Yolo County Civil Court Records

Civil court records in Yolo County are maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Yolo. The courthouse in Woodland serves the entire county. All civil cases including unlimited civil matters over $35,000, limited civil cases up to $35,000, and small claims under $10,000 are filed here. Yolo County sits in the Sacramento Valley west of Sacramento County. The court provides public access to civil records through online portals and in-person visits. Records include case files, registers of actions, court documents, and case calendars for all civil litigation in the county.

Search Civil Cases Online

Yolo County Superior Court offers online access to case information. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney name. The online system shows basic case details including filing dates, case types, and current status. The portal is accessible through the court's website.

The online system includes registers of actions for civil cases. A register of actions lists all documents filed and all hearings held in a case. You can see what motions were filed, what orders the judge issued, and when trial dates are scheduled. This helps track case progress without visiting the courthouse.

Document viewing may be available through the online 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.

Visit the Yolo County Superior Court website at yolo.courts.ca.gov for links to online case search tools and instructions for using them. The basic case search is free. Document downloads may have fees.

Yolo County Courthouse

The Yolo County Superior Court is at 1000 Main Street in Woodland, California 95695. This courthouse handles all civil filings for the county. The civil clerk's office is open during business hours to accept filings and answer procedural questions. The courthouse also handles criminal, family, and probate matters.

Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Call ahead at (530) 406-6705 to confirm hours before visiting. The courthouse may be closed for holidays and special court closures.

Woodland is west of Sacramento along Interstate 5. The town is about 15 miles northwest of downtown Sacramento and 20 miles south of Davis. Access is easy year-round from the Sacramento area.

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

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 Yolo 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. Having the case number helps avoid this fee. You can find case numbers through the online portal before requesting copies.

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 Yolo County courthouse in Woodland. 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 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. 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 their own cases without lawyers.

Fee waivers are available if you cannot afford court fees. Complete a fee waiver application with details 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.

Civil Case Categories

Yolo 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 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 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 Yolo County Superior Court website at yolo.courts.ca.gov has extensive court information including contact details, forms, local rules, and online services. 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 Yolo 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 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 Woodland, Davis, and other Yolo County communities handle civil cases. Any California-licensed attorney can represent clients in Yolo 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

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