Court records in Alameda County, California, can be searched through several channels. AlamedaCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through the Superior Court of California, County of Alameda website, the eCourt Public Portal, the court clerk's offices in person, and public access terminals located at courthouse locations.
Alameda Court System & Jurisdictions
California uses a unified trial court system. In Alameda County, the Superior Court of California, County of Alameda is the single trial-level court and handles virtually all case types. There is no separate district court, magistrate court, or county court at the state level — the Superior Court covers everything. The California Courts system has three tiers: superior (trial) courts, Courts of Appeal, and the Supreme Court.
Within the Alameda County Superior Court, cases are organized into divisions:
- Criminal — Felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions (including traffic violations)
- Civil — Lawsuits involving disputes over money, property, contracts, personal injury, and landlord-tenant matters
- Small Claims — Civil disputes up to $12,500 (individuals) or $6,250 (businesses), handled without attorneys
- Family Law — Divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence restraining orders, and paternity
- Probate — Wills, estates, conservatorships, and guardianships
- Juvenile — Delinquency and dependency cases involving minors
- Mental Health — Involuntary commitment proceedings under the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act
If you are unsure which division handles your case, the case number prefix or the clerk's office can point you to the correct docket.
Alameda Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Finding a court date in Alameda County depends on the case type:
- Civil, Family, Probate, Mental Health, and Adoption cases — Search for hearing dates through the eCourt Public Portal. Enter a case number or party name to view scheduled hearings.
- Criminal cases — The court's Criminal Division page provides a "Find Your Court Date" tool. You can also check the Criminal Case Portal for upcoming hearing information.
- Traffic infractions — Court dates are printed on the citation itself. You can also look up your case through the court's online tools.
Calendar information is typically updated daily. For same-day or next-day hearings, contacting the clerk's office at the appropriate courthouse is the most reliable approach. The court does not provide calendar lookups by phone for research purposes, but staff can confirm a specific hearing date if you have a case number.
How to Get a Copy of a Alameda Court Document
Online
- Civil, Family, Probate, Mental Health, and Adoption documents — Log in to the eCourt Public Portal. Some documents are available for download if permitted under the California Rules of Court. A free account may be required.
- Criminal case documents — Submit a request through the court's Criminal Record Requests portal. Non-confidential criminal case documents can be requested online for a fee.
In Person
Visit the clerk's office at the courthouse where your case is filed. You can view non-confidential records at public access terminals at no charge. If you need paper copies, ask the clerk for uncertified or certified copies.
By Mail
You may request a records search or copies by mail. The court does not provide research services over the telephone or by email. Include the case number (if known), party names, the type of document requested, and a check or money order for the applicable fees. Mail requests to:
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions of court documents. They are suitable for personal reference.
- Certified copies bear the court's official seal and clerk's signature. They are typically required for legal proceedings, government filings, and real estate transactions.
Restricted records: Juvenile cases, sealed records, certain family law documents, mental health proceedings, and adoption files are generally not available to the public. Access may require a court order.
Alameda Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for Alameda County Superior Court records are set by California Government Code §§ 70600–70677 and the court's local fee schedule. The following are common fees — confirm current amounts with the clerk's office, as fees may be updated by statute.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certification of a document | $40 per document |
| Search fee (per name/case, 10-year period) | $15 |
| Copy of court record retrieved from archives | Additional fees may apply |
| Criminal record copy request (online portal) | Varies; check the portal for current pricing |
Payment methods: The clerk's office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders for in-person requests. Online requests through the eCourt Public Portal or Criminal Record Request portal accept credit and debit cards. Personal checks should be made payable to "Clerk, Alameda County Superior Court."
Fee waivers: Individuals who cannot afford court fees may apply for a fee waiver using Judicial Council Form FW-001. The court will review the request based on income and public-benefit eligibility.
For recorded documents such as deeds, liens, or fictitious business name filings — which are not court records — contact the Alameda County Clerk-Recorder's Office separately, as that office maintains its own fee schedule and Official Public Records Portal.