Pasadena Court Records
Court records in Pasadena are filed at the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Pasadena has about 139,000 residents and its own courthouse location within the LA County court system. The Pasadena Courthouse handles civil, criminal, traffic, and other case types for the city and nearby areas. You can search these records through online tools or by visiting the courthouse. This page walks you through the process, fees, and resources for accessing court records in Pasadena.
Pasadena Court Records Quick Facts
Where Pasadena Court Records Are Filed
The Pasadena Courthouse is a branch of the LA County Superior Court. It sits at 300 East Walnut Street, Pasadena, CA 91101. This location handles civil, criminal, and traffic cases for the Pasadena area. Family law cases may be filed here or at another LA County branch, depending on the specifics of the case.
Pasadena does not have a city court. Everything goes through the county. The Pasadena Courthouse is one of more than 30 locations in the LA Superior Court system. It serves Pasadena and surrounding communities like Altadena and South Pasadena.
The Stanley Mosk Courthouse in downtown LA at 111 North Hill Street is the main civil courthouse for the county. Some cases that started at the Pasadena branch may be moved there. But most cases from Pasadena stay at the local courthouse.
| Courthouse | Pasadena Courthouse 300 East Walnut Street Pasadena, CA 91101 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:10 PM |
| Court System | Los Angeles County Superior Court |
Search Pasadena Records Online
LA County's online tools cover the Pasadena Courthouse. The civil case index lets you search by name for civil, family law, probate, and small claims cases. Guest users pay $4.75 per search. The system goes back to 1983 for unlimited civil and family law records.
The criminal case summary tool is free and shows case status, charges, and hearing dates. It covers all LA County courthouses including Pasadena. You search by name or case number.
The LA Superior Court civil case search system covers Pasadena court records.
If a Pasadena case was appealed, the statewide court opinions database shows appellate decisions.
Remote access limits apply. Criminal and family law documents can only be viewed at courthouse terminals under Rule 2.503. Online tools show the register of actions and case index but not full documents for these types. Civil records have the broadest online access for Pasadena court records.
Court Records Fees in Pasadena
The Pasadena Courthouse uses the same fees as all LA County locations. Copies are $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost $40.00. Search fees are $15.00 when the clerk looks for more than 10 minutes. Dissolution judgment certified copies are $15.00.
Online searches add to the cost. Guest users pay $4.75 per search on the civil index. Registered users get lower rates. Bulk pricing starts at $1.00 for the first 10 searches. These online fees are separate from any copy charges if you need actual documents from Pasadena court records.
Fee waivers are available for people who cannot pay. The court has a form for this. A judge looks at your income and decides if fees should be waived.
Legal Help in Pasadena
The Pasadena Courthouse has a self-help center. Staff can help you find records, complete forms, and understand court steps. It is free for everyone. No appointment is needed for most services.
The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles at (800) 399-4529 serves Pasadena. They handle civil, family, and housing cases for people with low income. The California Courts Self-Help Center provides online guides that apply to Pasadena cases.
Neighborhood Legal Services covers part of the San Gabriel Valley, which includes Pasadena. They focus on housing, public benefits, and employment law. The LA County Bar Association also has a referral service for finding a private attorney in the Pasadena area. For complex court records issues, a lawyer consultation can be worth the small fee.
Types of Records in Pasadena
The Pasadena Courthouse keeps records for all case types filed in the area. Civil records cover lawsuits and contract disputes. Criminal records have felonies and misdemeanors. Family law files hold divorce, custody, and support orders. Traffic cases create their own records. Small claims involve disputes under the dollar limit.
State law sets retention periods. Civil unlimited cases last 10 years. Felony records last 75 years. Family law records stay 30 years. Adoptions and parentage records are permanent. Once the retention period ends, the court may destroy the files.
- Civil records: most data online, open to public
- Criminal: limited online info, full files at courthouse
- Family law: only viewable at courthouse
- Juvenile: confidential, not public
- Traffic: varies by offense type
Sealed or confidential cases in Pasadena are not available without a court order. Most other records are public and can be viewed by anyone.
Los Angeles County Court Records
Pasadena is in Los Angeles County. All court cases for Pasadena go through the LA County Superior Court. The system has over 30 locations. For full details on the county court system, online portals, and resources, visit the Los Angeles County court records page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are in Los Angeles County and use the same court system for their records.