Torrance Court Records
Court records in Torrance go through the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Torrance has about 145,000 residents and sits in the South Bay area of Los Angeles County. The Torrance Courthouse handles many local cases, and the LA Superior Court system manages all records centrally. Civil, criminal, family, and traffic cases all file at the county level. This page covers how to find court records for Torrance, search online, and get copies of case files.
Torrance Court Records Quick Facts
Where Torrance Court Cases Go
The Torrance Courthouse at 825 Maple Avenue handles criminal, traffic, and some civil matters for the Torrance area. It is one of over 30 LA Superior Court branches. This is the most convenient location for Torrance residents who need to visit a courthouse.
Some civil cases, family law, and probate matters may file at other LA County courthouses like the Stanley Mosk Courthouse downtown. Where your case goes depends on the case type and where the events occurred. The LA Superior Court website can help you figure out the right branch.
Walk-in record searches are free at any LA County courthouse. Hours are 8:30 AM to 4:10 PM, Monday through Friday. The court email for online services is onlineServices@lacourt.org.
| Local Courthouse | Torrance Courthouse 825 Maple Avenue Torrance, CA 90503 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:10 PM |
| onlineServices@lacourt.org |
Search Torrance Court Records Online
The LA Superior Court has online search tools that cover all branches, including the Torrance 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 criminal case summary tool covers criminal cases at the Torrance branch and all other LA County locations. It shows case status, charges, and hearing dates. Full criminal documents are only available at courthouse terminals under state rules.
The statewide California court opinions database can be useful if your Torrance case involves an appeal or a published legal ruling.
Online search results update daily. Civil records going back to 1983 are in the system. Limited civil starts in 1991 and small claims from 1992. Family law records show limited data online. For full access, visit the Torrance Courthouse in person.
Fees for Torrance Court Records
The LA County Superior Court uses the statewide fee schedule. Plain copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies are $40.00. Search fees for clerk searches over 10 minutes are $15.00. Online guest searches cost $4.75 each.
Registered users with bulk search accounts get reduced rates starting at $1.00 for the first 10 searches. If you qualify for a fee waiver based on income, ask the clerk for the form. A judge will review your request and may waive some or all costs.
Legal Resources for Torrance
The LA Superior Court runs self-help centers at several locations. The main center at Stanley Mosk Courthouse downtown helps with forms, record searches, and case guidance. A smaller center may operate at the Torrance branch as well. Check the court website for current hours.
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles provides free legal help to low-income residents. Call (800) 399-4529. They handle civil, family, and housing cases across LA County, including Torrance. The California Courts Self-Help site has online guides for every case type.
The South Bay Bar Association and the LA County Bar Association both offer lawyer referral services for people who need private legal counsel.
Types of Court Records in Torrance
The LA Superior Court handles all case types for Torrance. Civil records cover lawsuits, evictions, and property disputes. Criminal records include felonies and misdemeanors. Family law covers divorce, custody, and support. Probate handles wills and estates. Small claims deal with low-dollar disputes. Traffic violations create separate records.
Access depends on the case type. Civil records are the most open. Criminal case summaries show limited data online. Family law documents need a courthouse terminal. Juvenile records are confidential.
- Civil unlimited cases: 10 years
- Civil judgments: permanent
- Felony records: 75 years
- Family law: 30 years
- Adoption and name change: permanent
Sealed or confidential records require a court order to view. The clerk can tell you the status of any case in the system.
Los Angeles County Court Records
Torrance is in Los Angeles County. All court filings go through the LA County Superior Court. For full county details, see the county page.
Nearby Cities
Other cities in the Los Angeles area with court records pages.