Fullerton Records Lookup
Court records for Fullerton are managed by the Orange County Superior Court. Fullerton has about 140,000 residents in northern Orange County. The North Justice Center in Fullerton itself handles many local cases. All civil, criminal, family law, and small claims matters go through the county court system. This page covers how to search for court records tied to cases filed in or near Fullerton, both online and in person.
Fullerton Court Records Quick Facts
Where Fullerton Cases Are Filed
Fullerton is one of the cities that has a courthouse within its borders. The North Justice Center at 1275 North Berkeley Avenue in Fullerton handles criminal and traffic cases for the northern part of Orange County. Civil cases and family law matters typically go through the Central Justice Center at 700 Civic Center Drive West in Santa Ana. Some cases route to other Orange County court locations based on the case type and where the events took place.
Having a local courthouse makes it easier for Fullerton residents to handle criminal and traffic matters. You can visit the North Justice Center during business hours to check on cases, view records, or file papers. For civil and family law records, the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana is the main location. The Orange County court system has several branches, and the clerk's office can tell you which one holds the file you need.
| North Justice Center | 1275 North Berkeley Avenue Fullerton, CA 92832 |
|---|---|
| Central Justice Center | 700 Civic Center Drive West Santa Ana, CA 92701 |
| Records Phone | (657) 622-7809 |
Search Fullerton Court Records Online
Orange County Superior Court has several online search tools. The case name search lets you look up cases by the names of the people involved. For civil case documents, the civil document access portal lets you view and buy copies of filed papers. Criminal and traffic cases use a separate case access system. Family law and probate each have their own portals too.
The Orange County case access system serves all cities in the county, including Fullerton.
This portal is the starting point for most online searches of Fullerton court records.
Copies cost $0.50 per page online. Processing takes 7 to 10 working days for mail requests. Online access is faster for basic case data. Keep in mind that family law and criminal case documents have limits on remote viewing under California Rules of Court. You can see the case index and calendar, but full documents may require an in-person visit to the courthouse.
Court Records Fees in Fullerton
Orange County uses the statewide fee schedule. Copies are $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost $40.00 per document. Searching records costs $15.00 if the clerk spends more than 10 minutes. A certified copy of a dissolution judgment is $15.00. These fees are the same at every Orange County courthouse location, including the North Justice Center in Fullerton.
Records management handles copy requests by mail. Send your request to cjcrecordsmanagement@occourts.org or call (657) 622-7809. Include the case number if you have it. A check or money order must be included for the correct amount. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days. In-person requests are usually handled the same day during business hours. Fee waivers are available if you meet the income requirements.
Legal Help for Fullerton Residents
The Public Law Center in Orange County offers free legal services to low-income residents. Call (714) 541-1010 for information. They cover civil, housing, and consumer law matters. Community Legal Aid SoCal also serves the area and can help with family law and immigration issues.
The Orange County Superior Court has self-help centers at several courthouse locations. Staff help with forms, explain court procedures, and point you to the right resources. The California Courts Self-Help Center provides online guides for all case types. These tools work for any Fullerton case handled through the Orange County court system.
Types of Fullerton Court Records
Orange County Superior Court maintains all types of court records. Civil records include contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, and evictions. Criminal records cover felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions from the North Justice Center and other locations. Family law records include divorce, custody, and support orders. Probate covers wills and estates. Small claims handle disputes under the jurisdictional limit. Traffic violations at the North Justice Center also create court records for Fullerton cases.
Access rules differ by case type. Civil records are the most open to the public. Criminal case documents have restrictions on remote viewing. Family law documents can only be seen at a courthouse terminal. Juvenile records are confidential. Most other records are public and available to anyone who requests them.
- 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
Orange County Court Records
Fullerton is in Orange County. All court filings go through the Orange County Superior Court system. For full details on all courthouse locations, online search portals, fee schedules, and other resources, visit the county page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are also in Orange County or nearby and served by the same or neighboring court systems.