San Joaquin County Civil Records Online

The Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin maintains all civil court records for this jurisdiction. Located in Stockton, the court serves the entire county with civil litigation services. Public access to case information is provided through the FullCourt online portal system. You can search cases by party name, case number, or attorney. The portal displays registers of actions, calendars, and case summaries. Basic searches are free but downloading actual court documents requires fees. Most civil records are publicly accessible under California law, though certain case types have restricted remote access to protect privacy in sensitive family and criminal matters.

FullCourt Portal System

San Joaquin County uses the FullCourt case management system for online access. Visit cms.sjcourts.org to search civil, family, probate, small claims, criminal, and traffic cases. The portal is free to use for basic searches. No account is required to look up case information.

Enter a party's first and last name to search. The system returns all cases where that person or business is listed. Results show case numbers, filing dates, case types, and current status. Click on any case to view the register of actions. This register lists all filings, motions, hearings, and court orders in chronological order from case start to finish.

Search by case number if you already have it. This gives faster and more precise results. The portal updates daily as new documents are filed and hearings occur. You can view basic case data at no charge. Downloading actual filed documents requires payment through the system. Fees collected go toward maintaining the online access system.

San Joaquin County Courthouse

The San Joaquin County Superior Court main courthouse is at 222 East Weber Avenue in Stockton, California 95202. All civil cases for the county are filed here. Call (209) 992-5695 for general court information. The civil division clerk's office operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Walk in during business hours to file new cases, make payments, or request copies. The clerk's office staff can answer procedural questions and explain forms. They cannot provide legal advice about your specific case but can direct you to the right forms and explain court rules. Bring valid photo ID if you want to review physical case files at the courthouse.

Parking is available in public lots and on the street near the courthouse. Some parking has time limits or meter fees. Arrive early for morning hearings as parking fills up quickly. All visitors pass through security screening at the entrance. Do not bring weapons, large bags, or recording devices without permission. Check the court website for a full list of prohibited items.

The court also has branch locations in other parts of the county for traffic and criminal matters. Civil cases are primarily handled at the main Stockton courthouse. Contact the clerk's office if you have questions about which location serves your needs.

Court Record Fees

Copy fees in San Joaquin County follow the California state schedule. Copies cost $0.50 per page. If you need 60 pages, the cost is $30.00. Certified copies add a $40 fee for the certification. A certified 30-page document costs $15.00 for copies plus $40.00 for the certification, totaling $55.00.

The court charges $15 for record searches when you do not provide a case number and the search takes more than 10 minutes. Providing case numbers saves you this fee and speeds up your request. Exemplification of records costs $50 plus the per-page copy fee. This higher level of certification is sometimes needed for use in other states or federal courts.

Filing fees match the statewide California schedule. An unlimited civil complaint involving more than $35,000 costs $435 to file. The defendant pays $435 to file an answer in an unlimited case. Limited civil complaints between $10,000 and $35,000 cost $370. Answers in limited civil cases under $10,000 cost $225. Small claims fees range from $30 to $75 based on the claim amount.

Fee waivers are available for people who cannot afford court fees. You must file a fee waiver application and provide financial information. The court reviews the application and decides if you qualify. Ask the clerk's office for fee waiver forms or download them from the court website.

Types of Civil Cases

San Joaquin County Superior Court handles unlimited civil cases where the amount in dispute exceeds $35,000. Personal injury claims from car accidents, truck crashes, and slip and fall incidents go to unlimited civil court. Medical malpractice cases are unlimited civil matters. Business disputes involving breach of contract, fraud, partnership disagreements, and intellectual property fall under unlimited jurisdiction. Real estate litigation over title disputes, boundary issues, and construction defects also qualifies as unlimited civil.

Limited civil cases involve amounts from $10,000 to $35,000. Common limited civil matters include landlord-tenant disputes, property damage claims, contract disagreements, and debt collection lawsuits. Unlawful detainer eviction cases fall under limited civil jurisdiction. These cases have simplified procedures compared to unlimited cases. Discovery is more restricted and trials are shorter. Appeals go to the appellate division of Superior Court rather than the Court of Appeal.

Small claims court handles disputes up to $10,000 for individuals. Businesses that file more than 12 small claims per year are limited to $5,000 per claim. No lawyers are allowed in small claims hearings. Both sides present their case directly to the judge. The judge usually decides that day. Common small claims cases include:

• Security deposit disputes between landlords and tenants
• Vehicle damage from minor accidents
• Money owed from personal loans
• Complaints about defective goods or poor service
• Simple contract breaches
• Property damage caused by neighbors
• Unpaid bills for work performed

Probate cases deal with estates of deceased persons. The court supervises distribution of assets, appoints executors, and resolves disputes over wills. Conservatorships for adults who cannot care for themselves go through probate court. Guardianships of minor children are also probate matters. These cases follow specific timelines and procedures set by the Probate Code.

Record Access and Privacy

California law makes most civil court records public. Anyone can search for cases and view the register of actions. You do not need to be a party to the case or explain why you want the information. The public has a right to access court files under state law. But certain information is kept confidential to protect privacy.

Family law cases have limited online access. You can view the register of actions but not the actual filed documents remotely. This protects privacy in divorce, custody, and child support matters. You must visit the courthouse to see documents in most family cases. Criminal case documents are also restricted from remote access. The register is public online but the actual filings require courthouse access.

Courts remove sensitive data from public records. Financial account numbers are redacted. Social Security numbers are truncated or removed. Information about minor children in custody disputes is often sealed. A party can file a motion asking the judge to seal records by showing good cause. Sealed records do not appear in public searches or portals.

Unlawful detainer eviction cases have a 60-day confidentiality period. During the first 60 days after filing, the case is not available to the general public unless you are a party or can provide specific case details. After 60 days, if the plaintiff won at trial, the case becomes fully public.

Request Processing Times

Online searches through the FullCourt portal give instant results. Type a name or case number and matches appear within seconds. Downloading a document takes a few minutes after you complete payment. The online system is the fastest way to get case information and documents.

In-person requests depend on clerk's office workload and file location. If the file is on-site and staff are not busy, you may get copies in under an hour. If the file is stored off-site, retrieval takes longer. Staff can estimate processing time when you make your request. Bring exact case numbers to speed things up.

Mail requests take the longest. San Joaquin County processes written requests in about 20 business days on average. During busy periods it can take longer. Include complete contact information on mail requests so staff can reach you with questions. If you need records urgently, use the online portal or visit the courthouse in person rather than mailing a request.

Cities in San Joaquin County

San Joaquin County includes several cities. All civil cases from county residents are filed at San Joaquin County Superior Court.

Nearby Counties

San Joaquin County borders other counties with separate court systems.