Mendocino County Public Records /Mendocino County Court Records

Mendocino County Court Records

What Is Mendocino County Court Records

Court records in Mendocino County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.550(b)(1), court records include "all documents, papers, exhibits, transcripts, and other materials that are filed in a case." These records serve as the official account of court activities and proceedings.

Mendocino County court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
Docket sheets listing chronological case events
Judicial orders and judgments
Hearing and trial transcripts
Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
Sentencing and disposition records in criminal matters
Marriage dissolution decrees and custody orders
Probate inventories and accountings

Court records are distinct from other public records maintained by Mendocino County, such as:

Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens) maintained by the County Recorder
Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) maintained by the County Clerk
Tax assessment records maintained by the County Assessor

The following courts maintain records in Mendocino County:

Superior Court of California, County of Mendocino (handling civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and traffic matters)
Small Claims Division of the Superior Court
Traffic Division of the Superior Court

The California Government Code § 68150 establishes the framework for court record creation, maintenance, and preservation throughout California, including Mendocino County.

Are Court Records Public In Mendocino County

Court records in Mendocino County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250-6276.48) and the common law right of access to judicial records. The California Constitution, Article I, Section 3(b), further establishes the public's right to access information concerning the conduct of government business.

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

Civil case files (with certain exceptions)
Criminal case files (post-charging, with certain exceptions)
Judgments and court orders
Docket sheets and registers of actions
Court calendars and hearing schedules

However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:

Records sealed by court order pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.551
Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions)
Mental health proceedings
Adoption records
Certain family law matters involving minors
Grand jury proceedings
Records containing confidential personal identifiers

The Judicial Council of California establishes statewide policies regarding public access to court records, while individual courts may have supplemental local rules. Federal courts in California operate under separate access rules governed by federal statutes and the Federal Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure.

How To Find Court Records in Mendocino County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Mendocino County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Superior Court of California, County of Mendocino maintains court records and provides multiple access options.

For in-person requests:

Visit the appropriate courthouse location based on the case type
Complete a records request form available at the clerk's office
Provide case number, party names, or other identifying information
Present valid photo identification
Pay applicable copy fees ($0.50 per page for standard copies)

Superior Court of California, County of Mendocino - Ukiah Courthouse
100 North State Street
Ukiah, CA 95482
(707) 468-2000
Superior Court of California, County of Mendocino

Public counter hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM (excluding court holidays)

Superior Court of California, County of Mendocino - Ten Mile Branch
700 South Franklin Street
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
(707) 964-3192
Superior Court of California, County of Mendocino

Public counter hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM (excluding court holidays)

For written requests:

Submit a completed records request form by mail to the appropriate courthouse
Include case number, party names, or other identifying information
Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery
Include payment for copy fees (check or money order)

For electronic access:

Utilize the Court Information Online portal for case information
Access re:SearchCA for comprehensive case document access
Register for an account if required
Pay applicable online access fees

Certified copies of court records require additional fees and may be requested in person or by mail. Expedited requests may incur additional charges. All fees are established pursuant to Government Code § 70627.

How To Look Up Court Records in Mendocino County Online?

Mendocino County provides comprehensive online access to court records through several digital platforms. The primary online resources for accessing court records electronically include:

Court Information Online Portal
- Access via the Mendocino County Courts portal
- Search by case number, party name, or citation number
- View basic case information, hearing dates, and case status
- No registration required for basic searches
- Available 24/7 except during maintenance periods
re:SearchCA System
- Access through the Mendocino County Courts viewing system
- Registration required (free for basic access)
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date
- View case information, party details, hearings, case events, and select filed documents
- Purchase and download document copies ($1.00 per page)
- Available for most civil, family, probate, and criminal cases
California Courts Self-Help Portal
- Access via California Courts website
- Find case information across multiple counties
- Limited to basic case status and hearing information
- No registration required
- Free access

To conduct an online search:

Select the appropriate online system based on information needs
Enter search criteria (case number is most precise)
Review search results and select the relevant case
Navigate through available tabs to view specific information
Purchase and download documents if needed (fees apply)
Print or save electronic copies as needed

Certain case types and documents may not be available online due to confidentiality restrictions. Technical assistance for online access is available by contacting the Court's IT Department at (707) 468-2000 during regular business hours.

How To Search Mendocino County Court Records for Free?

California law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, as established in Government Code § 68150(l), which states that "public access to trial court records shall be provided at no cost, unless otherwise provided by law."

Mendocino County residents and other interested parties may access court records without payment through the following methods:

Free In-Person Access:

Visit the public access terminals at either courthouse location during regular business hours
No appointment necessary, though wait times may vary
Self-service terminals provide access to all publicly available case information
Staff assistance available for terminal operation if needed
No charge for viewing records on-site

Free Online Access Options:

Basic case information through the Court Information Online portal
Limited case information through the California Courts Self-Help Portal
Basic registration for re:SearchCA (viewing-only access is free)

Free Telephone Information:

Limited case information available by calling the court clerk during business hours
Automated case information system available 24/7 at (707) 468-2000
Information limited to case status, next hearing date, and general case type

While viewing records is free, fees apply for:

Printed or electronic copies ($0.50 per page for standard copies)
Certified copies ($40.00 for first page, $0.50 each additional page)
Document downloads through re:SearchCA ($1.00 per page)
Research assistance by court staff ($15 per name/case for searches exceeding 10 minutes)

All fees are established pursuant to the Uniform Civil Fee Schedule authorized by Government Code § 70626.

What's Included in a Mendocino County Court Record?

Mendocino County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include the following components:

Civil Case Records:

Complaint or petition initiating the action
Summons and proof of service
Answers or responses from defendants
Motions and supporting documentation
Court orders and rulings
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Judgment or dismissal documents
Appeal notices and related filings
Settlement agreements (if not sealed)
Transcript of proceedings (if prepared)

Criminal Case Records:

Charging documents (information, indictment, or complaint)
Arraignment records
Bail and custody information
Motions and responses
Evidence logs and exhibits
Court orders and rulings
Plea agreements
Verdict forms
Sentencing documents
Probation reports (access may be restricted)
Appeal notices and related filings

Family Law Records:

Petition for dissolution or legal separation
Response to petition
Financial disclosure statements (may be confidential)
Child custody and support orders
Domestic violence restraining orders
Marital settlement agreements
Judgments
Qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs)

Probate Records:

Petition for probate or conservatorship
Inventories and appraisals
Accountings
Objections and responses
Court investigator reports
Court orders
Letters of administration or conservatorship
Final distribution decrees

Small Claims Records:

Plaintiff's claim and order
Proof of service
Defendant's response (if any)
Judgment
Satisfaction of judgment (when filed)

Each court record also contains a Register of Actions (docket sheet) that chronologically lists all events and filings in the case. This serves as an index to the complete case file and provides a summary of the case history.

How Long Does Mendocino County Keep Court Records?

Mendocino County Superior Court maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Judicial Council of California pursuant to Government Code § 68152. These schedules specify minimum retention periods based on case type and document classification.

Standard retention periods for major case categories include:

Civil Cases:

Unlimited civil cases (over $25,000): 10 years after final disposition
Limited civil cases ($25,000 or less): 5 years after final disposition
Small claims cases: 10 years after judgment
Unlawful detainer cases: 1 year if judgment for plaintiff; 3 years if judgment for defendant
Civil harassment restraining orders: 3 years after expiration

Criminal Cases:

Felony cases with imprisonment: 75 years after final disposition
Other felony cases: 50 years after final disposition
Misdemeanor cases: 5 years after final disposition
Infractions: 3 years after final disposition
Capital felony cases (death penalty): Permanent retention

Family Law Cases:

Dissolution, legal separation, nullity: 30 years after filing
Child custody, support, visitation: 30 years after youngest child turns 18
Domestic violence restraining orders: 3 years after expiration
Paternity cases: 30 years after judgment

Probate Cases:

Decedent estates: 10 years after final disposition
Conservatorships: 10 years after termination
Guardianships: 10 years after termination or when minor reaches age 23, whichever is later
Trust matters: 10 years after final disposition

Juvenile Cases:

Dependency: Until subject reaches age 28
Delinquency (serious felony): Until subject reaches age 38
Delinquency (other): Until subject reaches age 28

The court may extend these retention periods at its discretion. After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed, transferred to archival facilities, or preserved in electronic format. Certain historically significant cases may be permanently retained.

The California Rules of Court, Rule 10.855 establishes additional requirements for preserving historically significant court records.

Types of Courts In Mendocino County

Mendocino County's court system operates as part of California's unified court structure. Following the statewide court unification in 2001, all courts in the county function as divisions of the Superior Court of California, County of Mendocino.

Superior Court of California, County of Mendocino - Ukiah Courthouse
100 North State Street
Ukiah, CA 95482
(707) 468-2000
Superior Court of California, County of Mendocino
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM (excluding court holidays)

Divisions at this location:

Civil Division
Criminal Division
Family Law Division
Juvenile Division
Probate Division
Traffic Division
Appeals Division

Superior Court of California, County of Mendocino - Ten Mile Branch
700 South Franklin Street
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
(707) 964-3192
Superior Court of California, County of Mendocino
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM (excluding court holidays)

Divisions at this location:

Limited Civil Division
Misdemeanor Criminal Division
Traffic Division
Small Claims Division

The California court hierarchy consists of:

Superior Courts (trial courts in each county)
Courts of Appeal (six appellate districts)
California Supreme Court

Cases from Mendocino County Superior Court are appealed to:

California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District
350 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 865-7300
California Courts of Appeal, First District

The final level of appeal is to:

Supreme Court of California
350 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 865-7000
California Supreme Court

Federal cases arising in Mendocino County are heard in:

United States District Court, Northern District of California
450 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 522-2000
U.S. District Court, Northern District of California

What Types of Cases Do Mendocino County Courts Hear?

The Superior Court of California, County of Mendocino has jurisdiction over a wide range of case types. Each division of the court handles specific categories of legal matters as follows:

Civil Division:

Unlimited civil cases (claims exceeding $25,000)
Limited civil cases (claims of $25,000 or less)
Small claims cases (claims up to $10,000)
Civil harassment restraining orders
Name change petitions
Elder abuse cases
Unlawful detainer (eviction) proceedings
Civil appeals from small claims judgments

Criminal Division:

Felony cases (preliminary hearings and trials)
Misdemeanor cases
Infractions
Criminal appeals from infractions
Bail proceedings
Probation violations
Mental health competency proceedings
Criminal protective orders

Family Law Division:

Divorce (dissolution of marriage)
Legal separation
Nullity of marriage
Child custody and visitation
Child support
Spousal support
Domestic violence restraining orders
Paternity actions
Adoptions
Termination of parental rights

Juvenile Division:

Juvenile dependency (child welfare) cases
Juvenile delinquency (juvenile criminal) cases
Juvenile traffic infractions
Emancipation of minors

Probate Division:

Decedent estate administration
Will contests
Trust proceedings
Conservatorships
Guardianships
Elder care petitions

Traffic Division:

Traffic infractions
Parking violations
Driver's license issues
Traffic misdemeanors (e.g., DUI, driving on suspended license)

Appeals Division:

Appeals from small claims judgments
Appeals from infractions
Writs related to lower court proceedings

The Ten Mile Branch in Fort Bragg handles a limited subset of these case types, primarily focusing on misdemeanors, traffic matters, small claims, and limited civil cases for the coastal communities of Mendocino County.

How To Find a Court Docket In Mendocino County

Court dockets, also known as Registers of Actions, provide chronological listings of all proceedings and filings in a case. Mendocino County residents and interested parties may access court dockets through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

Visit the Mendocino County Courts portal
Select "Case Information" from the main menu
Enter search criteria (case number preferred for most accurate results)
Select the case from search results
View the Register of Actions showing all docket entries
No fee for viewing basic docket information

re:SearchCA System:

Access the re:SearchCA platform
Register for an account or log in
Search by case number, party name, or filing date
Select the desired case
View comprehensive docket information
Basic viewing is free; document downloads incur fees

In-Person Docket Access:

Visit either courthouse location during business hours
Complete a records request form at the clerk's office
Provide case number or party names
Request to view the Register of Actions
No fee for viewing dockets in person

Written Docket Requests:

Submit a written request to the appropriate courthouse
Include case number or sufficient information to identify the case
Specify that you are requesting the Register of Actions
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
Enclose applicable fees for copies ($0.50 per page)

For upcoming court hearings, the public may also access:

Daily court calendars on the court's website
Public calendar displays at courthouse locations
Telephonic calendar information at (707) 468-2000

Docket information typically includes:

Case number and filing date
Party names and attorney information
Chronological listing of all filings and documents
Hearing dates and outcomes
Judgment information
Case status

Certain case types may have restricted docket access due to confidentiality laws, including juvenile, mental health, and some family law proceedings.

Which Courts in Mendocino County Are Not Courts of Record?

In California, a "court of record" is defined by Government Code § 40 as a court "in which the proceedings are recorded in writing and are a matter of public record." Courts not of record typically do not maintain comprehensive written records of proceedings and may have limited jurisdiction.

Following the unification of California's court system in 2001, all courts in Mendocino County now operate as divisions of the Superior Court of California, County of Mendocino, which is a court of record. Prior to unification, the following were not courts of record:

Municipal Courts (abolished through unification)
Justice Courts (abolished through unification)

Currently, the following proceedings within Mendocino County Superior Court may have limited record-keeping requirements, though they remain part of a court of record:

Small claims proceedings (limited transcription unless appealed)
Traffic infractions (abbreviated records maintained)
Certain administrative hearings (e.g., traffic school eligibility)

It is important to note that while all Mendocino County courts are courts of record, the extent of recording varies by proceeding type:

Felony and unlimited civil cases: Full reporter's transcript and comprehensive written records
Misdemeanors: Electronic recording in most instances
Infractions: Limited recording, typically audio only
Small claims: No court reporter; limited recording unless appealed

The California Rules of Court, Rule 2.952, governs electronic recording of court proceedings and establishes standards for courts of record using electronic means rather than court reporters.

For historical reference, prior to court unification, Mendocino County operated: