Search Sonoma Civil Records

Civil court records for Sonoma County are maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Sonoma. The court does not provide case information via the internet. All civil case records must be accessed in person at the courthouse or through written requests. The Records Division is located at 600 Administration Drive, Room 110-J in Santa Rosa, CA 95403. Civil records include unlimited civil cases over $35,000, limited civil matters between $10,000 and $35,000, and small claims under $10,000. Sonoma County is located in Northern California's wine country. The court serves Santa Rosa and surrounding communities.

Records Division

The Sonoma Superior Court does not provide case information via the internet. To access civil court records, you must visit the Records Division in person or submit a written request. The Records Division is at 600 Administration Drive, Room 110-J in Santa Rosa, California 95403. You can call them at 707-521-6670.

The Records Division is open on weekdays during business hours. Bring photo ID when you visit. Court security checks identification at the entrance. Staff can help you locate case files and request copies of documents. They answer procedural questions but cannot provide legal advice about your case.

To request records in person, provide the case number or the names of the parties. Staff will locate the file. You can review the file at the courthouse and request copies of specific documents. Having the case number speeds up the process. Without a case number, staff may need extra time to locate your file.

Copy Fees and Charges

Copy fees for civil court documents are $0.50 per page. This is the standard fee for regular copies. Bring cash or a check to pay for copies when you visit the courthouse. The court does not accept credit cards for copy fees in all locations, so call ahead to confirm payment methods.

Certified copies cost an additional $40.00 certification fee. Certified copies of marriage or domestic partnership dissolution judgments cost $15.00. Certification proves the document is a true copy of the court record. You need certified copies for appeals, government applications, and other official purposes where authenticity must be verified.

File retrieval fees apply when files are stored off-site. The retrieval fee is $5.00 per file. Some older case files are kept at storage facilities outside the courthouse. It takes time to retrieve off-site files. Call ahead if you need older records so staff can order the files before you arrive.

Search fees may apply if you don't have a case number. The court charges $15.00 for searching that takes longer than 10 minutes. If you know any details about the case, gather that information before you visit or submit a request. Party names, approximate filing dates, and case types help staff locate files faster.

Written Requests for Records

You can request copies of civil court records by mail. Write to Sonoma Superior Court, Records Division, 600 Administration Drive, Room 110-J, Santa Rosa, CA 95403. Include the case number if you have it. Provide the names of the parties, the type of case, and any other information that helps identify the file.

List the specific documents you want. If you need the entire case file, say so in your request. Include your return address and phone number. The court may need to contact you if they have questions about your request or need additional information to locate the file.

Send a check for the estimated costs. Include copy fees, certification fees if you need certified copies, retrieval fees if applicable, and search fees if you don't have a case number. If you send too much money, the court will refund the difference. If you don't send enough, they will contact you for additional payment.

Processing times for mail requests vary based on how busy the court is. Allow several weeks for the court to respond to your request. If you need records urgently, visiting in person is faster than submitting a mail request.

Civil Case Types

Sonoma Superior Court handles unlimited civil cases involving amounts over $35,000. These include personal injury lawsuits, business disputes, real estate litigation, employment claims, and professional malpractice actions. Unlimited civil cases have formal procedures with extensive discovery. Trials can last days or weeks for complex matters. Many cases settle before trial through negotiation or mediation.

Limited civil cases cover disputes between $10,000 and $35,000. Common limited civil matters include contract disputes, property damage claims, landlord-tenant conflicts, and debt collection lawsuits. Unlawful detainer eviction cases are limited civil matters. Procedures are simpler than unlimited civil. Discovery is restricted. Cases typically resolve faster than unlimited civil cases.

Small claims court handles disputes up to $10,000 for individuals and $5,000 for businesses. People use small claims for everyday problems like unpaid debts, security deposits, minor accidents, and consumer complaints. You don't need a lawyer in small claims court. Both sides present their case to the judge. The judge decides the case right away in most instances. Small claims provides a quick, affordable way to resolve disputes.

Filing Civil Cases in Sonoma County

To file a civil case in Sonoma County, prepare a complaint that describes your legal claims. The complaint must name all parties, state the facts, and explain what you want the court to do. File the complaint at the courthouse. Bring the original and copies for all defendants. The clerk will review your paperwork and collect the filing fee.

Filing fees follow the statewide California schedule. Unlimited civil complaints cost $435.00. Limited civil complaints for amounts over $10,000 up to $35,000 cost $370.00. Complaints for amounts under $10,000 cost $225.00. Small claims fees vary based on the amount claimed. Fee waivers are available if you can't afford the filing fee. Ask the clerk for a fee waiver application.

After filing, you must serve the defendants with copies of the complaint and summons. You cannot serve the papers yourself. Hire a process server, use the sheriff, or ask an adult friend who is not a party to serve the documents. The server fills out a proof of service form. File the proof of service with the court to show you completed service correctly.

The defendant has 30 days to respond after being served. If they don't respond, you can request a default judgment. If they file an answer, the case proceeds with discovery and moves toward trial or settlement. The court clerk provides basic procedural information but cannot give legal advice about your case.

Note: Electronic filing may be available for certain case types. Contact the court to ask about e-filing options and requirements.

Court Services and Resources

Sonoma Superior Court provides self-help services for people representing themselves in civil cases. Self-help staff can explain court procedures and help you fill out forms. They cannot give legal advice or tell you what to say in court. Self-help services are free and available at the courthouse during business hours.

The court website has forms, local rules, and information about court procedures. Local rules explain specific requirements for Sonoma Superior Court that may differ from statewide rules. Read the local rules before filing to make sure you follow the correct procedures. The website also has calendars and information about upcoming hearings.

Legal aid organizations in Sonoma County provide free or low-cost legal assistance to people who qualify based on income. These organizations can help with certain types of civil cases. Contact a legal aid office to see if you qualify for their services. The court website has a list of legal resources available in the county. Local bar associations may also offer referral services to connect you with private attorneys.

Major Cities in Sonoma County

Sonoma County includes several cities in Northern California's wine country. All civil cases from these cities are filed in Sonoma Superior Court.

Nearby California Counties

Sonoma County borders several other Northern California counties. Each has its own Superior Court system.