Civil Cases
Civil Cases
Civil cases are brought by a plaintiff or petitioner - an individual, business or agency of government -- asking the court to protect some right or to help recover money or property from the defendant--another individual, business or agency of government.
Civil cases involve matters including disputes over business transactions, property rights, administration of wills, claims of accident victims and mental health commitments, divorces, probate, and guardianship.
Filing Court Papers (General Information)
You may file court papers at the Willows Historic Courthouse between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm. Documents for filing, except for post-trial motions, oppositions, replies, proofs of service subsequent to the filing of a motion, ex-parte applications, all papers for Limited and Unlimited Civil cases, Small Claims, and Limited and Unlimited Civil Unlawful Detainer cases, are filed at this location.
When filing papers are filed with the court, please observe the following guidelines:
- Pleadings will not be filed unless they comply with California Rules of Court, rule 201.
- Exhibits must be as legible as original typing or printing.
- No conformed copies of documents filed with the court will be returned by mail unless a self-addressed stamped envelope, with sufficient postage is provided.
- All papers presented for filing must be pre-punched in the standard two-hole position.
- An original and appropriate number of copies must be submitted.
- Documents submitted without appropriate filing fees according to the court's fee schedule will be returned unfiled.
Visit our FAQ page for more information.