Find Modoc County Court Records
Court records for Modoc County are held by the Superior Court of California, County of Modoc, in Alturas. Modoc County sits in the far northeast corner of California, bordering Oregon and Nevada. It is one of the least populated counties in the state with roughly 9,000 people. The court handles civil, criminal, family law, probate, small claims, and traffic matters at a single courthouse. This page explains how to access Modoc County court records, what options exist for online and in-person searches, and where to find legal help.
Modoc County Court Records Quick Facts
Modoc County Court Records Online
The Modoc County Superior Court has a public portal for case searches. The Modoc County Public Portal provides case lookup by name or case number. However, this portal may have limited uptime given the court's small size and remote location. If the portal is down, you may need to contact the clerk directly for case information.
Because Modoc is such a small court, online access may not be as extensive as what larger counties provide. The portal covers basic case data including case type, filing date, parties, and the register of actions when available. You can use the California Court Finder to confirm contact information for the Modoc County court.
Below is a view of the California statewide court finder, which can help you locate the Modoc County Superior Court from the state courts website.
Use this state tool to confirm the courthouse address, phone, and hours for Modoc County.
Under California Rules of Court Rule 2.503, certain case types like criminal and family law records have limits on remote access. Civil case records are more open. Even in a small county like Modoc, these statewide rules apply to what you can see online versus what requires a courthouse visit.
Visit the Modoc County Courthouse
The courthouse is in Alturas. It is the only court location in the county. You can visit during business hours to view records for free. The clerk can look up cases by name or case number. Bring a photo ID. You do not pay to view records. Fees are for copies only.
Modoc County is remote. Alturas is about 200 miles north of Reno and over 300 miles north of Sacramento. Plan your trip carefully, especially in winter when mountain passes may close. The courthouse is small and staff can usually help you quickly.
| Courthouse | Superior Court of California, County of Modoc 205 South East Street Alturas, CA 96101 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Phone | (530) 233-6218 |
You can also send a written request by mail. Include the case name or number, what you need, and a check or money order for the fees. The clerk will process it and mail back the copies.
Court Record Fees in Modoc County
Modoc County charges the same fees as all California superior courts. Plain copies are $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost $40.00. The search fee is $15.00 if the clerk spends more than 10 minutes looking up a record. Certified dissolution judgment copies are $15.00.
Payment at the clerk's window is usually by cash, check, or money order. Credit card acceptance varies at smaller courts like Modoc, so check before you go. Mail-in requests should include payment with your written request.
Fee waivers are available for those who qualify. File a fee waiver form with the court. A judge reviews your income information and makes the decision. Forms are on the California Courts Self-Help Center website.
Note: Since Modoc County is very small, wait times for record requests tend to be shorter than at larger courts.
Types of Modoc County Court Records
The Modoc County Superior Court handles all trial-level case types. Civil cases include contract disputes, property claims, and debt matters. Criminal records cover felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions. Family law records hold divorce, custody, child support, and restraining order files.
Probate records deal with estates, wills, and conservatorships. Small claims cases handle smaller dollar disputes. Traffic cases make up part of the court's workload. Retention periods follow state law. Civil unlimited cases are kept 10 years. Felonies stay 75 years. Family law is retained 30 years.
Juvenile records are confidential across California. Sealed records need a court order. All other Modoc County court records are public unless a judge orders otherwise.
Legal Resources for Modoc County
The Modoc County Superior Court has a self-help center. Staff assist with forms, procedures, and finding records. This is free for everyone.
Legal Services of Northern California provides free legal help to low-income residents in Modoc County. Call (916) 551-2150. California Rural Legal Assistance also covers rural areas like Modoc at (800) 337-0690. Both handle civil and family law matters.
The California Courts Self-Help Center has statewide resources that apply to Modoc County court records. You can find forms, step-by-step guides, and answers to common questions about court processes.
Cities in Modoc County
Modoc County includes the city of Alturas, which is the county seat and the only incorporated city. No city in Modoc County has a population over 100,000. All court cases go through the Modoc County Superior Court. Other communities include Cedarville, Eagleville, Fort Bidwell, and Canby.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Modoc County. Each has its own court system and separate records.