Court records in El Dorado County, California, can be searched through several channels. ElDoradoCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also access records through the El Dorado County Superior Court's online portal, visit the clerk's office in person, use public-access terminals at the courthouse, or submit written requests. The sections below explain how each option works and what to expect.
El Dorado Court System & Jurisdictions
El Dorado County is served by the Superior Court of California, County of El Dorado. Like all California counties, El Dorado has a unified superior court that functions as the single trial court for the county. There are no separate district, magistrate, or municipal courts. The superior court handles virtually every type of case filed at the trial-court level.
Case Types by Division
- Criminal Division — Felonies, misdemeanors, and certain infractions. The Criminal Division maintains its own index of filings and criminal case records.
- Civil Division — Unlimited and limited civil cases (contract disputes, personal injury, unlawful detainer, etc.).
- Family Law — Divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence restraining orders, and paternity matters.
- Probate — Wills, estates, conservatorships, and guardianships. Civil and probate tentative rulings are posted after 2:00 p.m. the day before the hearing.
- Small Claims — Disputes up to $12,500 (or $6,250 for businesses), heard without attorneys.
- Traffic — Traffic infractions and some misdemeanor traffic offenses.
- Juvenile — Delinquency and dependency matters. Juvenile records are confidential under California law.
Federal cases filed in El Dorado County fall under the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California and are searched through the federal PACER system, not through the county superior court. For an overview of how California's court system is structured, visit the Judicial Branch website.
El Dorado Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The El Dorado County Superior Court publishes department calendars online so you can look up upcoming hearings, check today's or tomorrow's schedule, and view judicial assignments.
How to Search the Calendar
- Go to the court's Case Index & Department Calendars page.
- Select the department or judicial officer whose calendar you want to view.
- Choose the date — today, tomorrow, or a future date within the available range.
- Review the listed hearings, which typically show case number, case name, hearing type, and time.
You can also search for a specific case through the court's Web Portal (public access), which pulls data from the case management system. Search by case number, party name, or case type (civil, criminal, or traffic). Keep in mind that the most recent filings may not yet appear in the system.
Civil and probate tentative rulings are posted on the court's homepage after 2:00 p.m. the day before the hearing date.
How to Get a Copy of a El Dorado Court Document
El Dorado County Superior Court offers several ways to obtain copies of court documents. The method you use depends on whether you need a certified or uncertified copy, whether you have the case number, and whether the file is available digitally.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies bear the court's official seal and clerk signature. They are typically required for legal proceedings, government applications, and real-estate transactions.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions without the seal. They work for personal reference or informal use.
Request Channels
- In person — Visit the clerk's counter at either courthouse location. If you have a case number and want to view the file, submit Local Form M-5 at the counter.
- By mail — Send a completed Local Form M-5 along with payment to the clerk's office. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of copies.
- Online record search request — Visit the court's Record Search Requests page for instructions and the downloadable form. Note that the court is currently digitizing case records, so some files may be temporarily unavailable.
Some electronic case records can only be viewed at a courthouse terminal under California Rules of Court, rule 2.503. Family law, juvenile, and certain mental-health records have additional access restrictions.
Clerk's Office Locations
Main Courthouse — Placerville
Cameron Park Courthouse (South Lake Tahoe operations may vary — confirm with the clerk before visiting.)
For divorce record copies issued by the state, you may also contact the California Department of Public Health, Vital Records.
El Dorado Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in California superior courts are set by Government Code § 70600 et seq. and the Uniform Civil Fees and Standard Fee Schedule. The table below lists common fees. Contact the clerk's office to confirm current amounts, as fees may be updated by statute.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certification of a document | $40 per document |
| Record search (per name/case searched by clerk) | $15 per name or case |
| Exemplified copy (includes certification + exemplification) | $50 |
| Retrieval of archived file | Varies — ask the clerk |
Payment Details
- Accepted methods: Cash, check, or money order payable to "El Dorado County Superior Court." Credit/debit card acceptance varies by location and service — confirm with the clerk.
- Mail requests: Include payment with your completed Local Form M-5. Do not send cash by mail.
- Fee waivers: If you cannot afford fees, you may qualify for a fee waiver. The California Courts Self Help Guide explains eligibility and the application process.
Under the California Public Records Act, court administrative records may be requested separately from case records. Case records are governed by California Rules of Court, rules 2.500–2.507, which define what is publicly accessible and what is restricted.