Fontana Court Records Search
Court records for Fontana are kept at the San Bernardino County Superior Court. Fontana sits in the western Inland Empire with a population near 215,000, and every civil, criminal, and family law case goes through the county court system. The Rancho Cucamonga courthouse is the closest branch for most Fontana residents. You can look up case data online or visit the courthouse to view files in person. This page walks through how to find court records tied to cases in Fontana.
Fontana Court Records Quick Facts
Where Fontana Court Cases Are Filed
Fontana does not have its own court. All cases file at the San Bernardino County Superior Court. The Rancho Cucamonga branch at 8303 Haven Avenue handles civil and family law matters for the western part of the county. That is the most used courthouse for Fontana residents. Criminal cases may go to the San Bernardino Criminal Division at 247 West Third Street depending on where charges were filed. The Victorville branch serves the high desert area and is not typically used for Fontana cases.
When looking for court records from Fontana, start with the Rancho Cucamonga location. Staff there can pull files and make copies. You need to know the case number or the names of the parties involved. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours. Call ahead if you want to confirm a file is available at that branch.
| Primary Courthouse | San Bernardino County Superior Court 8303 Haven Avenue Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 |
|---|---|
| Criminal Division | 247 West Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415 |
| Phone (Criminal) | (909) 350-9764 |
Search Fontana Records Online
The San Bernardino County Superior Court runs an online portal called the Court Access Portal. This tool lets you search civil case records from any computer or phone. You can look up cases by name or case number. The system shows the register of actions, hearing dates, and case status. Remote access to documents costs $0.50 per page. Case data for files opened before 1998 may be limited.
The portal below shows the San Bernardino County case search system where Fontana court records can be found.
This is the main tool for searching court records tied to Fontana cases from home.
Under California Rules of Court, family law and criminal case documents have limits on remote access. You can see the case index and hearing schedule online, but full documents must be viewed at the courthouse. Civil case records have fewer restrictions and more data shows up through the portal. If the case you need does not appear online, contact the court clerk to ask about the file status.
Fontana Court Records Fees
The fee schedule is set by state law. It is the same at every courthouse in San Bernardino County. Plain copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies are $40.00 per document. A search that takes the clerk more than 10 minutes costs $15.00. These fees apply whether you visit in person or request copies by mail.
If you need a certified copy of a divorce judgment, the fee is $15.00. Exemplification of a record costs $50.00. Online document views through the Court Access Portal also charge $0.50 per page. Fee waivers are available for people who meet income guidelines. You can ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form when you visit the Rancho Cucamonga courthouse for Fontana court records.
Keep in mind that search fees and copy fees are separate charges. You might pay $15 for the clerk to find your record, plus the per-page cost for copies.
Legal Help for Fontana Residents
The Inland Counties Legal Services provides free legal aid to low-income residents in San Bernardino County. Call (888) 245-4257 to check if you qualify. They handle family law, housing, and consumer cases. Staff can also help you understand court records and the steps involved in your case.
The San Bernardino courthouse has a self-help center where you can get forms, ask questions, and get guidance on filing or responding to court papers. No appointment is needed. The California Courts Self-Help Center has online guides that walk you through common court procedures step by step. These resources apply to all Fontana court matters.
For criminal record questions, the California DOJ Record Review lets you request your own criminal history. The fee is $25 through a Live Scan fingerprint submission. This is separate from court records and covers statewide data.
Types of Records in Fontana Courts
The San Bernardino County Superior Court keeps records for all case types. Civil cases include lawsuits, evictions, and contract disputes. Criminal records cover felonies and misdemeanors. Family law includes divorce, child custody, and support orders. Probate deals with wills, estates, and guardianships. Small claims cases handle disputes under a set dollar amount. Traffic violations also create court records.
Most court records are public. Anyone can ask to see them. But some records are sealed or confidential by law. Juvenile cases are always confidential. Family law documents have limits on remote viewing. Sealed records need a court order to access. If you are not sure whether a record is public, ask the clerk at the courthouse. They can tell you what is available for the Fontana case you need.
- Civil unlimited cases are kept for 10 years
- Felony records stay on file for 75 years
- Family law cases are retained for 30 years
- Adoption and name change records are permanent
- Small claims records are kept for 10 years
San Bernardino County Court Records
Fontana is in San Bernardino County. All court filings go through the San Bernardino County Superior Court, which is the largest county by land area in the state. For full details on the county court system, online search portals, fee schedules, and courthouse locations, visit the county page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are also served by the San Bernardino County Superior Court or nearby county courts.