Merced /divisions/civil-division

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

Civil Division

Civil Division

Welcome to the Superior Court of California, County of Merced Civil Division. This division handles civil, small claims, probate, adoption, juvenile dependency, civil harassments, name changes, unlawful detainers (evictions), elder abuse, conservatorship, guardianship and emancipation matters.

Law & Motion Matters

Limited Civil

Matters are heard on Mondays at 1:30, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10 am in Courtroom 9.

Unlimited Civil

Matters are heard on Monday – Friday in Courtroom 8 at 8:15 am unless notified otherwise.

Contact Information

Old Merced Courthouse

627 W 21st Street

Merced, CA 95340

Tel: (209) 725-4111

Fax: (209) 725-4110

Calendar Desk: (209) 725-4100 x3675

Office Hours:

Please see the latest operational updates.

Small Claims Night Court

Requirements

You must request Night Court from the Small Claims Court Clerk when you file your case. Requests for Night Court are handled on a first come, first serve basis.

Hearing Dates and Time

Dates: 2nd Wednesday of each month

Time: 5:00 pm

Duration: Approximately 1 hour depending on the number of cases heard

What to Bring: Any witnesses or exhibits (evidence)

Payments: No payments made on hearing date

Please note: Interpreter services are currently not available during the Small Claims Night Court hours.

Night Court Location

Old Merced Courthouse

627 W 21st Street

Merced, CA 95340

Please visit our locations page for directions.

Click on Civil topics below for more information.

Legal Advice

Please be aware the superior court is not authorized by law to give legal advice to private individuals. If you are seeking legal advice as to which forms should be filed, you need to contact a private attorney.

Conformed Copies of Filings

A self-addressed stamped envelope must be included in documents to be filed in order to receive conformed copies back.

Fees

Please visit the Fees page for the current list of fees.

Payment Information

Over the Counter:

The Court accepts cash and money orders. Personal checks require a financial declaration.

By Mail:

The Court accepts money orders by mail. The court also accepts personal checks up to $25. The Court does not accept credit cards or debit cards at this time.

Evictions

For instructions and information on eviction, please view the Unlawful Detainer Instructions document.

Case Searches

For case search information, please visit the Records Search page.

Public Computer

The court provides a public computer in the Unlimited Civil office that can be used to browse the following sites:

California Courts Website

Superior Court of California, County of Merced

Case lookup (Can only be accessed from the public computer)

A set of instructions are provided to assist you in using this service.

If you have your own device that supports wireless networking, you can bring it into the courthouse and connect to our Free Public Wi-Fi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click on any of the questions below for more information.

Where do I obtain a marriage license? a power of attorney? information about a tax lien?

These matters are handled by the Merced County Clerk-Recorder's Office. They are located at 2222 M St., Main Floor, Merced, CA 95340. They can be reached by telephone at (209) 385-7627.

Where do I pay my property taxes?

Property tax matters are handled at the County Administration Building, located at 2222 M St., Merced, CA 95340. They can be reached by telephone at (209) 385-7631.

Where do I get my business license? Obtain a fictitious business name?

If the business is located within Merced County, you can obtain your business license at the County Administration Building, located at 2222 M St., Merced, CA 95340. You can also visit the City of Merced Website for more information about obtaining a business license.