Antioch Court Records
Court records for Antioch are handled by the Contra Costa County Superior Court. With about 115,000 people, Antioch is one of the larger cities in eastern Contra Costa County. All civil, criminal, family, and small claims cases go through the county court system. The main courthouse is in Martinez, the county seat. Antioch residents can search many case records online through the county court portal or visit the courthouse in person to view files directly.
Antioch Court Records Quick Facts
Where Antioch Court Records Are Filed
Antioch is in Contra Costa County. The Contra Costa County Superior Court handles every type of court case for the city. The Wakefield Taylor Courthouse at 725 Court Street in Martinez is the main location for court records. This is where the Court Records Unit operates. Cases filed in Antioch go through this system regardless of the case type.
The county also has a courthouse in Pittsburg at 1000 Center Drive that serves the eastern part of the county. Antioch is in east county, so some cases may be assigned to this location. Criminal and traffic cases from Antioch often go to the east county facility. Civil cases and family law matters typically file at the Martinez courthouse. If you are not sure which courthouse has your file, call (925) 608-1000 and ask the clerk.
| Court Records Unit | Wakefield Taylor Courthouse 725 Court Street, Room 103 Martinez, CA 94553 |
|---|---|
| East County | A.F. Bray Courthouse 1000 Center Drive Pittsburg, CA 94565 |
| Phone | (925) 608-1000 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
Search Antioch Court Records Online
The Contra Costa County Superior Court has an online portal for case searches. The Odyssey Public Portal lets you look up cases by name, case number, or filing date. This covers civil, criminal, family law, probate, and small claims cases. The search is free. You can find case status, hearing dates, and the register of actions for Antioch cases through this tool.
The court is developing a new case document system that will expand online access. For now, most full case documents are not available through remote access. You can see the case index and basic filing data online. To view the actual documents, you need to visit the courthouse in Martinez. Civil case documents have the most online access, while family law and criminal files are more restricted under California Rule 2.503.
The Contra Costa County public portal shown above is the main tool for searching court records from Antioch and other cities in the county.
Fees for Antioch Court Records
Contra Costa County follows the statewide fee schedule. Copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies run $40.00 plus $0.50 per page. Certified copies of divorce judgments are $15.00. If the clerk has to search for a record and the search takes more than 10 minutes, the fee is $15.00. These fees are the same at every courthouse in the county.
You can visit the courthouse and look at case files for free. There is no charge to view records in person. The fees only kick in when you want copies. If you mail a request for copies, allow extra time for processing. Walk-in requests are usually handled the same day or within a few days. Fee waivers are available for people who cannot afford to pay. You file a request and a judge reviews your income to decide.
Legal Resources for Antioch
The Contra Costa County Superior Court has a self-help center that is free for everyone. Staff there can help you locate court records, fill out forms, and explain how the court process works. No appointment is needed. The self-help center operates at the Martinez courthouse.
The Bay Area Legal Aid serves Contra Costa County with free legal services for low-income residents. Call (800) 551-5554 to find out if you qualify. They handle housing, public benefits, and family law cases. The California Courts Self-Help Center has online guides for every type of court case. The Contra Costa County Bar Association also runs a lawyer referral program for people looking for a private attorney in the Antioch area.
Note: Legal aid groups often have income limits, so call ahead to check if you are eligible for free services in Antioch.
Types of Court Records in Antioch
The Contra Costa County Superior Court keeps records for all case types. Civil records cover lawsuits, disputes, and monetary claims. Criminal records include felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic infractions. Family law records cover divorce, custody, and support. Probate handles wills, estates, and guardianships. Small claims have their own set of records too.
Most records are public. Anyone can ask to see them. Some categories are confidential. Juvenile cases are sealed by law. Mental health proceedings are private. Certain family law documents are restricted from online viewing but can still be seen at the courthouse. Under California Government Code 68152, the court keeps civil cases for 10 years, family law for 30 years, and felony records for 75 years. Adoption and name change records stay on file permanently.
The Court Records Unit in Martinez handles all requests for copies and research. They do not take phone requests for case lookups. You need to use the online portal or visit in person.
Contra Costa County Court Records
Antioch is part of Contra Costa County. Every court filing for the city goes through the Contra Costa County Superior Court. The county has several courthouse locations serving different parts of the region. For full details on the county court system, online search tools, fee schedules, and other resources, visit the Contra Costa County court records page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are also in Contra Costa County or nearby counties. Court records for each go through their respective county court system.