San Benito County Civil Records

The Superior Court of California, County of San Benito, maintains all civil court records for the county. The courthouse in Hollister handles all civil cases including unlimited civil matters over $35,000, limited civil cases up to $35,000, and small claims under $10,000. San Benito County is a small rural county south of San Jose between the Santa Clara Valley and Central Coast. The court provides public access to civil records through the courthouse. Records include case files, registers of actions, court filings, and case calendars for all civil litigation in San Benito County.

San Benito County Courthouse

The San Benito County Superior Court is at 440 Fifth Street in Hollister, California 95023. This courthouse serves the entire county. All civil filings are submitted here. The civil clerk's office accepts complaints, answers, and other court documents during business hours. The courthouse also handles criminal, family, and probate matters.

Court hours are Monday through Friday, typically 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Call ahead at (831) 636-4057 to confirm hours before visiting. The courthouse may be closed for holidays and special court closures.

Hollister is on Highway 25 between Gilroy and the Central Coast. The town is about 45 miles south of San Jose and 35 miles east of Salinas. Access is good year-round from the Bay Area and Central Coast regions.

When you visit the courthouse, bring valid photo ID for security screening. You can view public court files during business hours. The clerk can help locate files if you provide the case number or party names. Public access computers may be available to search case information.

Accessing Civil Court Records

San Benito County Superior Court provides access to civil records through in-person visits and mail requests. Online access options are more limited than in larger California counties. Contact the courthouse directly for case information.

To request records by mail, write to San Benito County Superior Court at the address above. Include the case number if you have it. Without a case number, provide the full names of all parties and any other identifying information. List the specific documents you want. Include your contact information and payment or request an estimate.

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

If the clerk must search for records without a case number and the search takes more than 10 minutes, a $15 research fee may apply. Having the case number helps avoid this extra cost. You can call the clerk's office to get the case number before requesting copies.

In-person visits let you view files and get copies the same day if staff is available. The clerk can make copies while you wait. Bring cash, check, or money order for payment. Call ahead to confirm accepted payment methods.

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

Filing a Civil Case

To file a civil case in San Benito County, prepare your complaint and supporting documents. Submit them to the civil clerk at the Hollister courthouse. The clerk reviews the documents and accepts them if they meet filing requirements. You pay the filing fee when you file the complaint.

Filing fees follow the California statewide 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.

Small claims cases have lower fees based on the claim amount. 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 for people to represent themselves without lawyers.

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

San Benito County Superior Court handles all civil case types under California law. Unlimited civil cases involve amounts over $35,000. These include business disputes, personal injury claims, real estate litigation, and contract cases. Discovery is extensive. Trials can last several days for complex matters.

Limited civil cases cover 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. Procedures are simpler with restricted discovery. Trials are usually shorter than unlimited civil trials.

Small claims court handles amounts up to $10,000. You represent yourself without a lawyer. Both sides present evidence to the judge. Most cases are decided quickly, often the same day. Appeals from small claims go to the limited civil division.

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

Legal Help and Resources

The San Benito County Superior Court website at sanbenito.courts.ca.gov has court information including contact details, forms, and local rules. Check the website for court hours and holiday closures.

California Courts Self-Help at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov provides free resources for people representing themselves in civil cases. You can download forms and read guides for different case types. Instructions are in plain language.

Legal aid may be available for low income residents. Legal Services of Northern California and Central California Legal Services serve San Benito 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 operates a lawyer referral service at calbar.ca.gov. Search for attorneys by location and practice area. Many lawyers offer reduced-fee initial consultations.

Local attorneys in Hollister and nearby communities handle civil cases. Attorneys from larger nearby counties like Santa Clara and Monterey also serve San Benito County. Any California-licensed attorney can represent clients in San Benito County.

Public Access to Records

Civil court records are generally public under California law. Government Code Section 68150 requires courts to make records reasonably accessible. 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. Only registers of actions and calendars are available remotely. Full 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. Records become public after this period if the plaintiff wins at trial.

Sealed records require a court order. Courts seal records only when required by law or necessary to protect privacy interests. Sealed documents are not available without court permission.

Nearby California Counties

San Benito County borders several other California counties. Each has its own Superior Court system.