Butte /divisions/civil

Source: https://www.butte.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil

Civil

Civil Division

The Civil Division located at the North Butte County Courthouse facility (1775 Concord Avenue, Chico) handles all Civil matters including Small Claims, Unlawful Detainer, Limited and Unlimited Civil cases for the entire county.

CONTACT INFORMATION

North Butte County Courthouse

Civil/Probate Division

1775 Concord Avenue

Chico, CA 95928

Civil Division Phone: (530) 532‑7009

Case Types

Civil lawsuits can generally be divided into three categories depending on how much money is involved:

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When the dollar amount is…

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This case is usually called a…

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Under $12,500

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Small Claims case

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Between $1 and $35,000

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Limited Jurisdiction Civil case

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Over $35,000

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Unlimited Jurisdiction Civil case

For more information on Small Claims and the difference between Small Claims and Limited Civil cases please visit the Court's Small Claims webpage.

Unlawful Detainer/Eviction

Eviction cases are called “unlawful detainer" in court. An unlawful detainer lawsuit is the civil process a landlord can use to remove a tenant from his or her rental property and regain possession of the property from the tenant. In California, a landlord may be able to evict a tenant if the tenant:

Fails to pay the rent on time;

Breaks the lease or rental agreement and will not fix the problem (like keeping your cat when pets are not allowed);

Damages the property, bringing down the value;

Becomes a serious nuisance by disturbing other tenants and neighbors even after being asked to stop; or

Uses the property to do something illegal.

For more information on Unlawful Detainer/Eviction cases and an overview of the process for landlords and tenants, please refer to the California Courts Self-Help Guide on eviction cases.

Important: A landlord cannot lock a tenant out, shut off utilities, or throw out their belongings to make them leave. To evict someone, the landlord must go through the court process and follow the proper steps. If they do not, they may have to pay the tenant a penalty.

Civil Harassment

A Civil Harassment Restraining Order is a court order that helps protect people from abuse or threats of abuse. Civil Harassment Restraining Orders are filed when the protected and restrained people in the case are not close family members, dating, spouse/partner, or co-parents. Examples include neighbors, acquaintances, cousins, or friends.

The Court’s Civil Harassment Restraining Order page provides greater detail on filing a Civil Harassment Restraining Order.

Name and/or Gender Change

In order to get a court order changing your name or gender, or your child’s name or gender, you must file a petition in the Superior Court in the county where you live. You can then use the court order to change a birth certificate, passport, social security card, driver's license, and other documents.

See the California Courts' Self-Help Guide to Change your name or for Change of Gender for additional information.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Alternative Dispute Resolution ("ADR" for short) is the term used for different ways to resolve disagreements outside of court. Forms of ADR include mediation, arbitration, neutral evaluation, the use of special masters and referees, binding arbitration, facilitation, and settlement conferences.

For more information on ADR and a list of legal professionals that can help resolve disputes, please refer to the Court’s ADR page.

Serving the Other Party

Serving means that another adult (called a server) delivers a copy of the filed papers to the defendant. Generally, this is done by hand-delivering the papers to the defendant, known as personal service. The court can give you more time to serve the defendant, but you need to be actively trying to have the papers served. If your server has tried many ways to find the person, but cannot, talk to the Self Help and Referral Program for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do if I can't afford to pay the filing fee?

If you cannot afford the filing fee you can request a fee waiver using form FW-001: Request to Waive Court Fees.

Does the court require a courtesy copy?

No, the court does not require a courtesy copy. The court will conform any copies provided.

Can the court take any audio or visual media at the clerk’s counter for presentation during my hearing?

No. Evidence will need to be presented by you to the judicial officer at your hearing. To present audio or visual media in court you will need to request the necessary equipment using form GR.030 Request/Notification for Audio/Visual Presentation Equipment.

What is “personal service”?

Personal service is when someone, known as a server, personally delivers your court papers to the other party in person.

Who can serve my court documents?

You cannot serve your own court forms. The person who serves a copy of your papers to the other party can be anyone over the age of 18 who is NOT involved in the case.

This includes a:

Friend

Relative

County sheriff

Professional process server

Where can I go if I need the Sheriff’s Office to serve my documents?

The Sheriff’s Civil Division is located in Chico at 402 Otterson Drive, Suite 120. Please refer to their website for more information on service and their hours of operation.

What if the person I am trying to serve cannot be located or is avoiding service?

A judge may allow you to serve your paperwork another way, this is called alternative service. To qualify for alternative service, you must show the judge that you have tried many times to have someone personally served (usually 3 or more) and that you believe the person is avoiding service or cannot be located. For more information on requesting alternative service please contact the Self-Help Assistance and Referral Program (SHARP) at (530) 532-7015.

Civil Forms

Click the button below to access Local Civil/Probate Forms

Local Forms

Civil/Probate Packets

Click the button below for Civil Forms packets.

Civil/Probate Form Packets

Remote Appearances

Click the button below for remote appearance information.

Civil, Probate, and Family Matters

Quick Links

Tentative Rulings

eFiling

Deposit of Advance Jury Fees FAQ

Alternative Dispute Resolution

CARE Act Court

Legal Services of Northern California

California Courts Self-Help Guide to civil lawsuits

Tips for your day in court