San Francisco /divisions/civil-division

San Francisco /divisions/civil-division¶

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

Civil Division

About Civil Division

The Civil Division handles non-criminal lawsuits among individuals and/or corporations brought to enforce, redress, or protect private rights. The largest division in the San Francisco Superior Court, the Civil Division conducts civil trials and manages civil filings, records, small claims cases, appeals, probate matters, unlawful detainers, defaults, case management, dispute resolution, name changes, and civil restraining orders to prevent harassment and elder abuse.

Civil Clerk's Office

Civic Center Courthouse

400 McAllister St., Room 103

(between Polk and Van Ness)

San Francisco, CA 94102

Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday (excluding court holidays)

8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., closed 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

Dropbox hours: 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

Information: (415) 551-4000

TTY/TDD: (415) 551-4001

How Do I Get Information About?

Alternative Dispute Resolution

The Court’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program assists attorneys and litigants in selecting appropriate dispute resolution options prior to trial.

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Appeals

Find out information about appeals.

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Asbestos Department

The San Francisco Superior Court carries the largest asbestos litigation caseload of any of California’s 58 Superior Courts. In 2009, the Court created a single asbestos case management department to handle asbestos cases.

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CARE Act Court

Find out more about CARE Court.

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Civil Case Management

Find out more about civil case management.

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Civil Clerk’s Office

Contact Information for key staff in the Civil clerk’s office.

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Civil Grand Jury

California state law requires that all 58 counties impanel a Civil Grand Jury to serve during each fiscal year.

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Restraining Orders - Civil Harassment

Learn who can obtain a Civil Harassment Restraining Order and how to obtain one.

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Civil Records

Learn what information clerks may legally provide, how to obtain civil records in person or by mail, and other information about Civil Records.

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Complex Civil Litigation

The San Francisco Superior Court is one of six California trial courts with Complex Civil Litigation departments.

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Court Reporters

Court Reporters, as guardians of the record, are not only employees of the Court, but purveyors of transcripts for all interested parties.

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Law & Motion and Discovery

Motion schedules, procedures and contact information.

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Master Calendar - Dept. of the Presiding Judge

Master Calendar; motion schedule, procedures and contact information.

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Probate Court

The Probate Court manages decedent's estate, trusts, guardianship of minors, and conservatorship of adults who are unable to provide for their personal needs or manage their financial resources.

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Real Property Court

Former Presiding Judge Katherine Feinstein created the Housing Court in November 2011 as a result of a budget-related reorganization.

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Small Claims Division

In the Small Claims court, disputes are resolved quickly and inexpensively, the rules are simple and informal. Litigants may not be represented by an attorney. The Small Claims jurisdiction is limited to $12,500 for individuals.

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Voluntary Expedited Jury Trial

The San Francisco Superior Court encourages the use of Voluntary Expedited Jury Trials (“EJTs”) in appropriate cases. EJTs provide an excellent opportunity to resolve your client’s case in an expeditious and inexpensive way.

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Related Information

Online Services

Case information is available online for Civil, Small Claims, Probate, and some Family Law cases. You must have the Case Number or Party Name for Case & Document Inquiry. Tentative Rulings also are available online. You must have the Case Number for Tentative Rulings.

Local Rules

Local Forms

E-Filing Special Instructions

Directory of Judges

Frequently Asked Questions- Unified Family Court