San Mateo /divisions/civil-division

San Mateo /divisions/civil-division¶

Source: https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil-division

Civil Division

The Civil Division conducts civil trials and manages civil filings, case management, name and/or gender changes, and civil restraining orders.

Local Rule 3.500 has been revised to allow for remote appearances in ex parte hearings, subject to the exceptions set forth in CRC Rule 3.1207 . Please review and comply with the requirements stated in the rule. Ex Partes for Unlawful Detainer actions will be heard on Tuesdays and Fridays at 1:30 p.m. (excluding holidays), in Department 30, Courtroom H of the Central Branch, 800 North Humboldt Street, San Mateo, CA 94401.

If you are unable to utilize these dates, parties may still bring Ex Parte applications directly to each case’s assigned Judge’s department on their respective Ex Parte hearing days per Local Rule 3.1202(a). Ex Partes in regular civil cases (i.e. cases which are not unlawful detainer actions) must still be submitted to your assigned Judge’s department.

Click here to navigate to your assigned judge. The Presiding Judge and the Probate Judge will continue to have their own separate ex parte days and hours.

Pursuant to Local Rule 2.1.8, civil court judgments are subject to mandatory eFiling by attorneys. Beginning August 11, 2025, paper judgment packets will no longer be accepted, unless submitted by a self-represented party (Pro-Per).

List of San Mateo Superior Court Civil Judges and information on Civil Direct Calendars

Looking for case information? START HERE!

You might be able to find or review info regarding a case online San Mateo County Superior Court Records Index

E-Filing:

More Information on E-Filing

Check out Self-Prep and File

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How Do I . . .

File a Civil Case

Get Copies of Civil Files or Records

Get Copies of Civil files or Records

Name and/or Gender Change

Civil Restraining Orders

Ex-Parte Hearings

Pro Per (Self-Represented) Portal Access

Quick Links

Law and Motion

Law & Motion Tentative Rulings

Law & Motion Calendar Availability

Forms, Filings and Rules

Civil Fees

Local Forms

Local Rules

Court Locations

Court Judicial District and Geographical Areas

Children's Waiting Room

Learn more about Maps and Directions

Civil CMC Packet

Please refer to the documents and resources below as referenced in your Notice of Case Management Conference.

CMC-110 Case Management Statement

Appropriate Dispute Resolution Information Sheet

Stipulation to ADR and Proposed Order Form and Instructions

San Mateo Court Local Rules (Refer to Section 2.3 Caseflow Management)

Drop Box

Civil Drop Box for after hours filing at the Hall of Justice

There is a drop box for after hours civil filings located outside of the Clerk's Office Room A on the first floor of the Hall of Justice.

Please note:

Documents placed in the drop box before 4:00 p.m. will be deemed filed the same court business day.

Documents placed in the drop box after 4:00 p.m. will be deemed filed the next court business day.

If problems are encountered (incorrect fees, not timely, etc.), we will make every effort to contact you before your documents are returned.

The drop box is checked and all items are removed at 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. each court business day.

Civil ADR Program

Appropriate Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a way of solving legal problems without going to trial. Visit our Civil ADR Program for more information.

NOTE: The Clerk's Office will continue to accept and process Emergency Ex Parte, Domestic Violence and all Temporary Restraining Order Petitions, and Civil Ex Partes.

Hall of Justice

400 County Center, 1st Floor, Room A

Redwood City, CA 94063 [Directions]

Phone Number and Phone Hours:

(650) 261-5100

Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Office Hours: (except Court Holidays):

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

To Schedule an Appointment

Email: If you have questions specific to your case, you may click here to email the clerk's office.

Exceptions & meaning →