Civil Division of the San Bernardino District

Navigating a civil lawsuit can seem daunting, whether you're resolving a business dispute, handling a landlord-tenant issue, or applying for a restraining order.

The Civil Division of the San Bernardino District deals with non-criminal cases involving individuals, businesses, and government bodies.

This page provides clear, up-to-date details on courthouse locations, filing procedures, and methods for accessing public court records online.

Eisner Gorin LLP does not represent clients in civil law matters. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We recommend that you contact a local civil law attorney.

You can visit the Civil Division of the San Bernardino District website here.

Courthouse Location & Essential Contact Info

The Civil Division is housed within the modern San Bernardino Justice Center.

Detail	Information
Physical Address	247 West Third Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415-0210
Cross Streets	Southeast corner of Third Street and Arrowhead Avenue
Phone Number	(909) 708-8678
Building Hours	Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Excluding County Holidays)
Phone Service Hours	Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

⚠️ Security Alert: Everyone entering the San Bernardino Justice Center must go through weapons screening. Sharp objects, tools, aerosol sprays, and recording devices are not allowed. Please turn off or silence your cell phone before entering any courtroom.

Types of Cases Handled

The San Bernardino Civil Court handles various civil cases under the California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP):

Unlimited Civil Cases: Disputes involving claims greater than $35,000.
Limited Civil Cases: Disputes involving claims up to $35,000.
Landlord / Tenant (Unlawful Detainer): Eviction proceedings and rental housing disputes.
Civil Petitions: Name changes, civil harassment restraining orders, and requests for court review.
CEQA: Cases relating to the California Environmental Quality Act.

How to File Documents

You can submit your civil forms, petitions, and legal pleadings to the clerk's office using various options:

1. Verify Your Jurisdiction & Rules:

Make sure your dispute is filed in the San Bernardino District by reviewing the California Rules of Court (CRC) and San Bernardino Local Rules of Practice available online to ensure proper document formatting.

2. In-Person Filing:

Take your original forms and copies to the clerk's windows at the San Bernardino Justice Center. Be ready to pay the filing fees or submit a Fee Waiver request.

3. Utilize the Official Dropbox:

A secure physical drop box is located on the south side of the San Bernardino Justice Center, at the bottom of the stairs. Documents submitted before 4:00 PM will receive same-day filing dates. Payment must be made by check or money order only; cash is not accepted.

4. Mailing Files:

Send mail documents with the appropriate filing fee to 247 West Third Street. Make sure your envelope has the correct zip code plus four digits to ensure delivery to the Civil department.

Accessing Court Records & Case Information

The public can search, view, and purchase documents for active or historical civil cases.

Online Search Portals: The court offers an official Court Access Portal on its main website for tracking civil case statuses, tentative rulings, and upcoming hearing schedules.
Remote Electronic Access: Public civil documents can be accessed online. Download copies for $0.50 per page.
Historical Files: Cases filed before 1998 might have limited digital access. For older records, visiting the court clerk in person to request microfiche retrieval may be necessary.

Public Parking Information

Parking in downtown San Bernardino is highly constrained. Plan to arrive early for your hearing to find a space at one of these nearby public parking zones:

Short-Term (3-Hour Limit):
- Northeast corner of Arrowhead Avenue and 3rd Street (Justice Center Main Lot)
- Northeast corner of Arrowhead Avenue and 5th Street
All-Day Parking:
- Northeast corner of Mt. View and 4th Street
- Northwest corner of Arrowhead Avenue between 4th and 5th Street
- South side of 2nd Street between Arrowhead Avenue and Mt. View (Directly south of the Justice Center)

San Bernadino Superior Court - Civil Division