Marin County Court Records Search
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Marin County is situated in the San Francisco Bay Area just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, with San Rafael serving as the county seat and the location of all major court facilities. The Marin County Superior Court functions as the sole trial court in the county, adjudicating criminal prosecutions, civil disputes, family law matters, probate proceedings, juvenile cases, small claims, and traffic infractions. Court records produced during these proceedings — including complaints, motions, orders, judgments, exhibits, and transcripts — are maintained by the Court Records Division and may be requested by the public through several channels described in this guide.
For individuals seeking court case information in California, the state judiciary and its affiliated resources provide multiple research tools. CaliforniaCourts.us may assist users in locating publicly available case data. In Marin County specifically, records can be searched through the Superior Court’s online ePortal, at the Court Records Division in the Civic Center courthouse, via public-access terminals, or by submitting written requests to the clerk’s office. Several county departments also maintain records related to vital events and real property that frequently overlap with court proceedings.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Marin County?
The Marin County Superior Court operates from a single main courthouse campus, with all divisions housed in the Civic Center complex. The Court Records Division serves as the centralized office responsible for maintaining, retrieving, and dispensing non-confidential case files across every case type.
Court Locations
Marin County Superior Court
Address: 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903
Phone: (415) 444-7000
Fax: (415) 444-7020
Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00 PM–4:00 PM
Marin County Juvenile Court
Address: 16 Jeannette Prandi Way, San Rafael, CA 94903
Phone: (415) 444-7045
Division Contact Directory
| Division | Phone | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Court Records & Exhibits | (415) 444-7080 | courtrecords@marin.courts.ca.gov | Room 113 |
| Criminal | (415) 444-7070 | criminal@marin.courts.ca.gov | Room C-10 |
| Civil | (415) 444-7040 | civil@marin.courts.ca.gov | Room 113 |
| Family Law | (415) 444-7043 | familylaw@marin.courts.ca.gov | Room 113 |
| Probate | (415) 444-7040 | probate@marin.courts.ca.gov | Room 113 |
| Traffic | (415) 444-7180 | traffic@marin.courts.ca.gov | Room C-10 |
| Small Claims/Self-Help | (415) 444-7130 | selfhelp@marin.courts.ca.gov | Room C-44 |
Online Case Search
The court’s ePortal is the primary online tool for researching Marin County cases. The system provides three access levels — public, party, and attorney — each offering different degrees of access to case details and documents. Public accounts allow users to search the court calendar, view general case information, and look up party names, but do not permit document viewing. Party and attorney accounts grant access to case documents and additional detail. Users must create an account to access ePortal. The portal covers cases filed or migrated after June 20, 2023.
Requesting Records by Mail, Drop Box, or In Person
To obtain copies of specific case documents, complete the Marin Superior Court Records Request form and submit it with payment by one of these methods:
- In person – Bring the completed form and payment to Room 113 at the Civic Center during office hours.
- Mail – Send the form with a check payable to “Marin County Superior Court” to Civil Research, P.O. Box 4988, San Rafael, CA 94913. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Drop box – Use the drop box located outside the Civil Clerk’s Office in Room 113.
The Court Records Division does not conduct research or provide case information by telephone or email. Processing times may exceed six weeks depending on request volume.
Records Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court record | $0.50 per page |
| Certification of a document | $40.00 |
| Comparing a copy with the original | $1.00 per page |
| Case/name search (per case, beyond 10 minutes) | $15.00 |
| Retrieval from off-site storage | $5.00 |
| Exemplification of a record | $50.00 |
| Certified copy of dissolution record (public) | $15.00 |
| Certified copy of dissolution record (government agency) | $10.00 |
Are Court Records Public in Marin County?
California’s judiciary permits public access to most court records. California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503 establishes the framework governing which electronic court records may be accessed by the public, and through what means — whether remotely or at courthouse terminals. The California Public Records Act (Government Code § 7920.000 et seq.) applies to records created for judicial administrative purposes, though it does not extend to case records generated during litigation, which are governed by court rules instead.
Publicly Available Records
Members of the public may inspect and copy the following types of records during regular office hours or through the ePortal system:
- Criminal case docket information, charges, and dispositions
- Civil complaints, motions, orders, and judgments
- Family law case summaries and dissolution judgments
- Probate filings, estate inventories, and accountings
- Small claims case details
- Traffic case information
- Registers of action (chronological case-history summaries)
Confidential and Restricted Records
Certain categories of records are excluded from public inspection under state law and court rules:
- Juvenile court records
- Adoption files
- Mental health evaluation reports
- Arrest records of persons found factually innocent
- Defendants’ statements of assets and fee waiver applications
- Victim impact statements, names, and contact information
- Criminal history information (rap sheets), certain police reports, and sealed search warrants
- Records from drug rehabilitation programs
- Personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers and financial account numbers
- Subpoenaed business records
- Immigration status information
- Family conciliation proceedings protected under California Family Code § 1818
- Confidential guardianship and conservatorship documents
Confidential case records may only be provided to parties authorized by statute. Requests for confidential files must include a notarized copy of the requester’s photo identification submitted alongside the records request form. The court will not discuss confidential cases by phone or email.
Marin County Criminal Court Records
Criminal prosecutions in Marin County are handled by the Superior Court’s Criminal Division, located in Room C-10 of the Civic Center Hall of Justice. The division processes felony and misdemeanor cases originating throughout the county.
Criminal Clerk’s Office
Phone: (415) 444-7070
Email: criminal@marin.courts.ca.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00 PM–4:00 PM
Payments accepted: Cash (in person only), checks, cashier’s checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (convenience fee applies)
Searching Criminal Case Records
Criminal docket information can be accessed through the court’s ePortal at the public-access level, which shows party names, case status, and scheduled events. For copies of criminal filings, orders, or judgment documents, submit a records request form to the Court Records Division.
Arrest Records and Booking Information
Arrest and booking records are maintained by law enforcement agencies rather than the court. The Marin County Sheriff’s Office maintains the county’s central booking records through its Records Division:
Marin County Sheriff’s Office – Records Division
Address: 1600 Los Gamos Drive, Suite 200, San Rafael, CA 94903
Phone: (415) 479-2311
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
The Sheriff’s Office publishes a public booking log showing data about persons arrested and booked into the Marin County Jail within the last 48 hours. An online warrant search is also available for checking active arrest warrants. Incident report copies cost $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, and requesters must present valid photo identification for pickup.
Local police departments also maintain arrest records. For example, the San Rafael Police Department publishes its own arrest log online.
Criminal History Records (Rap Sheets)
Statewide criminal history records are maintained by the California Department of Justice. Individuals may request a copy of their own record by submitting fingerprints through a Live Scan provider and paying a $25.00 processing fee to the DOJ. A separate fingerprinting fee is charged by the Live Scan provider.
Expungement
Individuals with eligible convictions may petition for dismissal under Penal Code § 1203.4 using Judicial Council forms CR-180 (Petition for Dismissal) and CR-181 (Order for Dismissal). An expungement sets aside the conviction and dismisses the case, though the record of the arrest and the expungement itself remain visible on the individual’s history.
Marin County Civil Court Records
The Civil Division of the Marin County Superior Court handles lawsuits between parties involving monetary damages, breach of contract, property disputes, unlawful detainer (eviction) proceedings, civil harassment restraining orders, and other non-criminal matters. The division is located in Room 113 of the Civic Center.
Civil Clerk’s Office
Phone: (415) 444-7040
Email: civil@marin.courts.ca.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00 PM–4:00 PM (closed 12:00–1:00 PM)
Filing is accepted in person, by mail, or through eFiling. Attorneys are required to use eFiling; self-represented litigants may choose among all methods. New case filings submitted in person should arrive before 3:30 PM.
Civil Filing Fees
The Statewide Civil Fee Schedule governs all filing fees. Key amounts include:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Unlimited civil complaint (over $25,000) | $435 |
| Limited civil complaint ($10,001–$25,000) | $370 |
| Limited civil complaint (up to $10,000) | $225 |
| Small claims ($1,500 or less) | $30 |
| Small claims ($1,501–$5,000) | $50 |
| Small claims ($5,001–$10,000) | $75 |
| Motion requiring hearing | $60 |
| Motion for summary judgment | $500 |
| Advance jury fee | $150 |
Fee waivers are available to qualifying litigants through Judicial Council form FW-001 (Request to Waive Court Fees).
Searching Civil Case Records
Civil case information is accessible through the ePortal at the public-access level. For copies of pleadings, judgments, and other documents, visit the Court Records Division in Room 113 or submit a written records request by mail or drop box with the applicable fees. A $15.00 research fee applies per case when court staff must locate records.
Property Records
Real estate records such as deeds, mortgages, liens, and assessments are maintained by the Marin County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk, not by the Superior Court. The Recorder’s tax roll search tool allows the public to look up recorded documents by name, document number, or date range. Copies of recorded documents can be ordered through the Recorder Document Order page at a cost of $4.00 for the first page and $2.00 per additional page, plus $4.00 for certification.
Marin County Recorder
Address: 3501 Civic Center Drive, Suite 232, San Rafael, CA 94903
Phone: (415) 473-6092
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Marin County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Marin County are adjudicated through the Superior Court’s family law division, which handles dissolution of marriage and legal separation, child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, domestic partnerships, domestic violence restraining orders, emancipation of minors, and adoption. The Unified Family Court coordinates services including mediation and parenting programs.
Family Law Clerk’s Office
Location: Civic Center, Hall of Justice, Room 113
Phone: (415) 444-7043
Email: familylaw@marin.courts.ca.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00 PM–4:00 PM
Family Court Mediation
Phone: (415) 444-7090
Email: familymediation@marin.courts.ca.gov
Searching Family Law Records
Family case docket information may be viewed through the ePortal. To obtain copies of family law filings, complete the records request form specifying the “Family” case category and submit it to the Court Records Division. Standard copy charges ($0.50 per page) and certification fees ($40.00) apply. A certified copy of a dissolution judgment available to the general public costs $15.00 (Government Code § 70674).
Certain family law records are confidential and accessible only to authorized parties. These include adoption records, child welfare proceedings, and family conciliation files. Individuals authorized by law to receive confidential family records must submit a notarized copy of their photo identification with their request.
Dissolution of Marriage
California is a no-fault divorce state. Either spouse may petition for dissolution based on irreconcilable differences. The filing fee for a petition or response is $435.00. A mandatory six-month waiting period begins from the date the respondent is served. Residency requirements mandate that at least one spouse has lived in California for the prior six months and in Marin County for the prior three months.
Marriage Certificates
Marriage certificates are maintained by the Marin County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk, not by the Superior Court. As of January 1, 2026, each certified copy of a marriage certificate costs $19.00. Informational certified copies are available to anyone. Authorized certified copies — valid for legal identification purposes — are restricted under Health & Safety Code § 103526 to the individuals named on the document, their immediate family members, legal representatives, court-authorized persons, and government agencies.
Requests may be submitted in person at the Recorder’s office, by mail using the marriage certificate request form, or sent to:
Marin County Recorder
P.O. Box C, San Rafael, CA 94913
Birth and Death Records
The Marin County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk holds birth records dating to the 1850s and death records for events that occurred in the county. As of January 1, 2026, fees increased per Assembly Bill 64:
- Birth certificate: $31.00 per certified copy
- Death certificate: $26.00 per certified copy
These vital records are not public documents. Authorized certified copies may only be issued to immediate family members, legal representatives, court-authorized individuals, government officials, and — for death certificates — funeral directors acting on behalf of a qualified family member. Informational copies bearing a notice that they cannot be used for identification are available to anyone. Applicants requesting in person must sign a sworn statement before the clerk; those requesting by mail must have their signature notarized.
Marin County Probate Court Records
The Probate Division of the Marin County Superior Court exercises jurisdiction over decedent estates and trusts, guardianships, conservatorships (including limited conservatorships for developmentally disabled individuals and LPS conservatorships), commitments, and petitions to establish facts of birth, death, or marriage.
Probate Clerk’s Office
Location: Civic Center, Hall of Justice, Room 113
Phone: (415) 444-7040
Email: probate@marin.courts.ca.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00 PM–4:00 PM
Probate Investigators
Phone: (415) 444-7090
Documents received after 3:30 PM are time-stamped with the current date but processed the following business day. eFiling is mandatory for attorneys in all non-criminal matters, including probate, under Administrative Order 26-01.
Searching Probate Records
Probate case dockets can be searched through the court’s ePortal. For copies of specific filings — such as wills, inventories, accountings, or letters testamentary — submit a records request form to the Court Records Division with applicable fees. In-person viewing is also available in Room 113 during regular hours.
Probate Filing Fees
Key probate filing fees from the Statewide Civil Fee Schedule include:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Petition for letters of administration or testamentary | $435 |
| Petition for appointment of conservator or guardian of estate | $435 |
| Petition for appointment of guardian of the person only | $225 |
| Petition for temporary letters | $60 |
| Petition for order setting aside small estate | $225 |
| Delivery of will to court | $50 |
| Deposit of estate planning documents | $20 |
| Search for estate documents (per search beyond 10 minutes) | $15 |
| Request for special notice | $40 |
| Motion or application requiring hearing (post-initial filing) | $60 |
Estate Administration
Upon a person’s death, the decedent’s will must be lodged with the court within 30 calendar days. Depending on the size and complexity of the estate, formal probate may be initiated through a petition for letters testamentary (if a will exists) or letters of administration (if no will exists). Small estates may qualify for a simplified affidavit procedure under Probate Code § 13201, which carries a $45.00 filing fee.
The Probate Examiner reviews all filings related to decedent estates, conservatorships, and guardianships for procedural correctness before judicial action. Court investigators assess living conditions, health, finances, and suitability of proposed guardians or conservators, with specialized training in social work and criminal justice. The Probate Examiner cannot provide legal advice.
Guardianships and Conservatorships
Guardianship petitions for minors and conservatorship petitions for incapacitated adults are filed through the Probate Division. Court investigators conduct site visits, interview proposed fiduciaries, and file reports with the court. For conservatorships, investigators are required by law to regularly visit conservatees and review medical and financial records. Confidential probate documents related to these proceedings — including certain evaluations and investigative reports — are restricted from public access and available only to authorized individuals.