Los Angeles Civil Court Records

Los Angeles Civil Court Records are official documents that show how civil cases are handled in the county. These records cover a wide range of legal issues like landlord-tenant disputes, personal injury claims, contract disagreements, and other non-criminal matters. They are maintained by the Superior Court of California in Los Angeles County and include important case details like filing dates, case numbers, and names of the people or parties involved. Civil records help provide a clear picture of how the court reached its decision. They’re part of the public record and help ensure transparency in the legal system.

People often look into Los Angeles Civil Court Records to understand what happened in a particular case or to follow up on a past legal matter. These records are carefully organized and updated to reflect the full process of a case—from the moment it’s filed to the final outcome. Whether it’s a small claim or a more complex legal dispute, the information helps paint a full story of the case. They also serve as a useful way to stay informed about civil legal activity in the area.

What Are Civil Court Records?

Civil court records are official documents generated through the legal process in civil courts. These records provide detailed information about non-criminal disputes between individuals, organizations, or businesses. Understanding what civil court records contain and how they differ from criminal records is important for anyone seeking legal information or researching specific cases in Los Angeles.

Civil Cases vs. Criminal Cases: What’s the Difference?

Civil cases involve legal disputes where one party seeks compensation, enforcement of a contract, or resolution of a disagreement without criminal penalties. In contrast, criminal cases involve the government prosecuting someone accused of violating laws with potential penalties like fines, probation, or imprisonment.

Examples of civil cases include:

• Disputes over contracts or business agreements
• Property or real estate conflicts
• Family law matters such as divorce or child custody
• Personal injury claims (e.g., accidents or medical malpractice)
• Small claims cases, which generally involve disputes over smaller sums of money

Common Types of Cases Included in Civil Court Records

Los Angeles civil court records cover a wide range of case types, including but not limited to:

• Small Claims: Resolving minor financial disputes, typically involving claims under a set monetary limit.
• Family Law: Issues such as divorce, child support, custody arrangements, and domestic violence restraining orders.
• Personal Injury: Lawsuits involving injury or harm caused by negligence or intentional acts.
• Contract Disputes: Cases where parties disagree over the terms or fulfillment of a contract.
• Landlord-Tenant Disputes: Evictions, lease disagreements, or property maintenance conflicts.
• Probate and Estate Issues: Disputes involving wills, trusts, and estates.

What Information Is Included in a Civil Court Record?

A typical Los Angeles civil court record contains key details about the case, including:

• Case Number: A unique identifier assigned to each case for tracking and reference.
• Names of Parties: The plaintiff (the party initiating the lawsuit) and the defendant (the party being sued).
• Case Type: The category or nature of the dispute.
• Filing Date: The date the case was officially submitted to the court.
• Case Status: Current status such as “open,” “closed,” “dismissed,” or “settled.”
• Case Documents: Filings submitted by the parties, including complaints, motions, orders, and judgments.
• Hearing and Trial Dates: Scheduled court appearances related to the case.
• Judgments or Outcomes: Final decisions or resolutions issued by the court.

These records are essential for maintaining transparency in the judicial process, helping parties involved stay informed, and allowing the public to access legal proceedings for various legitimate purposes.

Searching Los Angeles Civil Court Records Online

Accessing public civil court records online can help individuals better understand civil case activity. The Los Angeles Superior Court provides a public case access portal that allows users to review civil case information directly from their personal devices. This is intended solely for individual, non-commercial, personal use.

1. Search by Case Number

The most efficient way to locate a civil court record is by case number.

Steps:

• Visit the Los Angeles Superior Court Case Access website.
• Navigate to the Civil section under “Online Services” or “Case Access.”
• Select Search by Case Number.
• Enter the full case number in its official format (e.g., 21STCV12345).
• Submit the form to access available public case details such as filings and status.

Tip: Ensure you input the correct format to avoid search errors.

Search by Party Name

If you don’t have the case number, searching by a party’s name is another option.

Steps:

• Go to the court’s official portal.
• Select Party Name Search under civil case options.
• Enter the last and first name (or business name, if applicable).
• Refine using filters like case type or filing year if available.
• Review the results and select the matching case.

Tip: If unsure of spelling, try common variations for better results.

Use Filing Date or Case Type Filters

These filters help narrow results when limited information is known.

Steps:

• Use date range filters (e.g., January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023).
• Choose from civil case types (e.g., Small Claims, Personal Injury).
• Combine filters with a party name or partial case number for improved accuracy.

Tips for Effective Searching

• Use exact matches where possible.
• Refine by courthouse or district when available.
• Recognize common case number prefixes:
  • “SC” = Small Claims
  • “BC” = Pre-2017 Civil
  • “20STCV” = 2020 Civil filings onward
• Save the case number once found for future reference.

Are Civil Court Records Public in Los Angeles?

Understanding whether civil court records are public is essential for anyone seeking information about cases filed in Los Angeles. This section provides an overview of your legal rights to access these records, which documents are publicly available, and why some records may be restricted.

Legal Rights Under the California Public Records Act

In California, the California Public Records Act (CPRA) ensures that most court records, including civil court documents, are considered public records. This means that members of the public generally have the right to view and obtain copies of civil court records held by courts, unless there are specific legal reasons to restrict access.

The CPRA promotes transparency and accountability within the judicial system by allowing people to review court proceedings and filings. However, the law also balances this right with privacy concerns and other protections to safeguard sensitive information.

Which Civil Court Records Are Public?

Most civil court records in Los Angeles are open to the public. These typically include:

• Case filings and complaints
• Motions and responses
• Judgments and orders
• Hearing and trial transcripts
• Case status and docket information

Access to these records allows individuals to track the progress of cases, verify legal outcomes, or conduct research.

Restricted or Sealed Records

While the general rule favors public access, certain civil court records are restricted or sealed for privacy, security, or legal reasons. This means that these records are not available for public viewing or require special permission to access. Common examples include:

• Cases involving minors: Records related to juvenile cases or family law matters involving children are often sealed to protect their privacy.
• Sealed settlements or confidential agreements: Parties may request to keep settlement terms confidential, which courts may approve to protect sensitive information.
• Sensitive personal information: Records containing social security numbers, financial details, or medical records may be redacted or sealed.
• Court orders sealing records: In some cases, courts may issue specific orders sealing entire cases or documents due to the nature of the dispute or to protect parties’ rights.

Fees and Request Procedures

Accessing civil court records in Los Angeles may involve fees depending on the type of request. This section outlines the costs, how to request records officially, expected processing times, and accepted payment methods. All information provided is for informational purposes only.

Typical Fees for Court Records

Below is a general overview of common fees you may encounter when requesting court records from the Los Angeles County Superior Court:

💡 Note: These are general estimates. Always refer to the official Los Angeles Superior Court fee schedule for up-to-date and accurate pricing.

How to Request Records Officially

You can request civil court records through the following methods:

• Online:
  Use the Los Angeles Superior Court Online Services Portal to search for and request available records. Some documents can be downloaded directly.
• In Person:
  Visit the Records Office at the courthouse where the case was filed. Bring a valid ID and case information (e.g., case number or party names).
• By Mail:
  Submit a written request including:
  • Case details (case number, parties involved, filing date)
  • Type of documents requested
  • Payment (check/money order)
  • Self-addressed stamped envelope for return

Processing Timeframes

Processing times vary depending on the method of request and the complexity of the file:

• Online requests (for available digital documents): Immediate or within 1–3 business days.
• In-person requests: Same day, depending on availability and staff capacity.
• Mail-in requests: Typically 7–15 business days from the date received.

Accepted Payment Methods

Fees for civil court records can be paid using the following methods:

Online Requests:

• Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
• Debit Card (with Visa/MasterCard logo)

In-Person Requests:

• Cash
• Check or Money Order (payable to “Los Angeles Superior Court”)
• Debit/Credit Card (in most locations)

Understanding a Civil Court Record

A civil court record in Los Angeles contains official documentation of a non-criminal legal dispute. These records are maintained by the Los Angeles County Superior Court and can be useful for understanding the history and outcome of a civil case. Whether you’re researching a case or trying to interpret legal proceedings, it’s important to know what information is included and how to read it.

What a Civil Court Record Includes

A typical civil court record begins with the case title, which lists the names of the parties involved — usually the plaintiff (the person filing the case) and the defendant (the person being sued). The case number is a unique identifier assigned to the case, often needed when performing a case search.

You will also find the filing date, which shows when the case was officially submitted to the court. The court location (such as a specific courthouse in Los Angeles County) is also noted.

One of the most important sections is the docket — a chronological list of all activities in the case, such as motions filed, hearings scheduled, documents submitted, and decisions made by the court. These entries are brief but provide a full timeline of the case’s progress.

Common Legal Terminologies

Understanding civil court records also requires some familiarity with legal terminology:

• Plaintiff – The person or party who initiates the lawsuit.
• Defendant – The person or party being sued.
• Respondent – Often used in family law or civil petitions instead of “defendant.”
• Motion – A formal request asking the court to make a decision or take action.
• Docket – The official log of events in a case.
• Order – A decision issued by a judge requiring specific actions.
• Judgment – The final decision that resolves the case, either in favor of the plaintiff or defendant.

Interpreting Judgments and Case Status

The judgment section shows the final ruling in the case, including whether damages were awarded, a dismissal was granted, or another legal remedy was ordered. In many cases, it also states whether the judgment is final or subject to appeal.

The case status will typically indicate whether the case is “Pending,” “Dismissed,” “Settled,” or “Closed.” A “Pending” status means the case is still active. “Dismissed” indicates the case was ended without a decision on the merits. “Settled” usually means both parties agreed to resolve the dispute privately. “Closed” means the court process is complete.

Contact Information for LA Civil Court Offices

If you need assistance with accessing Los Angeles civil court records or have questions about civil case procedures, contacting the appropriate court office directly is often the best way to get accurate and timely information. Below you will find the official contact details, hours of operation, and guidance on where to go for help.

Official Contact Numbers and Addresses

Los Angeles County Superior Court – Civil Division

• Main Civil Court Location:
  111 N. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
• Civil Records Department Phone:
  (213) 830-0800
• Website: www.lacourt.org (for online case access and additional resources)

This is the primary location for civil court filings and records in Los Angeles. You can call the Civil Records Department to inquire about case searches, filing procedures, and document requests.

Hours of Operation

• Monday through Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
• Closed: Weekends and major public holidays (New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, etc.)

It’s recommended to call ahead or check the court’s website for any temporary changes to hours or special closures, especially during holidays or emergency situations.

Where to Go for Help or Legal Guidance

• In-Person Assistance:
  At the courthouse location above, you can visit the Civil Records counter during business hours to request copies of records or get guidance on your case.
• Self-Help Centers:
  Los Angeles Superior Court offers Self-Help Centers designed to assist individuals representing themselves in civil matters. These centers provide information on legal procedures, form completion, and court rules. Visit the court’s website for locations and appointment details.
• Legal Aid Organizations:
  For personalized legal advice or representation, you may contact local nonprofit legal aid groups such as the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles or Neighborhood Legal Services. These organizations help low-income residents with civil law issues, including family law, landlord-tenant disputes, and more.
• Online Resources:
  The LA County Superior Court website provides guides, forms, FAQs, and online case search tools that can help you navigate the civil court system without visiting the courthouse.

(FAQ’s)

If you’re looking to access Los Angeles Civil Court Records quickly or have any questions about the process, you’re in the right place! Here’s everything you need to know about searching for court cases, dockets, and other public records in Los Angeles.

What if I can’t find my case?

If you can’t find your case, double-check that you’ve entered the correct case number or party name. Make sure you’re searching in the appropriate court division—such as criminal, civil, or family. Some cases may be restricted, sealed, or not yet updated in the online system. Older or archived cases might not appear online and may require an in-person request at the courthouse. For help, contact the court clerk with specific case details.

Can I remove a court record?

Court records in Los Angeles County can sometimes be removed or restricted through legal actions like expungement or record sealing. Eligibility depends on the type of case, its outcome, and whether legal conditions have been met. You must file a formal petition and receive court approval before a record can be sealed or dismissed from public view. Not all records qualify for removal, and some may still be accessible by certain government agencies.

How long are records kept?

The retention period for Los Angeles County court records depends on the case type. Felony records are usually kept permanently, while civil, small claims, or traffic cases might be retained for 5 to 10 years. Even if a record is removed from online access, archived files may still be available by request. These timeframes follow California’s official record retention guidelines to ensure transparency and legal compliance.

Are family law records public?

Family law records in Los Angeles County are partially public. While basic case information is often accessible, sensitive documents—such as those related to custody, adoption, or domestic violence—are typically restricted. Some records may be sealed entirely to protect the privacy of the parties involved. To access full family law records, you may need to visit the courthouse in person and show proper identification or receive judicial permission.