Tehama County Civil Records Search

The Superior Court of California, County of Tehama, maintains all civil court records for the county. The courthouse in Red Bluff serves the entire county. Civil cases including unlimited civil matters over $35,000, limited civil cases up to $35,000, and small claims are filed and processed here. Tehama County is a rural Northern California county between the Sacramento Valley and Cascade foothills. The court uses Tyler Technologies Odyssey system for case management. This allows online access to case information through a public portal. Court records include case files, registers of actions, pleadings, and court orders.

Online Case Search

Tehama County Superior Court provides online access to civil case information through the Tyler Technologies Odyssey portal. Many California counties use this same system. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney name. The portal shows basic case information including filing dates, case types, and current status.

The online portal includes registers of actions for civil cases. A register of actions is a chronological list of all filings and hearings in a case. You can see what documents were filed, what motions were heard, and when trial dates are scheduled. This helps track case progress without visiting the courthouse.

Document viewing and downloading may be available through the portal for some cases. Document availability varies by case type and filing date. Family law cases have restricted remote access under California Rules of Court Rule 2.503. You can only see limited information for those cases online.

The court website at tehama.courts.ca.gov has links to the online portal and instructions for using it. The portal is free to search. Document downloads may have fees.

Tehama County Courthouse

The Tehama County Superior Court is at 1775 Yuba Street in Red Bluff, California 96080. This courthouse handles all civil filings for the county. The civil clerk's office is open to accept filings and answer procedural questions. 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 (530) 527-8123 to confirm hours before visiting. The courthouse may be closed for holidays and special court closures.

Red Bluff is on Interstate 5 in the northern Sacramento Valley. The town is about 115 miles north of Sacramento and 40 miles south of Redding. Access is straightforward year-round compared to mountain counties.

When you visit, bring valid photo ID for security screening. Public access computers are available at the courthouse to search case information. The clerk can help you use the search system. You can view files and request copies during business hours.

Getting Copies of Records

You can access civil court records through the online portal, in person, or by mail. The online portal provides basic case information and may allow document viewing for some cases. For documents not available online, visit the courthouse or send a mail request.

To request records by mail, write to Tehama 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. 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 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 applies under Government Code Section 70627. Having the case number helps avoid this fee.

In-person requests often get same-day service. The clerk can make copies while you wait if time allows. 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 Civil Cases

File civil cases at the Tehama County courthouse in Red Bluff. Submit your complaint and supporting documents to the civil clerk. 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. 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. 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 lets people handle cases without lawyers.

Fee waivers are available if you cannot afford court fees. 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 returned. The clerk processes mail filings and stamps them with the filing date.

Civil Case Categories

Tehama County Superior Court handles all civil case types. 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.

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 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 special rules.

Legal Help and Resources

The Tehama County Superior Court website at tehama.courts.ca.gov has court information including contact details, forms, and links to the online portal. Check the site for court hours and holiday closures.

California Courts Self-Help at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov provides free resources for people representing themselves. 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 serves Tehama County. They provide free legal help in civil matters if you qualify. 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.

Local attorneys in Red Bluff and nearby Redding handle civil cases. Any California-licensed attorney can represent clients in Tehama 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. 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

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