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Marin County Court Records

What Is Marin County Court Records

Court records in Marin County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities as maintained by the Superior Court of California, County of Marin. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.550, court records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.

Court records are distinct from other public records maintained by county offices, such as:

  • Property records (deeds, liens, assessments)
  • Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
  • Business licenses and permits
  • County administrative records

The Marin County Superior Court maintains records for the following case types:

  • Civil cases (including limited and unlimited civil matters)
  • Criminal proceedings (felonies and misdemeanors)
  • Family law matters (divorce, custody, support)
  • Probate cases (wills, estates, conservatorships)
  • Juvenile proceedings (subject to confidentiality restrictions)
  • Small claims actions
  • Traffic infractions

Under California Government Code § 68150, court records may be maintained in electronic or paper format, with electronic records increasingly becoming the standard method of preservation and access in Marin County.

Are Court Records Public In Marin County

Court records in Marin County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the California Public Records Act and the common law right of access to judicial records. The California Constitution, Article I, § 3(b) establishes that "the people have the right of access to information concerning the conduct of the people's business."

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

  • Civil case files (with certain exceptions)
  • Criminal case files (post-charging)
  • Judgments and orders
  • Docket sheets and registers of actions
  • Hearing schedules and calendars

However, not all court records are publicly accessible. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.551, certain records may be sealed or redacted to protect privacy interests, confidential information, or sensitive matters. Records that may have restricted access include:

  • Juvenile court proceedings
  • Family law financial disclosures
  • Mental health proceedings
  • Adoption records
  • Records sealed by court order
  • Documents containing social security numbers, financial account information, or other personal identifiers

The Superior Court of California, County of Marin follows state judicial council guidelines regarding public access to court records. Members of the public seeking access to court records must adhere to established procedures for requesting and viewing these documents.

How To Find Court Records in Marin County in 2026

Members of the public may access Marin County court records through multiple channels currently available. The Superior Court of California, County of Marin provides several methods to locate and retrieve court documents:

In-Person Requests:

  1. Visit the Records Division at the Marin County Superior Court.
  2. Complete a records request form available at the public counter.
  3. Provide case number or party names for record identification.
  4. Pay applicable fees for copies or certified documents.

Superior Court of California, County of Marin - Records Division
3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 113
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 444-7040
Superior Court of California, County of Marin

Public counter hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM (excluding court holidays)

Written Requests:

  1. Download and complete the Court Records Request Form.
  2. Include specific case information and requested documents.
  3. Submit the form via mail with appropriate payment.
  4. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery.

Electronic Access:

  1. Access the eCourt Online Portal for case information.
  2. Register for an account if accessing non-public case information.
  3. Search by case number, party name, or filing date.
  4. Pay applicable fees for document downloads.

For certified copies of court records, requestors must specify this requirement when submitting requests. Additional fees apply for certification pursuant to the court's fee schedule.

How To Look Up Court Records in Marin County Online?

Marin County offers comprehensive online access to court records through several digital platforms. The primary online resources for accessing court records include:

Marin Superior Court Public Portal:

  1. Navigate to the Marin Superior Court Public Portal.
  2. Select the appropriate case type (civil, criminal, family, etc.).
  3. Enter search criteria such as case number, party name, or filing date.
  4. Review the case summary information displayed.
  5. Select specific documents to view or download (fees may apply).

eCourt Online Portal:

  1. Access the eCourt Online Portal.
  2. Register for an account or log in as a guest for public records.
  3. Select the desired search method (case number, party name, etc.).
  4. Apply filters for case type, filing date, or department.
  5. View available documents and pay applicable fees for downloads.

California Courts Self-Help Portal:

  1. Visit the California Courts Self-Help website.
  2. Navigate to the case information section.
  3. Select Marin County from the jurisdiction list.
  4. Enter required search parameters.
  5. Review available case information.

When using online search systems, users should note:

  • Some documents may not be available electronically due to confidentiality restrictions.
  • Older cases may have limited online availability.
  • Document viewing fees are assessed according to the court's fee schedule.
  • Registration may be required for accessing certain documents or features.

How To Search Marin County Court Records for Free?

Marin County provides several options for free access to basic court record information, in accordance with California Government Code § 68150(l), which states that "reasonable provision for public access to court records shall be made."

Free In-Person Access:

  1. Visit the public terminals at the Marin County Superior Court Records Division.
  2. Use the self-service kiosks to search case information without charge.
  3. View non-confidential documents on-screen at no cost.

Superior Court of California, County of Marin - Records Division
3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 113
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 444-7040
Superior Court of California, County of Marin

Public terminal hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM (excluding court holidays)

Free Online Case Information:

  1. Access the Marin Superior Court Public Portal.
  2. Search for basic case information without registration.
  3. View case summaries, party information, and hearing dates at no charge.
  4. Access the court calendar and daily dockets without fees.

Free Court Calendar Information:

  1. Visit the Marin County Superior Court website.
  2. Navigate to the court calendars section.
  3. View daily hearing schedules by department or case type.
  4. Access information about upcoming proceedings without charge.

While basic case information is available without cost, fees apply for:

  • Document copies (paper or electronic)
  • Certified copies of court records
  • Complete case file reviews requiring staff assistance
  • Extensive searches without case numbers

What's Included in a Marin County Court Record?

Marin County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include the following components:

Case Initiation Documents:

  • Complaints or petitions
  • Summonses and proofs of service
  • Initial appearances or arraignments
  • Case information sheets

Procedural Documents:

  • Motions and supporting memoranda
  • Responses and replies to motions
  • Court orders and rulings
  • Notices of hearings
  • Continuances and extensions
  • Subpoenas and witness lists

Evidentiary Materials:

  • Exhibits admitted into evidence
  • Deposition transcripts filed with the court
  • Expert witness reports
  • Documentary evidence
  • Affidavits and declarations

Disposition Documents:

  • Judgments and decrees
  • Verdicts (jury or bench)
  • Dismissals and settlements
  • Plea agreements
  • Sentencing orders
  • Probation terms

Post-Judgment Documents:

  • Appeals and notices of appeal
  • Post-trial motions
  • Satisfaction of judgments
  • Enforcement proceedings
  • Modification requests

Administrative Records:

  • Register of actions (chronological case summary)
  • Appearance records
  • Fee payment information
  • Judicial assignments
  • Court reporter logs

Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.400, court records must be maintained in a manner that preserves their integrity and facilitates public access while protecting confidential information.

How Long Does Marin County Keep Court Records?

Marin County Superior Court retains court records according to schedules established by the Judicial Council of California under Government Code § 68152. Retention periods vary based on case type and document classification:

Criminal Cases:

  • Capital felony cases with death penalty: Permanent retention
  • Felony cases with life sentences: Permanent retention
  • Other felony cases: 75 years from date of final disposition
  • Misdemeanor cases: 5 years from date of final disposition
  • Infractions: 3 years from date of final disposition

Civil Cases:

  • Unlimited civil cases (over $25,000): 10 years from final disposition
  • Limited civil cases ($25,000 or less): 5 years from final disposition
  • Small claims cases: 10 years from final disposition
  • Unlawful detainer cases: 1 year if judgment for plaintiff; 3 years if judgment for defendant

Family Law:

  • Dissolution, legal separation, nullity: Permanent retention
  • Child custody, support, visitation: Permanent retention
  • Domestic violence restraining orders: Permanent retention
  • Other family law matters: 30 years from filing date

Probate:

  • Decedent estates: Permanent retention
  • Conservatorships and guardianships: Permanent retention
  • Trust matters: Permanent retention

Juvenile:

  • Dependency cases: Until subject reaches age 28
  • Delinquency cases (serious offenses): Until subject reaches age 38
  • Delinquency cases (minor offenses): 5 years from final disposition

After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed or archived according to court procedures. The court maintains a microfilm or electronic copy of permanently retained records. Parties seeking access to older records should contact the Court Records Division to determine availability.

Types of Courts In Marin County

Marin County's judicial system operates within California's unified court structure. The following courts serve Marin County residents:

Superior Court of California, County of Marin - Main Courthouse
3501 Civic Center Drive
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 444-7000
Superior Court of California, County of Marin
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM (excluding court holidays)

This courthouse handles:

  • Civil cases (unlimited and limited)
  • Criminal proceedings (felonies and misdemeanors)
  • Family law matters
  • Probate cases
  • Juvenile proceedings
  • Appeals from small claims and traffic cases

Superior Court of California, County of Marin - Juvenile Services Center
2 Jeannette Prandi Way
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 444-7190
Juvenile Court Services
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM (excluding court holidays)

This facility handles:

  • Juvenile dependency proceedings
  • Juvenile delinquency matters

Superior Court of California, County of Marin - Traffic Division
3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 145
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 444-7180
Traffic Division
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM (excluding court holidays)

This division handles:

  • Traffic infractions
  • Traffic misdemeanors
  • Traffic ticket payments and contests

For appeals from Marin County Superior Court decisions, cases proceed to:

California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District
350 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 865-7300
California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District

The highest state court is:

Supreme Court of California
350 McAllister Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 865-7000
Supreme Court of California

What Types of Cases Do Marin County Courts Hear?

The Superior Court of California, County of Marin adjudicates a wide range of legal matters within its jurisdiction. As a court of general jurisdiction, it handles the following case types:

Civil Cases:

  • Unlimited civil matters (claims exceeding $25,000)
  • Limited civil matters (claims of $25,000 or less)
  • Small claims actions (claims up to $10,000)
  • Unlawful detainer/eviction proceedings
  • Civil harassment restraining orders
  • Name changes and gender changes
  • Elder abuse prevention
  • Workplace violence prevention

Criminal Cases:

  • Felony prosecutions (preliminary hearings and trials)
  • Misdemeanor prosecutions
  • Criminal appeals from infractions
  • Bail hearings and arraignments
  • Probation violations
  • Mental health competency proceedings
  • Collaborative courts (drug court, veterans court)

Family Law Matters:

  • Divorce and legal separation
  • Child custody and visitation
  • Child and spousal support
  • Domestic violence restraining orders
  • Paternity establishment
  • Adoption proceedings
  • Guardianship of minors
  • Termination of parental rights

Probate Matters:

  • Decedent estate administration
  • Will contests and trust litigation
  • Conservatorships of adults
  • Guardianships of estates
  • Trust administration supervision
  • Elder care and protection

Juvenile Proceedings:

  • Dependency cases (child abuse and neglect)
  • Delinquency cases (juvenile offenses)
  • Status offenses (truancy, curfew violations)
  • Emancipation of minors

Traffic Matters:

  • Moving violations
  • Parking citations
  • Driver's license issues
  • DUI/DWI proceedings (misdemeanor level)

Appeals and Writs:

  • Appeals from small claims judgments
  • Writs of mandate, prohibition, and habeas corpus
  • Certification of court records for appeal

Each case type follows specific procedural rules established by the California Rules of Court and local court rules adopted by the Marin County Superior Court.

How To Find a Court Docket In Marin County

Court dockets in Marin County provide chronological summaries of all proceedings and filings in a case. Members of the public can access docket information through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

  1. Visit the eCourt Online Portal.
  2. Select "Case Search" from the available options.
  3. Enter the case number if known, or search by party name.
  4. Review the register of actions, which serves as the official docket.
  5. Note upcoming hearing dates and previously filed documents.

Public Terminal Access:

  1. Visit the Records Division at the Marin County Superior Court.
  2. Use the public terminals to search for case information.
  3. Access the register of actions for comprehensive docket details.
  4. Request assistance from court staff if needed for complex searches.

Superior Court of California, County of Marin - Records Division
3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 113
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 444-7040
Superior Court of California, County of Marin

Calendar Information:

  1. Access the Marin Superior Court Public Portal.
  2. Select "Calendar" from the available options.
  3. Choose the desired date and department.
  4. View all cases scheduled for that date and location.
  5. Note that calendar information is typically available 1-2 weeks in advance.

Written Requests:

  1. Submit a completed Court Records Request Form.
  2. Specify that docket information is being requested.
  3. Include case number or sufficient information to identify the case.
  4. Pay applicable search and copy fees.
  5. Allow processing time as specified by the court.

When searching for docket information, it is advisable to have the following information available:

  • Case number (preferred method)
  • Full names of parties involved
  • Approximate filing date
  • Case type (civil, criminal, family, etc.)

Which Courts in Marin County Are Not Courts of Record?

In California's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined by California Constitution, Article VI, Section 1 as a court that maintains official verbatim transcripts of proceedings and whose decisions may be appealed based on the official record. Under California's unified court system established in 1998, all Superior Courts are courts of record.

Currently, Marin County does not have any courts that are not courts of record. The following facts apply to Marin County's judicial system:

  • All judicial proceedings in Marin County take place in the Superior Court of California, County of Marin, which is a court of record.
  • Prior to court unification in 1998, Marin County had Municipal Courts that handled minor matters, but these have been consolidated into the Superior Court system.
  • Small claims divisions of the Superior Court, while following simplified procedures, remain courts of record with decisions that can be appealed to the Appellate Division of the Superior Court.
  • Traffic divisions, despite their high-volume and streamlined procedures, maintain official records of all proceedings and are part of the Superior Court system.

For historical context, before the 1998 unification, the following were not courts of record in California:

  • Justice Courts (abolished in 1995)
  • Municipal Courts (merged with Superior Courts in 1998)

All judicial proceedings in Marin County now generate an official record that can be used for appeal purposes, typically through court reporter transcripts or electronic recording where authorized by law under California Government Code § 69957.

Lookup Court Records in Marin County

eCourt Online Portal

Marin Superior Court Public Portal

Superior Court of California, County of Marin

Court Records & Exhibits Request Form

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