Contra Costa County Court Records Search
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Contra Costa County, located in the East Bay region of Northern California, operates a unified Superior Court system that serves as the sole trial court for the county. With courthouses spread across Martinez, Richmond, Pittsburg, and Walnut Creek, the Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa handles all criminal, civil, family law, probate, small claims, and traffic cases originating within county boundaries. The Clerk of the Superior Court maintains the official record of every proceeding, and several methods exist for members of the public to search or obtain copies of these files.
Individuals looking for California court records can begin through official clerk offices, public-access terminals at courthouse locations, and online case-lookup tools operated by the court. CaliforniaCourts.us also provides statewide resources—including fee schedules, court forms, and links to individual county courts—that can assist anyone trying to find publicly available case information. The sections below explain how each record type works in Contra Costa County, which offices to contact, what fees to expect, and what access limitations apply.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Contra Costa County?
Contra Costa County offers online, in-person, and mail-based pathways for locating court case records. The right method depends on whether you need basic docket data or certified copies of filed documents.
Online Case Search
The Court’s Public Portal is the primary tool for looking up case records. It supports two search modes:
- Smart Search — Query by party name, case number, FBI number, booking number, or SO number. Advanced filters allow narrowing by location, case type, case status, and filing date.
- Search Hearings — Look up scheduled hearings within a specified date range.
The portal returns case summaries, party names, hearing dates, and case status. Minutes, case documents, and orders are not available online. For civil cases filed after November 13, 2007, public documents may be viewable through the portal. An additional external tool, Open Access, provides supplemental case information.
In-Person Search
Non-criminal court records can be accessed at:
Court Records (Non-Criminal Cases)
Wakefield Taylor Courthouse
725 Court Street, Room 103
Martinez, CA 94553
Phone: (925) 608-1000
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
A valid photo ID is required to view any file. For civil cases filed before November 13, 2007, physical files are stored off-site and take approximately 10 business days to retrieve. Contact the Civil Records Unit at (925) 608-1000 to order a file in advance. Certain electronic records for small claims and unlawful detainer matters may only be retrieved at the Richmond and Pittsburg courthouses.
Mail Requests
The court accepts mail requests for non-criminal records using the Court Records Mail Request form. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment. Send requests to:
Court Records
725 Court Street (P.O. Box 911)
Martinez, CA 94553
Mail requests cover Family Law, Civil, Limited Civil, Probate, and Adoption cases.
Standard Copy and Certification Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certification | $40.00 plus $0.50 per page |
| Divorce judgment certification | $15.00 (includes copies) |
A 2.99% convenience fee (minimum $1) applies to credit and debit card payments made in person. Verify the current fee schedule on the court’s fees page before submitting payment.
Are Court Records Public in Contra Costa County?
California law strongly favors public access to court records. Under the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 7920.000 et seq.), records held by public agencies are presumed open for inspection and copying. Court-specific access rules are further detailed in the California Trial Court Records Manual, which governs how superior courts handle record creation, storage, and disclosure.
Most filed pleadings, motions, judgments, and orders in civil, criminal, family, and probate cases are available for public review. However, Appendix 1 of the Trial Court Records Manual identifies categories of records that are exempt from public disclosure:
- Sealed filings — Documents placed under seal by court order
- Juvenile records — Delinquency and dependency proceedings
- Confidential personal identifiers — Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and financial account details
- Records of arrests not resulting in conviction — Protected from general disclosure
- Mental competency reports — Evaluations regarding a defendant’s fitness to stand trial
- Confidential name changes — Granted in connection with domestic violence or sexual assault
- Special immigrant juvenile findings
- Subpoenaed records — Documents produced under subpoena may carry restrictions
Individuals who believe they have a right to access a sealed or restricted record may petition the court. The judge will weigh the requestor’s interest against the privacy or safety concerns that prompted the restriction. If you cannot afford filing fees for a records request or court action, the court offers a fee waiver process for qualifying individuals.
Contra Costa County Criminal Court Records
The Superior Court handles all felony and misdemeanor prosecutions in Contra Costa County. Criminal cases are heard at three courthouse locations, and the Criminal Clerk’s Office at each site maintains the case files for matters adjudicated there.
Criminal Clerk’s Office Locations
| Location | Address |
|---|---|
| Martinez | 725 Court Street, Martinez, CA 94553 |
| Pittsburg | Richard E. Arnason Justice Center, 1000 Center Drive, Pittsburg, CA 94565 |
| Richmond | George D. Carroll Courthouse, 100 – 37th Street, Richmond, CA 94805 |
All three offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Phone inquiries are accepted at (925) 608-1000 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Note that the Criminal Clerk’s Office is currently unable to process most file copy requests in person. The court directs requestors to use mail-based forms instead.
How to Request Criminal Court Records
- Name-based search — Complete the CR-147 Criminal Records Search Request form and mail it with a self-addressed stamped envelope to the appropriate courthouse.
- Copies of specific records — Use the CR-114 Criminal Records Copies Request form, which includes a credit card payment section. Mail it with the applicable fees.
- Online search — Use the Court’s Public Portal Smart Search to look up criminal cases by party name, case number, or booking number. Documents and orders are not available online.
Copy fees are $0.50 per page. Certification costs $40.00 plus $0.50 per page.
Arrest Records and Law Enforcement
Arrest records, police reports, and booking information are maintained by law enforcement agencies rather than the court. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office Records & ID Unit handles report requests for incidents in unincorporated areas and contract cities.
Sheriff’s Records & ID Unit
2530 Arnold Drive, Suite 170
Martinez, CA 94553
Phone: (925) 335-1570
Fax: (925) 335-1588
Email: recordsinfo@so.cccounty.us
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Valid ID is required for all services. The unit accepts cash (exact change) or check only—no credit or debit cards. The Sheriff’s Office has 10 days to respond to requests. Specific forms for report requests—including those from victims, insurance companies, and attorneys—are available on the Records & ID Unit page.
Under Government Code § 7923.610, law enforcement agencies must disclose certain basic arrest information, including the arrestee’s name, date of birth, physical description, charges, and bail details. For inmate information, contact the Martinez Detention Facility at (925) 646-4493.
Statewide Criminal History
For a comprehensive criminal background report beyond county-level court records, the California Department of Justice processes statewide criminal history requests. Only the record subject or an authorized designee may obtain a personal criminal history summary directly. Live Scan fingerprinting is required, and Live Scan locations can be found through the DOJ.
Contra Costa County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Contra Costa County falls within the Superior Court’s jurisdiction. The court handles unlimited civil cases (amounts exceeding $35,000), limited civil cases ($35,000 or less), small claims disputes, unlawful detainer (eviction) actions, and petitions for writs.
Key Filing Fees (Statewide Civil Fee Schedule)
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Complaint or first paper — unlimited civil | $435.00 |
| Complaint — limited civil | $225.00 |
| Complaint — unlawful detainer (over $35,000) | $435.00 |
| Response or answer — unlimited civil | $435.00 |
| Response — limited civil | $225.00 |
| Small claims (up to $1,500) | $30.00 |
| Small claims ($1,500.01–$5,000) | $50.00 |
| Small claims ($5,000.01–$10,000) | $75.00 |
The complete statewide schedule is published on the Judicial Branch civil fees page. Contra Costa County follows the uniform schedule.
Searching for Civil Case Records
The Court’s Public Portal provides online access to civil case summaries. For documents and orders, requestors must contact the Civil Records Unit at the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse or submit a mail request. The Civil Unit can be reached at (925) 608-1000 (press option 2 for Civil Division). Staff answer questions about document status and upcoming hearings but cannot provide legal advice under Government Code § 68082.
E-Filing
Civil documents can be filed electronically through the court’s E-Filing portal. The system accepts filings 24/7. Family, civil, and probate e-filings must state any upcoming hearing date and motion title in the description field.
Forms
Standard civil court forms—including complaints, answers, motions, and small claims packets—are available through the California Judicial Branch forms library and the Contra Costa Superior Court forms page.
Contra Costa County Family Court Records
All family law matters in Contra Costa County are heard at the Spinetta Family Law Center in Martinez. There is no separate family court; the Superior Court’s Family Law Division handles dissolution of marriage, legal separation, annulment, child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, paternity, domestic violence restraining orders, and adoptions.
Spinetta Family Law Center
751 Pine Street
Martinez, CA 94553
Phone: (925) 608-1000 (press 3 for Family Court)
Hours: In-person filings accepted Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
The court encourages filing by drop box (located in front of the Spinetta building) or mail, with filings sent to: Family Law, 751 Pine Street, Martinez, CA 94553. A self-addressed stamped envelope with adequate postage must be included for return of documents.
Accessing Family Court Records
Family court records can be searched through the Public Portal, though only basic case information is displayed—minutes, orders, and documents are not available online. For copies, use the Court Records Mail Request form or visit Court Records at 725 Court Street, Room 103, Martinez. Copy and certification fees follow the standard schedule ($0.50 per page; $40.00 for certification; $15.00 for divorce judgment certification).
Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
There is no filing fee for a domestic violence restraining order (DVRO). DVRO paperwork should be submitted in person at the Spinetta Family Law Center or through the court’s E-Filing portal. Certified copies of filed DVROs must be picked up at the applicable courthouse. The court provides Order of Protection forms through the state judicial branch.
Self-Help Resources
The court offers a Family Law Facilitator who assists self-represented parties with procedural questions, completing forms, and understanding court processes. Mediation through Family Court Services is available for custody and visitation disputes.
Marriage Licenses and Records
Marriage licenses are issued by the Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder’s Office, not the court. Key fees effective January 1, 2025:
| License/Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Public marriage license | $95.00 |
| Confidential marriage license | $100.00 |
| Civil ceremony (with appointment) | $50.00 |
| Civil ceremony (walk-in) | $65.00 |
| Marriage certificate (certified copy) | $23.00 (effective 2026) |
Checks are not accepted for marriage licenses and ceremonies; cash, credit, and debit cards are accepted. The Clerk-Recorder is located at 555 Escobar Street, Martinez, CA 94553; Phone: (925) 335-7900 Divorce records remain with the Superior Court.
Birth and Death Records
These vital records are not court records. The Contra Costa County Vital Registration Office handles certificates for events within the current and preceding year ($38.00 per certified birth certificate copy). For events further in the past, the Clerk-Recorder’s Office processes requests. Under California Health and Safety Code § 103526, certified copies are available only to authorized persons—the record subject, parents, legal guardians, children, or spouses.
Contra Costa County Probate Court Records
The Probate Division of the Contra Costa County Superior Court oversees estates, trusts, conservatorships, and guardianships. Probate hearings are conducted at the A.F. Bray Courthouse in Martinez. For questions regarding wills, trusts, and estates, call (925) 608-2613.
A.F. Bray Courthouse (Probate)
1020 Ward Street
Martinez, CA 94553
Phone: (925) 608-1000
Types of Probate Cases
The court handles four main categories of probate proceedings:
- Decedents’ Estates — Administration and distribution of assets belonging to a deceased person, including formal probate, small estate affidavits, and spousal property petitions.
- Trusts — Supervision and litigation involving living and testamentary trusts.
- Conservatorships — Appointment of a conservator to manage the finances and/or personal care of an adult who cannot care for themselves. The court requires non-professional conservators to attend a Conservatorship Workshop; contact the Contra Costa County Public Law Library at (925) 655-4627 to register.
- Guardianships — Granting legal or physical custody of a minor to a non-parent when parents are unable to provide care.
Probate Facilitator
The court employs a Probate Facilitator—an attorney who assists self-represented parties seeking guardianship of a person (no estate) or limited conservatorship of a person. Contact the facilitator at probfac@contracosta.courts.ca.gov or (925) 608-2066.
Searching Probate Records
Probate case information can be searched through the Public Portal using the party name or case number. For complete documents, submit a request in person at Court Records (725 Court Street, Room 103, Martinez) or by mail using the Mail Request form. Standard copy fees apply. Probate filings can also be submitted electronically through the court’s E-Filing portal.
Probate Filing Fees
Probate filing fees follow the statewide civil fee schedule. Initial petitions for probate of a will or letters of administration fall under the unlimited civil category ($435.00). Guardianship and conservatorship petitions carry separate fees. The full fee schedule is available on the court fees page. Individuals unable to afford filing fees may apply for a fee waiver through the court.