Merced County Superior Court

Introduction:

Merced County Superior Court is a city courthouse in Merced County, California. It is located within. Court of appeal fifth district. The courthouse was established in 1855, but a permanent building was made in 1857; then, further advancement was made, and in 2007 the courthouse was combined into a single tilt-up concrete building. The court’s mission is to assist the public trust and confidence in the judicial system by guaranteeing equal access to promote justice and serve the community with respect. It has jurisdiction over criminal, small claims, probation, juvenile, appeal, finance, civil, family, traffic, and vehicle matters. They provide services like online payment, forms, online case search, e-filing, court calendar and many more, so it is optional to go to court for these services. This court also provides self-help for a different division. Every person must follow local rules and wear a mask in this court. Proper dressing is required during the case hearing. Five superior courts located in this county are:

• MERCED COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT – LOS BANOS DIVISION
• MERCED COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT – NEW COURTHOUSE (N STREET BUILDING)
• MERCED COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT – OLD COURTHOUSE (21ST STREET BUILDING)
• MERCED COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT – TRAFFIC DIVISION
• MERCED COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT – JUVENILE DIVISION

How to search for case information?

Merced County Superior Court Case Search can be done online using the court portal https://jpportal.mercedcourt.org/mercedpublic. Registration on the portal for accessing case searches is not mandatory. The court maintains all the records online, in files or a database. The Search can be done in the following ways:

• Search by Case Number, citation, record or traffic number
• Search by First, middle and last name

After entering the data, the case information will come. The portal will only show those records information that is publicly available. It does not show records of adoption, criminal, family, juvenile and mental health matters etc. Some records are unavailable; if the information does not come, the case records will be removed or confidential and cannot be displayed online. You have to go to the court or give a record request for these documents, and then the court will decide whether to provide that information. The fee for each document per page is $0.50, which is mandatory. All the guidelines related to different case searches and how to register on the portal search are available online on the website.

How to search for a case hearing?

Merced County Superior Court case hearing search can be done online by entering location, hearing types, search types and the date. The search type can be done in the following ways:

• Search by Case Number, citation, record or traffic number
• Search by name
• Search by party name
• Search by attorney name
• Search by attorney bar number
• Search by judicial officer
• Search by courtroom

Submit the date, and the case hearing result will be displayed.

How can I make a payment?

Merced Traffic Court payment can be made in the following ways:

· In-Person:

A person can pay for tickets and fines by visiting the court during regular court hours and paying in cash, checks, or with a card at the court payment office. Take your ticket, citation number, courtesy notice or any other information representing your cases when you are coming for payment. 2.5% surcharges will be applied if you make payment with a credit card. The schedule for a walk-in payment can be changed, so contact the court before you come for payment.

· Online: 

Merced court’s online payments can be made using the Superior Court Online Portal https://jpportal.mercedcourt.org/MERCEDPUBLIC/Home/Dashboard/17. Enter any search type like a case number, name etc. and enter criteria. Your case information with the amount of the fine will be displayed. Select the payment option and pay the amount online.

· Mail: 

A Person can send a certified check or money order to the court’s mailing address; 720 West 20th Street, Merced, CA 95340 or to the Merced Court’s Los Banos Division at 1159 G Street, Los Banos, CA 93635. Cash or personal checks are not acceptable in the mail; only certified checks or money orders are accepted. Remember to write your citation, name, case number and account number when you send the payment, and mail the amount in a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want a receipt.

· Drop Box:

One can also pay in an envelope and put it in the court’s front door drop box. Write your name, address and citation number on the envelope.

How can I appear remotely?

Merced County Superior Court’s remote appearance can be done using the zoom application or by telephone. Fill out the virtual hearing form and send it to the court; the court will give you a schedule with a meeting link if your case is eligible for a virtual hearing. Join the session 10 minutes before the schedule. Make sure your internet connection is strong. Mute your microphone and speak only when the judge calls your name. Rules, forms and procedures for each case division are available remotely. Please read them before your schedule. 

The family court handles which type of cases?

Merced Court Family law matters are handled by the New Merced Courthouse N Building and deal with all types of issues related to the family. The issues include:

• Divorce, legal separation or nullity of marriage
• Child custody and visitation issues
• Child, Spousal and Family support issues
• Domestic Violence
• Elder abuse issue
• Adoption issues

They also provide family court services for the Recommending Counseling of Child Custody. Giving legal advice is not allowed; you must hire a private attorney for any advice related to the case. 

The traffic division handles which type of cases?

Merced County Court Traffic Division handles cases related to traffic, vehicle and speeding ticket violations. The violation includes speeding, accident, violation of vehicle code, infraction, minor felony cases, local municipal ordinance, violation of traffic signal, driving without a license, and suspended license. This division is also responsible for the citation filing from different law enforcement agencies in this county. If you received a traffic ticket or citation, and mandatory appearance is written on it, then you must appear on your schedule; otherwise, pay the fine, enter a plea or sign up for the traffic school. If you need help, contact the traffic divisions by visiting or calling during regular hours. 

The probate court handles which type of cases?

Merced County Court probate court handles the probation cases that include estates of the decedent, trusts, minors’ guardianship, and adults’ and minors’ compromise conservatorships. They had a probate examiner responsible for reviewing the probate proceedings filings and ensuring that all files complied with the probate code and state and local rules.

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