Access Modesto Court Records
Court records in Modesto are handled by the Stanislaus County Superior Court. Modesto is the county seat with about 218,000 residents in the Central Valley. The main courthouse is in downtown Modesto, and all civil, criminal, family law, and small claims cases go through the county system. You can search for court records online through the Stanislaus County public portal or visit the courthouse to view files in person. This page explains how to find and access Modesto court records.
Modesto Court Records Quick Facts
Where Modesto Cases Are Filed
All court cases in Modesto go through the Stanislaus County Superior Court. The main courthouse sits in downtown Modesto and handles civil, criminal, family law, probate, and small claims cases. Modesto is the county seat, so the courthouse is right in the city center. This makes it easy for residents to handle court business without traveling far.
The court clerk's office can pull files, make copies, and answer questions about case status. Walk-ins are welcome during regular hours. If you are looking for a specific record, it helps to have the case number. Name searches are also possible but may take longer. The clerk does not handle research requests by phone, so you will need to go in person or use the online portal.
Bring a valid photo ID when visiting.
| Main Courthouse | Stanislaus County Superior Court 801 10th Street Modesto, CA 95354 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
Search Modesto Court Records Online
The Stanislaus County Superior Court has an online public portal for searching case records. The portal lets you search by party name or case number. It covers civil, criminal, family, probate, and small claims cases. The system shows case indexes, hearing dates, and registers of action.
The Stanislaus County public portal is the main online tool for looking up Modesto court records.
Search results show case numbers, parties, filing dates, and case status for Modesto cases.
California Rules of Court restrict remote access for certain case types. Family law documents and criminal case filings are not viewable online. The portal shows the case index and hearing schedule, but full documents for these types require an in-person visit. Civil records have the fewest restrictions. The Third Appellate District handles appeals from Stanislaus County.
Modesto Court Records Fees
Stanislaus County follows the statewide fee schedule. Plain copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies are $40.00 per document. Clerk searches over 10 minutes cost $15.00. Certified divorce judgments are $15.00. Exemplification of a record costs $50.00. These fees apply at the main courthouse in Modesto.
In-person viewing is free. You can look at case files at the courthouse without paying anything. Costs come in when you need copies or certifications. Fee waivers are available for people who cannot afford the charges. Ask the clerk for a fee waiver form. A judge will review your income level and make the decision.
Legal Help in Modesto
Central California Legal Services provides free legal help to low-income residents in the Central Valley, including Modesto. Call (800) 675-8001 for intake information. They handle family law, housing, and public benefits cases. Staff can help you understand court records and your legal options.
The Stanislaus County Superior Court has a self-help center at the main courthouse. Staff assist with forms, basic legal questions, and filing procedures. The California Courts Self-Help Center offers online guides for all case types. California Rural Legal Assistance at (800) 337-0690 also serves the Central Valley region.
The Stanislaus County Bar Association can connect you with a private attorney through their referral service if you need one.
Types of Modesto Court Records
The Stanislaus County Superior Court maintains records for all case types filed in Modesto. Civil records cover lawsuits, evictions, and contract disputes. Criminal records include felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions. Family law records handle divorce, custody, child support, and restraining orders. Probate deals with estates, wills, and conservatorships. Small claims cases cover minor disputes. Traffic violations also generate court records.
Access rules vary by case type. Civil records are the most open to the public. Criminal and family law documents have restrictions on remote access under state rules. Juvenile records are confidential by law. Sealed records need a court order. Most Modesto court records are public and available to anyone.
- Civil unlimited cases retained 10 years
- Felony records kept 75 years
- Family law files retained 30 years
- Adoption records are permanent
- Parentage records are permanent
Stanislaus County Court Records
Modesto is the county seat of Stanislaus County. All court filings go through the Stanislaus County Superior Court. For full details on the county court system, online portals, fee schedules, and resources, visit the county page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near Modesto and served by neighboring county courts.