Huntington Beach Court Records
Court records for Huntington Beach are filed at the Orange County Superior Court. Huntington Beach has roughly 199,000 residents along the Orange County coast. The city does not have its own courthouse, so cases go to various Orange County court branches. The Central Justice Center in Santa Ana and the Westminster courthouse are the closest locations for most Huntington Beach residents. You can search court records online using the county portal or visit a courthouse in person.
Huntington Beach Court Records Quick Facts
Where Huntington Beach Cases Are Filed
Huntington Beach cases go to the Orange County Superior Court. Civil and family law matters file at the Central Justice Center at 700 Civic Center Drive West in Santa Ana. Criminal and traffic cases may route to the Westminster courthouse or the Central Justice Center based on the location of the offense. There is no courthouse in Huntington Beach itself. You will need to travel to one of the county branches to handle court business in person.
The records management office handles all copy requests for the Orange County court system. You can reach them at (657) 622-7809 or email cjcrecordsmanagement@occourts.org. If you prefer to visit, any courthouse location can help you find and view records. Bring the case number if you have it. Name searches are also possible at the clerk's window.
| Central Justice Center | 700 Civic Center Drive West Santa Ana, CA 92701 |
|---|---|
| Main Phone | (657) 622-6878 |
| Records Management | (657) 622-7809 |
Search Huntington Beach Records Online
Orange County has multiple online portals for court records. The case name search tool lets you look up any case by party name. The civil document access portal lets you view and buy copies of civil case documents online. There are separate portals for criminal and traffic cases, family law, and probate cases.
The civil documents portal for Orange County is shown below, where Huntington Beach case records can be accessed.
This tool lets you purchase and download copies of civil case documents for Huntington Beach cases.
Not all records are available online. California Rules of Court restrict remote access to family law documents, criminal case filings, and juvenile records. The online portals show case indexes, hearing dates, and registers of action. Full documents for restricted case types must be viewed at a courthouse terminal. Civil case records have the fewest limits on what you can see from home.
Court Records Fees for Huntington Beach
Fees are the same across all Orange County courthouses. Copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies are $40.00 per document. Clerk search fees are $15.00 for searches taking more than 10 minutes. Certified copies of dissolution judgments cost $15.00. Exemplification of a record is $50.00.
Mail requests need a check or money order for the right amount. Processing takes 7 to 10 working days. Online purchases through the civil portal charge $0.50 per page. In-person visits get same-day service. Fee waivers are available for qualifying individuals. Form FW-001 is the application. A judge reviews your income to make the decision on Huntington Beach court records fees.
Legal Help for Huntington Beach Residents
The Public Law Center serves low-income residents in Orange County with free legal help. Call (714) 541-1010 for information. They handle housing, consumer, and immigration matters. Community Legal Aid SoCal also assists with family law cases in the area.
Orange County Superior Court has self-help centers at several courthouse locations. These centers help with court forms, basic legal questions, and filing procedures. The California Courts Self-Help Center has online guides for all case types. The Orange County Bar Association also runs a lawyer referral service for those who want private legal help.
For your own criminal record, the California DOJ handles record review requests for $25 through Live Scan.
Types of Huntington Beach Court Records
Orange County Superior Court keeps records for every case type. Civil records include lawsuits, debt collection cases, and property disputes. Criminal records cover felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions. Family law records handle divorce, custody, and restraining orders. Probate records deal with estates and wills. Small claims cases cover smaller dollar disputes. Traffic violations also create court records.
Most court records are public. Anyone can ask to see them. Civil records are the easiest to access both online and in person. Criminal and family law records have tighter restrictions on remote access. Juvenile records are confidential. Sealed records need a court order. If you are not sure about access for a specific case, ask the court clerk.
- Civil unlimited cases kept for 10 years
- Felony records retained 75 years
- Family law files kept 30 years
- Adoption records are permanent
Orange County Court Records
Huntington Beach is in Orange County. All court filings go through the Orange County Superior Court. For complete details on courthouse locations, online portals, and fee schedules, visit the county page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are also served by the Orange County Superior Court.