in California can represent clients anywhere in the state.

Public Records Access Rules

Civil court records are generally public in California. 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 remotely. Full case files must be viewed at the courthouse.

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. After that, records become public if the landlord wins at trial.

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

Nearby California Counties

Nevada County borders several other Northern California counties. Each operates its own Superior Court.