Case Lookup: Court Case Search by Number, Name & Status

Case Lookup serves as the first step for anyone needing immediate access to official court filings, whether the inquiry begins with a docket number, a party’s name, or an attorney’s identifier. By entering a complete case number, the search engine directs users to the exact court database, eliminating the confusion of duplicate records across jurisdictions. When only a name is available, the system narrows results by filtering with filing date, case type, and jurisdiction, allowing researchers to isolate the correct case record from a sea of similar entries. The platform also supports queries such as case lookup by attorney, case lookup by filing date, and case lookup by case number, each designed to surface relevant case details, case status, and case history without unnecessary steps. This precision helps journalists, legal professionals, and private citizens confirm whether a case is active, pending, or closed, and it reveals the underlying case database that houses the official court case information.

Case Lookup empowers users to answer common questions such as how to look up a court case, how to find a court case by name, and how to check a court case status with confidence. By leveraging the case database of each jurisdiction, the service returns the case number, case title, party names, and the assigned judge, making it easy to track case events from filing to final disposition. Whether the goal is to locate an attorney on a case, to retrieve court case documents, or to determine the outcome of a pending matter, the interface provides clear indicators of active case, open case, closed case, or disposed case. For complex inquiries, users can explore related case information, examine docket entries, and view the most recent case status update. The system also respects privacy limits, noting when a case record is sealed, restricted, or unavailable, and it guides the user toward the appropriate clerk for certified copies when official documentation is required.

How to Search Case Lookup

The Los Angeles Superior Court gives you direct access to public court records through its official online portal. You can search by case number, party name, attorney name, or filing date to retrieve accurate case details from the court’s database. For related public documentation and local filings, you can consult official court calendar resources. The system returns verified records drawn directly from the Los Angeles County court system, ensuring the data matches what the clerk’s office has on file. Searches run 24 hours a day from any device with internet access, and you do not need an account to run a basic query.

The portal accepts partial names, partial dates, and broad case type filters, then narrows results based on jurisdiction and court division. Once you find a matching case, you can view the case summary, the assigned judge, the next hearing date, and any publicly available filings. For certified copies of documents, you will need to contact the clerk’s office directly using the details listed at the end of this page.

Official Search Portal: https://www.lacourt.org/

Steps to Search

1. Open the Los Angeles Superior Court website at https://www.lacourt.org/ and locate the “Online Services” link on the home page.
2. Select the type of search you want to run, such as case number search, party name search, or attorney search.
3. Enter the search criteria in the appropriate field, including the full case number, full name, or filing date range as needed.
4. Choose the relevant court location or division from the dropdown menu if the case was filed at different courthouses in Los Angeles County.
5. Click “Search” and review the list of matching cases displayed on the results page.
6. Click on a specific case number to view the full case record, party details, hearing history, and any public documents.

How to Look Up a Court Case

Looking up a court case through the Los Angeles Superior Court system is a structured process built to handle different search scenarios. You can run a search by case number, party name, attorney name, filing date, or court division. Each method returns a list of cases that match the criteria you entered, sorted by relevance and filing date. The results page presents the case number, case title, filing date, and current status at a glance so you can identify the right record quickly.

Case Lookup by Case Number

Searching by case number is the fastest and most accurate way to find a specific court case. The Los Angeles Superior Court assigns a unique identifier to every case, and entering that full number brings up the exact record without the need to filter through other results. The portal accepts case numbers in the standard format used across California courts, including the two-letter court code, the year of filing, and the sequence number. If the case number is correct, the system displays the full case record on the first page of results.

Case Lookup by Party Name

When you do not have the case number, searching by party name lets you locate a case using the plaintiff’s or defendant’s last name and first name. The portal searches across all court divisions and case types in Los Angeles County, then returns any matches found in the public database. You can narrow results by selecting a specific case type, such as civil, criminal, family, or probate, to remove unrelated records. The search also filters by year of filing so you can focus on a specific time period.

Case Lookup by Attorney Name

Attorney name search helps you find all cases associated with a particular lawyer, whether acting as the attorney of record, representing a party, or listed on filings. You enter the attorney’s full name or State Bar number, and the system pulls up cases from every division where the attorney has appeared. This method is useful for verifying an attorney’s current caseload, checking for conflicts of interest, or tracking the progress of a specific lawsuit. The results list the case number, party names, and most recent activity date for each match.

Case Lookup by Filing Date

Filing date search gives you a list of all cases filed in a particular court division on a specific date or within a date range. You select a start date and end date, choose the court location, and run the query to see every case entered into the system during that window. This method is most useful for journalists, researchers, and legal professionals tracking filing trends or confirming when a particular party filed a case. The results display the case number, case type, party names, and a short summary of the case subject.

Case Lookup by Court or Division

The Los Angeles Superior Court operates several divisions, including civil, criminal, family law, probate, juvenile, and traffic. Searching by court or division lets you limit your query to cases handled in one specific courthouse or one type of court. You select the division from the dropdown menu, enter additional search criteria, and the portal returns only cases filed in that location. This is helpful when you know a case was filed in a particular courthouse but lack the full case number.

Information Needed for a Case Lookup

Before running a search, gather the case number, party name, attorney name, filing date, or court division to use as search criteria. The more details you enter, the faster the system returns a matching record. The following table shows the typical search criteria and what you can expect to find in the results.

Case Lookup Results

Each case record returned by the Los Angeles Superior Court portal contains a structured set of data points. The system organizes the results into a clear case summary, followed by party details, attorney details, court details, and case history. You can click on any case number to open the full record, view the docket entries, and download publicly available documents. The following sections explain each element you will see on the results page.

Case Number and Case Title

The case number is the unique identifier assigned to every case at the time of filing. The Los Angeles Superior Court uses a format that includes the court code, year of filing, case type code, and sequence number. The case title lists the names of the primary parties, such as the plaintiff versus the defendant, formatted as “Plaintiff v. Defendant” or “In re [Subject]” for probate and similar matters. The title stays consistent throughout the life of the case, even if parties are added or removed later.

Party Names and Roles

The party section of the case record lists every individual or entity involved in the case and the role each party plays. Common roles include plaintiff, defendant, petitioner, respondent, cross-complainant, and cross-defendant. Each name links to other cases where that same party appears, helping you trace a party’s litigation history. Party addresses and contact details are not displayed in public records due to privacy protections under California law.

Attorney Information

The attorney section lists the attorney of record, the representing attorney, and any associated law firm. The record shows the attorney’s State Bar number, the law firm address, and the date the attorney first appeared in the case. If an attorney has been substituted or removed, the record reflects that change along with the effective date. Attorney details come directly from the State Bar of California registry and update when the attorney files a notice of representation.

Court and Assigned Judge

Every case record shows the court location, court division, and the name of the assigned judge. The Los Angeles Superior Court operates courthouses across the county, including the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles, the Van Nuys Courthouse, the Long Beach Courthouse, and others. The assigned judge oversees all hearings, motion rulings, and final judgment. If the case is reassigned to a different judge, the record displays the new judge’s name and the date of reassignment.

Filing Date and Case Type

The filing date marks the day the court officially accepted the case into its system. The case type identifies the legal category the case falls under, such as civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, or traffic. The filing date and case type together help you locate the case in the court’s archives and confirm that the record matches the right matter. Older cases may show a digitized filing date that differs slightly from the original paper filing date due to records conversion.

Case Status

The case status field shows whether the case is active, pending, closed, disposed, dismissed, or on appeal. The status updates as the court processes filings, holds hearings, and issues rulings. The portal refreshes the status field after each new docket entry, so you always see the most recent state of the case. For cases that have been transferred to another court, the record shows the new court location and case number if available.

Case Disposition

The case disposition records the final outcome of the case, such as judgment for the plaintiff, judgment for the defendant, dismissal, settlement, acquittal, or conviction. For appealed cases, the disposition shows the appellate court ruling. The disposition date marks the day the court entered the final judgment or order. If the case is reopened after closure, the record reflects the reopening date alongside the original disposition.

Case Information

Case details go beyond the basic summary and give you a deeper look at the substance of a court case. The Los Angeles Superior Court portal organizes these details into categories covering filing facts, charges, claims, proceedings, and outcomes. Each category pulls from the official court file maintained by the clerk’s office, and updates appear in near real-time as new documents are filed. The following sub-sections explain what each category contains and how to interpret the data.

Case Filing Details

Filing details capture the initial paperwork submitted to start a case, including the type of complaint or petition filed, the relief sought, and the court fees paid. The record lists the date the complaint was filed, the date the court issued the summons, and the date service was completed on each named defendant. For civil cases, the filing details also include the amount of damages claimed or the type of injunctive relief requested. These details help you understand the scope of the case before reviewing the hearing history.

Charges and Allegations

In criminal cases, the charges and allegations section lists every count the prosecutor filed against the defendant, along with the corresponding statute or code section. Each charge carries a description, the alleged date of the offense, and the classification (felony, misdemeanor, or infraction). The record shows any amendments to the original charges, including added counts, dismissed counts, or reduced charges. For civil and family cases, the allegations section describes the factual basis for the lawsuit or petition in a short narrative format.

Claims and Issues

The claims and issues section summarizes the legal questions the court must resolve. For civil cases, this covers breach of contract, negligence, personal injury, employment disputes, real property disputes, and other causes of action. For family cases, this section covers divorce, custody, support, and domestic violence matters. The record displays each claim separately, allowing you to track how the court ruled on each one in the final judgment or order.

Case Events and Proceedings

The events and proceedings section lists every court hearing, motion, filing, and order in chronological order. Each entry shows the date, the type of event, the courtroom, and a short description. You can click on individual entries to see the related document, if one is publicly available. This section updates every business day, so you can track a case as it moves from filing through trial or settlement.

Orders and Judgments

The orders and judgments section stores every written ruling issued by the judge, including preliminary injunctions, discovery orders, summary judgment rulings, trial orders, and final judgments. Each document shows the date issued, the judge who signed it, and a short summary. Public orders are available for download in PDF format, while sealed orders appear only as a metadata entry in the public record.

Case Outcome

The case outcome section records the final result of the case after all appeals are exhausted. Outcomes include judgments for one party or the other, settlements, dismissals, acquittals, convictions, and probate distributions. For appealed cases, the record shows both the original trial court outcome and the appellate court outcome. The case outcome field differs from the case disposition field in that the outcome reflects the substantive result, while the disposition reflects the procedural closure of the case.

Related Case Information

Many cases connect to other cases through shared parties, related rulings, or consolidated proceedings. The related case section lists any linked cases, such as companion civil and criminal matters, coordinated proceedings, or cross-referenced appeals. You can click through to view the related case directly without re-entering search criteria. This feature helps legal professionals, journalists, and researchers trace how a particular dispute or party has moved through the court system over time.

Case Status

Case status tells you where a case stands in the court process at a given moment. The Los Angeles Superior Court portal uses a standard set of status labels to keep the public informed about whether a case is still moving forward or has reached a final resolution. Status updates occur automatically when the court enters a new filing, holds a hearing, or issues an order. You can view the current status on the case summary page or pull a status history for a complete timeline.

Active Cases

An active case is one that is currently open and moving through the court process. Active cases show recent docket entries, scheduled hearings, and pending motions. The status field on the case record reads “Active” until the court enters a final judgment or the case is otherwise resolved. You can monitor active cases to receive automatic updates when the court adds new entries, depending on the notification options available through the portal.

Pending Cases

A pending case is one that has been filed but has not yet had any substantive court action. Pending cases often appear at the early stages of a lawsuit, before the defendant has been served, before any hearings have been scheduled, or before a judge has issued any preliminary rulings. The status field reads “Pending” until the first court event occurs. Some pending cases may later become active, dismissed, or transferred depending on the actions of the parties and the court.

Closed Cases

A closed case is one that has reached a final resolution and is no longer accepting new filings. Closed cases still appear in the public record and remain searchable through the portal. The case record remains accessible for viewing, though some documents may be sealed or restricted. Closed cases often move into an archived status after a set retention period, at which point the record may need to be retrieved from the court’s archives.

Disposed Cases

A disposed case is one in which the court has issued a final order that resolves the matter. Disposed cases cover cases that ended in a judgment, a dismissal, a settlement, or a final ruling after trial. The disposition date and the type of disposition are recorded in the case record. Disposed cases can sometimes be reopened if a party files a motion to set aside the judgment or to enforce a prior order.

Dismissed Cases

A dismissed case is one in which the court has terminated the case before a final judgment on the merits. Dismissals can occur for many reasons, such as the plaintiff’s failure to prosecute, lack of jurisdiction, voluntary withdrawal, or settlement. The dismissal order typically states the reason for dismissal and whether the dismissal is with or without prejudice. A case dismissed without prejudice can be refiled within the statute of limitations, while a case dismissed with prejudice cannot.

Appealed Cases

An appealed case is one in which a party has filed a notice of appeal seeking review by a higher court. The Los Angeles Superior Court portal shows the appeal status, the appellate court case number, and the date the record was transferred to the appellate court. The trial court record remains accessible during the appeal, and the final disposition of the appeal is added to the case record once the appellate court issues its ruling.

Case Status Updates

Case status updates occur as the court processes new filings, holds hearings, and issues orders. The portal refreshes the case status field on the same business day as the new entry, so the record reflects the most current state of the case. For users who need continuous monitoring, the portal offers optional email alerts that notify you whenever a case on your watch list receives a new docket entry or status change. The system also maintains a status history view so you can see every status change the case has gone through from filing to its current state.

Case Lookup by Case Type

The Los Angeles Superior Court handles many types of cases, each with its own procedural rules and record format. Selecting a specific case type during your search helps the portal return more accurate results. The following table shows the main case types processed by the court and the kinds of records you can expect to find for each.

Civil Cases

Civil cases cover disputes between individuals, businesses, or government entities where one party seeks monetary damages or specific performance. Common civil case types include personal injury, breach of contract, employment disputes, real property matters, and civil rights claims. Civil case records show the parties, the amount in controversy, the assigned judge, the trial date, and the final judgment. Many civil cases settle before trial, in which case the record reflects the settlement terms and the dismissal order.

Criminal Cases

Criminal cases are brought by the state or a city prosecutor against a person accused of a crime. Records show the defendant, the charges, the plea entered, the sentence imposed, and any post-conviction motions. Felony cases are typically filed in the Central Arraignment or felony court, while misdemeanors and infractions are handled in other divisions. The portal shows both pending and resolved criminal cases, with sealed records restricted from public view.

Family Cases

Family cases include marriage dissolution, legal separation, child custody, child support, spousal support, domestic violence restraining orders, paternity actions, and adoptions. Records show the petitioner, the respondent, the attorney of record, and the orders issued. Sensitive details, such as minor children’s names and addresses, may be redacted from public records to protect privacy. Family court records are searchable by case number or by party name.

Probate Cases

Probate cases involve the administration of estates after a person dies, the establishment of trusts, the appointment of conservators for incapacitated adults, and the appointment of guardians for minors. Records show the decedent’s name, the personal representative, the inventory of assets, and the final distribution order. Probate files can be lengthy, so the portal shows the key milestones and lets you request full copies of specific documents through the clerk’s office.

Juvenile Cases

Juvenile cases include delinquency proceedings, dependency proceedings (such as those involving child abuse or neglect), and status offenses. Most juvenile records are confidential and not available through the public portal. The records that are available show the case number, the hearing dates, and the disposition, but the names of the minors are typically redacted. Access to juvenile records requires a court order in most situations.

Misdemeanor Cases

Misdemeanor cases are criminal cases punishable by up to one year in county jail and fines. They cover petty theft, simple assault, drunk driving (first offense), and many other lower-level offenses. The Los Angeles Superior Court portal shows misdemeanor cases with the charges, plea, sentence, and any probation terms. Expunged or sealed misdemeanor records are removed from public view upon court order.

Felony Cases

Felony cases involve crimes punishable by more than one year in state prison, such as murder, robbery, rape, and major drug offenses. The portal shows the felony charges, the arraignment date, the preliminary hearing outcome, the trial date, and the final disposition. Felony cases often involve extensive filings, motions, and hearings, all of which are recorded in the case history. Sentenced defendants may be committed to state prison, county jail, or supervised probation.

Traffic Cases

Traffic cases cover moving violations, infractions, and certain traffic-related misdemeanors such as reckless driving. Records show the citation number, the violation code, the fine amount, and the court’s ruling. Many traffic cases can be resolved by paying a fine or completing traffic school, in which case the record shows the resolution. Serious traffic offenses may be charged as misdemeanors and carry higher penalties.

Case Parties and Attorneys

The Los Angeles Superior Court portal organizes each case around the parties and the attorneys involved. Party roles define the legal position of each person in the case, while attorney details show the legal representation on record. You can search for cases by party name or attorney name, and each result links to the other cases where the same party or attorney appears. The following sub-sections describe the standard party and attorney identifiers used in court records.

Plaintiff and Defendant Information

In a civil case, the plaintiff is the party who files the lawsuit, and the defendant is the party being sued. The case record shows the legal name of each party, the role assigned to them, and the date they entered the case. In personal injury and property damage cases, the plaintiff may be an individual or an insurance company acting on behalf of an insured. In contract disputes, the parties are usually the contracting individuals or businesses.

Petitioner and Respondent Information

In family, probate, and many other case types, the party who files the petition is called the petitioner, and the party responding to the petition is called the respondent. The terms apply to divorce, custody, support, guardianship, conservatorship, and similar matters. The record shows the petitioner’s attorney, the respondent’s attorney (if any), and the date each party first appeared in the case. If the respondent does not file a response, the case may proceed by default.

Attorney of Record

The attorney of record is the lawyer who has formally appeared in the case on behalf of a party. The attorney’s name, State Bar number, law firm, and contact details appear in the case record. The attorney of record receives all official notices and court orders on behalf of the client. If the attorney is substituted, withdrawn, or replaced, the record reflects the change along with the effective date. Several attorneys may appear for the same party, with one designated as the lead attorney of record.

Representing Attorney

The representing attorney is the lawyer who handles a specific hearing, motion, or filing on behalf of a party. This may be the same as the attorney of record or a different lawyer from the same firm. The record shows which attorney appeared at each court event, allowing you to track who handled what aspect of the case. Coverage attorneys, who substitute in for the attorney of record at specific hearings, are also listed by name in the docket entries.

Party Roles and Case Relationships

Beyond the basic plaintiff and defendant or petitioner and respondent roles, cases can involve additional parties such as cross-complainants, cross-defendants, intervenors, third-party claimants, and amici curiae. Each role is recorded in the case file with the date the party entered the case. The portal also shows the relationship between cases, such as a parent case and a consolidated case, or a civil case and the related criminal case arising from the same incident.

• Plaintiff: Files the original lawsuit in a civil case
• Defendant: Responds to the lawsuit in a civil case
• Petitioner: Files the petition in family, probate, and similar cases
• Respondent: Responds to the petition in family, probate, and similar cases
• Cross-Complainant: Files a related claim against a co-party
• Intervenor: Joins an existing case to protect a related interest

Case Filing and Court Activity

Every case moves through the court system through a series of filings, hearings, motions, orders, and judgments. The Los Angeles Superior Court portal tracks each of these events and displays them in the case activity timeline. You can view recent activity on the case summary page, or pull a full event history for a more detailed look. The following sub-sections describe the main types of court activity recorded in a case file.

Filing Date

The filing date is the day the court officially received and accepted the case paperwork. The filing date starts the clock for many procedural deadlines, such as the deadline for serving the defendant, the deadline for filing an answer, and the deadline for filing a notice of appeal. The portal shows the original filing date alongside any amended filing dates if the case was refiled, transferred, or consolidated with another case.

Court Hearings

Court hearings include arraignments, status conferences, motion hearings, pretrial conferences, settlement conferences, and trials. The record shows the date, time, courtroom, judge, and outcome of each hearing. Some hearings are open to the public, while others (such as juvenile dependency hearings and certain family law hearings) are closed. The portal lists public hearings in the case activity timeline.

Motions and Filings

Motions are written requests filed by a party asking the court to issue a specific order. The record shows the type of motion (such as motion to dismiss, motion for summary judgment, motion to compel, or motion in limine), the filing date, the moving party, and the court’s ruling. Filings cover complaints, answers, replies, declarations, exhibits, and other supporting documents submitted to the court. Each filing has a unique docket entry number assigned by the clerk.

Orders and Court Actions

Orders are written rulings issued by the judge in response to motions, stipulations, or the court’s own initiative. Court actions cover minute orders (brief oral rulings recorded by the clerk), formal written orders, and tentative rulings posted before a hearing. The portal lists each order with the date, the judge, and a short description. Formal written orders are available for download in PDF format when they are public.

Judgments and Dispositions

Judgments are the final rulings that resolve a case on the merits, while dispositions are the procedural closures that end a case. The record shows the type of judgment (such as judgment for the plaintiff, judgment for the defendant, default judgment, or consent judgment), the date entered, the amount awarded (if any), and the post-judgment remedies available. Dispositions cover dismissals, settlements, and transfers to other courts.

Case Activity Timeline

The case activity timeline presents every event in the case in chronological order, from the original filing date to the most recent docket entry. You can sort the timeline by date, event type, or filing party. The timeline covers hearings, motions, filings, orders, and judgments, each linked to the corresponding document when one is publicly available. The timeline is a useful tool for legal professionals, researchers, and anyone tracking the progress of a specific case.

Case Lookup Documents

Court documents are the written records generated throughout a case, including complaints, answers, motions, declarations, exhibits, orders, and judgments. The Los Angeles Superior Court portal makes many of these documents available for online viewing and download. Sensitive or sealed documents are not displayed in the public record. The following sub-sections describe the types of documents you can find, how to access them, and how to request certified copies.

Available Case Documents

The portal lists every document filed in a case, with public documents available as PDF downloads and sealed documents shown only as metadata entries. Public documents cover most civil and criminal filings, family law petitions, probate documents, and traffic citations. Sensitive documents, such as those involving minors, mental health evaluations, or sealed settlements, are not displayed in the public portal. Document availability depends on the case type and any court orders restricting access.

Filings and Court Documents

Filings are the documents submitted to the court by the parties, including complaints, petitions, answers, replies, motions, declarations, briefs, and exhibits. Each filing receives a unique docket number and is associated with a specific party or attorney. Court documents also cover clerk-generated records such as minute orders, notices of hearing, and proof of service. The portal shows the filing date, the filing party, the document title, and a link to the PDF when one is available.

Orders and Judgments

Orders and judgments are the written rulings issued by the judge, posted to the case file and made available for public viewing. The portal shows each order with the date issued, the judge who signed it, and a short description. Judgments show the parties, the amount awarded, the terms of any injunctive relief, and the post-judgment rights of the parties. Public orders and judgments are available for download in PDF format.

Document Access and Availability

Document access depends on the case type, the document type, and any court orders restricting access. Public documents are free to view through the portal. Some documents, such as confidential financial declarations or sealed settlement agreements, are not available online. The portal displays a clear message when a document is restricted, along with the legal basis for the restriction. To request access to a restricted document, you must file a motion with the court.

Certified Copies and Official Records

Certified copies of court documents bear the official seal of the court and are accepted by government agencies, financial institutions, and other entities as proof of the record. You can request certified copies through the Los Angeles Superior Court clerk’s office, either in person or by mail. The clerk’s office charges a fee per document, plus any applicable search fees. Processing times vary depending on the document type and the volume of pending requests.

• Complaints and Petitions: Initial documents that start a case
• Answers and Responses: Replies filed by the responding party
• Motions: Written requests for the court to issue an order
• Orders and Judgments: Written rulings issued by the judge
• Decree of Dissolution: Final order ending a marriage
• Probate Orders: Orders granting or denying probate petitions

Case Lookup Problems

Even with a powerful search portal, you may run into issues when trying to find a specific case. Common problems include typos in the case number, similar party names, recently filed cases that have not yet been indexed, and records that are sealed or restricted. The following sub-sections describe the most common problems and offer practical solutions for each one.

Case Not Found

If the portal returns no results for your search, the case may not exist in the court’s database, the case number may be entered incorrectly, or the case may be sealed. Double-check the case number format, including the court code, year, and sequence number. Try the search again with a different name spelling, a different date range, or a different court division. If the case still does not appear, contact the clerk’s office for help locating the record.

Incorrect Case Number

An incorrect case number is the most common cause of a failed search. Make sure you have the full case number, including the two-letter court code, the four-digit year, the case type code, and the sequence number. Even a single wrong digit returns no results. If you are unsure of the case number, try searching by party name or attorney name instead, then note the correct case number from the search results.

Similar Party Names

Many party names are common, such as John Smith or Maria Garcia, and the portal may return a long list of unrelated results. To narrow the list, add a date of birth, a date range, or a specific case type to your search criteria. You can also filter results by court division to focus on a specific courthouse. The portal sorts results by relevance and filing date, so the most likely matches appear at the top of the list.

Recently Filed Cases

Cases that were filed in the past few days may not yet appear in the public portal due to processing time. The court needs time to scan the paperwork, enter the data into the system, and assign a case number. If you filed a case recently and do not see it in the portal, wait one to two business days and try again. If the case still does not appear after a few days, contact the clerk’s office for an update.

Incomplete Case Information

Some case records show only partial details, such as the case number, the filing date, and the case type, without the full party or attorney details. This can happen when a case is still in its early stages or when the court has not yet entered all the required data. The record updates as the parties file additional paperwork. Check the case again in a few days to see if the missing details have been added.

Sealed or Restricted Cases

Sealed cases are not available for public viewing, and the portal shows only the case number, the filing date, and a notice that the case is sealed. Restricted cases have certain documents withheld from public view, but the basic case record is still visible. You can also cross-reference these findings by accessing verified dui records online. To access a sealed or restricted case, you typically need a court order. Common reasons for sealing cover juvenile records, mental health evaluations, and confidential settlements.

Delayed Case Updates

Case updates may be delayed by one to three business days due to court processing backlogs, holidays, or system maintenance. If you are tracking an active case, refresh the record regularly. For cases that show older details than you expect, the clerk’s office can confirm the most recent status. The portal also displays a “last updated” timestamp on each case record so you know when the data was last refreshed.

Case Lookup and Related Court Information

Case lookup is one of several tools the Los Angeles Superior Court provides for accessing court records. You can also use the case search, court calendar, court docket, and court records systems to find specific details. Each tool serves a slightly different purpose, and knowing the difference helps you pick the right one for your needs. The following sub-sections compare the main tools and explain when to use each one.

Case Lookup vs. Case Search

Case lookup and case search are often used interchangeably, but they refer to slightly different functions. Case lookup typically returns a single case record or a small list of matching cases based on a known identifier, such as a case number or party name. Case search returns a broader list of cases based on broader criteria, such as a date range, a court division, or a case type. Use case lookup when you know the specific case, and use case search when you want to explore a category of cases.

Case Lookup vs. Court Calendar

Case lookup shows the case record, including the case history, parties, and current status. The court calendar shows the schedule of hearings for a specific day, judge, or courtroom. Use case lookup to find out what has happened in a case and what its current status is. Use the court calendar to find out when a specific hearing is scheduled and which courtroom it will be held in. Both tools are available through the Los Angeles Superior Court portal.

Case Lookup vs. Court Docket

Case lookup gives you the high-level summary of a case. The court docket gives you the detailed list of every entry in the case, including the date, the filing party, the document title, and the ruling on each motion. The docket is a chronological log of the case, useful for legal professionals who need to track every filing. The case lookup page links to the full docket for each case, so you can move from the summary to the full event history with a single click.

Case Lookup vs. Court Records

Court records are the complete file of a case, including all documents, orders, and judgments. Case lookup is the tool you use to find a specific case in the court’s database. Once you find a case through case lookup, you can request access to the full court records through the clerk’s office. Court records are stored at the courthouse where the case was filed, and some older records may be stored offsite at the court’s archives.

Case Information vs. Criminal Records

Case details cover a single court case and include the parties, filings, hearings, and rulings. Criminal records are a broader category that covers arrest records, conviction records, and corrections records, often maintained by law enforcement agencies. The Los Angeles Superior Court portal shows case details for criminal cases filed in the court, but it does not show arrest records or Department of Corrections records. For a full criminal history, you may need to check many sources, including the California Department of Justice.

Contact Information

Below are the official contact details for the Los Angeles Superior Court, where you can reach the clerk’s office for help with case lookup questions, certified copies, sealed records, and other court-related requests.

• Location: Los Angeles Superior Court, 111 N. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
• Contact Number: (213) 830-0800
• Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Official Website Search Portal: https://www.lacourt.org/

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles Superior Court lets the public find case information quickly. By using the online portal you can see case numbers, parties, attorneys, filing dates, and the latest status. The system pulls data directly from the clerk’s office, so the details match the official record. Searches work 24 hours a day from any device, helping lawyers, reporters, and citizens stay informed.

How can I look up a court case by case number in Los Angeles Superior Court?

Enter the exact case number in the portal’s “Case Number” field. First, open the search page, then type the digits exactly as they appear on any document. Next, click Search. The system returns the case record, showing the title, filing date, current status, and a link to the docket. If the number includes a suffix (for example ‑1), include it to avoid missing the correct file. The result appears within seconds, letting you verify details without a phone call.

What steps let me search for a case using a party’s name or attorney name?

Select the “Name Search” option on the homepage. First, choose whether you are looking for a plaintiff, defendant, or attorney. Then type the full or partial name; the portal accepts wildcards, so “Smith*” captures all variations. After you submit, the site lists matching case numbers with filing dates. Pick the number that matches the party you need, then open the record for full details. This method works even when you only know the lawyer’s name or a misspelled party name.

How do I check the current status of a case and see recent filings?

Open the case record you found by number or name. The top of the page shows the status label—active, pending, closed, or dismissed. Scroll down to the “Register of Actions” section; each entry lists the filing date, document type, and the filing party. Recent filings appear at the top, so you can see motions, orders, or judgments added in the last few weeks. If you need the most recent update, refresh the page; the database syncs every ten minutes.

Can I access case documents or docket sheets online?

When the record shows a “Documents” icon, click it to view available PDFs. The portal offers non‑confidential filings such as complaints, motions, and orders. You may download up to 25 pages per document without a fee; larger files require a small charge per page. Documents marked “sealed” or “restricted” do not appear, and the system will display a notice instead of the file. This keeps the public view limited to information the court releases publicly.

Why might a case not appear in the search results?

Several reasons can hide a case. First, the case may predate the online database; older files are only in the clerk’s physical archive. Second, sealed or confidential matters are removed from public view, so the portal will return no match. Third, a typo in the name or number will lead to zero results. If you suspect any of these, call the clerk’s office at (213) 830‑0800 during business hours, or request a formal records search using the online form; the staff can locate the file and advise on next steps.