Stanislaus County Court Records

Court records in Stanislaus County are maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Stanislaus, with its main courthouse in Modesto. The county has a population of about 552,000 and covers a large agricultural region in the Central Valley. The court handles civil, criminal, family law, probate, small claims, and traffic cases across multiple locations. Stanislaus County provides a public portal for online case searches, and you can also visit the courthouse to view records in person. This guide explains the search tools, fees, record types, and resources available for finding court records in Stanislaus County.

Stanislaus County Records Online Search

The Stanislaus County Superior Court has an online public portal for searching court records. The Stanislaus Public Portal lets you search by party name, case number, attorney, or other criteria. The system covers civil, criminal, family law, probate, small claims, and traffic cases filed in the county.

Here is the Stanislaus County court records public portal where you can search for case information.

Search results display the case number, parties involved, case type, filing date, and current status. The register of actions is also available, showing all filings and court events tied to a case. For civil cases, you may be able to view some documents remotely. Criminal and family law records have stricter limits on remote access under California Rules of Court Rule 2.503. Those documents can only be viewed at a courthouse terminal.

You do not need an account to search the portal. It is free for basic case lookups. If a case does not show up, it may be sealed, confidential, or from before the court adopted its current digital system. Contact the clerk's office for help finding older or restricted records in Stanislaus County.

In-Person Access in Stanislaus County

The main courthouse is at 800 11th Street in Modesto, CA 95354. The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday. You can walk in and view court records at no charge. Bring your photo ID. The clerk will look up cases by number or party name and pull files for you to review at the counter.

Stanislaus County has additional court locations in Turlock and other areas. The Turlock Branch Court handles some case types for the southern part of the county. Check with the court to find out which location holds the record you need. Most records are accessible at the main Modesto courthouse.

If you need copies, the clerk makes them while you wait for most records. For older cases stored offsite, there may be a delay. Let the clerk know ahead of time if you need an archived record so they can have it pulled before your visit.

Stanislaus County Court Record Fees

Fees for court records in Stanislaus County match the statewide schedule set by the California Government Code. Plain copies are $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost $40.00 per document. Certified copies of dissolution judgments run $15.00. A search fee of $15.00 applies when the clerk needs more than 10 minutes. Comparing a copy to the original costs $1.00 per page. Exemplification is $50.00.

The online portal is free for searching case index data. Fees only come into play when you request copies or certified documents. Payment can be made at the clerk's window. For mail requests, send a check or money order payable to the Stanislaus County Superior Court along with the details of what you need.

Fee waivers are available for people who qualify based on income. Fill out the standard California fee waiver form and submit it to the clerk. A judge will review your application and decide whether to grant it. The self-help center at the courthouse can assist with the process.

Note: Document download fees through the online portal may vary, so check with the court for the latest pricing on digital copies.

Types of Court Records in Stanislaus

Stanislaus County Superior Court hears all trial-level cases. Civil cases include personal injury, contract disputes, real estate matters, and unlawful detainer (eviction) proceedings. Criminal cases range from minor infractions and misdemeanors to serious felonies. The county handles a significant volume of drug-related and property crime cases given its size and population.

Family law covers divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and domestic violence restraining orders. Probate files include wills, estates, guardianships, and conservatorships. Small claims handles disputes under the state dollar limit. Traffic cases make up a large share of the court's total caseload. Each of these categories has its own rules about what the public can see and how records can be accessed in Stanislaus County.

Legal Help in Stanislaus County

The Stanislaus County Superior Court offers self-help services at the main courthouse in Modesto. Staff help with forms, court procedures, and finding your way through the system. It is free. No appointment needed for most questions. The self-help center does not give legal advice but can guide you to the right forms and resources.

Central California Legal Services provides free legal assistance to low-income residents in Stanislaus County. Call (800) 675-8001 for information. They cover family law, housing, consumer issues, and other civil legal matters. California Rural Legal Assistance also serves the Central Valley region. The California Courts Self-Help Center has statewide resources that work for any county.

For hiring a private lawyer, the Stanislaus County Bar Association can refer you to local attorneys who handle your type of case. Many Modesto-area lawyers give a free first consultation. If your question is just about finding or getting copies of court records, the clerk's office is the best place to start.

Cities in Stanislaus County

Stanislaus County includes several cities, with Modesto being the largest and the county seat. All court cases in these cities are filed through the Stanislaus County Superior Court.

Other cities in Stanislaus County include Turlock, Ceres, Patterson, Riverbank, Oakdale, Newman, Hughson, and Waterford. All court cases from these cities go through the Stanislaus County Superior Court system.

Nearby Counties

Stanislaus County is surrounded by these counties. Each one has its own Superior Court and separate records system.