Orange Court Records
Court records in Orange are handled by the Orange County Superior Court. The city of Orange has about 140,000 people and sits in the central part of Orange County. Cases from Orange go to the Central Justice Center in nearby Santa Ana or the North Justice Center in Fullerton. You can search for civil, criminal, family law, probate, and small claims records through online portals or at the courthouse. This page explains where to search, what it costs, and how to get help with court records in Orange.
Orange Court Records Quick Facts
Where Orange Court Records Are Filed
The city of Orange is in Orange County. All cases go through the Orange County Superior Court system. The Central Justice Center at 700 Civic Center Drive West in Santa Ana is the main courthouse. Many civil and criminal cases from Orange are filed here. The North Justice Center in Fullerton also handles cases from the northern part of the county.
Orange does not have its own courthouse. The county system covers everything. Depending on the case type and where the events took place, your case may be at the Central Justice Center or a branch location. The court's website can help you figure out which location holds the records you need.
For records requests by mail or in person, contact the Records Management office at (657) 622-7809 or email cjcrecordsmanagement@occourts.org. Processing times run 7 to 10 working days for mail requests.
| Central Justice Center | 700 Civic Center Drive West Santa Ana, CA 92701 |
|---|---|
| Main Phone | (657) 622-6878 |
| Records Management | (657) 622-7809 |
Search Orange Court Records Online
Orange County has several online search tools. The case access portal is the main starting point. From there, you can reach specific search tools for different case types. The civil case and document access system lets you search and purchase civil documents. The case name search covers all case types.
Other tools include a criminal and traffic case search, family law access, probate access, and small claims search. Each has its own portal. The case name search is the simplest way to find any case by a person or business name. It covers all Orange County court records, including cases from the city of Orange.
The Orange County case access portal page provides links to all search tools.
For statewide criminal background checks, the California DOJ portal handles record review requests that may include Orange cases.
Family law and criminal documents are restricted from remote viewing under California Rule of Court 2.503. Online tools show the case index and basic data, but full documents for those types need a courthouse visit. Civil and small claims records are more open for online access.
Court Records Fees in Orange
Orange County uses the statewide fee schedule. Copies are $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost $40.00. Search fees are $15.00 when the clerk works more than 10 minutes. Certified copies of dissolution judgments are $15.00. Processing takes 7 to 10 working days for mailed requests.
Online document purchases through the civil access portal also carry per-page fees. The costs are the same as in-person copies. If you need certified copies, you will need to go through the clerk's office. Online access gives you the documents but not the official certification stamp.
Fee waivers are available through the court for those who qualify based on income. Ask the clerk for the appropriate form.
Legal Help for Orange Residents
The Public Law Center at (714) 541-1010 offers free legal services in Orange County. They are located at 601 Civic Center Drive West in Santa Ana, close to the Central Justice Center. They handle civil cases for low-income clients. Community Legal Aid SoCal also serves the Orange County area.
The Orange County Superior Court has self-help centers at its courthouses. Staff help with forms, filing, and finding records. This is a free service for anyone. The California Courts Self-Help Center online provides guides for all case types.
The Orange County Bar Association runs a referral service that pairs people with attorneys. For a small fee, you get an initial consultation. This can help if you need legal guidance on records from a case filed in Orange.
Types of Court Records in Orange
Orange County keeps records for all case types. Civil cases include contract disputes, personal injury, and real estate matters. Criminal records cover felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions. Family law records include divorce, custody, and domestic violence restraining orders. Probate handles wills and estates. Small claims and traffic round out the case types.
Each type has different access rules and retention periods. Civil unlimited cases stay on file for 10 years. Family law records last 30 years. Felony records are kept 75 years. Adoptions and parentage records are permanent.
- Civil records: most accessible, available online
- Criminal: basic info online, full documents at courthouse
- Family law: courthouse viewing only
- Juvenile: fully confidential
- Probate: accessible online and in person
- Small claims: online and in person
If you need records from a sealed case in Orange, you must get a court order first. Most court records, though, are public.
Orange County Court Records
The city of Orange is in Orange County. All court filings go through the Orange County Superior Court system. For complete details on the county court, all search portals, fees, and resources, visit the Orange County court records page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are in Orange County and use the same court system. Court records are all filed through the Orange County Superior Court.