Search Ventura Court Records
Court records for the city of Ventura are filed at the Ventura County Superior Court. The city has about 110,000 people and serves as the county seat. The main courthouse is right here in Ventura, making it the most convenient location for local residents to access case files. All civil, criminal, family, probate, and small claims cases go through the county court. This guide explains how to find court records, what fees you will pay, and where to get legal assistance for Ventura cases.
Ventura Court Records Quick Facts
Where Ventura Court Cases Go
The Ventura County Superior Court main building at 800 South Victoria Avenue in Ventura handles the bulk of filings for the county. Since Ventura is the county seat, most court activity happens here. Civil, family law, probate, and major criminal cases all file at this location. A juvenile courthouse at 4353 Vineyard Avenue in Oxnard handles juvenile matters.
The records office is at the main Ventura courthouse. Staff handle walk-in requests and phone inquiries during business hours. You can search records in person at no charge. If you need the clerk to pull a specific file, come prepared with a case number or the full names of the parties.
Branch courthouses in Simi Valley and other parts of the county take overflow cases and handle local criminal and traffic matters. But the records office stays in Ventura.
| 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 Ventura Court Records Online
The Ventura County Superior Court offers two search portals. The public portal covers civil, probate, and small claims cases. Search by name or case number to see basic info like parties, filing dates, and hearing schedules.
A separate criminal and traffic case search tool handles criminal and traffic records. Both tools cover cases filed at the Ventura courthouse and all branch locations.
If a Ventura County case was appealed, you can search for it through the California Appellate Courts system. Ventura County is in the Second Appellate District.
Under California Rules of Court, Rule 2.503, family law and criminal case documents have restricted remote access. Indexes and calendars appear online, but full documents require a visit to a courthouse terminal. Civil records have the most open access. AB 1524 now allows you to photograph records on courthouse screens with your own device.
Record Fees in Ventura
The Ventura County court charges per the statewide schedule. Record searches cost $15.00 per search with a cap of 15 names per request. Copies are $0.50 per page. Certification costs $40.00 per document. Certified copies of final dissolution judgments are $15.00.
Viewing records at the courthouse on a public terminal is free. You only pay for physical copies. Fee waivers are available for qualifying individuals. Get the form from the clerk and submit it for a judge to review.
Legal Help in Ventura
The Ventura County Superior Court has a self-help center at the main courthouse. Staff there help with forms, record searches, and understanding court procedures. The service is free for all visitors.
California Rural Legal Assistance at (800) 337-0690 covers parts of Ventura County. They help with housing, employment, and immigration issues for low-income people. California Courts Self-Help provides online guides that apply to cases in Ventura.
The Ventura County Bar Association has a lawyer referral service. They can match you with an attorney who handles the type of case you are dealing with. The LawHelpCA website also lists free and low-cost legal services in the Ventura area.
Types of Court Records in Ventura
The Ventura County Superior Court keeps records for all case types. Civil records cover lawsuits, property matters, and debt collection. Criminal records include felonies and misdemeanors. Family law deals with divorce, custody, and restraining orders. Probate covers wills, estates, and conservatorships. Small claims handle disputes under the dollar cap. Traffic offenses create their own case records.
Access rules vary by case type. Civil records are the most open for public viewing, both online and in person. Criminal summaries show limited data remotely. Family law and juvenile records are restricted to courthouse terminals or entirely confidential.
- Civil unlimited: 10 years
- Civil judgments: permanent
- Felony: 75 years
- Family law: 30 years
- Small claims: 10 years
Sealed records require a court order to access. The records staff can tell you whether a file is sealed, confidential, or open to the public.
Ventura County Court Records
Ventura is the county seat of Ventura County. For full county court information, all branch locations, and additional resources, see the county page.
Nearby Cities
Cities near Ventura with court records pages.