Riverside County Courts

Riverside County's approximate population is 2.4 million, representing about 6.5% of California's 39.5 million population. The City of Riverside serves as its county seat and most populous city.

More than 270,000 cases are filed yearly in the Riverside County Superior Court, per California's Court Statistics Report Dashboard. This includes a minimum of 11,000 felony cases, 29,000 misdemeanors, 56,000 civil claims, and 4,000 probate matters.

The Superior Court serves as the only trial court in Riverside County's unified judicial system. It handles civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and juvenile cases through multiple specialized divisions. Superior Court locations are found in cities including Riverside, Indio, Murrieta, Banning, and Blythe.

How To Access Riverside County Court Records

Riverside County, CA, court records are open to the public under the California Public Records Act. Interested persons may access criminal, civil, probate, and other public court documents by submitting mail requests to the Clerk of the Superior Court. Alternatively, the documents may be accessed online or in person at the courthouse where the case was filed. Meanwhile, state and federal laws prohibit public access to the following court records:

• Juvenile records
• Adoption records
• Mental health records
• Substance abuse records
• Sealed and expunged records

Access is limited to the individuals named in these records, their attorneys, and other approved agencies. Requesters may need to present government-issued IDs and pay applicable fees to obtain certain records.

Riverside County court records may be accessed using the methods below:

Online

Individuals may access Riverside County court records online through the Public Access Portal. Users must create an account on the portal before searching case information. After signing up, begin a search by entering the party names or case numbers. Note that case number searches are free, while party name searches cost $1 per search. Interested persons may also use CourtCaseFinder to access court records in Riverside County and other counties across the United States.

Meanwhile, the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) provides online access to federal case files in Riverside County. To use PACER, individuals must complete the online registration and log in with their email addresses. Afterward, search specific federal cases by case number, party name, or filing date. PACER charges $0.10 per document, with a maximum charge of $3.00 per document. Academic researchers and other eligible persons may request fee exemptions to use PACER for free.

In-Person

Public court records may be accessed in person at the county courthouse where the case was resolved. Requesters should visit courthouses during official business hours and bring valid photo IDs. Before visiting, contact the Superior Court Clerk at (951) 777-3147 or the appropriate courthouse in advance to confirm record availability, applicable fees, and any additional requirements. Many courthouses also provide public computer terminals for on-site access to case files.

Old and Archived Court Records

Archived court records created before 1900 are not accessible online. To obtain these records, individuals may contact the Superior Court Clerk's Office by phone or in person. The Robert J. Fitch County Archives also maintains historical court documents, including civil, probate, and land records, which may be available for public viewing by appointment. Interested persons may also submit formal requests to:

How to File a Case in Riverside County

Individuals who wish to initiate a case in Riverside County must first determine the appropriate courthouse by looking up the Case Hearing Locations page. The Where to File page also features a search tool where users can enter the case type and city name to quickly find the correct filing location. Afterwards, contact or visit the courthouse for guidelines on how to file, required documents, and filing fees.

Litigants may visit the Local Forms page to find and complete the appropriate forms for their case. Completed forms can be submitted in person at the courthouse or by mail to the court address. Other documents or information that may be required when filing by mail or in person include valid photo IDs, legal statements (pleadings or motions), evidence or exhibits, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

The Superior Court also provides the Document Submission Portal (eSubmit) for electronic submission of forms in criminal, probate, juvenile, and traffic cases. Meanwhile, online filing for civil, eviction, and small claims matters must be done through one of the approved Electronic Filing Service Providers (EFSPs) in Riverside County. To file civil cases online, select an EFSP, create an account, and follow the steps to upload documents and pay filing fees. The EFSP system then routes the filings and payments directly to the court, where the case will be heard.

Filing fees for different cases are outlined in the fee schedule provided by the Superior Court. Indigent litigants may apply for a fee waiver by completing the Request to Waive Court Fees form. Submit the form together with other supporting financial details. Approved applicants may continue with the case without paying the filing fees.

Follow the steps below to file a case in Riverside County:

• Identify the courthouse with jurisdiction over the case.
• Contact or visit the courthouse to confirm procedures, required documents, and operating hours.
• Download and complete the appropriate court-approved forms.
• Attach all necessary supporting materials
• Pay the required filing fees or request a fee waiver, if eligible.
• Serve all other parties involved
• File proof of service with the court to confirm that all parties have been notified properly.

Legal Help and Self-Help Resources

Across the United States, county court systems play a crucial role in delivering access to justice. Legal help and self-help resources are foundational to this access, particularly for self-represented litigants navigating civil, family, probate, or small claims matters. These resources vary by jurisdiction but commonly include self-help centers, online portals, legal aid organizations, and court-affiliated assistance programs.

Riverside County residents involved in legal proceedings and experiencing financial hardship may seek assistance from legal aid organizations and courthouse self-help centers. These organizations typically provide free legal advice, free representation, and lawyer referral programs. The following legal aid programs and resources are available within Riverside County:

• Riverside Bar Lawyer Referral Service
• Riverside Legal Aid
• Riverside Self-Help Center

Here are some legal aid and referral services available in California:

• California Bar Lawyer Referral Service
• Law Help California - A directory of free or low-cost legal aid programs across California.

Other legal aid services and self-help resources are listed below:

• RC Law Library - Offers public access to legal research materials, workshops, and research guidance.
• Inland Counties Legal Services (ICLS) - For eligible low-income residents seeking free legal services in housing, public benefits, consumer law, and family law cases.
• Inland Empire Latino Lawyers Association (IELLA) - Offers legal aid and pro bono services to underserved Latino communities.
• California Rural Legal Assistance - Focuses on civil legal issues affecting low-income rural communities, including labor, education, and housing rights.
• Legal Match California - Helps individuals find lawyers based on legal need and location.
• Disability Rights California - Provides legal advocacy and assistance to individuals with disabilities.

Types of Courts in Riverside County, California

The Riverside County court system, comprising the superior and federal courts, ensures justice for individuals and business entities. The contact information and jurisdiction of each court are listed below:

Riverside County Superior Court Hall of Justice

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - It adjudicates only felonies, misdemeanors, and other criminal cases.
• Address and Contact Information -

Riverside Family Law Courthouse

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Deals only with family law cases, including divorce, child custody and visitation, domestic violence restraining orders, and paternity cases.
• Address and Contact Information -

Riverside Historic Courthouse

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Presides over criminal cases, traffic offenses, juvenile cases, and family law matters.
• Address and Contact Information

Riverside Juvenile Courthouse

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Handles juvenile delinquency and juvenile dependency matters concerning child abuse or neglect.
• Address and Contact Information -

Banning Justice Center

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Handles criminal cases, traffic violations, small claims lawsuits, and eviction disputes.
• Address and Contact Information

Blythe Courthouse

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Legal matters resolved in this court include criminal, civil, landlord-tenant, traffic, small claims, and family law cases.
• Address and Contact Information -

Corona Courthouse

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Oversees matters involving traffic violations, civil cases, small claims, and unlawful detainers.
• Address and Contact Information -

Larson Justice Center (Indio)

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Presides over criminal cases, traffic offenses, juvenile cases, and family law matters.
• Address and Contact Information

Menifee Justice Center

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Legal matters resolved in this court include criminal, civil, landlord-tenant, traffic, small claims, and family law cases.
• Address and Contact Information -

Moreno Valley Courthouse

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Oversees matters involving traffic violations, civil cases, small claims, and unlawful detainers.
• Address and Contact Information -

Palm Springs Courthouse

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Handles evictions, probates, small claims lawsuits, and civil disputes.
• Address and Contact Information

Southwest Justice Center

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Oversees matters involving civil harassment, criminal offenses, traffic cases, and juvenile delinquency.
• Address and Contact Information -

Southwest Juvenile Courthouse

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Only juvenile cases.
• Address and Contact Information -

Federal Courts in Riverside County

The following are the federal courts in the county:

United States District Court Central District of California (Riverside Division)

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Hears federal cases, including civil rights actions, federal crimes, immigration matters, and bankruptcy appeals.
• Address and Contact Information -

United States Bankruptcy Court - California Central District (Riverside Division)

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Handles bankruptcy cases filed under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, including matters related to debt discharge, asset liquidation, and creditor claims.
• Address and Contact Information -

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Riverside County Courts

The following provides answers to some FAQs related to Riverside County, CA, courts.