Monterey County Docket Access

Monterey County Superior Court provides online access to court dockets through a public case portal. You can search for civil cases, criminal prosecutions, family law disputes, probate proceedings, and traffic violations. Searches are free. The portal shows docket entries, hearing dates, and case status. The main courthouse is in Salinas at 240 Church Street. Call 831-775-5400 for assistance with case searches or records requests. The clerk office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

Search Monterey County Dockets Online

You can search Monterey County court dockets at portal.monterey.courts.ca.gov/search. The portal lets you search by party name, case number, or attorney. Results show case type, filing date, and current status. Click on any case to view the full docket with all entries and upcoming court dates.

The docket lists every action in the case. You see when complaints were filed, when responses came in, and every motion and hearing that followed. Some documents are available to view online. Others require a courthouse visit to inspect. The system updates regularly with new filings and court orders.

The interface is simple to navigate. You do not need to create an account. Just visit the portal and start your search. Most public records are accessible unless sealed by court order or made confidential by law.

Monterey County Superior Court

The main courthouse is at 240 Church Street, Salinas, CA 93901. You can call the court at 831-775-5400. The clerk office handles case filings, records requests, and fee payments. Public terminals are available inside the courthouse if you want to search for cases in person at no cost.

Bring valid ID when you visit the courthouse. You may need to go through security screening at the entrance. Clerk staff can answer questions about court procedures, filing requirements, and how to obtain copies of documents. If you need certified copies, staff will prepare them for you and collect the certification fee plus the per page charge.

The court website at www.monterey.courts.ca.gov has forms, fee schedules, and general information. Check the website for updates on court hours, closures, and any changes to online access or courthouse operations in Monterey County.

Types of Court Dockets

Monterey County court dockets cover all case types heard in Superior Court. Civil dockets include contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, property cases, and small claims under ten thousand dollars. Each docket entry shows the date, type of filing, and action taken. You can follow a case from initial filing through final judgment.

Criminal dockets list prosecutions for misdemeanors and felonies. They show arraignment dates, bail decisions, preliminary hearings, and trial schedules. Many criminal cases resolve with plea agreements. The docket reflects plea entry dates and sentencing outcomes. You can check the final disposition once a case closes.

Family law dockets handle divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, and domestic violence restraining orders. California law restricts remote access to certain family law records. You may need to visit the courthouse to view documents that are not available online. Probate dockets manage estates, wills, conservatorships, and guardianships. Traffic dockets list citations and infractions in Monterey County.

Court Record Fees

Searching Monterey County court dockets online is free. You do not pay to look up cases or view docket information. Paper copies from the clerk office cost fifty cents per page. This is the standard California fee. Certified copies cost forty dollars plus fifty cents per page. You need a certified copy if you want an official document with the court seal for legal purposes.

Some documents may be available to view or download from the online portal at no charge. Check the portal before requesting copies from the clerk. This can save you time and money if the document is already accessible online.

Contact Monterey County Superior Court

The courthouse address is 240 Church Street, Salinas, CA 93901. Call 831-775-5400 for general questions. The court website is www.monterey.courts.ca.gov. Visit the website for forms, fees, self help resources, and additional contact information.

Major Cities in Monterey County

Monterey County includes one city with a population over 100,000. Court dockets for residents are maintained by Monterey County Superior Court:

Nearby Counties

Monterey County borders several other California counties. Each has its own Superior Court system: