Merced County Court Records

Court records in Merced County are maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Merced, based in the city of Merced. The county is located in the Central Valley and has a population of roughly 281,000 people. Merced County is also home to the University of California, Merced. The court handles civil, criminal, family law, probate, small claims, and traffic matters. This page covers how to find Merced County court records through online tools and in-person visits, along with fees and legal resources.

Merced County Court Records Online

The Merced County Superior Court provides information about its online records through the Merced County Online Records page. This page explains how to search for case data and what types of records you can access remotely. The court uses an online portal that lets you look up cases by name or case number.

Below is a screenshot from the Merced County online records page.

This page lays out the options for looking up Merced County court records from a computer or phone.

The portal covers civil, criminal, family, probate, small claims, and traffic cases. You can see the register of actions and basic case information. Full document access is limited for some case types under California Rules of Court Rule 2.503. Criminal and family law records show restricted data online. Civil records are more complete in what you can view remotely.

Note: If you need full documents for a criminal or family law case, you will need to visit the courthouse or use a public access terminal there.

Visit the Merced County Courthouse

The main courthouse is in the city of Merced. You can walk in during office hours and view court records for free. The clerk will look up cases by name or case number. Bring a photo ID. Fees apply only for copies, not for viewing.

Merced County also has a court location in Los Banos for certain case types. The Merced courthouse handles the bulk of filings and records. If your case was filed in Los Banos, the main clerk's office can help you figure out where the records are stored.

Merced County Court Record Fees

Merced County charges the standard California fees for court record copies. Plain copies are $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost $40.00 per document. If the clerk needs more than 10 minutes to search for a record, the fee is $15.00. Certified copies of dissolution judgments are $15.00.

You can pay at the clerk's office. Cash, checks, and money orders are accepted. Ask about credit cards when you visit. For mail-in requests, send a check or money order payable to the Merced County Superior Court along with your request details.

• Plain copies: $0.50 per page
• Certified copies: $40.00 plus $0.50 per page
• Search fee: $15.00 (over 10 minutes)
• Dissolution judgment certified copy: $15.00
• Exemplification: $50.00

Fee waivers are available. File a request with the court if you cannot afford fees. A judge will review your finances. The California Courts Self-Help Center has the waiver forms.

Types of Merced County Court Records

The Merced County Superior Court keeps records for every trial-level case type. Civil cases include contract claims, personal injury suits, real property disputes, and debt collection actions. Criminal records cover felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions. Family law records include divorce, custody, child support, and domestic violence restraining orders.

Probate records handle estates, wills, trusts, conservatorships, and guardianships. Small claims cases cover disputes under $12,500. Traffic matters create separate records. California Government Code Section 68152 sets retention periods. Civil unlimited cases stay 10 years. Felony records are kept 75 years. Family law stays 30 years. Adoptions and name changes are permanent.

Juvenile records are confidential statewide. Sealed records need a court order. All other court records in Merced County are presumed public.

Legal Help in Merced County

The Merced County Superior Court has a self-help center. Staff can help with forms, procedures, and locating records. It is free to use.

Central California Legal Services gives free legal aid to low-income residents in Merced County. Call (800) 675-8001. They handle family law, housing, public benefits, and other civil matters. California Rural Legal Assistance also serves Merced County at (800) 337-0690.

The California Courts Self-Help Center website has statewide guides and forms for common court processes. All of these apply to Merced County court records and procedures.

Note: Self-help staff provide procedural guidance only and cannot give legal advice or represent you.

Cities in Merced County

Merced County includes the city of Merced, Atwater, Los Banos, Livingston, and Gustine. No city in Merced County has a population over 100,000. All court cases go through the Merced County Superior Court system. Other communities include Dos Palos, Winton, and Planada.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Merced County. Each has its own court system and records.