Search Mendocino County Court Records
Court records in Mendocino County are managed by the Superior Court of California, County of Mendocino, headquartered in Ukiah. Mendocino County stretches along the Northern California coast and inland through the Ukiah Valley. The county has a population of about 91,000 people. The court handles civil, criminal, family law, probate, small claims, and traffic cases across two courthouse locations. This page explains how to search for Mendocino County court records online, get copies in person, and find legal resources.
Mendocino County Court Records Quick Facts
Mendocino County Court Records Online
The Mendocino County Superior Court provides an online search tool through the re:SearchCA portal. The Mendocino County re:SearchCA Portal lets you look up cases by name, case number, or filing date. You can view case summaries, register of actions, and hearing information for civil, criminal, family, probate, small claims, and traffic cases.
The screenshot below shows the Mendocino County court search system from the court's portal page.
This portal uses the re:SearchCA system, which is also used by other California courts for online case access.
California Rules of Court Rule 2.503 places limits on what can be viewed remotely. Civil records are the most accessible online. You can see full registers of actions, case indexes, and calendars for civil matters. Criminal, family law, and juvenile cases have restrictions. For these types, the online system shows limited data, and full documents need to be viewed at the courthouse.
Note: The Mendocino portal runs on the re:SearchCA platform, so the search interface may look different from portals used by other counties.
Visit the Mendocino County Courthouse
The main courthouse is in Ukiah. You can go there during business hours to view court records at no cost. The clerk will pull the file if you give them a name or case number. Bring a photo ID. Fees only apply when you want copies made.
Mendocino County has a second court location in Fort Bragg for the coastal area. This branch handles some case types for the coast. The Ukiah courthouse is the main location where most records are kept. If your case was filed at the Fort Bragg branch, the clerk in Ukiah can direct you.
| Main Courthouse | Mendocino County Superior Court 100 North State Street Ukiah, CA 95482 |
|---|---|
| Ten Mile Branch | 700 South Franklin Street Fort Bragg, CA 95437 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Phone | (707) 463-4664 |
The drive between Ukiah and Fort Bragg takes about an hour on winding mountain roads. Check ahead to see which location has your file before making the trip.
Mendocino County Court Record Fees
Mendocino County follows the California statewide fee schedule for court records. Plain copies are $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost $40.00 per document. Search fees run $15.00 when the clerk spends more than 10 minutes on a lookup. Certified dissolution judgment copies are $15.00.
Pay at the clerk's office with cash, check, or money order. Some locations may accept credit cards. For mail requests, send a check or money order. Include the case name, case number if known, and what documents you need.
Fee waivers are available for people with low income. File a fee waiver request form with the Mendocino County court. A judge will review it. The California Courts Self-Help Center has the waiver forms available online.
Types of Mendocino County Court Records
The Mendocino County Superior Court keeps records for all trial-level case types. Civil cases include lawsuits about contracts, property, debt, and personal injury. Criminal records cover felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions. Family law records include divorce, custody, support, and restraining orders.
Probate records deal with wills, trusts, estates, and conservatorships. Small claims cases handle disputes up to $12,500 for individuals. Traffic violations create their own set of court records. Retention periods follow California law. Civil cases stay for 10 years, felonies for 75 years, and family law for 30 years.
Juvenile records are confidential by state law. Sealed records can only be opened with a court order. All other Mendocino County court records are presumed open to the public unless a judge has specifically ordered them sealed or made confidential.
Legal Resources in Mendocino County
The Mendocino County Superior Court runs a self-help center at the Ukiah courthouse. Staff help with forms, court procedures, and finding records. The service is free for everyone.
Legal Services of Northern California provides free legal aid to low-income people in Mendocino County. Call (916) 551-2150. They cover housing, family law, public benefits, and consumer issues. California Rural Legal Assistance also serves Mendocino County at (800) 337-0690. The California Courts Self-Help Center has online guides and forms that apply statewide.
Note: Self-help center staff help with process and forms but cannot give legal advice or represent you in your Mendocino County court case.
Cities in Mendocino County
Mendocino County includes Ukiah, Fort Bragg, Willits, and Point Arena. No city in Mendocino County has a population over 100,000. All court cases in the county go through the Mendocino County Superior Court system. Other communities include Mendocino, Boonville, Hopland, and Laytonville.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Mendocino County. Each one has its own court system with separate records.