Civil Division | Superior Court of California - County of San Diego

Civil Division | Superior Court of California - County of San Diego The Civil Division handles non-criminal lawsuits among individuals and/or corporations brought to enforce, redress, or protect private rights. Civil courts have jurisdiction over disputes involving money, title or possession of real property, or seeking compensation for a civil tort. Petitions to change one's name/gender, petition to change a child's name, or petitions seeking civil harassment restraining orders are also processed by the Civil Division. Services and Resources: - ADR (Alternatives to Trial): Arbitration, Mediation, Settlement Conferences, Temporary Assigned Judges Civil Mediation Program - Civil e-Filing: Civil Law e-Filing, Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO) e-Filing - Civil Hearings: Independent Calendar Hearings, Restraining Order Hearings, Limited Civil Hearings, Small Claims Hearings, Unlawful Detainer (Landlord-Tenant) Hearings - Construction Defect Cases - Harassment Restraining Orders - JCCP Cases - Landlord/Tenant matters - Minor's Compromise - Name or Gender Change petitions - Small Claims Important Notice Regarding Case Management System Transition: The Civil Division has transitioned to a new case management system. The division is experiencing a significant backlog in all filing types due to data conversion and technological issues. The court is prioritizing time-sensitive matters while processing submissions in order received. Users are instructed to carefully reference Civil Filing Names and Unlawful Detainer Filing Names documents before submitting efilings, as incorrect designations cause delays and potential rejection. Courtesy copies of documents such as stipulations, ex parte requests, law and motion oppositions, supporting declarations, and requests for judicial notice should be provided directly to the department. Requests to Enter Default should be filed separately from judgment packages. Inquiries regarding filings pending less than one month should be avoided to allow staff time to process the backlog. Alternative Dispute Resolution: Disputes may be settled without going to court through ADR. The National Conflict Resolution Center can be contacted at (619) 238-2400. Filing Information: Complaints should be filed at the court location corresponding to where the defendant lives or conducts business, or where the incident occurred. Documents may be filed by fax according to Local Rule of Court 2.5.2. Fax filing agencies are accepted for all documents except those specified in California Rules of Court. Direct fax filing is available for civil limited cases for documents not requiring payment. Payment and Fees: Monthly payments for court-ordered fees may be submitted by credit card through the online payment system. The case number must be entered exactly as printed on the Payment Notice, with date of birth as instructed. Failure to make timely payments may result in referral to a collection agency and/or dismissal of the case. A Judgment Calculator is available to calculate daily and to-date accrued interest, interest between costs after judgment, and interest between payments.