Santa Cruz County courts

Filing fees, clerk information, and official court links.

Reviewed Jul 26, 2026 · Official sources
Civil filing fee
$435
New civil suit · Superior Court
E-filing
Required
Through Odyssey eFileCA
Same-day deadline: 11:59 PM
Case records
Search online
Free public case search
Main courthouse: Santa Cruz Courthouse, 701 Ocean St, Room 110, Santa Cruz, CA 95060Clerk counter: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM-3:00 PMSource
Filing typeFee
Civil lawsuit$435
Small claims$30 to $75
Divorce / family$435

Fees depend on case type and amount; confirm with the court before filing. At $435, the civil filing fee in Santa Cruz County is about the same as nearby counties (median $435 across 6 nearby counties).

Clerk & court records

Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz - Civil Division
Santa Cruz Courthouse · Mon-Fri 8:00 AM-3:00 PM
Call the clerk

Courthouses in Santa Cruz County

CivilCriminalProbateTraffic

Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz - Santa Cruz Courthouse

Address
701 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, 95060
Small ClaimsFamilyJuvenileTraffic

Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz - Watsonville Courthouse

Address
1 Second St, Watsonville, 95076

Need papers served or filed in Santa Cruz County? Nationwide Legal, our partner company, handles process service and court filing here.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to file a civil case in Santa Cruz County?

    The civil filing fee in Santa Cruz County, California is $435.00 (unlimited civil first paper, over $25,000)

  • What is the small claims filing fee in Santa Cruz County?

    $30.00-$75.00 (by claim amount; heard at Watsonville Courthouse)

  • How much does it cost to file for divorce or a family case in Santa Cruz County?

    $435.00 (petition for dissolution of marriage)

  • Can I e-file court documents in Santa Cruz County?

    Yes. E-filing is available through Odyssey eFileCA. It is mandatory for attorneys.

  • Is there a free online case search for Santa Cruz County?

    Yes. You can look up cases online at portal.santacruzcourt.org.

  • Where do I file court documents in Santa Cruz County?

    Filings go to the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz - Civil Division, located at 701 Ocean St, Room 110, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. You can reach the clerk at (831) 420-2200.

Santa Cruz County Superior Court: (831) 420-2200, Hours & $435 Filing Fee | 1Court