Find Lancaster Court Records
Court records for Lancaster are kept by the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Lancaster has about 174,000 residents in the Antelope Valley, north of the San Gabriel Mountains. The Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse at 42011 4th Street West serves the area. All civil, criminal, family law, and traffic cases go through the LA County court system. This page covers how to access court records for cases filed in Lancaster.
Lancaster Court Records Quick Facts
Where Lancaster Court Cases Are Filed
Lancaster has a local courthouse that is part of the LA County Superior Court. The Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse at 42011 4th Street West in Lancaster handles criminal, civil, and family law cases for the Antelope Valley region. This courthouse serves Lancaster, Palmdale, and surrounding communities. It is the main location for court records tied to cases in Lancaster.
Because the Antelope Valley is far from downtown Los Angeles, having a local courthouse matters. You do not need to drive to Stanley Mosk or other downtown locations for most cases. The Antelope Valley Courthouse has a self-help center and handles a full range of case types. If your case was originally filed at a different LA County courthouse, however, the records may be stored at that location instead.
| Antelope Valley Courthouse | Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse 42011 4th Street West Lancaster, CA 93534 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:10 PM |
| LA Court Email | onlineServices@lacourt.org |
Search Lancaster Court Records Online
The LA County Superior Court provides online tools for case searches. The civil case index lets you search civil, small claims, family law, and probate cases by party name. Guest users pay $4.75 per search. The system has unlimited civil and family law data from 1983 to present. Limited civil records start at 1991.
The appellate courts search system covers appeals from Lancaster cases that move to higher courts.
Use this tool if a Lancaster case went to the Court of Appeal.
For criminal cases, the criminal case summary tool shows case status and hearing dates. Full criminal documents can only be viewed at a courthouse terminal under California Rules of Court. Family law documents also have remote access limits. Civil records have the fewest restrictions for online viewing.
The system updates daily. New filings may take a day to appear in search results.
Court Records Fees in Lancaster
Lancaster follows the LA County fee schedule. Copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies are $40.00 per document. Record searches taking more than 10 minutes cost $15.00. Online name searches are $4.75 for guest users. Registered bulk users get lower rates.
Certified dissolution judgments cost $15.00. Exemplification is $50.00. In-person file viewing is free at the Antelope Valley Courthouse. You only pay when you need copies or certifications. Fee waivers are available for people with limited income. Ask the clerk for form FW-001 at the Lancaster courthouse.
Legal Help in Lancaster
The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles serves low-income residents across LA County, including Lancaster. Call (800) 399-4529 for intake. They cover family law, housing, and consumer cases. Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County also operates in the Antelope Valley area.
The Antelope Valley Courthouse has a self-help center where you can get forms, ask basic legal questions, and get guidance on filing. The California Courts Self-Help Center has online guides for all case types. The LA Superior Court self-help site has resources specific to LA County that apply to Lancaster cases.
Types of Lancaster Court Records
The LA County Superior Court keeps records for all case types handled in Lancaster. Civil records cover lawsuits, evictions, and contract disputes. Criminal records include felonies and misdemeanors from the Antelope Valley Courthouse. Family law covers divorce, custody, and support orders. Probate handles wills and estates. Small claims and traffic cases each create their own set of court records.
Public access varies by case type. Civil records are the most open. Criminal and family law documents have restrictions on remote viewing. Juvenile records are confidential. Sealed records need a court order to access. Most records at the Lancaster courthouse are public and available to anyone who requests them.
- Civil unlimited judgments are permanent
- Felony records stay on file 75 years
- Family law cases kept 30 years
- Small claims cases kept 10 years
- Name change records are permanent
Los Angeles County Court Records
Lancaster is in Los Angeles County. All court filings go through the LA County Superior Court. For full details on all courthouse locations, online search portals, and fee schedules, visit the county page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are also served by the Los Angeles County Superior Court or courts in nearby counties.