A san mateo county superior court case search gives you instant access to public records. You can find criminal, civil, family, and probate cases from any device.
The court finished a major Odyssey system upgrade in early 2026. This changed how residents search for case files across all divisions.
San Mateo County handles over 45,000 new filings every year. Finding your case used to mean a trip to Redwood City. Now most records are just a few clicks away.
This 2026 guide covers every search method and fee structure available. You will learn about case types, costs, and access rules. You will know exactly where to look before you start.
San Mateo County Superior Court Case Search
The san mateo county superior court case search is done through the Odyssey public access portal. This is the primary tool for finding any case filed in the county.
You can search by party name, case number, or filing date range. The system covers all court divisions in one place. Results load within seconds for most standard queries.
The 2026 Odyssey update added improved filters and mobile compatibility. You can now narrow results by case type, status, and date simultaneously. This saves significant time compared to the old system.
Basic searches are free and require no account. You only pay if you need to download or print official documents. Most people find what they need in under five minutes.
Quick Facts:
- Portal Name: Odyssey Public Access
- Cost: Free for basic searches
- Coverage: All divisions and case types
- Hours: Available 24/7 online
San Mateo County Court Records Online
San Mateo County court records online are accessible through the Odyssey portal and public access terminals. You do not need to visit the courthouse for most lookups.
The online system displays case summaries, party information, and docket entries. You can see filing dates, hearing schedules, and case dispositions. Some documents are viewable as PDFs directly in the browser.
The 2026 upgrade expanded the number of viewable documents online. Previously, many older files required an in-person request. Now records dating back to 2005 are largely digitized and searchable.
If a record does not appear online, it may be sealed or restricted. Juvenile and certain family law records have limited public access. You would need to file a formal request for those.
| Record Type | Available Online | Time Range |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Yes | 2005 to present |
| Civil | Yes | 2005 to present |
| Family | Partial | 2010 to present |
| Probate | Yes | 2005 to present |
| Traffic | Yes | 2008 to present |
San Mateo Superior Court Case Lookup
A san mateo superior court case lookup works the same whether you use a phone, tablet, or desktop. The Odyssey portal is fully responsive as of the 2026 update.
Start by selecting the search type that matches your information. You can search by name if you know the parties involved. You can search by case number if you have it from a prior filing.
Name searches return all matching cases across every division. This is helpful when you are unsure which type of case was filed. You can then filter the results by division or date.
The lookup tool also supports business entity searches. If a corporation or LLC is a party, you can search by the registered business name. This is useful for tracking commercial litigation or class actions.
Key Takeaway: The Odyssey portal is your single starting point for all San Mateo County case searches in 2026. It is free, mobile-friendly, and covers every court division.
San Mateo County Criminal Case Search
A san mateo county criminal case search lets you find arrests, charges, and dispositions. The Odyssey portal includes all felony and misdemeanor cases filed in the county.
Enter the defendant’s full legal name for the best results. Partial names may return too many matches to sort through. If you have the case number, that is even faster.
Criminal records show the filing date, charges, bail amount, and hearing history. You can also see the final disposition if the case is closed. Active cases display upcoming court dates and assigned judges.
Some details may be redacted for ongoing investigations. Sealed cases and expunged records will not appear in public searches. You would need a court order to access those files.
- Felony cases: Filed at the Southern Branch in Redwood City
- Misdemeanor cases: Filed at Southern or Northern Branch
- DUI cases: Typically handled at the Southern Branch
- Warrant information: Not available through public online search
San Mateo County Civil Case Search
A san mateo county civil case search covers lawsuits, contract disputes, and personal injury claims. This includes both limited and unlimited civil cases filed in the county.
Limited civil cases involve disputes under $35,000. Unlimited civil cases involve amounts above that threshold. Both types are searchable through the same Odyssey portal.
Civil case records show the complaint, answer, motions, and orders. You can track the progress of a lawsuit from filing to judgment. Settlement details may or may not be publicly visible.
If you are researching a class action or mass tort filed in San Mateo County, the civil search is where to start. Use the plaintiff or defendant name to locate the master case file.
| Civil Case Type | Jurisdiction | Filing Location |
|---|---|---|
| Limited Civil (under $35K) | Southern or Northern Branch | Redwood City or South San Francisco |
| Unlimited Civil (over $35K) | Southern Branch | Redwood City |
| Small Claims | Both Branches | Varies by zip code |
| Class Actions | Southern Branch | Redwood City |
San Mateo County Family Court Records
San Mateo County family court records are more restricted than other case types. You can search for case existence and basic details, but full documents are often sealed.
The Odyssey portal shows party names, filing dates, and case status for family law matters. This includes divorce, child custody, and domestic violence restraining orders. Detailed financial filings and minor-related documents are not public.
To access restricted family court records, you must be a party to the case. You can also request access through an attorney of record. The court clerk at the Southern Branch handles these requests.
Family law cases make up roughly 25% of all San Mateo County filings. The volume means search results can be extensive. Use exact names and date ranges to narrow your results effectively.
Key Takeaway: Criminal, civil, and family court records are all searchable through the Odyssey portal, but access levels vary by case type. Family records have the most restrictions.
San Mateo County Court Docket Search
A san mateo county court docket search shows the chronological history of a case. The docket lists every filing, hearing, order, and action taken since the case opened.
You access the docket through the same Odyssey portal used for case searches. Once you find your case, click on the docket tab to see the full timeline. Each entry includes a date, description, and filing party.
Docket entries are especially useful for tracking active litigation. You can see when motions were filed and when rulings were issued. This helps you stay current without calling the clerk’s office.
The 2026 Odyssey update improved docket display formatting. Entries now load in reverse chronological order by default. You can also export docket summaries as PDF files for your records.
- Filing entries: Show what documents were submitted and by whom
- Hearing entries: List scheduled and completed court appearances
- Order entries: Display judge rulings and minute orders
- Service entries: Confirm when parties were officially notified
San Mateo County Court Calendar
The san mateo county court calendar shows upcoming hearings across all divisions. You can view daily, weekly, or monthly schedules through the Odyssey portal.
The calendar is searchable by judge name, department, date, or case number. This is helpful if you need to confirm a hearing time or location. It also shows which courtroom your case is assigned to.
Hearing schedules are updated in real time during business hours. If a hearing gets continued or canceled, the change appears within minutes. This is far more reliable than calling the clerk’s office.
The court operates on a standard schedule of Monday through Friday. Most hearings begin at 8:30 AM or 1:30 PM. The calendar also notes holidays and court closure dates for 2026.
| Division | Typical Hearing Days | Start Times |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Monday through Friday | 8:30 AM and 1:30 PM |
| Civil | Tuesday through Thursday | 9:00 AM |
| Family | Monday through Friday | 8:30 AM |
| Probate | Tuesday and Thursday | 9:00 AM |
| Traffic | Monday through Friday | 8:30 AM |
San Mateo County Probate Case Search
A san mateo county probate case search covers wills, estates, trusts, and conservatorships. These cases are handled at the Southern Branch in Redwood City.
You can search probate cases by the decedent’s name or the case number. The Odyssey portal shows the petition type, filing date, and current status. Hearing dates for probate matters are also listed.
Probate records are generally public unless a trust dispute involves sealed financial details. You can view the petition, inventory, and distribution orders online. Certified copies require a fee and a formal request.
Probate cases in San Mateo County take an average of 9 to 18 months to close. Complex estates with contested wills can take longer. The docket search helps you track progress without repeated phone calls.
Key Takeaway: The court calendar, docket search, and probate lookup all work through the same Odyssey portal. You can track hearings, filings, and case progress from one interface.
San Mateo County Small Claims Case Lookup
A san mateo county small claims case lookup helps you find disputes involving $12,500 or less. Individuals can sue for up to $12,500 in California small claims court.
Small claims cases are filed at either the Southern or Northern Branch. The correct location depends on the defendant’s zip code or where the dispute occurred. Both locations are searchable through the Odyssey portal.
Small claims records show the plaintiff, defendant, claim amount, and hearing result. These cases move quickly, often resolving within 60 to 90 days of filing. Judgments appear on the docket shortly after the hearing.
If you are trying to collect a small claims judgment, the case record is your starting point. It confirms the amount owed and the date the judgment was entered. You can then pursue enforcement through the court clerk.
- Maximum claim: $12,500 for individuals
- Filing fee: $30 to $100 depending on claim amount
- Typical timeline: 60 to 90 days from filing to hearing
- Location: Southern or Northern Branch based on zip code
San Mateo County Traffic Court Records
San Mateo County traffic court records cover infractions, misdemeanors, and DUI cases. These are among the most frequently searched records in the county.
You can search traffic cases by citation number, driver’s name, or case number. The Odyssey portal shows the violation, fine amount, and court date. Payment status and completion of traffic school also appear.
Traffic cases are handled at both the Southern and Northern Branch locations. The Northern Branch in South San Francisco handles a large volume of traffic matters. This is convenient for residents in the northern part of the county.
Unpaid traffic fines can lead to license holds and additional penalties. Checking your case status online helps you avoid missed deadlines. The 2026 system update added payment status tracking directly in the search results.
| Traffic Case Type | Searchable By | Branch Location |
|---|---|---|
| Infractions | Citation or name | Both branches |
| Misdemeanor traffic | Name or case number | Southern Branch |
| DUI | Name or case number | Southern Branch |
| Parking citations | Citation number | Varies by city |
San Mateo County Court Case Number Lookup
A san mateo county court case number lookup is the fastest way to find a specific case. Case numbers are unique identifiers assigned when a case is first filed.
San Mateo County case numbers follow a standard California format. They typically start with a year prefix followed by a case type code and a sequential number. For example, “23-CIV-01234” indicates a 2023 civil case.
The case type codes tell you what kind of case it is at a glance. “CIV” means civil, “CR” means criminal, “FL” means family law. “PR” indicates probate and “SM” indicates small claims.
If you received a court notice or summons, the case number is printed at the top. Enter it exactly as shown, including hyphens and leading zeros. The Odyssey portal will pull up the exact case immediately.
Key Takeaway: Small claims, traffic, and case number searches all use the same Odyssey system. Knowing the case number format helps you find records faster than name searches alone.
San Mateo County Court Filing Search
A san mateo county court filing search lets you find specific documents within a case. This goes beyond the case summary to show individual motions, orders, and pleadings.
The Odyssey portal lists all filed documents in the docket section of each case. You can see the document title, filing date, and filing party. Some documents are viewable as PDFs directly in the browser.
Electronic filing became mandatory for most civil cases in San Mateo County in 2024. This means nearly all recent filings are digitized and searchable. Older paper filings may require an in-person request at the clerk’s office.
If you need a certified copy of a filing, you must submit a formal request. The clerk’s office processes these within 3 to 5 business days. Fees apply per page and per certification.
- E-filed documents: Available online within 24 hours of submission
- Paper filings: May require in-person request for older cases
- Certified copies: 3 to 5 business day processing time
- Expedited service: Available for an additional fee
San Mateo County Juvenile Court Records
San Mateo County juvenile court records are the most restricted category of court files. These records are sealed by law to protect the privacy of minors.
You cannot search juvenile cases through the public Odyssey portal. The system will not return results for juvenile dependency or delinquency matters. This applies to both the juvenile’s name and the case number.
Access to juvenile records requires a court order or direct involvement in the case. Parents, guardians, and attorneys of record can request access through the clerk. The juvenile division is located at the Southern Branch in Redwood City.
If you are researching a case that involves both adult and juvenile parties, the adult portions may be visible. The juvenile portions will be redacted or sealed. Contact the court clerk for guidance on mixed-party cases.
| Record Category | Public Access | How to Request |
|---|---|---|
| Juvenile delinquency | No | Court order required |
| Juvenile dependency | No | Court order required |
| Adult co-defendant | Partial | Odyssey portal |
| Sealed records | No | Motion to unseal |
San Mateo County Court Records Fees
San Mateo County court records fees vary depending on the type of copy you need. Basic online searches are free, but document copies and certifications cost money.
The 2026 fee schedule sets standard rates for all California superior courts. San Mateo County follows the statewide fee structure set by the Judicial Council. Fees are adjusted periodically, so always check the current schedule.
Standard document copies cost $0.50 per page for uncertified copies. Certified copies run $25 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page. Exemplified copies, which include an authentication seal, cost $40 plus per-page charges.
If you need to search archived records that are not yet digitized, there may be a retrieval fee. This typically runs $15 to $25 per case file pulled from storage. Payment is accepted by check, money order, or credit card at the clerk’s window.
Key Takeaway: Juvenile records are sealed and inaccessible through public search. Court record fees are modest for standard copies but add up for certified or archived documents.
| Copy Type | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Uncertified copy | $0.50 per page | Immediate online |
| Certified copy | $25 first page + $0.50 each additional | 3 to 5 business days |
| Exemplified copy | $40 + per-page charges | 5 to 10 business days |
| Archive retrieval | $15 to $25 per file | 5 to 7 business days |
| Basic online search | Free | Instant |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search San Mateo County court cases online?
Go to the Odyssey Public Access portal on the San Mateo County Superior Court website.
Enter the party name, case number, or filing date to find your case.
Results appear instantly for most publicly available records.
Are San Mateo County court records free to access?
Basic online searches through the Odyssey portal are completely free.
You only pay fees when you need certified copies or printed documents.
Viewing case summaries and docket entries costs nothing.
How far back do San Mateo County court records go?
Most online records date back to 2005 after the Odyssey system launch.
Older records may exist in paper archives at the courthouse.
You can request archived files through the clerk’s office for a retrieval fee.
Can I search San Mateo County criminal cases by name?
Yes, you can search criminal cases by the defendant’s full legal name.
The Odyssey portal returns all matching criminal cases across both branches.
Sealed and expunged records will not appear in public name searches.
What information do I need to find a court case?
A case number is the fastest and most accurate way to find a specific case.
A full party name and approximate filing date also work well.
The more details you provide, the fewer irrelevant results you will see.
Your san mateo county superior court case search starts and ends with the Odyssey portal. It covers every division, every case type, and every branch location in the county.
Check the portal first before visiting the courthouse in person. Most records are available online within 24 hours of filing. Save your time and start your search from home today.
