Find Civil Records in Tulare County

The Superior Court of California, County of Tulare manages all civil court records for this jurisdiction. Located in Visalia, the court serves the entire county for civil litigation. Online access to case information is provided through a public portal system at no charge for basic searches. You can look up cases by party name, case number, or attorney. The portal displays registers of actions, court calendars, and case indexes. Most civil records are publicly accessible under California law. Document downloads require fees set by state law. Some case types have restricted online access to protect privacy in family law, juvenile, and certain other sensitive matters.

Tulare County Court Portal

Tulare County Superior Court provides online case access at online.tulare.courts.ca.gov. The portal covers civil, criminal, family, probate, small claims, and traffic cases. You do not need an account to search. The system is free to use for viewing basic case information.

Enter a person's name or business name to search all cases. The system searches the court database and returns matching results. Each result shows the case number, filing date, case type, and status. Click on a case to view the register of actions. This register lists all filings, motions, hearings, and court orders in chronological order.

Search by case number if you have it. Case number searches are faster and more precise. The portal updates regularly as new documents are filed and court events occur. Basic case information is free to view. Downloading actual court documents requires payment through the portal. Fees follow California state law and help cover the cost of providing online access.

Tulare County Courthouse

The Tulare County Superior Court main courthouse is at 221 South Mooney Boulevard in Visalia, California 93291. All civil cases for the county are filed here. Call (559) 730-5000 for general court information. The civil clerk's office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Walk in during business hours to file new cases, make payments, or request copies of documents. Bring valid photo ID if you want to review physical case files. The clerk's office can help with procedural questions and explain what forms you need. Staff cannot provide legal advice about your specific case but can direct you to resources and explain court rules.

Public parking is available in lots and on streets near the courthouse. Some parking has time limits or requires payment. Arrive early for morning hearings as parking fills up. All visitors go through security screening at the entrance. Do not bring weapons, large bags, or recording devices without prior approval. Check the court website for a complete list of prohibited items.

The court operates branch locations in Porterville and other parts of the county for certain case types. Civil cases are primarily handled at the Visalia courthouse. Contact the clerk's office if you have questions about which location serves your needs.

Record Fees and Filing Costs

Copy fees in Tulare County follow California state law. Copies cost $0.50 per page. If you need 50 pages, the total is $25.00. Certified copies add a $40 certification fee. A certified 25-page document costs $12.50 for copies plus $40.00 for the certification, totaling $52.50.

The court charges a $15 search fee when you do not provide a case number and the search takes more than 10 minutes. Provide case numbers whenever possible to avoid this fee and speed up your request. Exemplification 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 California statewide 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. An answer in a limited civil case under $10,000 costs $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 an application with financial information. The court reviews it and decides if you qualify. Forms are available at the clerk's office or on the court website. Legal aid organizations can help with fee waiver applications if you need assistance.

Types of Civil Cases

Tulare County Superior Court handles unlimited civil cases where the amount exceeds $35,000. Personal injury claims from car accidents, workplace injuries, 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 unfair competition fall under unlimited jurisdiction. Real estate litigation over title issues, boundary disputes, and construction defects also qualifies as unlimited civil.

Limited civil cases involve amounts from $10,000 to $35,000. Common limited civil cases 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.

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 case. 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 matters are:

• Security deposit disputes when tenants move out
• Vehicle damage from minor accidents
• Money owed from personal loans
• Complaints about poor service or defective products
• Simple contract breaches
• Property damage from neighbors
• Unpaid bills for work performed

Probate cases deal with estates of deceased persons. The court supervises distribution of assets, appoints executors, and resolves will contests. Guardianships of minor children and conservatorships of adults who cannot care for themselves go through probate court. These cases follow specific timelines and procedures set by California Probate Code.

Access Rules 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 or explain why you want the information. The public has a right to access court records under state law. But some information is restricted 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 support cases. You must visit the courthouse to see documents in most family matters. Criminal case documents are also restricted from remote access. The register is public online but actual filings require courthouse access.

Sensitive information is removed 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 under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1161.2. During the first 60 days after filing, the case is not available to the general public unless you are a party or provide specific details. After 60 days, if the plaintiff won at trial, the case becomes fully public.

How Long Requests Take

Online searches give instant results. Type a name or case number and matches appear within seconds. Download a document and it becomes available in minutes after payment processes. The online portal is the fastest way to get case information and documents that are available electronically.

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 the case number to speed things up.

Written requests by mail take about 15 workdays to process on average. During busy periods it can take longer. The court processes mail requests in the order they arrive. Include complete contact information 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 Tulare County

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

Nearby Counties

Tulare County borders other counties with separate Superior Court systems.