Richmond Court Records
Court records in Richmond are filed at the Contra Costa County Superior Court. Richmond sits in western Contra Costa County with a population around 116,000. The county courthouse in Martinez handles most court functions for Richmond. You can look up civil, criminal, family law, and small claims records online or by visiting the courthouse. This page explains the search process, fees, and legal help resources for court records in Richmond.
Richmond Court Records Quick Facts
Where Richmond Court Records Are Filed
Richmond is in Contra Costa County. All cases go through the Contra Costa County Superior Court. The main court records office is at the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse, 725 Court Street, Room 103, Martinez, CA 94553. The phone number is (925) 608-1000. Hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Richmond does not have its own court. The county handles everything. Cases from Richmond, including criminal, civil, and family law, are filed at the county level. The Martinez courthouse is the primary location for records requests and in-person viewing.
Contra Costa County is in the process of developing a new case document system. Once that is in place, online access may improve. For now, the existing tools and in-person visits are the main ways to access Richmond court records.
| Court Records | Wakefield Taylor Courthouse 725 Court Street, Room 103 Martinez, CA 94553 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (925) 608-1000 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
Search Richmond Records Online
Contra Costa County has an online portal for case searches. The Odyssey Public Portal lets you search by name or case number. It covers civil, criminal, family, and other case types filed in the county, including cases from Richmond.
The portal shows case index data, hearing dates, and the register of actions. It is a good starting point for finding any case in the Contra Costa County system. The search itself is free to use.
The Contra Costa court records page explains how to request copies and access files.
If a Richmond case was appealed, the statewide appellate case search covers decisions from higher courts.
Full documents for criminal and family law cases are restricted from remote viewing under California Rule of Court 2.503. The online portal shows basic data but not complete documents for these case types. Civil records have the most data available online. For full documents, you may need to visit the Martinez courthouse in person.
Court Records Fees in Richmond
Contra Costa County follows the statewide fee schedule. Copies cost $0.50 per page. Certifications are $40.00 plus $0.50 per page. Divorce judgment certifications are $15.00. The search fee is $15.00 when the clerk takes more than 10 minutes.
These fees apply at all county courthouse locations. Whether you request records in person, by mail, or through the online system, the same rates apply. If you plan to get several documents from Richmond court records, the costs can add up quickly.
Fee waivers are available for people who meet income requirements. Ask the court clerk for the right form. A judge will review your request and decide if fees should be waived or reduced.
Legal Help for Richmond Residents
Bay Area Legal Aid provides free legal help in Richmond. Call (800) 551-5554. They handle housing, public benefits, and family law cases. If you need assistance finding court records or understanding what they mean, this is a good resource.
The Contra Costa County Superior Court has a self-help center. Staff can guide you through finding records, filling out forms, and understanding court procedures. This is free for everyone. The California Courts Self-Help Center online also has statewide guides that apply to Richmond cases.
The Contra Costa County Bar Association has a lawyer referral service for people who need an attorney. For a small fee, you get an initial consultation. This can be helpful if your court records situation involves complex legal issues.
Types of Court Records in Richmond
Contra Costa County keeps records for all case types filed from Richmond. Civil records cover lawsuits, evictions, and contract disputes. Criminal records include felonies and misdemeanors. Family law files hold divorce, custody, and support orders. Probate handles wills and estates. Small claims and traffic cases also create records.
Each case type has different access levels and retention periods. Civil records are the most accessible. Criminal and family law files have remote viewing restrictions. Juvenile records are confidential.
- Civil unlimited: kept for 10 years
- Civil judgments: kept permanently
- Felony: kept for 75 years
- Family law: kept for 30 years
- Adoption: kept permanently
After the retention period, the court can destroy the files. If you need old Richmond court records, request them before the clock runs out. Government Code Section 68152 sets these timelines.
Contra Costa County Court Records
Richmond is in Contra Costa County. All court filings go through the Contra Costa County Superior Court. For complete information on the county court, search portals, fees, and resources, visit the Contra Costa County court records page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are in Contra Costa County or the wider Bay Area. Court records go through their respective county courts.