Contra Costa County Superior Court Records are public documents that show what happens in civil, family, probate, small claims, and criminal cases. These records include case filings, hearing dates, judgments, orders, and docket entries. Most records are open to the public unless a judge seals them. You can view or get copies of these records in person, by mail, or online through official court tools. The main Records Division is at 1111 Ward Street, Martinez, CA 94553. It is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, except on court holidays. You must bring a government-issued photo ID to request records in person. Copies cost $0.50 per page, whether you pick them up or have them mailed.
How to Request Court Records in Person
To get court records in person, go to the Records Division at 1111 Ward Street, Martinez, CA 94553. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. You must bring a valid photo ID, like a driver’s license or passport. Tell the clerk what case you need. You can search by case number, party name, or attorney name. The staff will pull the file and let you review it. If you want copies, each page costs $0.50. You can pay with cash, check, or money order. The clerk can also give you certified copies for legal use, such as real estate or family law matters. Certified copies cost the same $0.50 per page plus a certification fee. Ask the clerk for the current fee before you pay.
Online Access to Case Information
The Contra Costa Superior Court offers a free online portal for case searches. You can look up civil, family, small claims, and probate cases. The system does not show criminal case details online. To search, go to the court’s official website and use the online case tool. You can search by case number, party name, or attorney name. The results show hearing dates, docket entries, and basic filing info. For complex cases, the court may upload full PDF files. These are usually large lawsuits with many documents. The portal uses HTTPS for security and works on all major browsers. It also supports screen readers for accessibility. You cannot download or print documents directly from the portal unless they are uploaded as PDFs.
Online case-search tools for Contra Costa Superior Court
Odyssey Case Management System
In early 2022, the court launched the Odyssey Civil Case Management System. This replaced the old MCAS platform. Odyssey allows lawyers and the public to file cases electronically, track dockets, and receive electronic service. It is used at the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse (725 Court Street, Martinez) and the A.F. Bray Courthouse (1020 Ward Street, Martinez). The Spinetta Family Law Center in Oakland also uses Odyssey for family law cases. The system updates daily and syncs with the public portal. E-filing is required for attorneys in most civil cases. Self-represented users can also e-file for free. Odyssey helps the court process cases faster and reduces paper use.
Official website of Contra Costa Superior Court
Civil Court Records and Services
The Civil Records Unit handles requests for civil case documents. This includes judgments, motions, orders, and property liens. The unit is located at 1111 Ward Street, Martinez, and has the same hours as the main Records Division. You must show a photo ID to request records. Copies cost $0.50 per page. You can request records in person, by mail, or through the online portal. If you need a certified copy for real estate or legal proof, the clerk can provide one for an extra fee. The staff can also help you understand docket entries and case status. They cannot give legal advice, but they can explain what documents mean.
Civil Records page for Contra Costa Superior Court
Family Court Records: Privacy and Access
Family law records are not available online due to privacy laws. This includes divorce decrees, custody orders, and child support files. To get these records, you must contact the Family Court Records Unit in person or by mail. The office is at 1111 Ward Street, Martinez, CA 94553. You must bring a valid photo ID. Only people involved in the case or their legal representatives can access family records. The clerk will check your ID and confirm your connection to the case. Copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies are available for legal use. The staff can help you fill out request forms but cannot give legal advice.
Family Court records request information
Third-Party Services for Case Search
Some websites offer access to Contra Costa County court records for free or a fee. UniCourt provides a free search tool that pulls data from the court’s e-filing system. You can search by case number, party name, attorney, or judge. Results include case summaries, docket entries, and filing dates. UniCourt updates its database nightly. Users can export results to CSV or set up email alerts. Trellis Law offers a paid service with real-time alerts, document downloads, and case tracking. It covers all case types and provides detailed summaries. These services are not affiliated with the court but use public data. Always verify information with the official court records.
UniCourt – Contra Costa Superior Court case search
Criminal Court Records and Victim Services
The Criminal Division handles criminal and traffic cases. Criminal docket details are not posted online. To get criminal records, you must visit the Records Division in person. You need a case number or defendant name. A photo ID is required. The court offers victim services, including support, referrals, and safety planning. Witness assistance is also available. In January 2022, Assembly Bill 177 eliminated several fees in criminal and traffic cases. These included accounts-receivable fees and administrative-screening fees. The court also provides guides on how to apply for a pardon or expungement. Staff can explain the process but cannot give legal advice.
Criminal Court resources for Contra Costa Superior Court
Public Records and Case Statistics
Contra Costa County court records include civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases. Most are public unless sealed by a judge. In 2018, the court processed 112,943 filings, down 7% from 2017. The breakdown was 45% civil, 20% probate, 18% family, and 12% small claims. The county serves over 1.1 million people across 720 square miles. Martinez is the county seat. Researchers can request records by mail with a written request, case number, and payment. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail requests to 1111 Ward Street, Martinez, CA 94553. Processing may take 5 to 10 business days.
StateCourts – Contra Costa County court statistics
Concord Courthouse and Local Access
The Concord branch of the Superior Court handles cases for the northern part of the county. Records for Concord cases are managed by the main Records Division in Martinez. You can search for Concord cases using the online portal or visit in person. UniCourt offers a free search tool for Concord Superior Court cases. You can filter by case type, filing date, or party name. Results include docket entries and case status. The Concord courthouse is at 1000 Lafayette Drive, Concord, CA 94520. It handles civil, family, and criminal cases. For records, you must contact the Martinez office.
UniCourt – Concord Superior Court case lookup
Fees, Payment, and Certified Copies
All copy requests cost $0.50 per page. This applies to in-person, mail, and online requests. Certified copies cost the same per page plus a certification fee. As of 2024, the certification fee is $40 per document. You can pay with cash, check, or money order made payable to the Contra Costa Superior Court. Credit cards are not accepted at the Records Division. For mail requests, include a check or money order. Do not send cash. Certified copies are often needed for real estate, immigration, or legal proceedings. The clerk will stamp and sign the document to prove it is an official copy.
Common Reasons People Request Court Records
- To check the status of a lawsuit or divorce
- To verify a judgment for debt collection
- To obtain proof of custody or support orders
- To research property liens or judgments
- To prepare for an appeal or legal motion
- To conduct background checks or due diligence
What Records Are Not Public
Some court records are not open to the public. These include juvenile cases, sealed records, and certain family law files. Sealed records are closed by a judge’s order. Examples include cases involving minors, domestic violence, or sensitive personal information. You cannot access these records without court permission. To request access, you must file a motion with the court and show good cause. The judge will decide if the records can be released. Always ask the clerk if a record is sealed before making a request.
How to Search by Case Number or Name
To search for a case, use the online portal or visit the Records Division. If you have a case number, enter it directly into the search tool. Case numbers usually start with a year and a code, like 2024-12345. If you don’t have the number, search by party name. Use the full legal name, such as “John Smith” or “ABC Corporation.” The system will show all matching cases. You can narrow results by case type or date. For best results, use exact spelling and avoid nicknames.
Mail Requests: Step-by-Step
- Write a letter with your name, address, and phone number
- Include the case number or party names
- Specify the documents you need
- State if you want certified copies
- Include a check or money order for fees
- Mail to: Contra Costa Superior Court, Records Division, 1111 Ward Street, Martinez, CA 94553
Contact Information and Hours
The Records Division is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. It is closed on court holidays, including New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Call (925) 608-1000 for questions. The main phone line is staffed during business hours. You can also email the court through the official website contact form. For urgent requests, visit in person.
Official Website: https://www.cc-courts.org
Phone: (925) 608-1000
Address: 1111 Ward Street, Martinez, CA 94553
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about accessing court records. Below are answers to the most common ones. These cover fees, access, privacy, and online tools. If you don’t find your answer here, call the court or visit in person.
Can I get court records online for free?
Yes, you can search civil, family, small claims, and probate cases for free using the court’s online portal. The system shows hearing dates, docket entries, and basic case info. However, most documents are not available for download unless they are part of a complex litigation file. Criminal records are not posted online. To get full documents, you must request them in person or by mail. Third-party sites like UniCourt also offer free searches but may not have the most recent updates. Always verify information with the official court records.
How much does it cost to get a certified copy?
Certified copies cost $0.50 per page plus a $40 certification fee per document. For example, a 10-page judgment would cost $45 total ($5 for copies + $40 for certification). You must request certified copies in person or by mail. The clerk will stamp and sign the document to make it official. Certified copies are often needed for real estate, immigration, or legal proceedings. Payment must be made by cash, check, or money order. Credit cards are not accepted at the Records Division.
Can anyone access family court records?
No, family court records are not public due to privacy laws. Only people involved in the case or their legal representatives can access them. You must show a government-issued photo ID and prove your connection to the case. Examples include divorce decrees, custody orders, and child support files. These records are not available online. You must visit the Family Court Records Unit in person or send a written request by mail. The staff will verify your identity before releasing any documents.
What if I don’t have a case number?
You can still search for a case using a party name or attorney name. Use the full legal name, such as “Jane Doe” or “Smith & Associates.” The online portal and court staff can help you find the case number. Once you have it, you can request records more easily. If you’re unsure of the spelling, try common variations. The court database is case-sensitive, so check your spelling carefully.
Are criminal records available online?
No, criminal docket details are not posted online. To get criminal records, you must visit the Records Division in person at 1111 Ward Street, Martinez. You need a case number or defendant name. A photo ID is required. The court does not mail criminal records. You can view the file at the office and request copies for $0.50 per page. Certified copies are also available for an extra fee. The Criminal Division also offers victim services and legal referrals.
How long does it take to process a mail request?
Mail requests usually take 5 to 10 business days to process. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope, payment, and a clear description of the documents you need. Send your request to 1111 Ward Street, Martinez, CA 94553. Processing may take longer during busy periods or holidays. For faster service, visit in person. You can also call (925) 608-1000 to check the status of your request.
Can I get records for a case in Concord?
Yes, but records for Concord cases are managed by the main Records Division in Martinez. The Concord courthouse handles hearings, but all records are stored in Martinez. You can search for Concord cases using the online portal or visit the Martinez office. UniCourt also offers a free search tool for Concord Superior Court cases. Include the case number or party name in your request.