Los Angeles County Court Records Lookup

The following is for information purposes only

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Los Angeles County Courts

Los Angeles County accounts for about 25% of California's population of 39 million. The county has about 9.7 million residents, with Los Angeles, its largest city, serving as the county seat. Annually, approximately 1.2 million cases are filed in Los Angeles County, which include about 804,000 criminal matters, 273,000 civil filings, and 86,000 family-related matters.

The Superior Court of Los Angeles County serves the county's judicial system and oversees various legal issues, including all criminal and civil cases. The court is organized into divisions based on the type of case. These divisions are:

  • The Criminal Division handles felony, misdemeanor, and infractions
  • The Civil Division manages non-criminal disputes such as contracts, property damage, personal injury claims, and landlord-tenant cases
  • The Juvenile Division addresses juvenile delinquency and dependency cases, including child abuse and neglect
  • The Family Law Division oversees divorce, child support, child custody, paternity, and other family-related matters
  • The Probate Division supervises conservatorships, guardianships, trusts, and estate administrations
  • The Traffic Court typically processes infractions, including red-light violations and speeding offenses.

Los Angeles County Superior Court operates in several locations across the county, allowing residents to access legal services conveniently within their respective local jurisdictions.

How To Access Los Angeles County Court Records

According to the California Public Records Act (CPRA), court records are open to the public. These include records maintained by the Superior Court of Los Angeles County. However, certain court records are considered confidential, such as those involving minors, adoption, sealed or expunged case files, and mental health-related documents. To access public court records in Los Angeles County, individuals must provide a case number and a valid identification. Below are several ways to access the county's court records:

Online

Interested individuals may access Los Angeles County court records online through the Case Information Search portal. This platform enables users to search criminal, civil, family, probate, and traffic cases by providing a party name or case number. Court records are also available through CourtCaseFinder, a database that provides access to records from various counties across the United States. Federal court cases filed in Los Angeles County may be obtained through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system.

In-Person

Individuals seeking to obtain copies of Los Angeles County court records may visit the Clerk's Office Records Department at the courthouse with jurisdiction over the case. A completed Request for Copies (Form ADM-080) must be submitted either in person or by mail, along with applicable fees. Printed copies are available at $0.50 per page, while certified copies cost $40 per document. Alternatively, court records may be viewed free of charge using the public access terminals available in the courthouses.

Old and Archived Court Records

Older court records in Los Angeles County, particularly those dating back to the 1800s, are generally not accessible through the County Clerk's Office or online case portals. Instead, such records are preserved by archival institutions for historical and legal reference purposes. Interested individuals may consult the California State Archives to request access to these documents, including case dockets, probate files, and court minutes. Historical court records may also be available at the Los Angeles County Archives and Records Center. Individuals seeking to obtain these records from the California State Archives may direct their requests to:

California State Archives

1020 O Street

Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone: (916) 653-2246 (Reference Desk)Phone: (916) 653-7715 (General Information)Fax: (916) 653-7363

Email: Reference@sos.ca.gov

How To File a Case in Los Angeles County

Any individual may file a case in Los Angeles online, in person, or by mail, depending on the court's accepted methods of filing. Most civil and probate cases are filed electronically using the eFile California system. Individuals may also file a case in person at the appropriate clerk's office during business hours. For courts that permit filings by mail, they typically provide downloadable forms and submission guidelines on their official websites. Before filing, it is important to determine the appropriate court divisions based on the case type and jurisdiction. This may be done by contacting the Los Angeles County Clerk's Office for assistance.

Individuals filing a court case may be required to pay a filing fee, which is typically determined by the court and the type of case being filed. Litigants who cannot afford to pay filing and other fees may request fee waivers by submitting the Application for Waiver of Court Fees and Costs form to the county clerk's office. The waivers may cover filing fees, service costs, and other court-related expenses. Interested persons may review the Form Information Sheet on Waiver of Superior Court Fees and Costs available on the official website.

Courts may approve fee waivers for persons who receive public assistance, have low household income, or who demonstrate financial hardship through sworn declarations for designated hearings. All case filings must comply with the California Rules of Court. The following steps are generally required to file a case in Los Angeles County:

  • Identify case type and jurisdiction
  • Complete the required court forms
  • Provide accurate information for all parties involved, including legal names and contact details
  • Pay the required filing fees or submit a fee waiver request
  • Submit documents electronically, in person, or by mail (if allowed), and ensure timely service of process on opposing parties

Legal Help and Self-Help Resources

County court systems play a vital role in ensuring access to justice across the United States. Legal assistance and self-help resources are foundational to this access, particularly for self-represented litigants involved in civil, family, probate, or small claims matters. These supports commonly include self-help centers, online portals, legal aid organizations, and court-affiliated assistance programs.

In Los Angeles County, individuals who cannot afford legal representation may access assistance through courthouse-based self-help centers, local legal aid providers, and pro bono programs offered by bar associations. Free or low-cost support is also available through online tools and court-sponsored resources that assist with common legal procedures. However, state agencies are not permitted to act as personal attorneys or provide legal advice to individuals.

Below are organizations offering affordable or no-cost legal assistance in Los Angeles County:

Types of Courts in Los Angeles County, California

Los Angeles County is served by both the Superior Court and federal courts for different types of legal matters.

Los Angeles County Superior Court

  • Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - The court has original jurisdiction over all criminal and civil matters, including felonies, misdemeanors, family law, probate, and juvenile cases.
  • Address and Contact Information

Stanley Monk Courthouse

111 North Hill Street

Los Angeles, CA 90012

Phone: (213) 830-0803

Fax: (213) 625-3244

Below are lists of Superior Court of Los Angeles County division locations where residents may access various court services:

Los Angeles County Superior Court- Central District

Central Arraignment Court

429 Bauchet Street

Los Angeles, CA 90012

Phone: (213) 974-6075

Los Angeles County Superior Court- Central District

Central Civil West Courthouse

600 South Commonwealth Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 93305

Phone: (213) 351-7599

Fax: (213) 351-2487

Los Angeles County Superior Court- Central District

Ciara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center

210 West Temple Street

Los Angeles, CA 90012

Phone: (213) 628-7900

Los Angeles County Superior Court- Central District

East Los Angeles Courthouse

4848 East Civic Center Way

Los Angeles, CA 90022

Phone: (323) 780-2025

Los Angeles County Superior Court- Central District

Hollywood Courthouse

5925 Hollywood Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90028

Phone: (323) 856-5747

Los Angeles County Superior Court- Central District

Mental Health Courthouse

1150 North San Fernando Road

Los Angeles, CA 90065

Phone: (323) 441-1898

Los Angeles County Superior Court- Central District

Metropolitan Courthouse

1945 South Hill Street

Los Angeles, CA 90007

Phone: (213) 745-3202

Los Angeles County Superior Court- Central Juvenile District

Alfred J. McCourtney Juvenile Justice Center

1040 West Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 93534

Phone: (661) 483-5924

Los Angeles County Superior Court- Central Juvenile District

Eastlake Juvenile Courthouse

1601 Eastlake Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90033

Phone: (323) 227-4399

Los Angeles County Superior Court- Central Juvenile District

Edmund D. Edelman Children's Court

201 Centre Plaza Drive

Monterey Park, CA 91754

Phone: (323) 307-8095

Los Angeles County Superior Court- Central Juvenile District

Inglewood Juvenile Courthouse

110 East Regent Street

Inglewood, CA 90301

Phone: (310) 412-8343

Los Angeles County Superior Court- Central Juvenile District

Los Padrinos Juvenile Courthouse

7281 East Quill Drive

Downey, CA 90242

Phone: (562) 658-0799

Los Angeles County Superior Court- Central Juvenile District

Sylmar Juvenile Courthouse

16350 Filbert Street

Sylmar, CA 91342

Phone: (818) 256-1099

Los Angeles County Superior Court- East District

El Monte Courthouse

11234 East Valley Boulevard

El Monte, CA 91731

Phone: (626) 401-2298

Los Angeles County Superior Court- East District

Pomona Courthouse South

400 Civic Center Plaza

Pomona, CA 91766

Phone: (909) 802-1198

Los Angeles County Superior Court- East District

West Covina Courthouse

1427 West Covina Park

West Covina, CA 91790

Phone: (626) 430-2598

Los Angeles County Superior Court- North Central District

Burbank Courthouse

300 East Olive Avenue

Burbank, CA 91502

Phone: (818) 260-8497

Fax: (818) 953-9455

Los Angeles County Superior Court- North Central District

Glendale Courthouse

600 East Broadway

Glendale, CA 91206

Phone: (818) 265-6497

Fax: (818) 548-5470

Los Angeles County Superior Court- North District

Michael Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse

42011 4th Street West

Lancaster, CA 93534

Phone: (661) 483-5797

Fax: (661) 945-8173

Los Angeles County Superior Court- North Valley District

Chatsworth Courthouse

9425 Penfield Avenue

Chatsworth, CA 91311

Phone: (818) 407-2270

Los Angeles County Superior Court- North Valley District

San Fernando Courthouse

900 Third Street

San Fernando, CA 91340

Phone: (818) 256-1898

Los Angeles County Superior Court- North Valley District

Santa Clarita Courthouse

23747 West Valencia Boulevard

Santa Clarita, CA 91355

Phone: (661) 253-5698

Los Angeles County Superior Court- Northeast District

Alhambra Courthouse

150 West Commonwealth Avenue

Alhambra, CA 91801

Phone: (626) 293-2199

Los Angeles County Superior Court- Northeast District

Pasadena Courthouse

300 East Walnut Avenue

Pasadena, CA 91101

Phone: (626) 396-3397

Los Angeles County Superior Court- Northwest District

Van Nuys Courthouse East

6230 Sylmar Avenue

Van Nuys, CA 91401

Phone: (818) 901-4799

Fax: (818) 779-7713

Los Angeles County Superior Court- Northwest District

Van Nuys Courthouse West

14400 Erwin Street Mall

Van Nuys, CA 91401

Phone: (818) 989-6998

Los Angeles County Superior Court- South Central District

Compton Courthouse

200 West Compton Boulevard

Campton, CA 90220

Phone: (310) 761-8657

Fax: (310) 639-8724

Los Angeles County Superior Court- South District

Catalina Courthouse

215 Sumner Avenue

Avaton, CA 90704

Phone: (562) 256-2314

Los Angeles County Superior Court- South District

Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse

275 Magnolia Avenue

Long Beach, CA 90802

Phone: (562) 2564-2316

Fax: (562) 256-8599

Los Angeles County Superior Court- Southeast District

Bellflower Courthouse

10025 East Flower Street

Bellflower, CA 90704

Phone: (562) 345-3398

Los Angeles County Superior Court- Southeast District

Downey Courthouse

7500 East Imperial Highway

Downey, CA 90242

Phone: (562) 803-7044

Fax: (562) 803-6392

Los Angeles County Superior Court- Southeast District

Norwalk Courthouse

12720 Norwalk Boulevard

Norwalk, CA 90650

Phone: (562) 345-0899

Los Angeles County Superior Court- Southwest District

Inglewood Courthouse

One Regent Street

Inglewood, CA 90650

Phone: (310) 419-1398

Fax: (310) 680-7055

Los Angeles County Superior Court- Southwest District

Torrance Courthouse

825 Maple Avenue

Torrance, CA 90503

Phone: (310) 787-3697

Fax: (562) 637-0731

Los Angeles County Superior Court- West District

Airport Courthouse

11701 South La Clenega Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 9005045

Phone: (310) 725-3025

Los Angeles County Superior Court- West District

Beverly Hills Courthouse

9355 Burton Way

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Phone: (310) 281-2499

Los Angeles County Superior Court- West District

Santa Monica Courthouse

1725 Main Street

Santa Monica, CA 9041401

Phone: (310310) 2555-1963

Fax: (310) 576-1399

Federal Courts in Los Angeles County, California

Residents of Los Angeles County are served by the following federal courts:

United States District Court - Central District of California

  • Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Criminal and civil cases arising under federal law, immigration proceedings, federal crimes, and constitutional issues
  • Address and Contact Information

Edward R. Roybal Federal Building

255 East Temple Street

Los Angeles, CA 90012

Phone: (213) 894-1565

United States Bankruptcy Court - Central District of California

  • Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Bankruptcy filings submitted under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code
  • Address and Contact Information

New U.S Courthouse

350 West First Street

Los Angeles, CA 90012

Phone: (213) 894-1565

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Los Angeles County Courts

The following are commonly asked questions regarding how Los Angeles County courts operate:

Are Court Records Public in Los Angeles County?

Yes. Court records in Los Angeles County are generally accessible to the public under California Rule of Court 2.550. However, certain records are exempt from public disclosure under state or federal laws. These typically include sealed documents and confidential proceedings such as adoption matters, juvenile dependency or delinquency cases, and specific mental health records.

How Do I Search for a Criminal Case in Los Angeles County?

Criminal cases in Los Angeles County are generally heard at the Superior Court. Interested persons may search available case files through the court's online Case Access system. Alternatively, parties may visit the appropriate courthouse in person to request access to criminal case records from the Clerk's Office.

Where Can I Find Eviction Records in Los Angeles County?

Eviction records in Los Angeles County are maintained by the Civil Division of the Superior Court and are filed as unlawful detainer cases. Interested individuals may access available case information by using the court's online Civil Case Summary portal.

Can I File a Small Claims Case Online?

Yes. Individuals may file small claims cases in Los Angeles County using the Superior Court's Small Claims e-Filing system. This system allows self-represented litigants to submit and manage filings online. For in-person or mail filing, the plaintiff must complete the Plaintiff's Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court (Form SC-100) and submit it to the appropriate courthouse.

Do Los Angeles County Courts Offer Public Computers for Case Searches?

Yes. The Superior Court of Los Angeles County provides public access computer terminals at designated Clerk's Office locations. These terminals may be used by interested parties to search and view court case information at no cost.

How Do I Appeal a Court Decision in Los Angeles County?

To appeal a court decision in Los Angeles County, the appellant must file a Notice of Appeal with the Superior Court. In most cases, this notice must be filed within 60 days of the judgment or the service of notice of entry. The case is then transferred to the appropriate division of the California Courts of Appeal. The appeal must follow the procedures outlined in the California Rules of Court, and it is limited to the existing trial court record. New evidence may not be introduced. The appellate court will examine the record to determine whether a legal error occurred that may have affected the outcome of the case.

How Do Los Angeles County Courts Handle Traffic Tickets?

Traffic citations issued in Los Angeles County are processed by the Superior Court's Traffic Division. After receiving a citation, an individual may choose to pay the applicable fine, which may include eligibility for traffic school, subject to statutory and court requirements. Those who wish to contest the citation may enter a not guilty plea, which may result in a judicial hearing or bench trial.

How Do I Obtain a Copy of a Divorce Record in Los Angeles County?

Divorce records in Los Angeles County are maintained by the Family Law Division of the Superior Court. Interested individuals may request copies in person at the Clerk's Office of the courthouse where the case was filed or submit a written request by mail using the appropriate records request forms, when available. The court typically charges $0.50 per page for copies and $15 for a certified copy of a judgment of dissolution. If the case number is not provided, an additional research fee may apply. All mailed requests must include the required fees, a completed request form, and a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery.

Los Angeles County, CA - Courthouses

California 2nd District Court of Appeal

Court Type: Court of Appeals
Street Address: 300 S. Spring Street 2nd Floor, North Tower
Website URL: https://www.courts.ca.gov/2dca.htm
Phone: 213-830-7000
Hours: Monday - Friday : 9:00-4:30
Judge: Hon. Frances Rothschild
Parking: Parking: Broadway Spring Center Garage (Spring between 3rd and 4th ) Broadway Spring Center Parking Lot (4th between Spring and Broadway) Joe's Auto Parks (Multiple locations nearby) Paragon Parking (between the Ronald Reagan State Building and the Banco Popular Building)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2dcoa/
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Los Angeles County Superior Court

Court Type: Superior Court
Street Address: 111 North Hill Street
Website URL: https://www.lacourt.org/
Phone: 213-830-0800
Hours: Monday - Friday : 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Judge: Hon. Eric C. Taylor
Judge Phone: 213-633-0400
Clerk Phone: 213-351-7500
Clerk Fax: 442-247-3946
Parking: Parking is available for a fee at various parking lots surrounding the courthouse. There is limited metered street parking on Grand Ave. and Hill St.
Email: onlineservices@lacourt.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Los-Angeles-Superior-Court/157497354263468
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/los-angeles-superior-court
ADA Phone: 213-830-0817
ADA Fax / Email: 213-626-3081
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Los Angeles County, CA - Sheriff's Office

Altadena Sheriff's Station

Location Type: Sheriff's Office
Street Address: 780 East Altadena Drive
Phone: 626-798-1131
Website URL: www.lasd.org/altadena
Jail/Corrections: https://lasd.org/custody/
Inmates: https://app5.lasd.org/iic/ajis_search.cfm
Sex Offenders: https://www.meganslaw.ca.gov/
Civil Services & Proceedings: http://civil.lasd.org/Home/Index.aspx?_ga=2.251642246.1668346226.1645406849-49247817.1645406850
Public Records: https://lasd.org/transparency/
Forms & Documents: https://lasd.org/public-complaint/
Police Reports: https://lasd.org/newsroom/
Sheriff: Alex Villanueva
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LosAngelesCountySheriffsDepartment/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LASDHQ?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
About/Additional Info: Serving the areas of: Altadena, Angeles National Forest Mount Wilson Area (Eaton Canyon),Chaney Trail, Kinneola Mesa, La Vina, Northeast Pasadena, Pasadena Glen.
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_County_Sheriff%27s_Department
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Other Counties in California

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