Civil Division
Court Clerk's Office Information
The clerk's offices in both branches are open Monday through Friday, excluding judicial holidays.
Public Counter Hours: 8:30am to 3:30pm
Telephone Hours: 8:30am to 3:30pm
Telephone Number: (707)468-2003
Locations and mailing addresses:
Mendocino County Courthouse, 100 North State Street, Room 107, Ukiah CA 95482
Ten Mile Branch, 700 South Franklin Street, Fort Bragg CA 95437
Jurisdiction
Small Claims
When the amount sought by the plaintiff is $10,000 or less the claim may be filed as a Small Claims matter. Go to the Small Claims page for more information on how to file a small claim.
Limited Civil
When the amount sought by the plaintiff is $25,000 or less, the matter will be filed as a limited civil case.
Unlimited Civil
When the amount sought by the plaintiff is more than $25,000 the matter will be filed as an unlimited civil action. In a few instances, cases seeking less than $25,000 qualify as unlimited civil cases. Please check with the clerk's office if you have a question about your filing jurisdiction.
Other types of cases filed in the unlimited jurisdiction include family law, probate, guardianship, conservatorship, juvenile dependency, juvenile law violations, restraining orders, Uniform Parentage Act, Uniform Interstate Family Support Act; freedom from parental custody and control; adoptions; petitions for name change; petitions for name and gender change; election contest petitions; and petitions for relief from late claims.
Forms and Filing
Forms may be found on our Forms and Filing section on our website or printed at the Law Library or downloaded from the California Courts website.
By law, the clerks cannot provide legal advice. They can assist you with procedural and document filing questions only.
Fees
See the Fee Schedule for civil filing and appearance fees. If you believe that you are unable to afford these fees, submit a Request to Waive Fees. There is no charge for this form.
Copies and Certified Copies of Court Documents
Please see the Copies and Certified Copies page for information on how to obtain copies.
Viewing Court Case Records
Please see the Viewing Court Case Records page for information on this.
Ex Parte Hearings
Contact the court to reserve your hearing date one to two days prior to the date you wish your matter heard. Notice requirements are in accordance with California Rule of Court 3.1203. Ex parte requirements are in accordance with Local Rule 1.13. All paperwork must be submitted to the clerk’s office no later than 10:00 am the day of your hearing including the Declaration re: Notice upon Ex Parte Application for Orders. Local form number MMC-121 can be used. Ex parte decisions are posted to the case and available after 1:30 on the day of the court’s review.
Tentative Rulings
The Court issues tentative rulings on certain civil matters. Rulings are posted on the Tentative Rulings web page by 3:00pm of the court day prior to the scheduled hearing. See the Tentative Rulings web page for details on the tentative rulings process.