Riverside County Court Records

Court records for Riverside County consist of the documentation and records created by court proceedings within the county’s jurisdiction. Such records can take the form of written and typed papers, pictures, video and audio recordings, and other types of documentation generated during legal proceedings in Riverside County.

Court records act as proof of adjudications and serve as educational tools to upgrade public knowledge of legal proceedings and the justice system. Records are also kept to show accountability within the court system, showing the public that their rights are protected and that legal proceedings are fair.

In Riverside County, records seekers can access court records by contacting the local superior court. Court records generally include dockets, court schedules, general case information, opinions, rulings, motions, and judgments from court cases in the county. These records are all considered part of California court records.

Are Court Records Public in Riverside County?

Under the California Public Records Act (CPRA), court records in Riverside County are generally considered public records and can be accessed by the public. This means that court records are open to the general public, including private individuals, businesses, the media, and organizations.

However, although court records are generally considered public, several records are subject to restricted access or full exemptions. Records that are restricted or exempted under the CPRA include the following:

• Court records concerning juvenile delinquency procedures
• Records of cases involving mental health proceedings, including conservatorships and commitment hearings
• Some records from adoption cases may be restricted to protect the privacy of the people involved.
• Court records that have been sealed or expunged by court order are restricted from public access.
• Access to records of confidential agreements settled in court could be restricted to prevent violation of the agreement's confidentiality and the parties' privacy.

Note: Some restricted or exempted records may still be accessed, although they may have some limitations. Access may be granted under certain conditions, such as a court order, or restricted parts of the record may be removed or redacted.

Riverside County Court Records Search

There are several options for performing a Riverside County court records search. Record seekers can perform court record searches via the following methods.

• Visit the Riverside County Superior Court, where the case was heard in person, or submit a written request by mail.
• The superior court also provides an online public access database where users can access criminal and civil case information.
• Visit the County Clerk of Courts office.
• Try third-party public record websites.

Riverside County Court Records Search by Name

Individuals can perform a court record search by name in Riverside County. Searches can be made in person at the court's physical location where the case was heard or online via the superior court database.

For an offline case search at the court location, verbally tell the staff the name of the party to be searched. Visitors can also fill out the record request form, specifically entering the name and court to be searched, and submit it in person or by mail.

For an online search, visit the Riverside Superior Court Website and, under online services, select search records to access the public access web portal. Researchers can also use the public access terminals at courthouse locations to perform court record searches. To use a public access portal, an online account must be created.

After creating an account, users can search by name or case number. They can also access and download documents from non-sealed, non-confidential cases. Documents can be downloaded for a fee of $1 for the first five pages and $0.50 per page for each extra page per document, up to a cap of $50 per document.

Record seekers are encouraged to perform searches by themselves using public access resources. If a member of staff performs the search and it takes over 10 minutes, a search fee of $15 will be charged per search. For photocopies, requesters will be charged $0.50 per page. Certification of a document will cost an additional $25 per document. Payment is usually required at the same time the request is made. Requesters may pay by card or check payable to the Clerk of the Court. For a mailed request, if the total fees are unknown, they may include a check with “not to exceed” in their request.

Riverside County Courts

The Superior Court of California, County of Riverside, serves Riverside County. The county has multiple courthouses in different locations to handle the populace and the different types of court cases.

Riverside County District Court Records

The justice system in California is split into three sections. The Riverside County Superior Court is the trial court/district court equivalent in Riverside County. Most legal proceedings in the county are handled by one of the Divisions of the superior court. The superior court is responsible for hearing the following types of cases in its various courts.

• Civil
• Criminal
• Family law
• Small claims
• Probate
• Traffic
• Eviction
• Juvenile

Records of these cases can be obtained by contacting the specific division of the Superior Court where the case was heard.

Riverside County Criminal Records

According to California’s Public Record Act, Riverside County criminal records are public information and can be accessed by the general public. Sections of the California Code grant the public access to arrest information, including names, ages, physical descriptions, and booking information.

According to California law, only subjects of criminal records and their representatives can access criminal history records. This record can be in the form of Riverside County arrest records or a criminal background check. Sometimes, employers may be allowed to access criminal background checks as part of their employee screening processes.

To obtain criminal records for Riverside County, eligible parties must:

• Prepare and submit a written request plus valid identification to the local law enforcement agency. Sometimes, the agency may require fingerprints and written permission from the subject of the record.
• Apply to the Riverside County Sheriff's Office or the Riverside Police Department and pay the associated fees. It costs $45 per background investigation with the police department. Fingerprint processing will cost an additional $15.
• Criminal records can also be obtained from the Riverside County Superior Court, where the case was heard.

Riverside County law enforcement can only provide criminal records for individuals within its jurisdiction. Records for individuals spanning multiple counties or jurisdictions can be obtained from the California Department of Justice (CDOJ).

Riverside County Criminal Court Case Lookup

Record seekers may look up criminal court case information via the following options:

• Visit the Riverside County Superior Court location where the case was heard in person and use the public access terminals to access criminal case information
• Use any of the online case record request systems available on the Riverside County Superior Court website, such as the public access web portal.

Get Riverside County Civil Court Records.

Riverside County civil court records can be obtained from any of the Superior Courts within the county that hear civil cases. Records of disputes, claims, rulings, and judgments in civil cases are considered civil court records. Individuals will need to request the civil court records from the specific courthouse where the case was heard.

Record seekers can obtain civil court records by visiting any civil court location in person. There, they can make the record request in person or use the public access terminals to research the required records.

Members of the public can also mail a public record request form to the court in question. Search fees for records cost $15 per search, and physical copies cost $0.50 per page.

As stated before, online searches can be made using the Public Access Webpage. After creating an account, users can search the court index, the register of actions, and the court calendar. They can also access and download documents and search court notes.

Riverside County Family Court Records

Riverside County family court records are records concerning domestic matters heard in the county. These include paternity suits, separations, divorces, adoptions, spousal support or alimony, shield support, and domestic violence. It should be noted that under the CPRA, access to some family law records may be restricted. Hence, it is advisable to call the court in advance to confirm eligibility to access the records.

In Riverside County, the Blythe Court, Hemet Court, the Riverside Family Law Courthouse, and Larson Justice Center are the Superior Courts that hear Family Law cases. A requester can obtain family court records by:

• Visiting the physical locations of the courts where family law cases are heard. For any inquiries, individuals may call the family law courthouse at (951) 777-3147
• The public record request form can also be used to submit family law record requests by mail
• Requesters may also use the online resources on the public access webpage to look up and request family law records

Riverside Dissolution of Marriage Records

Records concerning the dissolution of a marriage, such as divorce records, can be obtained from the Riverside Superior Court, where the divorce was granted. The superior court's request system allows requesters to obtain certified and non-certified copies of documents and orders related to such records. These records can be requested in person or using the court's online copy request system.

Riverside County Marriage and Divorce Records

In Riverside County, different agencies maintain marriage and divorce records. Riverside County marriage records can be obtained from the County Assessor-Clerk-Recorder. On the other hand, divorce records are available at the family law division of the Riverside County Superior Court.

Record seekers can obtain a copy of a marriage record from the Assessor-County Clerk-Record office via several options.

• For in-person requests, complete an Online Application and keep the SST order number given during the online application. Then, schedule an Appointment and visit the chosen Office Location. During the visit, bring a valid government-issued ID if an authorized copy of the record is required and pay any required fees. Payment will be accepted in credit cards, checks, money orders, and cash.
• For a mailed request, download and fill out an Application for a Certified Copy or Search For a Marriage Record. If an Authorized copy is required, complete and sign the sworn statement in Section 5 of the application in front of a Notary Public. Mail the completed form and payment in check or money order to:

Riverside County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder
P.O. Box 751,
Riverside, CA. 92502-0751

• To use the Dropbox system, download and complete the form as you would for a mailed request. Note that authorized copies will still require section 5 to be completed and signed in the presence of a notary public. Seal the application with the payment included and deposit the request at the drop boxes available at the following office locations: Riverside Downtown, Riverside Gateway, Palm Desert, and Blythe.
• To make an online request, Complete an Online Application by selecting the type of marriage record from the list. Note that verification of identity is necessary for authorized copies. Failing the online verification will require the applicant to submit a sworn statement and notarized certificate of acknowledgment before the request will be processed. Payment will be made online via credit or debit card. Note that there is an additional 2.28% card fee.

All types of marriage records for the Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder cost $17 per copy. Record seekers can track their requests using the Track Order option on their website.

Divorce records can be obtained from the Family Court of the Riverside County Superior Court, where the case was heard. Simply visit the court in question or mail a request as with any other court record request. Requesters will be able to obtain a certified copy of the divorce judgment or divorce decree in person or by mail for $15.

Riverside Birth and Death Records

Two agencies in Riverside County maintain birth and death records. The Riverside University Health System Vital Records Office, maintains and issues records created in the last twenty-four months. All older records are available at the office of the Riverside County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder. Authorized and Informational copies of birth and death records can be obtained from the Vital Records Office in person, by mail, or online.

Record seekers can also obtain authorized or Information copies of Riverside County birth and death records from county Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder. Copies of Birth and Death records can be obtained in person, by mail, online, or using the office drop box.

Authorized copies of birth records in Riverside County cost $32, while copies of death records cost $24. It should be noted that informational copies of vital records can not be used for any legal reasons. Birth and death records are considered vital records and are important when authenticating an individual's citizenship, identity, and age.

Riverside County Probate Court Records

Probate courts in Riverside County handle litigation and disputes concerning wills, estates, guardianships, trusts, and conservatorships. This also includes cases involving the protection of the rights of minors or mentally incapacitated citizens. Probate court records are generated by these legal proceedings in the county. In Riverside County, the courthouses at the Larson Justice Center, Riverside Historic Courthouse, and the Temecula Court hear probate cases.

As probate court case records are considered public records, record seekers can obtain these records by visiting the particular court where the case was heard. They can also mail the record request form to the court with details for the record search.

Record seekers can also use the online public access database to search for Riverside County probate court records. It should be noted that online searching and downloading documents incur fees.

Riverside County Property Records

Riverside County property records contain important information about real estate in the county. This includes details about its ownership history, valuation, assessment, and taxation, such as deeds and liens. In Riverside County, property records are maintained by the Riverside County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder. This office serves as both the recorder and custodian of real estate documents and also serves as the county assessor handling assessment and valuation duties.

Record seekers can obtain copies of property records in person by searching the index and ordering the records. At the checkout, select “in office” as payment method and Note the order number, which begins with SST. Book the appointment and come to the selected office locations with the SST number and appropriate payment.

Mailed requests are made by filing the Application Form and mailing it to the office at:

Riverside County Clerk-Recorder
Attn: Certified Section
P.O. Box 751
Riverside, CA. 92502-0751

Requests can also be made online or by using the drop boxes found at Assessor office locations.

Copies of records requested cost $7 for the first page and $1 for every additional page. Certification of the document will cost an additional $2.

Property Searches can also be made online on the county assessor’s website.

Riverside County Court Records Online

Record seekers can also access Riverside County court records from both government and third-party websites like courtrecords.us. These third-party websites are managed by private companies that compile public records from numerous sources, including courthouses and online databases.

Using third-party databases is advantageous as it allows record seekers to access public records across various jurisdictions conveniently. All this can be done from the comfort of their home or office as long as they have an internet connection and a capable device. Search tools on these websites are made as easy to use as possible, with a simple name being the usual search parameter.

Most of the time, users will be charged a subscription fee on either a monthly or yearly basis for using these sites. It should also be noted that as this information is gathered from multiple sources, it may not always be accurate or up-to-date. Users are advised to confirm records and information obtained from third-party websites with official records.

Riverside County Courts

The Superior Court of California, County of Riverside, serves Riverside County. The county has multiple courthouses in different locations to handle the populace and the different types of court cases. The fourteen courthouses operating in Riverside County and the cases they hear are listed below.

Riverside County Superior Court - Banning Court
311 East Ramsey Street,
Banning, CA 92220
Phone: (951) 572-5408
Phone: (951) 222-0384 (Traffic)
The Banning Court of the Riverside County Superior Court handles civil, criminal, small claims, and traffic cases.

Riverside County Superior Court - Blythe Court
265 North Broadway,
Blythe, CA 92225
Phone: (760) 775-8500
Phone: (951) 222-0384 (Traffic)
The Blythe Court of the Riverside County Superior Court handles civil, criminal, family law, small claims court, and traffic cases.

Riverside County Superior Court - Corona Court
505 South Buena Vista, Room 201,
Corona, CA 92882
Phone: (951) 222-0384
The Corona Court hears only traffic cases every Friday from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Note that no documents are filed at this location.

Riverside County Superior Court - Hemet Court
880 North State Street, Hemet, CA 92543
Phone: (951) 306-3561
Phone: (951) 222-0384 (Traffic)
The Hemet Court of the Riverside County Superior Court hears civil, family law, small claims, and traffic cases.

Riverside County Superior Court - Indio Juvenile Court
47-671 Oasis Street,
Indio, CA 92201
Phone: (760) 393-2617
The Indio Juvenile Court of the Riverside County Superior Court hears only juvenile cases.

Riverside County Superior Court - Larson Justice Center
46-200 Oasis Street, Indio, CA 92201
Phone: (760) 393-2617
Phone: (951) 222-0384 (Traffic)
The Riverside County Superior Court Larson Justice Center hears criminal, family law, probate, and traffic cases.

Riverside County Superior Court - Moreno Valley Court
13800 Heacock Street, Bldg D, Room 201,
Moreno Valley, CA 92553
Phone: (951) 777-3147 (Evictions, Small Claims)
Phone: (951) 222-0384 (Traffic)
The Moreno Valley Court of the Riverside County Superior Court deals with evictions, small claims, and traffic cases.

Riverside County Superior Court - Palm Springs
3255 East Tahquitz Canyon Way,
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: (760) 393-2617
The Riverside County Superior Court in Palm Springs hears only civil cases.

Riverside County Superior Court - Riverside Family Law Courthouse
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 431, Riverside, CA 92502
Physical Address: 4175 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: (951) 777-3147
The Family Law Courthouse of Riverside County Superior Court hears only juvenile cases.

Riverside County Superior Court - Riverside Hall of Justice
4100 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: (951) 777-3147
The Hall of Justice of the Riverside County Superior Court hears criminal cases.

Riverside County Superior Court - Riverside Historic Courthouse
4050 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: (951) 777-3147
The Riverside County Superior Court Historic Courthouse handles civil and probate cases.

Riverside County Superior Court - Riverside Juvenile Court
9991 County Farm Road, Riverside, CA 92503
Phone: (951) 777-3147
The Riverside Juvenile Court only hears juvenile cases.

Riverside County Superior Court - Southwest Justice Center
30755-D Auld Road, Murrieta, CA 92563
Phone: (951) 704-7634
Phone: (951) 222-0384 (Traffic)
The Southwest Justice Center of Riverside County Superior Court hears civil, criminal, juvenile, small claims, and traffic cases.

Riverside County Superior Court - Temecula Court
41002 County Center Drive,
Room 100, Temecula, CA 92591
Phone: (951) 704-7634
The Temecula Court of the Riverside County Superior Court hears probate cases.