Case Search

If you need to find court information in Los Angeles County, Case Search tools from the Superior Court make it possible to look up a case, check upcoming hearings, and request records without going to a courthouse. This guide explains what Case Search covers, how each search method works, the fees you might encounter, and the best ways to use official online services to view case details and obtain documents. You’ll also find practical steps for civil, criminal, family law, probate, small claims, and appellate matters, plus contacts and phone lines at the end.

Understand What “Case Search” Includes (and What It Doesn’t)

Case Search refers to the official online tools the Superior Court of Los Angeles County provides so the public can access case information across divisions such as Civil, Criminal, Family Law, Probate, Small Claims, and Appellate. Through these services, you can:

Look up case information by case number or by name (depending on case type).

Review calendar settings for upcoming hearings.

Order publicly available court document images, transcripts, and recordings when available.

See preliminary (tentative) rulings for certain case types and review probate notes ahead of a hearing.

A key point: information you view online is typically not the “official record” of the Court. When you need a certified copy, you must request it directly through the Court per the instructions later in this article.

Start at the Access a Case Portal

The Court organizes access to searches and tools in one place. Begin with the official Access a Case page to see your options and pick the path that fits your situation (case number on hand vs. name search, documents vs. calendars, etc.). Use the Access a Case page to launch your search when you’re ready.

Visit the Access a Case page.

Use “Find Case Information” When You Have a Case Number

If you already have a case number, the “Find Case Information” path (accessible from the Access a Case page) is the fastest route. The Court’s public index (Cal. Rule of Court, rule 2.507(b)) includes the case title, party names, party type, filing date, case number, and information about retention and destruction. With a valid case number, you can usually jump straight to the case summary and see docket entries, events, and other non-confidential details that are available online for that case category.

Pro tip for accurate searches

Enter the case number exactly as it appears on your paperwork.

If the case number format has changed over time or you’re not sure, try both the current and any older number formats that may be on your documents.

Search by Name When You Don’t Have the Case Number

Sometimes you don’t know the case number or you need to confirm you’ve got the right file for a person. In that situation, Los Angeles Superior Court provides two name-based tools:

Search civil/family/probate/small claims by litigant’s name

The Court’s Public Access Online Services lets you run Civil Name Searches that return litigant names, case types, filing dates, filing locations, and the count of available imaged documents. The site updates daily and supports these historical ranges:

Civil (unlimited): 1983–present
Limited Civil: 1991–present
Family Law: 1983–present
Probate: 1983–present
Small Claims: 1992–present

Explore the Court’s Public Access Online Services FAQ to understand how name search fees work, how to retrieve receipts, and browser requirements.

Search criminal by defendant’s name

For criminal matters, the defendant-name search returns a list of case numbers with associated filing dates and locations (traffic and other infractions are excluded in this tool). The site is updated daily and generally covers:

Felony: 1980–present
Misdemeanor: 1988–present (some locations may go back to 1983 as systems were automated)

After you find the criminal case number, you can view more details through the Court’s Criminal Case Summary Online Service. Traffic and infraction details live separately; see the Traffic Division Page for those.

Expect modest fees for name searches

California Rules of Court allow courts to recover costs for public electronic access. In Los Angeles County, a fee applies to each name search. Registered users pay on a sliding scale (with the system tracking searches per month); guests pay a flat per-search fee. The Public Access Online Services FAQ explains the fee structure, payment options, receipts, and support hours.

View Hearing Dates With Court Calendar Searches

When you need to know what’s set and when, Court calendars are searchable by case number or date range. This option is presented in the Access a Case experience and helps you confirm the next hearing, department assignment, and timing. If a hearing is remote-eligible, your paperwork or the remote hearings hub (for eligible events) will guide you on joining instructions; otherwise, plan enough time to pass courthouse security before your calendar time.

Access Court Document Images When Available

For many (not all) public case records, you can purchase document images online. Access depends on case type, document type, and privacy rules. When document images are available for your case, the portal will provide purchase options and pricing per page or per document.

Start at Access Court Documents to see how searching by case number works, how images are delivered, and what to do if some documents aren’t available online (you may need to request copies from the courthouse).

Order Transcripts and Recordings the Right Way

Court reporters and electronic recording systems are used depending on the case type and courtroom. The path to request transcripts or recordings differs by division and record format. Carefully read the Court’s official guidance so you submit your request to the correct unit and include all required details.

Read the process at Transcripts and Recordings.

Check Preliminary Outcomes: Tentative Rulings and Probate Notes

Before certain hearings, the Court may post preliminary information to help litigants prepare:

Tentative rulings (Appellate, Civil, and Family Law where offered) let you see the judicial officer’s preliminary decision ahead of the hearing. Always read the department’s rules about contesting a tentative or appearing for argument. See Tentative Rulings.

Probate notes flag issues to be addressed before or at the hearing and are accessible by case number. Review them early to cure defects. See Probate Notes.

Match the Tool to Your Case Type

Different divisions have different online views, calendars, and document availability. While you start at Access a Case, it helps to understand what to expect per division:

Civil (unlimited and limited)

Use case-number lookup for docket and calendar.

Use Civil Name Search (paid) if the case number is unknown (coverage generally 1983–present for unlimited; 1991–present for limited).

Document images may be available for purchase; not all filings are online.

Family Law

Case-number lookup helps you track events and filings.

Family Law Name Search (paid) covers 1983–present, useful when you’re missing the case number.

Check for tentative rulings when relevant.

Probate

Case-number search plus Probate Notes support preparation before your hearing.

Probate Name Search (paid) is available if you don’t have the case number (coverage 1983–present).

Certain probate documents may be available as images for purchase, depending on confidentiality rules.

Small Claims

Case-number search for events.
Name search (paid) covers 1992–present for locating case numbers.

Criminal

Start with the defendant-name search (paid) to locate the case number (felony 1980–present; misdemeanor 1988–present, with some coverage back to 1983 depending on former Municipal Court automation).

Use Criminal Case Summary Online Service after you have a case number to view additional details.

For traffic/infractions, use the Traffic Division Page.

Appellate

From Access a Case, select “Appellate Case Access” to locate appellate information when you have the underlying trial case number. You’ll see publicly available case details and calendars associated with the appellate proceeding.

Book a Clerk’s Office or Self-Help Appointment (When You Need One)

If you need in-person assistance, you can reduce wait times by scheduling ahead:

Use the Clerk’s Office Appointments scheduler for in-person visits to file documents, request copies that aren’t online, or get case-specific help from the clerk.

The Court’s Self-Help Center offers education and support for people without lawyers; explore services and book time via the Self-Help Service Catalog.

Keep Hearings on Your Radar With Official Reminders

To help parties remember hearing dates and times, the Judicial Branch offers a text/email reminder system that supports Los Angeles Superior Court calendars. Check eligibility and sign up through the state-hosted gateway for L.A. County.

See Hearing Reminders.

Need Certified Copies? Know the Official Record Path

Online information does not constitute the official court record. If you need certified copies, request them directly through the Court. Fee schedules for copy and certification are posted online, and the Certification Unit accepts pre-paid requests by mail:

Certification Unit mailing address (for certified copies by mail):
Los Angeles Superior Court, 111 N. Hill Street, Certification Unit Room 112C, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Fees and payment information (copy/certification charges) are posted under the Court’s schedule. Review Filing and Copy Fees.

Also note the Court’s posted privacy and security policy for online services.

When Archives May Be Involved

For older records outside the online ranges, you may need to contact Archives to confirm what’s available and how to obtain it. The Court’s archive resource provides details and routing based on case type and date ranges.

Check Archives information to verify availability of older files before you request copies.

Follow These Case Search Playbooks (Step-by-Step)

Quick path when you already have a case number

Go to the Access a Case page.
Choose “Find Case Information.”
Enter the case number exactly as it appears on your notice or prior filings.
Review the case summary and docket.
Click to view calendars or document-purchase options if available.
If you need certified copies, follow the certified-copy request process described above.

If you only know the litigant or defendant name

Decide the case category (Civil/Family/Probate/Small Claims vs. Criminal).

Use the appropriate name search (paid) via Public Access Online Services; review the FAQ for fees and billing.

Note the returned case number and filing location.

With the case number in hand, open the case summary and calendar from Access a Case.

If criminal, use the Criminal Case Summary Online Service after identifying the case number.

Purchase document images (when available) or order copies via the clerk if images are not online.

If you need to prepare for a hearing

Use calendar search to confirm your date, department, and time.
Review tentative rulings (where applicable) and/or probate notes.
If you must submit documents to cure issues, do so before the hearing per local rules.
Consider the Court’s hearing reminder system to avoid missing your appearance.

If the document image isn’t online

Note the exact document title and filing date from the docket.

Contact the correct operations unit at the courthouse handling the case or schedule a Clerk’s Office Appointment.

If the case is older, check Archives to confirm availability.

If you need a certified copy, use the Certification Unit mailing process and consult the fees.

Fees, Payment, Receipts, and Support Hours for Name Searches

The Court recovers costs for providing electronic access to records and document images. Name searches are billed per search; registered users are billed on a sliding scale and guests pay a flat rate. Payment is by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or debit card. Receipts are available online (registered users can view six months of transaction history; guests can retrieve receipt data by providing the receipt number and last four digits of the card used). Normal support hours for online services are weekdays, excluding Court holidays (see the FAQ for specifics).

Learn more in the Public Access Online Services FAQ.

Browser, Access, and Security Tips

For the best experience with online services:

Use a current browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari), allow cookies, and disable pop-up blockers for the site.

Expect full 128-bit SSL encryption on appropriate pages; the Court maintains a high security standard for sensitive information like card data and login credentials.

If a page won’t load after login or a document window doesn’t appear, check your pop-up settings.

If you administer a multi-user account, set strong individual passwords and verify emails; you can manage members and prepayment deposits as needed.

Details are outlined in the Public Access Online Services FAQ and privacy/security policy.

Use Official Help, Not Third Parties

When you have case-specific questions that the online tools don’t answer, contact the Court directly. The Court publishes “Contact the Court” information and courthouse directories, and you can schedule clerk appointments online. If you’re representing yourself, the Self-Help Center provides guides, workshops, and appointment options.

See Contact the Court for phone lines and department contacts.
Use the Clerk’s Office Appointments scheduler to reserve an in-person time.
Explore the Self-Help Service Catalog for free resources and appointment options.

Attorneys and Justice Partners: Centralized Tools

Attorneys can sign in for attorney-level services and case access that the public portal doesn’t provide, while justice partners have their own portal. If you’re counsel of record, start with the Attorney Portal. If you’re part of a qualified agency, use the appropriate partner portal.

Attorney Portal

Find the Right Courthouse Location

Cases are filed and heard in specific courthouses across Los Angeles County. While the online tools will display filing locations and department assignments, you can also navigate to the Court’s master list of facilities when planning an in-person visit.

Browse the Courthouses page.

Filing, Forms, and Where to File

If your Case Search leads you to file something (an answer, response, or motion), confirm venue and filing options:

Not sure where to file? Check the Filing Court Locator.

Need forms? Start with the Court’s forms hub from Access a Case (and if you’re self-represented, see the Self-Help Catalog).

If you’re an attorney, file through authorized channels as required by local rules and the division where your case is pending.

Keep Your Case on Track: Practical Checklists

For civil and family law litigants

Verify your case number via Access a Case or run a paid name search if needed.

Read the docket so you understand every upcoming deadline and the next hearing.

Check for tentative rulings 24–48 hours before your motion day (where offered) and follow the department’s contest procedures if you plan to argue.

If probate is involved, read probate notes as early as possible and cure defects before the hearing.

Purchase document images for your records when available; otherwise, plan a clerk appointment to obtain copies.

For criminal defendants (or counsel)

Run a defendant-name search (paid) to confirm the case number and location.

Use the Criminal Case Summary Online Service to view next events and recent activity.

For traffic/infractions, go to the Traffic Division for the correct handling.

If you need certified copies of minute orders or dispositions for employment, immigration, or licensing, follow the certified-copy instructions and fee schedule.

For anyone who missed a detail

Re-check calendars within a day of your hearing in case of last-minute changes.

Enroll in official hearing reminders for L.A. County calendars if eligible.

If something in the docket seems missing, remember that not all documents are posted as images; verify at the clerk’s office.

Case Search Relevant Departments and Contacts

AB 1058 Child Support Commissioner Program — (213) 351-7500

Family Law Call Center — (213) 633-6363

Traffic Call Center — (213) 633-6300

Self-Help Call Center — (213) 830-0845

Civil Call Center — (213) 633-6333

Airport Courthouse — (310) 725-3000

Alfred J. McCourtney Juvenile Justice Center — (661) 483-5924

Alhambra Courthouse — (626) 293-2100

Bellflower Courthouse — (562) 345-3300

Beverly Hills Courthouse — (310) 281-2400

Burbank Courthouse — (818) 260-8400

Catalina Courthouse — (562) 256-3100

Central Arraignment Courthouse — (213) 617-5600

Chatsworth Courthouse — (818) 407-2200

Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center — (213) 628-7700

Compton Courthouse — (310) 761-4300

Downey Courthouse — (562) 658-0500

East Los Angeles Courthouse — (323) 881-5800

Edmund D. Edelman Children’s Court — (323) 307-8000

El Monte Courthouse — (626) 401-2200

Glendale Courthouse — (818) 265-6400

Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse (Long Beach) — (562) 256-3100

Hollywood Courthouse — (323) 441-1800

Inglewood Courthouse — (310) 419-1300

Inglewood Juvenile Courthouse — (310) 412-8301

Metropolitan Courthouse — (213) 745-3200

Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse — (661) 483-5500

Norwalk Courthouse — (562) 345-3700

Pasadena Courthouse — (626) 396-3300

Pomona Courthouse — (909) 802-1100

San Fernando Courthouse — (818) 256-1800

Santa Clarita Courthouse — (661) 253-5600

Santa Monica Courthouse — (310) 255-1840

Spring Street Courthouse — (213) 310-7000

Stanley Mosk Courthouse — (213) 830-0800

Sylmar Juvenile Courthouse — (818) 256-1180

Torrance Courthouse — (310) 787-3700

Van Nuys East Courthouse — (818) 901-4600

Van Nuys West Courthouse — (818) 989-6900

West Covina Courthouse — (626) 430-2600

Whittier Courthouse — (562) 968-2699

Certification Unit Room 112C, 111 N. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 — (per certified-copy requests; see fees page)