Simi Valley Court Records
Court records for Simi Valley are filed at the Ventura County Superior Court. Simi Valley has about 127,000 residents and sits in the eastern part of Ventura County. The city does not run its own court. All civil, criminal, family law, probate, and small claims cases go through the county system. A branch courthouse in Simi Valley handles some local cases. This guide explains how to search for court records, what fees to expect, and where to get help with case files tied to Simi Valley.
Simi Valley Court Records Quick Facts
Where Simi Valley Cases Are Filed
Simi Valley cases file at the Ventura County Superior Court. The main courthouse is in Ventura at 800 South Victoria Avenue. A branch courthouse called the East County Courthouse in Simi Valley handles some criminal and traffic cases locally. Which courthouse hears your case depends on the case type and location of the events.
The records office at the main Ventura courthouse manages court files for the whole county, including Simi Valley. Phone hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. You can call (805) 289-8668 to ask about a specific case. In-person visits to search records are free.
If you are not sure which branch has your case, contact the clerk's office. They can check the system and tell you where the file is held.
| Main Courthouse | Ventura County Superior Court 800 South Victoria Ave Ventura, CA 93009 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (805) 289-8668 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
Search Simi Valley Court Records Online
The Ventura County Superior Court offers online case searches through its public portal. This covers civil, probate, and small claims cases. You can search by name or case number to see basic case data like parties, filing dates, and hearing schedules.
For criminal and traffic records, a separate search tool is available at the county court services site. This covers cases heard at the Simi Valley branch and other Ventura County locations.
The California DOJ Live Scan locator helps you find places to submit fingerprints for a state criminal background check. This is a separate process from court records but useful if you need a full criminal history search.
Full case documents are generally not available for download through the online portal. Family law and criminal records have restricted remote access under California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503. To view those, you need to visit the courthouse and use a public terminal.
Fees for Simi Valley Court Records
The Ventura County Superior Court charges the following fees for court records. Record searches cost $15.00 per search, with a maximum of 15 names per request. Copies are $0.50 per page. Certification is $40.00. Certified copies of dissolution judgments are $15.00 each.
Viewing records at the courthouse on a public terminal is free. You only pay for copies you take with you. Fee waivers are available. Ask the clerk for a waiver form, and a judge will review your income information.
Legal Resources in Simi Valley
The Ventura County Superior Court runs a self-help center that assists people without attorneys. Staff help with forms, record searches, and understanding court procedures. The service is free and open to all.
California Courts Self-Help has online guides covering every case type. These apply to Simi Valley cases. The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles serves some nearby areas, and California Rural Legal Assistance at (800) 337-0690 covers parts of Ventura County.
The Ventura County Bar Association can connect you with a private attorney through their lawyer referral service. They match you with a lawyer based on the type of case you have.
Types of Court Records
Ventura County Superior Court keeps records for all case types filed in Simi Valley. Civil records cover lawsuits and property matters. Criminal records include felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic offenses. Family law covers divorce, custody, and support orders. Probate handles wills and estates. Small claims deal with smaller dollar disputes.
Civil records are the most accessible online. Criminal and family law records are more restricted. Juvenile records are confidential by law. If you need a sealed record, you must petition the court to unseal it.
- Civil judgments for unlimited cases: permanent
- Felony records: 75 years
- Family law records: 30 years
- Small claims: 10 years
Records past their retention date may have been destroyed. Contact the clerk to check if a specific file is still on hand.
Ventura County Court Records
Simi Valley is in Ventura County. All court filings go through the Ventura County Superior Court. For full county details, search tools, and more, see the county page.
Nearby Cities
Other cities near Simi Valley served by Ventura County or nearby courts.