Search Palmdale Court Records
Court records for Palmdale go through the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Palmdale sits in the Antelope Valley in northern Los Angeles County with a population around 169,000. The Antelope Valley Courthouse in Lancaster serves Palmdale and the surrounding communities. You can search civil, criminal, family, and small claims records using online tools or by going to the courthouse. This page explains where to find records, what the fees are, and how to get help in Palmdale.
Palmdale Court Records Quick Facts
Palmdale Court Records Location
Palmdale is part of Los Angeles County. The Antelope Valley Courthouse in Lancaster handles cases from Palmdale and the surrounding area. The courthouse address is 42011 4th Street West, Lancaster, CA 93534. This is the closest location for Palmdale residents who need court records in person.
The Antelope Valley Courthouse covers civil, criminal, family law, and traffic cases. It is one of many branch courts in the LA Superior Court system. Palmdale does not have its own court building. Cases from Palmdale are filed at this Lancaster location or, in some situations, at a downtown LA courthouse.
For cases that may have been transferred downtown, the Stanley Mosk Courthouse at 111 North Hill Street in Los Angeles is the central civil courthouse. But most Palmdale cases stay at the Antelope Valley branch.
| Courthouse | Antelope Valley Courthouse 42011 4th Street West Lancaster, CA 93534 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:10 PM |
| Court System | Los Angeles County Superior Court |
Search Palmdale Records Online
The LA Superior Court online search tools cover all courthouse locations, including the Antelope Valley branch that serves Palmdale. The civil case index lets you search by name for civil, family law, probate, and small claims records. Guest users pay $4.75 per search. Data goes back to 1983 for some case types.
The criminal case summary tool shows case status and hearing dates for criminal matters. It is free to use and covers all LA County locations, including cases from Palmdale.
The California Courts Self-Help Center provides statewide guidance for Palmdale residents searching for records.
Rule 2.503 controls what court records you can see online versus at the courthouse. This applies to all Palmdale cases.
Full criminal and family law documents are only viewable at courthouse terminals. The online tools show the register of actions and case index for these types. Civil records have the broadest online access. Check the system daily, as new filings can take a day to appear in Palmdale court records searches.
Court Records Fees in Palmdale
Palmdale follows the same fee schedule as all LA County courthouses. Copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies are $40.00. Search fees are $15.00 when the clerk looks for more than 10 minutes. A certified dissolution judgment costs $15.00.
Online search costs are separate from copy fees. Guest users pay $4.75 per name search on the civil index. Registered users get bulk rates starting at $1.00 for the first 10 searches. If you plan to search multiple Palmdale court records, a registered account saves money over time.
Fee waivers are an option. Fill out the request form and a judge will review your income. If approved, some or all fees may be waived for your Palmdale court records search.
Legal Help for Palmdale Residents
The Antelope Valley Courthouse has a self-help center. Staff can help you locate records, fill out forms, and understand court procedures. This is free. You do not need a lawyer.
The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles serves the Palmdale area. Call (800) 399-4529. They handle civil, family, and housing cases for low-income people. Neighborhood Legal Services also covers the Antelope Valley area for certain case types.
The California Courts Self-Help Center has online guides for every type of case. These are useful for Palmdale residents who want to search for court records on their own. The LA County Bar Association lawyer referral service can connect you with attorneys who practice in the Antelope Valley.
Types of Court Records in Palmdale
The Antelope Valley Courthouse keeps records for cases filed in the Palmdale area. Civil records cover lawsuits, debt collection, and property disputes. Criminal records include felonies and misdemeanors. Family law has divorce, custody, and restraining orders. Small claims and traffic cases also create records at this location.
Retention periods follow state law under Government Code Section 68152. Civil unlimited cases are kept 10 years. Felonies stay 75 years. Family law records last 30 years. Small claims keep for 10 years.
- Civil: open to public, most data available online
- Criminal: limited remote access, full files at courthouse
- Family law: courthouse terminal viewing only
- Juvenile: confidential by state law
After the retention period, records may be destroyed. If you need old Palmdale court records, do not wait too long to request them. Sealed cases need a court order to access.
Los Angeles County Court Records
Palmdale is in Los Angeles County. All court filings go through the LA County Superior Court system. The county has over 30 locations and handles millions of cases each year. For full details on the county court, all search portals, and resources, visit the Los Angeles County page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are in Los Angeles County or nearby. Court records go through their respective county courts.