Divisions

The Civil Division handles cases in which parties sue to (a) recover money or real or personal property (b) enforce a contract, (c) recover damages for injury, (d) request name changes or writs, (e) seek protection of civil rights, (f) request emancipation of minors, (g) seek protection from elder abuse, workplace and civil harassment, (h) resolve disputed eminent domain proceedings, and (i) petitions for adoption.

The Collections Division assists defendants by establishing payment plans and processing payments, and also assists the Court in enforcement collection of court-ordered debt, such as fines and fees.

The Criminal Division handles misdemeanor and felony public offenses, including DUI cases.  The Criminal Clerks may answer questions about court dates, case status, and other related issues.

Family Court Services provides (a) a mediation program for families with custody and visitation disputes and (b) a supervised visitation program for non-custodial parents.

Family Law Division handles (a) petitions for dissolution of marriage (divorce), legal separation, and nullity, (b) petitions for child custody, visitation and support, (c) domestic violence cases, (d) proceedings to establish paternity.

The Civil Grand Jury is composed of volunteers who generally serve for one fiscal year in an oversight capacity over various city and county operations. A separate Criminal Grand Jury may be impaneled at the request of the District Attorney to investigate and consider possible criminal indictments for crimes committed in Yuba County.

Legislature recognizes that trial by jury is a cherished constitutional right, and that jury service is an obligation of citizenship.

The Juvenile Division handles both juvenile dependency and juvenile delinquency cases, as well as adoptions arising from juvenile dependency cases.

The Probate Division handles proceedings involving estates, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and proceedings under the Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) Act.

The purpose of Small Claims Court is to fairly, quickly and inexpensively resolve cases where the dollar amount claimed does not exceed $7500.   

Traffic division handles infraction cases relating to traffic violations, local city and county ordinances and Fish & Game and Animal Control violations.  Please note that DUI violations are handled in the Criminal Division.

An “unlawful detainer” lawsuit is a complaint brought by a landlord to obtain possession of rented property and receive payment of back rent.