Los Angeles County Court Records

What Is Los Angeles County Court Records

Los Angeles County court records are official documents created, filed, and maintained by the Los Angeles County Superior Court system during legal proceedings. These records document the activities and decisions of the court in various case types including civil, criminal, family, probate, and small claims matters. Court records typically include case filings, motions, orders, judgments, and other documents submitted to or created by the court.

The Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles maintains these records pursuant to California Government Code § 68150, which establishes requirements for the creation, maintenance, and accessibility of court records. The court serves as the official custodian of these records and is responsible for their preservation and public access in accordance with state law.

Los Angeles County Superior Court - Central District
111 North Hill Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 830-0800
Los Angeles Superior Court

Court records serve multiple public interest functions:

• Providing transparency in judicial proceedings
• Documenting legal precedents and court decisions
• Enabling parties to access information about their own cases
• Supporting research by legal professionals, academics, and journalists
• Facilitating background checks and due diligence investigations

The Los Angeles County Superior Court system, as the largest unified trial court in the United States, processes and maintains millions of records annually across its 38 courthouses throughout the county.

Are Court Records Public In Los Angeles County

Court records in Los Angeles County are generally considered public documents in accordance with the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6276.48) and the common law right of access to judicial records. The public has a presumptive right to access court records unless specific exceptions apply.

However, certain categories of records may be restricted from public access:

• Records sealed by court order pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 2.550
• Juvenile court records (Welfare and Institutions Code § 827)
• Records in family law cases involving child custody evaluations
• Mental health proceedings records
• Adoption records
• Criminal records that have been expunged or sealed
• Documents containing confidential personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers

The Los Angeles Superior Court maintains policies governing public access to court records in compliance with state law and court rules. Members of the public seeking access to court records must follow established procedures, which may vary depending on the type of record sought and whether the request is made in person or through electronic means.

For records not available online, individuals may visit the courthouse where the case was filed to request access. Court clerks are authorized to provide public records upon proper request during regular business hours, though certain limitations may apply regarding the volume of records that can be reviewed at one time.

Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
12400 Imperial Highway
Norwalk, CA 90650
(800) 201-8999
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk

How To Find Court Records in Los Angeles County in 2025

Finding court records in Los Angeles County in 2025 involves several methods depending on the type of record sought and its age. The Los Angeles County Superior Court has implemented enhanced digital access systems while maintaining traditional in-person services.

To locate court records, members of the public may utilize the following methods:

• Online Case Information System: The Los Angeles Superior Court case search portal provides access to case summaries for civil, family law, probate, and small claims cases. Criminal case information is available through a separate portal on the same website.

• In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the courthouse where the case was filed to request records from the clerk's office. Proper identification may be required, and fees apply for copies of documents.

• Written Requests: For copies of court records, individuals may submit form ADM080 (Request for Copies) to the appropriate courthouse by mail or in person.

• Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available at courthouse locations for searching case information without charge.

When requesting records in person, individuals should:

1. Identify the courthouse where the case was filed
2. Provide the case number if known (or party names and approximate filing date)
3. Be prepared to pay applicable fees for copies ($0.50 per page for standard copies as of 2025)
4. Allow sufficient time for records to be located, particularly for older cases

Stanley Mosk Courthouse
111 North Hill Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 830-0800
Stanley Mosk Courthouse - Probate Department

How To Look Up Court Records in Los Angeles County Online?

Los Angeles County Superior Court provides several online tools for accessing court records electronically. These systems allow for remote access to case information and, in some instances, document images, subject to applicable access restrictions and user fees.

The primary online resources include:

• Case Summary System: The Case Summary portal provides basic case information including party names, case type, filing date, scheduled hearings, and document filings. This system covers civil, family law, probate, and small claims cases.

• Criminal Case Information: A separate search system is available for criminal cases, providing case numbers, charges, hearing dates, and disposition information where applicable.

• Document Images: For certain case types, registered users may purchase document images through the court's online system. Access to document images requires user registration and payment of applicable fees.

• Tentative Rulings: The court publishes tentative rulings online for certain departments, allowing parties to view preliminary judicial decisions before hearings.

To conduct an online search, users should:

1. Visit the Los Angeles Superior Court website
2. Select the appropriate case type search portal
3. Enter search criteria (case number, party name, or business name)
4. Review search results and select specific cases for more detailed information
5. For document images, register for an account and purchase access as needed

The online system operates 24 hours per day, though scheduled maintenance may occasionally limit availability. Technical support for online services is available during regular business hours through the court's help desk.

Can You Search Los Angeles County Court Records for Free?

Los Angeles County provides several options for free access to basic court record information, though fees apply for certain services and document copies. The availability of free access varies by record type and access method.

Free access options include:

• Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals at courthouse locations provide free access to case information during regular business hours. These terminals allow searching by case number, party name, or filing date.

• Basic Online Case Information: The Los Angeles Superior Court website offers free access to basic case information including party names, case types, filing dates, and scheduled hearings through its case summary system.

• Public Counter Assistance: Court clerks can verify basic case information at no charge, though extended research assistance may be limited.

• Self-Help Centers: Court-based self-help centers provide assistance in locating and understanding court records for self-represented litigants at no cost.

Services that require payment include:

• Document copies ($0.50 per page for standard copies)
• Certified copies ($40.00 for the first page, $0.50 for each additional page)
• Document images accessed through the online system (fees vary by document type)
• Research services requiring extensive staff time (fees may apply per California Government Code § 70627)

Pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 2.506, the court must provide reasonable access to court records at no cost, though fees for copies and certain services are authorized by statute.

What's Included in a Los Angeles County Court Record?

Los Angeles County court records typically contain comprehensive documentation of court proceedings from case initiation through final disposition. The specific contents vary by case type, but generally include the following components:

• Case Initiation Documents: Complaints, petitions, indictments, or other filings that commence legal proceedings.

• Party Information: Names and contact information for plaintiffs, defendants, petitioners, respondents, and their legal representatives.

• Docket or Register of Actions: Chronological listing of all events and filings in the case.

• Filed Pleadings and Motions: Documents submitted by parties including answers, demurrers, motions, and supporting memoranda.

• Court Orders and Judgments: Judicial decisions, rulings, and final dispositions.

• Hearing and Trial Records: Minutes of proceedings, sometimes including reporter's transcripts if ordered.

• Evidence Logs: Records of exhibits and evidence presented to the court.

• Financial Information: Records of filing fees, fines, and other financial transactions related to the case.

For specific case types, additional specialized documents may be included:

• Criminal Cases: Charging documents, bail information, sentencing orders, probation reports (some portions may be confidential)
• Family Law: Declarations of disclosure, custody evaluations, support calculations
• Probate: Wills, inventories and appraisals, accountings, distribution orders
• Civil Cases: Discovery documents (when filed), jury instructions, verdict forms

Certain sensitive information may be redacted or maintained in confidential supplements pursuant to California Rules of Court, rules 2.550-2.551 and other applicable privacy protections.

How Long Does Los Angeles County Keep Court Records?

Los Angeles County Superior Court retains court records according to schedules established by the Judicial Council of California pursuant to Government Code § 68152. Retention periods vary based on case type, case outcome, and document category.

Standard retention periods for major case categories include:

• Civil Unlimited Cases: 10 years after final disposition
• Civil Limited Cases: 5 years after final disposition
• Small Claims: 10 years after judgment
• Criminal Felony Cases: Permanent retention for cases resulting in imprisonment; 75 years for other felonies
• Criminal Misdemeanor Cases: 5 years after final disposition
• Traffic Infractions: 3 years after final disposition
• Family Law: Permanent retention for judgments and orders; other documents retained for varying periods
• Probate: Permanent retention for decrees of distribution and wills admitted to probate; other documents retained for varying periods
• Juvenile Dependency: Until the subject reaches age 28
• Juvenile Delinquency: Until the subject reaches age 38

After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed in accordance with court policies. However, the court maintains a permanent microfilm or electronic archive of registers of action, judgments, and certain other critical documents even after case files are destroyed.

For historical cases of significance, the court may transfer records to the California State Archives or maintain them permanently regardless of standard retention schedules.

Types of Courts In Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County's judicial system consists of various courts organized within the unified Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. While all courts are technically branches of the Superior Court, they are organized by district and specialized functions.

The court structure includes:

• District Courts: The county is divided into 12 judicial districts, each serving specific geographic areas:

  • Central District (Downtown Los Angeles)
  • East District (El Monte, Pomona, West Covina)
  • North Central District (Burbank, Glendale)
  • North District (San Fernando, Santa Clarita)
  • Northeast District (Pasadena)
  • Northwest District (Van Nuys)
  • South District (Compton, Long Beach)
  • South Central District (Inglewood)
  • Southeast District (Bellflower, Norwalk)
  • Southwest District (Torrance)
  • West District (Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles)
  • Antelope Valley District (Lancaster, Palmdale)

• Specialized Courts and Calendars:

  • Criminal Courts
  • Civil Courts
  • Family Law Courts
  • Probate Courts
  • Juvenile Courts (Dependency and Delinquency)
  • Traffic Courts
  • Small Claims Courts
  • Mental Health Courts
  • Drug Courts
  • Veterans Courts
  • Homeless Courts
  • Teen Courts

California Courts - Judicial Branch
455 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 865-4200
California Courts

What Types of Cases Do Los Angeles County Courts Hear?

Los Angeles County Superior Court has jurisdiction over a wide range of case types as established by the California Constitution and state statutes. As a court of general jurisdiction, it handles both civil and criminal matters at the trial court level.

The court adjudicates the following major case categories:

• Civil Cases:

  • Unlimited civil (claims exceeding $25,000)
  • Limited civil (claims between $10,000 and $25,000)
  • Small claims (claims up to $10,000)
  • Unlawful detainer (eviction) proceedings
  • Civil harassment restraining orders
  • Name change petitions
  • Elder abuse cases

• Criminal Cases:

  • Felonies (serious crimes punishable by imprisonment in state prison)
  • Misdemeanors (less serious crimes typically punishable by up to one year in county jail)
  • Infractions (minor offenses typically punishable by fines)
  • Traffic violations

• Family Law Matters:

  • Divorce and legal separation
  • Child custody and visitation
  • Child and spousal support
  • Domestic violence restraining orders
  • Paternity actions
  • Adoptions

• Probate Matters:

  • Decedent estates
  • Conservatorships
  • Guardianships
  • Trust administration
  • Wills and estate proceedings

• Juvenile Matters:

  • Dependency cases (child abuse and neglect)
  • Delinquency cases (juvenile criminal offenses)

• Mental Health Proceedings:

  • Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) conservatorships
  • Capacity determinations
  • Involuntary treatment authorizations

The court also handles appeals from small claims judgments and limited civil cases through its Appellate Division. More significant appeals are heard by the California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District.

How To Find a Court Docket In Los Angeles County

Court dockets, also known as registers of actions, provide chronological summaries of all proceedings and filings in a case. In Los Angeles County, dockets can be accessed through several methods depending on the case type and user needs.

To locate a court docket, members of the public may:

• Search Online: The Los Angeles Superior Court case summary system provides access to docket information for most case types. Users can search by case number or party name to view the register of actions.

• Visit the Courthouse: Dockets can be viewed at public access terminals located in courthouse clerk's offices. Staff can assist with locating the appropriate case.

• Submit a Written Request: For older cases not available electronically, individuals may submit a written request to the clerk's office where the case was filed.

When searching for dockets, the following information is helpful:

• Case number (preferred search method)
• Full names of parties involved
• Approximate filing date
• Case type
• Courthouse location (if known)

Docket information typically includes:

• Case number and filing date
• Party names and attorney information
• Chronological listing of all documents filed
• Court appearances and hearing dates
• Judicial rulings and orders
• Case disposition information

For cases filed prior to electronic record-keeping (generally before 2000), docket information may be available only in paper format or on microfilm, requiring in-person access at the courthouse where the case was filed.

Which Courts in Los Angeles County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Los Angeles County, as throughout California, nearly all court proceedings are conducted in courts of record, meaning official verbatim transcripts of proceedings are created and maintained. However, certain limited proceedings may not generate complete verbatim records.

Proceedings that may not produce complete verbatim records include:

• Small Claims Court: While small claims courts are divisions of the Superior Court, proceedings are typically not reported by court reporters. Records consist of the judge's notes, filed documents, and judgment forms rather than verbatim transcripts. Parties may bring their own recording devices only with prior judicial approval.

• Traffic Arraignments: Initial appearances for traffic infractions may not be reported, though records of dispositions are maintained.

• Informal Juvenile Proceedings: Certain informal juvenile proceedings may not generate verbatim transcripts, though written records of outcomes are maintained.

• Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Sessions: Mediation, settlement conferences, and other ADR proceedings conducted under court auspices typically do not generate official transcripts, though resulting agreements may become part of the court record.

It is important to note that while these proceedings may not generate verbatim transcripts automatically, they remain official judicial proceedings of the Superior Court. Written records of outcomes, judgments, and orders are maintained according to statutory retention requirements.

Parties who desire a record of proceedings in these forums may need to request special arrangements in advance or pursue alternative documentation methods as permitted by local court rules and judicial discretion.

Lookup Court Records in Los Angeles County

Search Los Angeles court cases online

Access case summaries and information

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Submit public records requests

Find vital records and marriage certificates

Access California statewide court resources

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Learn about probate and estate proceedings