How to look up a court case
In many courts, you can look up court cases online to find out basic information like the name of the parties, what documents have been filed, and whether there are any court dates. If this is not available online, you may be able to get the information at the courthouse, either on a court computer or from a court clerk.
How to look up a court case
Typically, the best first step is to look for information on the court's website
Go to the court's website where the case is filed. Most courts have a section on their website called "online services" or something similar. There you will find information about whether you can look up a court case online and what type of records you can see. Not all types of records are available online.
If the case information is not available online, you can contact the court clerk or go to the court to ask for information about the case. A clerk may be able to tell you basic information over the phone, like when a court date is scheduled or if something has been filed.
To find a court website or contact information:
Access to information about a case may be limited or restricted
Some court records are not available online to protect privacy. For example, you can only find limited information about divorce or criminal cases on a court's website. Case records are available at the courthouse. California Rule of Court 2.503.
Some types of cases or records are confidential. For example, adoption records or cases in juvenile court are confidential. Only the parties in the case, their attorneys, or other people authorized to see the case will be able to get information about the case or see the court file.
Access to eviction records is limited. Find out more in Code of Civil Procedure, section 1161.2.