LA County Court Records Free Online Search
Use this practical guide to search Los Angeles County court records through official Los Angeles Superior Court and California court sources. Learn how to use LA Court Access a Case, civil case access, criminal case access, family law records, probate case access, traffic ticket tools, case document images, certified copies, archive requests, courthouse records and federal PACER records.
✅ Quick Answer: Where to Search LA County Court Records
For most public Los Angeles County case lookups, start with the official LA Court Access a Case page. This is the official Los Angeles Superior Court guide for finding and viewing case records filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles.
Use Find Case Information when you have a case number or need to locate a case number by party name. Use the official Criminal Case Access portal for criminal case summaries, Traffic Online Services for many traffic matters, and Obtaining Copies of Court Records when you need official copies.
Los Angeles County Court Records Overview
LA County court records means court case records filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Even though the SEO title uses “LA,” the practical user intent is Los Angeles County, California, not Louisiana. These records may include case numbers, party names, filing dates, case summaries, docket activity, civil filings, small claims matters, family law filings, probate records, criminal case summaries, traffic citations, court document images, transcripts, judgments, orders and copy-request details.
The Los Angeles Superior Court is the official trial court for cases filed in Los Angeles County. It operates many courthouses across the county, and different case types may be assigned to different courthouse locations. A civil case at Stanley Mosk Courthouse, a criminal case at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center, a traffic citation, a family law case and a probate case may require different search tools or copy instructions.
The safest search path is to start with the official LA Court website. Use “Access a Case” for case access, “Find Case Information” for case number and party-name search options, case-specific tools for civil, criminal, family, probate and traffic matters, and “Obtaining Copies of Court Records” when the user needs a copy that can be used outside a casual online lookup.
| Record Need | Official Place to Start | Best Search Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Civil, small claims, family or probate case summary | LA Court Civil Case Access / case-type access pages | Case number first; party name search if case number is unknown |
| Criminal case summary | LA Court Criminal Case Access | Case number or defendant search details where available |
| Traffic citation or ticket | LA Court Traffic Online Services | Citation number and/or driver’s license number |
| Document images | LA Court Case Document Images | Case number and case type |
| Certified copy or official document | LA Court copy-request or courthouse records unit | Case number, document name and case type |
| Older archived case records | LA Court Archives and Records Center | Case number, party names and approximate filing year |
| Federal court records | PACER / Central District of California | Federal case number or party name |
LA County Court Records Free Search: What Is Free and What Is Not
Many people search for “LA County court records free online search” because they want quick information without paying a private background-check site. The official LA Court site provides public access tools for case information, traffic services, document images and copy guidance. Some basic lookup pages can be used without buying a third-party report.
Free search does not mean every service is free. California Courts self-help guidance says regular copies commonly cost per page, certified copies have a certification fee, and a search fee may apply if the clerk must spend more than a short time locating a record. LA Court also has online services, copy-request processes, document image access and traffic payment services that may involve fees depending on what you request.
| Task | May Be Free? | May Require Fee? | Practical Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Search public case information | Often yes for basic lookup | Some online services may require payment or account access | Start with official LA Court pages. |
| Search by case number | Usually a free first step | Copies may still cost money | Case number search is best. |
| Search by party name | Available for certain case types | Some searches or document access may require payment | Use official LA Court name search, not private sites first. |
| View case document images | Some information may be searchable | Document images may involve fees or access limits | Confidential, sealed or courtroom-filed documents may not be available. |
| Certified copies | No | Yes | Use official LA Court copy guidance. |
| Traffic ticket payment | No | Yes | Use LA Court Traffic Online Services only. |
| Federal PACER records | Account registration may be free | Usage fees may apply | PACER is separate from LA County Superior Court records. |
Official Portal Confusion: LA Court, Name Search, Document Images and PACER
Los Angeles County court-record searches can feel confusing because the official site has several tools. “Access a Case” is the main guide. “Find Case Information” helps users find case information with a case number or search for a case number by party name. Civil Case Access covers civil, small claims, family law and probate summary access. Criminal Case Access is a separate public criminal case summary tool. Traffic Online Services is separate again.
There is also a Case Document Images service for certain imaged documents. That is not the same as a full online courthouse file, because certain cases and documents may not be available online, including confidential, sealed or courtroom-filed documents. PACER is completely separate and is used for federal court records, not California Superior Court records.
| Tool or Search Term | Use It For | Important Limit |
|---|---|---|
| LA Court Access a Case | Main official guide to case access | Choose the correct case type and service. |
| Find Case Information | Search using case number or locate a case number by party name | Access depends on case type and public access rules. |
| Civil Case Access | Civil, small claims, family law and probate case summaries | Not all document images are available. |
| Criminal Case Access | Public criminal case summaries | The site warns information is not the official court record. |
| Case Document Images | Imaged documents for eligible civil, family, probate and small claims cases | Confidential, sealed or courtroom-filed records may be unavailable. |
| Traffic Online Services | Traffic citation and ticket-related online services | Have citation number and/or driver’s license number ready. |
| PACER | Federal district, bankruptcy and appellate records | Not used for California Superior Court records. |
LA County Case Number Search
A case number search is the cleanest way to locate Los Angeles County court records. Case numbers reduce wrong-name matches and help the court locate the correct file, document or courthouse location. If you have a citation, complaint, summons, petition, divorce filing, probate notice, criminal paper, traffic ticket, judgment or court order, look for the complete case number before searching.
How to search Los Angeles court records by case number
- Open LA Court Access a Case. Start from the official Los Angeles Superior Court website.
- Choose the correct case type. Use civil, criminal, family law, probate, small claims or traffic tools depending on the case.
- Enter the full case number. Keep letters, numbers, spaces and punctuation close to the format shown on your court document.
- Review the summary carefully. Check party names, case type, courthouse, filing date, case status and future hearings.
- Use copy request tools if needed. A case summary is helpful, but official use usually requires a plain copy, certified copy or court-issued record.
LA County Court Records by Name
LA Court provides a search-for-case-by-name option for certain litigants in civil, small claims, family law and probate cases. Name search is useful when you do not know the case number, but it is not as reliable as case number search. Los Angeles County has many people and businesses with similar names, and court files may use middle initials, former names, maiden names, business abbreviations or spelling differences.
How to search Los Angeles court records by party name
- Use official LA Court name search. Start with the LA Court “Search for Case by Name” page linked from Access a Case.
- Use the legal name first. Enter the full name as it appears on court papers, business filings or official notices.
- Try reasonable variations. Try middle initials, former names, maiden names, abbreviations, suffixes and business-name variations.
- Confirm the case type and filing location. Search results may show case types, filing dates and filing locations.
- Verify before relying on a match. Compare case number, filing date, party role, courthouse and document details.
Los Angeles Court Docket and Court Date Lookup
Users often search “LA County court date lookup,” “Los Angeles Superior Court docket,” “find my court date in LA,” or “LACourt hearing search.” The correct path depends on case type. Civil, family, probate and small claims case summaries may show scheduled court events. Criminal Case Access may show criminal case summary information. Traffic Online Services may show ticket-related options and deadlines.
Court dates can change. Courthouse operations, judicial assignments, remote appearance rules, continuances, emergency orders and technology issues can affect schedules. Always check your official notice and the court’s current online case information close to the hearing date.
How to check a Los Angeles court date
- Find the case number. Use your complaint, summons, citation, notice, order or filing receipt.
- Use the correct LA Court access page. Choose civil, criminal, family law, probate, traffic or small claims based on the case.
- Review the case summary. Look for hearing date, time, courthouse, courtroom, event type and judicial officer.
- Read your official notice. The notice may include remote appearance instructions, courtroom rules or filing deadlines.
- Re-check before appearing. Court dates can be continued, reset, moved or changed by court order.
Civil, Small Claims and Unlimited Civil Records
Los Angeles civil court records may include unlimited civil cases, limited civil cases, small claims, landlord-tenant matters, personal injury cases, contract disputes, debt collection, civil harassment, civil appeals, judgments, orders and court document images. LA Court Civil Case Access includes case information for civil, small claims, family law and probate cases.
LA Court’s Case Document Images service states that users may search imaged documents for certain general jurisdiction civil, limited civil, probate, family law and small claims cases. However, certain cases and documents may not be available online, including confidential, sealed or courtroom-filed documents.
How to search LA civil and small claims records
- Use Civil Case Access. Search by case number when possible.
- Use name search if needed. If you do not know the case number, search for a case by litigant name.
- Check filing location and case type. LA County has multiple courthouses and civil divisions.
- Use Case Document Images for eligible documents. Not every document is available online.
- Request copies for official use. Use LA Court copy-request guidance for plain or certified copies.
Criminal Court Records in Los Angeles County
Los Angeles criminal court records may include misdemeanor and felony case summaries, charges, court events, bail or bond-related entries, dispositions, sentencing entries, warrants connected to a case, minute orders and case status information. The LA Court Criminal Case Access page warns that the information on that site is not an official court record and that users are responsible for checking the accuracy of any data against official court records.
This warning matters. A public criminal case summary can help you identify a case, but it should not be treated as certified proof. If a criminal record will be used for employment, immigration, licensing, court filing, housing or official background screening, request official court records or use the required background-check process.
How to search LA criminal court records
- Open Criminal Case Access. Use the official LA Court criminal case summary page.
- Use case number if available. Criminal name searches can produce wrong matches.
- Review the disclaimer carefully. The criminal case access tool is not the official court record.
- Check the courthouse and case status. Los Angeles criminal matters may be assigned to different courthouse locations.
- Request official records if needed. Use the proper courthouse, records unit or copy-request instructions for official records.
Family Law and Divorce Records
Los Angeles family law records may include divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, parentage, domestic violence restraining orders, spousal support, visitation, judgment entries and family law orders. LA Court Family Law Case Access says users can get a summary of a family law case with a case number.
Family records often contain sensitive information. Some documents may not be available online because of privacy rules, child-related information, addresses, financial details, domestic violence issues, sealed records or access limits. A public case summary may be useful, but it is not the same as a certified divorce decree or official judgment.
How to search LA County divorce records
- Use Family Law Case Access. Search with the case number whenever possible.
- Use party-name search if case number is unknown. Try married name, maiden name, former name or middle initial.
- Confirm the courthouse and filing date. Los Angeles family cases may be assigned to different locations.
- Identify the specific document needed. You may need a judgment, decree, custody order, support order or docket sheet.
- Request official copies from the court. Ask whether the receiving agency needs a certified copy.
Probate, Guardianship and Conservatorship Records
Los Angeles probate records may include estates, wills, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, probate notes, court orders, accountings, petitions and related hearings. LA Court Probate Case Access says users can get a summary of a probate case with a case number. The Probate division also has probate-specific resources, including probate notes and case access tools.
Probate files can include sensitive family, financial, medical and protected-person information. Some documents may be public, while others may be restricted, sealed or available only through the appropriate courthouse or records process. Conservatorship and guardianship records deserve extra care because they may involve protected people and private information.
How to search probate and conservatorship records
- Use Probate Case Access. Search with the probate case number if available.
- Search by party name if needed. Use decedent name, estate name, petitioner name, guardian name or conservator name.
- Check probate notes and hearing information. Probate matters often depend on court notes and future hearings.
- Use document image search when eligible. Some probate documents may be available, while others may be restricted.
- Request certified copies for official use. Probate records are often needed by banks, title companies, heirs, courts and attorneys.
Traffic Citation and Ticket Records
Los Angeles traffic court handles cases that usually begin when a citation or ticket is issued. LA Court Traffic Online Services says many traffic issues can be resolved online without speaking to a clerk or visiting a courthouse. Users should have their citation number and/or driver’s license number ready.
Traffic cases can have deadlines. Payment, traffic school, court trial, arraignment, extensions and proof-of-correction rules can differ depending on the citation. Do not ignore a ticket just because it does not appear immediately online. New citations may take time to enter, and some violations may require a court appearance.
How to search or handle an LA traffic ticket
- Open Traffic Online Services. Use the official LA Court traffic page.
- Have citation details ready. Use citation number and/or driver’s license number.
- Confirm the case belongs to LA Court. Some citations may involve other agencies or jurisdictions.
- Review all available options. Payment, traffic school, court appearance and proof options may differ.
- Act before the deadline. Missing traffic deadlines can create penalties, license issues or collection problems.
Court Document Images and Online Document Access
LA Court’s Case Document Images service may allow users to search imaged case documents for certain general jurisdiction civil cases, limited civil cases, probate cases, family law cases and small claims cases. This can be useful when you need more than a summary but do not yet need a certified copy.
Document access is limited. LA Court states that certain cases and documents may not be available through the document image website, including confidential cases, sealed cases or documents filed in a courtroom. Even if you can view an image online, that does not automatically make it a certified copy.
How to use document images carefully
- Find the case number first. Document search works best when the case number is known.
- Confirm the case type is eligible. Some case types and documents may not be available online.
- Check document title and filing date. Make sure you are viewing the correct order, filing or judgment.
- Watch for sealed or confidential limits. Missing documents may be restricted, not nonexistent.
- Order certified copies when required. Online images are not always accepted as official court records.
Copies, Certified Records and Archive Requests
LA Court provides an “Obtaining Copies of Court Records” page and case-type-specific copy instructions. California Courts self-help guidance explains that when requesting records, users generally need at least one party’s name or the case number, and it helps to know the filing year. Regular copies and certified copies can involve different costs.
For older cases, LA Court’s Archives and Records Center page is important. The court’s archive resources reference older unlimited civil, family law, criminal felony, probate and juvenile records for many cases filed from 1911 to 2004. Older records may need mail requests, archive handling or courthouse-specific instructions rather than instant online access.
How to request Los Angeles court record copies
- Find the case number. Use Access a Case, name search or court documents to identify the correct case.
- Identify the exact document. Write down the judgment, order, complaint, decree, minute order, disposition or docket sheet you need.
- Choose plain or certified copy. Ask the receiving agency whether certification is required.
- Use the correct case-type instructions. Civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic and archive records may follow different paths.
- Contact the correct courthouse or records unit. Los Angeles has many courthouse locations, so do not send requests to the wrong location.
Sealed, Confidential and Restricted LA County Records
Not every Los Angeles County court record is available online. Records may be sealed, confidential, restricted by rule, restricted by statute, protected by privacy law or available only to parties, attorneys, agencies or by court order. Juvenile records, adoption records, certain family records, mental health records, conservatorship details, domestic violence information, sealed criminal matters and some confidential documents may be restricted.
If a record does not appear in online access, it may still exist. It may be sealed, older, archived, in a courtroom file, confidential, assigned to another courthouse, entered under a different name, filed as a federal case or not available for remote public access.
What to do when an LA County record is not showing online
- Search by exact case number first.
- Try legal-name variations, former names and business-name variations.
- Confirm the case type: civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, juvenile or federal.
- Check whether the case may be sealed, confidential or restricted.
- Use Archives and Records Center guidance for older records.
- Contact the correct courthouse or court division.
- Use PACER if the case is federal.
Remote Appearances, Transcripts and Recordings
Some LA Court case pages include links for transcripts and recordings, and the court’s main case-access area includes resources for court documents, transcripts and recordings. A transcript or recording is not the same as a case summary or docket entry. If you need testimony, a hearing record or a certified transcript, follow the official transcript and recording process for the specific courtroom and case type.
Remote appearance rules may depend on case type, department, judicial officer, technology availability and current court notice. Court notices and official LA Court announcements should control. Do not assume every hearing is remote or that every remote hearing may be recorded by participants.
Practical steps for transcripts or remote hearing details
- Find the case and hearing date. Use case access to identify the correct court event.
- Check the courthouse and department. Transcript and remote rules can depend on department and case type.
- Use official transcript and recording guidance. Do not rely on a docket summary when a transcript is required.
- Read your official notice. Appearance instructions may be mailed, emailed or posted in case information.
- Ask the court before recording. Unauthorized recording or broadcasting can violate court rules.
Federal Court Records for Los Angeles County Through PACER
Federal court records are not searched through LA Court Access a Case. Los Angeles County federal matters are handled through the federal court system, including the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California and PACER. The Central District includes Los Angeles federal court locations such as the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, plus other Los Angeles courthouse locations.
Use PACER when the case caption says “United States District Court,” “U.S. Bankruptcy Court,” “Central District of California,” “Ninth Circuit,” “CM/ECF,” or when the case number uses a federal format. LA Court tools are for California Superior Court cases, not federal cases.
How to search federal court records
- Open PACER. Use pacer.uscourts.gov.
- Select the correct federal court. For many Los Angeles federal matters, check the Central District of California.
- Search by federal case number if available. Federal party-name searches can return many unrelated records.
- Review PACER fees and access rules. PACER may charge for reports, dockets or documents depending on usage.
Los Angeles Courthouse Map and Contact Details
The map below uses the verified Stanley Mosk Courthouse address in downtown Los Angeles. Stanley Mosk is a major Los Angeles Superior Court courthouse and a common reference point for central civil, probate, family and related court services. Los Angeles County has many courthouse locations, so always confirm the correct courthouse before visiting.
🏛️ Stanley Mosk Courthouse / Los Angeles Superior Court
Address: 111 N. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Alternative public entrance reference: 110 N. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Certification Section reference: Room 112 at Stanley Mosk Courthouse, 111 N. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Certification Section phone listed by LA County locator: (213) 974-5191
Probate records phone listed by LA County locator: (213) 830-0803
Main court website: lacourt.ca.gov
Find courthouse locations: LA Court courthouse information
Use this address for central courthouse reference only. Your case may be assigned to another Los Angeles Superior Court courthouse, a traffic location, juvenile court, criminal court, family law courthouse or federal courthouse.
Official Resources for LA County Court Records
Use official resources first. These links help avoid paid background-check ads, fake case-search portals, outdated scraper websites and wrong-county results. If a page asks for payment, confirm that it belongs to LA Court, California Courts, the Central District of California or PACER before paying.
| Resource | Official Link | Use It For |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Superior Court | lacourt.ca.gov | Main official court website |
| Access a Case | Access a Case | Main guide to finding and viewing LA Superior Court records |
| Find Case Information | Find Case Information | Search case information with case number or party name |
| Search for Case by Name | Name search guidance | Find case number by litigant name for certain case types |
| Civil Case Access | Civil Case Access | Civil, small claims, family law and probate case summaries |
| Family Law Case Access | Family Law Case Access | Family law case summaries by case number |
| Probate Case Access | Probate Case Access | Probate case summaries by case number |
| Criminal Case Access | Criminal Case Access | Criminal case summaries and official disclaimer |
| Traffic Online Services | Traffic Online Services | Traffic citations, ticket lookup and online traffic services |
| Case Document Images | Case Document Images | Eligible imaged documents for civil, probate, family and small claims cases |
| Obtaining Copies of Court Records | Copy guidance | Case-type instructions for copies of court records |
| Archives and Records Center | Archives and Records Center | Older records and archive-related record access |
| California Courts Copy Guide | How to get a copy of a court record | California statewide copy and certified-copy guidance |
| Central District of California | cacd.uscourts.gov | Federal district court information for Los Angeles federal cases |
| PACER | pacer.uscourts.gov | Federal court records |
LA County Court Records FAQ
Where can I search LA County court records online?
Start with the official Los Angeles Superior Court Access a Case page. It links to case information, civil case access, criminal case access, family law access, probate access, traffic services, court documents and copy guidance.
Does “LA County court records” mean Los Angeles County?
Yes, in this guide “LA County” means Los Angeles County, California. The official court is the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles.
Are LA County court records free to search?
Basic public case lookup may be available through official LA Court tools, but copies, certified records, document images, traffic payments, archive requests and federal PACER records may involve fees.
How do I search LA County court records by case number?
Use LA Court Find Case Information or the correct case-type access page. Enter the full case number from your court notice, summons, citation, order, petition, complaint, judgment or filing document.
Can I search Los Angeles court records by name?
Yes, LA Court provides case-name search guidance for certain litigants in civil, small claims, family law and probate cases. Name search should be verified carefully because similar names can match unrelated cases.
How do I find a Los Angeles criminal court record?
Use the official LA Court Criminal Case Access portal. Read the disclaimer carefully because the portal states that the information is not the official court record and should be checked against official court records.
How do I find a Los Angeles traffic ticket?
Use LA Court Traffic Online Services. Have your citation number and/or driver’s license number ready. Do not rely on random payment links or private ticket websites.
Can I view Los Angeles court documents online?
LA Court Case Document Images may provide access to eligible imaged documents for certain civil, limited civil, probate, family law and small claims cases. Sealed, confidential or courtroom-filed documents may not be available online.
How do I get certified copies of LA County court records?
Use the official LA Court Obtaining Copies of Court Records page or contact the correct courthouse records unit. You usually need the case number, party names, document title and case type. Ask whether certification is required.
Where are older Los Angeles court records kept?
Older records may involve the LA Court Archives and Records Center. The archive resources cover many older unlimited civil, family law, criminal felony, probate and juvenile records, depending on filing year and case type.
Are LA County divorce records online?
Family Law Case Access can provide family law case summaries when you have a case number. For official divorce proof, request the judgment or decree through the correct LA Court copy process and ask whether a certified copy is required.
Are probate records searchable in Los Angeles County?
Yes, LA Court Probate Case Access can provide probate case summaries by case number. Some probate, guardianship and conservatorship documents may be restricted or require a formal copy request.
Why is my LA County court record not showing online?
The record may be sealed, confidential, archived, filed at another courthouse, entered under a different name, unavailable for remote access, filed in a courtroom, not imaged online or part of a federal case that must be searched through PACER.
When should I use PACER instead of LA Court?
Use PACER when the case is federal, bankruptcy, federal criminal, federal civil, federal agency-related or filed in the U.S. District Court system. LA Court is for California Superior Court cases in Los Angeles County.
What is the Stanley Mosk Courthouse address?
The Stanley Mosk Courthouse is located at 111 N. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Some public references also list 110 N. Grand Avenue as a courthouse entrance or address reference.
Editorial Note and Legal Disclaimer
This guide is for public information and practical court-record search help only. It is not legal advice and does not replace official Los Angeles Superior Court instructions, California court rules, court notices, attorney advice or judge orders. Court access, online systems, copy fees, document availability, remote appearance rules, hearing schedules, archive procedures and privacy limits may change. Always verify important information through the official LA Court website, California Courts, the correct courthouse, PACER or the proper court before filing, paying, appearing or relying on a record.
Final Summary
For la county court records, the safest official starting point is LA Court Access a Case. Use case number search first when possible, use party-name search carefully, and choose the correct case type before searching: civil, criminal, family law, probate, small claims or traffic.
Use Civil Case Access for civil, small claims, family and probate summaries. Use Criminal Case Access for criminal case summaries, but remember the site warns that its information is not the official court record. Use Traffic Online Services for ticket-related matters, Case Document Images for eligible documents, and official copy-request guidance when you need plain or certified copies. Use PACER and the Central District of California for federal cases. If a record is not showing online, check case number format, spelling, case type, courthouse location, sealed status, archive status and federal-court possibility before assuming the record does not exist.