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ATTENTION

Scam Alert: The Superior Court of Santa Cruz has been notified that an individual posing as a deputy/court security is calling court customers stating that they owe money for failing to appear. If you receive a call of this nature, please contact the court directly at 831-420-2200 to receive accurate information.

Divisions

The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz, is committed to meeting your needs. For contact information visit our Locations & Contact Info page.

  • Civil

    The Civil Division of the court handles cases where one party sues another to recover money or property, enforce a contract, collect damages, or protect civil rights. Petitions to change names and various writs are also handled by the Civil Division.

  • Civil Grand Jury

    The Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury consists of 19 private citizens solicited from the registry of voters, a list provided by the DMV and through advertising in the community.

  • Collaborative Courts

    The court works closely with its state and local justice system partners to support collaborative programs that seek to find effective ways to deal with certain types of criminal cases.

  • Criminal

    The Criminal Division has jurisdiction over felonies, misdemeanors, infractions.

  • Family Law

    The Family Law division hears matters involving family-related issues and domestic relations.

  • Jury

    Information for jurors for both civil and criminal cases where the parties have elected to have a jury of their peers decide the case.

  • Juvenile

    Juvenile Delinquency cases involve any persons under the age of 18 (minors) who are accused of violations of any law of the state or minors who are habitually truant.

  • Probate

    Probate and conservatorship matters address a person’s finances upon death or the care of an adult person that is unable to care for themselves or their finances.

  • Records & Information

    California Rules of Court provide the public with reasonable access to court records for viewing and copying.

  • Restraining Orders

    Restraining orders include domestic violence prevention, elder abuse prevention,  civil harassment prevention, workplace violence, private postsecondary school violence prevention and gun violence prevention restraining orders. 

  • Small Claims

    Small claims cases are lawsuits that do not exceed $10,000 and are resolved quickly and inexpensively with relatively simple and informal rules.

  • Traffic

    The Traffic Division has jurisdiction over Vehicle Code violations, some local municipal ordinances, infractions, and minor misdemeanors.