GENERAL
For general questions email us at:
Legal Help Referral List
Available here a list of legal resources for Criminal, Civil, Family, Juvenile and Traffic matters.
Click Here to view / download the list.
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CIVIL CASES
What is a civil complaint?
A civil complaint commences a civil action.
What is a cross-complaint?
A cross-complaint is a counter suit naming the Plaintiff and another party.
What is a summons?
A summons is a notice to a defendant that an action against him/her was filed in the court issuing the summons and that a Judgment will be taken against him/her if the defendant does not answer the complaint within a certain time.
What is a Demurrer?
A Demurrer is a pleading that objects to possible legal defects in the specified document objected to.
What is a Proof of Service?
A proof of service is a written statement signed by the server that the defendant was given a copy of the complaint and summons (or documents served).
What is an Entry of Default?
This records the fact that the defendant defaulted by not answering within the prescribed period of time.
What is a dismissal without prejudice?
If a case is dismissed without prejudice the litigant can sue again on the same cause of action.
What is a dismissal with prejudice?
If a case is dismissed with prejudice the litigant can not sue again on the same cause of action.
What is a Judgment?
A Judgment is the final determination and outcome of a civil suit.
What is a Civil Harassment Restraining Order?
A Civil Harassment Restraining Order is an order to protect you from a person harassing you who is not a close family member and does not reside with you.
What is an Elder Abuse Restraining Order?
An Elder Abuse Restraining Order is an order to protect you (if you are 65 years of age or older or you are a dependent adult) from being physically, financially, mentally or emotionally abused, neglected, abandoned or abducted.
What is a Workplace Violence Restraining Order?
A Workplace Violence Restraining Order is an order to protect you as an employee from suffering unlawful violence or credible threats of violence. Only an employer can request a workplace violence protection order for an employee.
What is a CMC?
A CMC is short for Case Management Conference which is an overview to address all the issues of the suit/filing.
What is a Settlement Conference?
A Settlement Conference is a good faith offer or settlement of the parties.
What is Arbitration?
Arbitration is an attempt to resolve the difference in the case and reach an agreement through a third party other than the judge.
What is a TSC?
A TSC is short for Trial Setting Conference where the Court will set a date for trial.
What is a TRC?
A TRC is short for Trial Readiness Conference where the Court will meet with the parties to an action to make sure the parties are ready to go to trial.
What is a Trial?
The Trial is when a case is presented to a judge or jury to decide the verdict in favor of a party.
What is a Court Trial?
A Court Trial is where the case is heard and decided by a judge.
What is a Jury Trial?
A Jury Trial is where a case is heard by a jury which usually consists of 12 people.
How can I find out about a Tentative Ruling?
To find out about a Tentative Ruling go to the tab labeled Calendars, click on Tentative Rulings and follow the directions.
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CRIMINAL CASES
What are the different types of hearings?
• Arraignment - A proceeding in which an individual who is accused of committing a crime (felony or misdemeanor) is brought into court where there is a reading of the charges against you, reading of your Constitutional rights, entering a plea.
• Pretrial Conference (PTC) - A conference for a misdemeanor case between parties (prosecutor and defense) regarding planning of the trial, review of proposed evidence and witnesses, and setting the trial schedule. May also discuss the possibility of settling the case.
• Preliminary Examination/Hearing (PX) - A felony hearing held before a judicial officer in which evidence is presented so that the court can determine whether there is sufficient evidence or cause to hold the accused for a trial on a felony charge in Superior Court.
• Trial - The examination of evidence and the decision of the issues of law by a judge or jury to determine guilt or innocence. Can be either (1) a bench trial, i.e., a court trial that is heard and decided by a judge, or (2) a jury trial, i.e., a court trial that is heard and decided by a jury, which usually consists of 12 people.
How long should I plan to be in Court?
As a defendant, you should expect to be in Court for a substantial portion of the day to take care of all possible matters.
What should I bring to Court?
When you come to Court it is important that you bring any relevant paperwork having to do with your case, such as:
· Copy of citation
· Appearance letter
· Jail release papers
· Bond receipt
· Cash bail receipt
· Documents demonstrating proof of compliance with judicial orders and sentence
· Money for fines and fees
What should I do when I come to Court?
Look for your name, your Courtroom location, and the time your case will be heard on the scrolling calendar monitor. The calendar Kiosk is located near the security station on the 2nd floor of the main courthouse located at 725 Court Street. If your name does not appear on the screen you may go to the Criminal Division in Room 111 which is located on the bottom floor of the main courthouse for assistance.
*Note*
Information displayed on the calendar monitor is sorted alphabetically by last name, first name.
How do I find out which department my case is being heard in?
To find out which department your case is being heard in, please review the Daily Calendar section on this Website (click here) or phone the Criminal Division to speak to a clerk at (530) 406-6705.
What should I do if I was scheduled to appear in Court and my name doesn't appear on the calendar?
If you were scheduled to appear in Court and your name doesn't appear on the calendar, call (530) 406-6705 to speak to a clerk or go to the Criminal Division, Room 111 located on the bottom floor of the main courthouse.
Do I need an attorney the first time I appear in Court?
Whether or not you need an attorney will be determined when you appear in Court. If you can not afford an attorney one will be appointed for you by the court.
I just learned that I have a felony warrant out for my arrest. What can I do?
You can call the Criminal Division at (530) 406-6705 to speak to a deputy clerk who will assist you; turn yourself in to law enforcement or contact an attorney who can advise you.
What can I do if I can't make my arraignment for a misdemeanor charge?
You can call the Criminal Division at (530) 406-6705 to speak to a deputy clerk who will assist you. You can request to be placed on calendar for “warrant surrender”. If your request is granted, and you do not appear for you scheduled court date, you will have to surrender yourself to law enforcement. The court will not grant another court date and the warrant will remain outstanding until you appear.
What can I do if there is a misdemeanor warrant out for my arrest?
If there is a misdemeanor warrant out for your arrest you can contact the Criminal Division at (530) 406-6705 to set a court date for a “warrant surrender” or turn yourself into local law enforcement.
*Note* The court permits a “one time” request to be placed on calendar for a warrant surrender. No further court dates will be scheduled if you fail to appear and the warrant will remain outstanding.
When are in-custody arraignments and violations of probation held?
In-custody arraignments and violations of probation are held Monday-Friday at 1:30 p.m. in department 9, located at 213 Third Street, directly across the street from the main courthouse. Most in-custody defendants are placed on calendar the morning of court and some names may not appear on the court calendar.
When are misdemeanor arraignments held?
Misdemeanor arraignments are held Monday through Thursday at 8:30 a.m. in Department 9, located at 213 Third Street, directly across the street from the main courthouse.
What can I do if I need to post bail for someone in my family?
For information about posting bail, please contact the Yolo County Sheriff’s Department at (530) 668-5245.
Do I have to appear in person or speak to a clerk to obtain information about my case?
No, you can access your case information on this web-site by clicking on the link below or you can call the criminal division number at (530) 406-6705 and access your case information via our telephone automated system. At the menu option select: “For court dates and appearance information”. To search a criminal case via the courts telephone system or web site access, you will need to provide a case number or driver license number and date of birth. (click here)
What type of information can I get about my case?
You can find out if you have fines owing, if a warrant exists or if you have a court date and the date, time and department of the hearing.
*Note*
At times the age of the case prevents the system from being able to access the file therefore, the information may not be available to you via the telephone or web site system. If this happens, you will need to call the criminal division at (530) 406-6705 to speak to a deputy clerk who will assist you.
How do I go about getting copies of my case?
There are two ways to obtain copies of your case. In Person: You can appear in person at the criminal division located in room #111and the clerk will assist you. The cost is $.50 per each page copied. For certified copies, there is an additional cost of $15.00 per document.
In Writing: You can request to have copies by submitting a written request.
You will need to include your full name, date of birth, which documents you would like copied and the year of arrest/violation along with a telephone number where we can reach you if additional information is needed in order to process your request. The cost is the same as above, but there is an additional research fee of $15.00.
You will also need to include a self-addressed stamped envelope so that the court can return your documents/copies. Mail your request to: Yolo Superior Court, 725 Court Street, Attn: RM. 111 Research, Woodland, CA. 95695.
Is my case information open or viewable to the public and what can they see?
Yes. Anyone can review a case that has been filed with the court. Viewable information includes the charging document, minutes of the court, reporter transcripts, sentencing information and various other documents and filings. Confidential information such as police reports, probation reports or any document deemed confidential under the law is not made available or viewable to the general public.
Is there a direct line to the Criminal Department for government agencies?
If you are calling from another government agency for reference checks, court dates and times, or background history, please call (530) 406-6705 and notify the clerk that you are calling from a government agency regarding one of the above items.
What is a civil assessment?
A civil assessment is a $300 penalty issued for failing to appear for court or for failing to pay your fines.
What can I do if I've been issued a civil assessment?
If you have been issued a civil assessment you have 15 days to contact the Court to schedule a Court date to stop the process. After 15 days the civil assessment is final and you will need to file a “Motion to Vacate Civil Assessment”. At this point a civil assessment can only be dropped per the Judge's discretion. The filing fee for this process is $40.00.
What can I do if my license has been suspended and I need to go to work or school?
If you are under the age of 21 and your license has been suspended, you can file a Petition for a Restricted License. There is no filing fee for this process. If you are over the age of 21 you can call the Criminal Division at (530) 406-6705 and a deputy clerk will assist you in scheduling a court date.
*Note* The Department of Motor Vehicles has final jurisdiction over the status of your license.
What can I do if I want to have a misdemeanor charge dismissed from my record?
If you were convicted of a misdemeanor and were not placed on probation, you or an attorney can file a Petition and Order per 1203.4a to have the charges dismissed from your record.
What can I do if I was on probation and I want to have a misdemeanor charge dismissed from my record?
If you want to have a misdemeanor charge dismissed from your record and you were placed on probation, you or an attorney can file a Petition and Order per 1203.4. Please be aware that dismissal of misdemeanor charges is up to the Judge's discretion. Filing a petition and order by no means guarantees that the charges will be dismissed. A filing fee of up to $120 may be collected by the court, to be determined by the judge.
What can I do if I'm over 21 and I want to have a juvenile crime record sealed and destroyed?
If you are over 21 and you would like to have a juvenile crime record sealed and destroyed you need to file a Petition to Seal and Destroy. There is no filing fee for this process.
What does the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) abstract term mean?
Abstracts - A summary of the sentence in your case. The DMV may request an abstract pertaining to your case. If you are coming to the Court for this reason, please bring a print-out from the Department of Motor Vehicles.
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DRUG COURT
How do I know if I am in Drug Court?
You will be assigned to Drug Court by a judge during a court proceeding.
What happens if I can’t make it to drug court when I am scheduled to appear?
You should make every effort to be in court on the date and time you are scheduled to be there. However, if you have an emergency that prevents you from appearing you need to do the following:
- Call your attorney immediately,
- Make sure that you drug test that day,
- Get proof of the emergency and bring it to court the next time you are ordered to appear.
How will I know what treatment program I will be attending?
At your first Drug Court appearance you will sign a drug court contract, and the Drug Court Coordinator will order you to a treatment program.
If I live in another county outside of Yolo County, will I be assigned to a drug treatment program in the county where I live?
In most cases you will be assigned treatment in the county you live, however, the drug court coordinator will assign the treatment program.
Will I have to attend AA or NA meetings?
Unless otherwise instructed all drug court participants must attend a minimum of three (3) AA or NA meetings per week.
Do I have to show the court proof that I have attended AA and NA meetings?
Yes, every time you attend a meeting it is necessary to have the meeting secretary sign your attendance slip. The judge will check your meeting slip at every court appearance.
Do I have to drug test every time I come to court?
Yes, if you are scheduled for a drug court appearance, you must provide a urine test each and every time you come to court.
What should I do if I have used drugs or alcohol?.
It is always best to be honest with the court. If you are honest the drug court team will be able to develop a plan to help you succeed in drug court.
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FAMILY
Where can I get help filing my divorce papers?
The Family Law Facilitator can help you with your divorce paperwork. Please see the Family Law Facilitator tab on the Court's website.
Where do I file my paperwork to modify my child support order?
To modify your child support order you would file your paperwork with the Civil Division of the Court in Room 103.
The County is involved in my support case. Do I file my paperwork for court with the County or with the Court?
You file your paperwork with the Court at Room 103 in the Civil Division.
How can I get help filling out my financial statement or Income and Expense declaration? Do I have to file it with the local child support agency or with the Court? Is a proof of service required? Can I fill out the proof of service myself?
You may contact an Attorney or ask the Family Law Facilitator for help. You need to file your paperwork with the Court. A proof of service is required and you must have someone that is not a party to the action and is over 18 years old to serve your paperwork, the Family Law Facilitator may help you with this.
I have arrears in my case can the Court tell me the amount I owe? Can I modify these arrears?
No, the Court does not have this information, you will need to contact Yolo County Child Support Services at (530) 661-2880.
How can I get my driver's license back as it has been suspended by the child support agency?
You will need to contact Yolo County Child Support Services at (530) 661-2880.
What are the hours of the Facilitator and what services can they provide me?
Please see the Family Law Facilitator tab on this website.
I have filed my dissolution of marriage, why have I not received my Judgment of divorce?
Please check with the Clerk to make sure that all paperwork has been filed that is needed to complete your divorce. You may see the Family Law Facilitator for help.
What is a default?
A default records the fact that a Respondent/Defendant did not answer within the prescribed period of time.
Why must I file an Answer/Response and what is it?
A Response is the Respondent's answer to the Petition filed with the Court. If the Response is not filed, the Petitioner can take other action. Please see the Family Law Facilitator or an attorney for further information.
My last name has changed, yet the Court still keeps my name as it was filed on my paperwork in my dissolution case. Why?
The case title originally used to commence a case will remain the case title throughout the life of the case unless changed by a Court Order.
What is a Change of Venue?
Whan a case is moved from one jurisdiction to another.
What is a stipulated order?
A Stipulation is an agreement by both parties that is signed by both parties. Please see the Family Law Facilitator or an attorney for more information.
I went to prison recently, how do I modify my child support?
You will need to contact Yolo County Child Support Services at (530) 661-2880.
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FAMILY LAW FACILITATOR
Can the Family Law Facilitator serve as my attorney?
No attorney-client relationship exists between the Family Law Facilitator’s office and any family law litigant. The Family Law Attorney does not act as your attorney and does not provide representation in Court. Please be aware that the Facilitator frequently assists both parties to the same case.
What can I expect?
The Family Law Facilitator’s Office operates on a first-come, first-served basis. If you need to see the facilitator, please arrive at or before 8:15 AM.
Customers are strongly encouraged to make childcare arrangements prior to meeting with the Family Law Facilitator. Please note that priority must sometimes be given to clients referred by judicial officers directly from family law hearings.
What should I bring with me?
Please remember to bring the following items each time you need to see the Family Law Facilitator regarding support issues:
- Last three pay-stubs and last year’s tax return or W-2s for yourself and your spouse
- If you are self employed, Schedule C from your tax return or your business profit and loss statement for the last 12 months.
- Any 1099 paperwork showing disability or unemployment assistance payments or other documentation of benefits received.
- If you want help in getting an existing court order changed, it helps if you bring a copy of the current order with you.
- A black or blue ink pen.
Can I serve papers in my own case?
No. You cannot serve papers in your own case. Anyone over 18 who is not a party to the case can serve papers to the other side. Make sure the person who serves the papers on the other side completes a Proof of Service and gives it back to you so that you can get it filed (before your court date if you have a hearing set).
When is my divorce final?
The earliest date that your marital status can terminate is six months from the day your spouse is served with papers or files a response, whichever is earlier. Please note that after initial paperwork is filed you need to file various other papers with the Court in order for marriage status to terminate. Termination of marriage does not happen automatically once initial paperwork is filed and the six month period from service or first appearance has passed.
How are property issues resolved in a divorce or separation case?
Property issues and division of community assets are ordinarily resolved by a signed marital settlement agreement or by an agreement placed on record (and later formalized in writing) at a calendared court hearing. If a settlement is not reached, however, contested issues will be set for trial.
How do I schedule future trial dates and/or a settlement conference for my divorce or separation case?
Once a petition and a response are on file, a trial date can be obtained by filing either an At-Issue Memorandum, or a noticed motion requesting settlement conference and trial dates. Your declaration that you have served your Declaration of Declaration of Disclosure should be filed before you request settlement conference and trial dates.
Can the Family Law Facilitator help me determine child/spousal support amounts?
Yes. The Facilitator can estimate child/spousal support amounts whenever a party is requesting support. On request, the Facilitator will also work with the parties together to arrive on an agreed support amount.
How can I obtain a temporary order for support?
Requests for temporary support orders are usually filed along with a divorce or paternity/custody petition. Ordinarily, temporary support orders can be obtained at a brief non-trial hearing held approximately one month from the date initial paperwork is filed. The support ordered at the hearing can usually be made “retroactive” to the initial service date.
What do I need to do if I want to meet with a mediator?
The Court has mediators available in Court on the day of your hearing. These mediators are provided at court expense. However, if you want, you can hire a custody mediator to provide out-of-court mediation by contracting with the mediator directly. A list of mediators is available on this website and it is available in Department 4 and Room 103 of the courthouse.
How can I collect child or spousal support once the support order has been issued?
Child or spousal support is usually collected by a wage assignment order, which can be prepared by the Facilitator after your court hearing. A copy of the wage assignment order signed by the Court must then be provided to the paying spouse’s employer’s payroll department. Please note that it is your responsibility to provide your spouse’s employer’s payroll department with a copy of the wage assignment order.
Is it possible to change a child support order once it has been ordered by the Court?
Yes. The Court maintains jurisdiction to modify support orders. The Court has discretion to modify or terminate orders depending on the circumstances of each case.
Where can I get help if I need a restraining order?
The Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Center offers a wide array of legal and non-legal services for victims of domestic violence. The phone number for the 24 hour crisis line is (530) 662-1133 or (916) 371-1907.
The U.C. Davis Family Protection and Legal Assistance Clinic offers extensive legal services to victims of domestic violence. For more information please call (530)661-4477.
Where can I get help if I need to file for guardianship?
Call (530) 406-6792 to schedule an appointment with the Family Law Facilitator. Bring a list of the names and addresses of the subject child’s (or children’s) parents, siblings, maternal grandparents, paternal grandparents to your appointment. We help you put together the guardianship paperwork and answer questions regarding guardianship procedure.
Where can I receive assistance if my child is involved in Juvenile Court?
If your child is involved in Juvenile Court you must talk with a private attorney. If you can not afford an attorney contact the Public Defender at (530) 666-8165 for assistance.
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HUMAN RESOURCES
Where is the Human Resources Department located?
The Human Resources Department is located at:
601 Court Street
Woodland, CA 95695
(northeast corner of First Street and Court Street)
Mailing address:
PO Box 1290
Woodland, CA 95776
What employment opportunities are currently available?
See our Job Opportunities page for information on all of our current openings.
Do you have a job line?
Yes, our job line telephone number is 530-406-6881, option 3.
Where may I obtain an official court application?
Click here for an official court application (Word file). Applications can also be picked up from the Human Resources Office.
How should application materials be submitted?
All application materials must be completed, signed, and received by 12pm on the final filing date listed on the job announcement in order to be considered. Application materials may be mailed or dropped off at the Human Resources Office. Additionally, application materials may be emailed to humanresources@yolo.courts.ca.gov or faxed @ 530-406-6883. If emailing or faxing, you must follow up with the original application within three business days after the final filing date. Please refer to the specific job announcement for details regarding the application procedure.
May I submit an application electronically?
The Yolo Superior Court does not currently offer an electronic application process. The only way applications may be submitted electronically is by scanning and emailing your completed application materials to humanresources@yolo.courts.ca.gov. Reminder, if emailing a copy of your application materials you must still submit the original signed application within 3 business days of the final filing date in order to be considered for the position.
Since I am not sure what position I want, may I just submit a blank application with my resume and have Human Resources determine for which position I qualify?
No. You must complete a separate application for each position that you are applying for and you must specify the position on each application. Make sure that there is an open recruitment for the position you are applying for. Click here for an official court application.
Where may I obtain a typing certificate?
Most temporary employment agencies offer 3-5 minute typing tests at a cost of approximately $10-$15 dollars. Read the job announcement located on our job opportunities page to find out the WPM (word per minute) requirement for the position for which you are applying. Click on the following link for more information on where to obtain a typing certificate. If a typing certificate is required for the position you are applying for, it must be submitted along with your completed and signed official court application. The typing certificate must have been completed within 1 year of the final filing date of the position for which you are applying. Online typing certificates ARE NOT accepted.
Will applications be accepted if postmarked by the final filing date?
No, applications must be RECEIVED by the Human Resources Department by noon on the final filing date. Applications that are post-marked on the final filing date, but received after that date, will not be considered.
I've applied for a position, when may I expect to hear back?
You should expect to receive a phone call or mail correspondence within 1-2 weeks after the final filing date.
Where may I find more information about pursuing a career in the California Court system?
Click on the following link for more information regarding career opportunities in the California court system, http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/careers/
Are there volunteer opportunities?
Yes, Yolo Superior Court does offer non-paid internships and externships, and other volunteer opportunities. If you are interested in volunteering, please drop-off, mail, or email a resume and brief cover letter to the Human Resources Department. Please call 530-406-6881 for more information.
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JURY SERVICES
Where do I park?
Included in the jury summons is a juror parking permit, map and important parking information. The map shows where jury permit parking is located and where additional all day public parking can be found. To avoid a possible parking citation do not park in spaces marked “reserved” or otherwise prohibited or time restricted spaces. Parking can sometimes be a problem. Please allow yourself a few extra minutes to find parking.
Public Transportation
To find out the route and schedules of Yolobus, the area bus service, call 530 666-2877 or 1-800-371-2877 or visit the Yolobus Website at www.yolobus.com.
Does the Court provide childcare service?
Unfortunately, childcare services are not available at this time.
What should I wear?
Prospective jurors should wear comfortable attire that is suitable for the courtroom (no shorts or tank tops). Temperatures may vary in jury assembly areas and courtrooms.
How did my name get selected for jury service?
Prospective jurors are initially selected from the Voter Registration files or the Department of Motor Vehicles files.
How long will my jury service last?
The Yolo Superior Court has a “one-day/one-trial” rule. Once a prospective juror has either served as a trial juror in one trial, or made one appearance and was not selected as a juror, he/she should not be called for jury service again for at least 12 months. If, after appearing for jury service, the judge or jury commissioner excuses a prospective juror for hardship reasons, he/she is subject to be called again at any time. If a prospective juror is selected to serve in a trial, he/she is required to serve until the conclusion of the trial. Average jury trials last two to five days. In some instances jury trials may last longer. The trial judge will advise you of the estimated trial duration.
Will I get paid for jury service?
All juror payment starts on the second day of service (per summons). Beginning on the second day, juror payment is $15 per day, plus one-way mileage reimbursement from home. Payment for jury service will be mailed approximately 4 weeks after jury service is completed.
What are the typical hours of jury service?
Jury trials are typically in session from 9:00 a.m. to approximately 4:00-5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The lunch break for jurors is usually from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., and brief recesses are held throughout the day.
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JUVENILE COURT
What is a Dependent (300 W&I)?
A dependent in the juvenile court pertains to a minor who has been neglected and/or abused.
What is a Delinquent (602 W&I)?
A delinquent in the juvenile court pertains to a minor under the age of 18 years who has committed an act (criminal in nature).
What is a Detention Hearing?
A Detention Hearing is held in juvenile cases when a minor has been removed from the home of his/her parents/guardians because of abuse (300 W&I cases) or when the minor has committed certain crimes (602 W&I cases). At the Detention Hearing the minor and or his/her parents/guardians are advised of the allegations, counsel may be appointed and future hearing dates are set and a determination is made if the minor should remain detained. For juvenile dependents the minor is usually placed in a Foster Home. For juvenile delinquents the minor is usually placed in Juvenile Hall.
What is a Jurisdictional Hearing?
At a Jurisdictional Hearing in Juvenile Dependency cases the minor's parents/guardians can admit or deny the allegations. In Juvenile Delinquency cases the minor can admit or deny the allegations.
What is a Dispositional Hearing?
At a Dispositional Hearing in a Juvenile Dependency case the Court will decide on a reunification plan for the parents/guardians and decide where the minor will be placed. In Juvenile Delinquency cases the Dispositional Hearing is equivalent to a sentencing hearing in Adult Court where the minor is usually placed on probation.
What is a Review Hearing?
Review Hearings are held in both Dependency and Delinquency cases and are held every six months or sooner to determine the status of the minor.
Can my child's records be sealed?
Yes, but not in all cases and the sealing is not automatic. Please contact your child's attorney or the Yolo Probation Department.
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PROBATE MATTERS
What does Intestate mean?
Intestate is one who dies without having made a Will.
What does Testate mean?
Testate is one who has made a Will.
My relative has died. What do I do with his/her Will?
Probate Code Section 8200 states that, within 30 days after having knowledge of a death of a testor (will maker), the Will shall be delivered to the Clerk of the Superior Court of the county in which the estate of the decedent may be administered. There is no fee for lodging the Will with the Clerk of the Superior Court.
What are Probate Notes?
Probate Notes are tentative rulings on Probate cases that are set for hearing. Tentative rulings can be accessed through this website.
What is a Conservatorship?
A Conservatorship is a legal determination by the Court placing the interests of a vulnerable adult in the care and protection of another.
Who can be a Conservator?
Conservators are usually family members or close friends appointed by the Court. If there are no close family members or friends of the Conservatee who are able to act on his/her behalf, a professional conservator or the Public Guardian may be designated.
What is a Guardianship?
A Guardianship is a court ordered transfer of legal responsibility to a specific adult for the physical care and protection of a minor, and/or assets of the minor.
When is Guardianship necessary?
A Guardianship may be necessary when a minor's parents are no longer able or willing to provide care. A legal guardianship gives custody of the minor to a person other than the parent. The guardianship allows the guardian to provide health insurance coverage, enroll the minor in school, receive assets or benefits on behalf of the minor and provide necessary care and protection.
How can I become a guardian of my grandchildren?
You will have to petition the court for guardianship in the civil office.
How can I terminate a guardianship or conservatorship?
You must file a Petition to Terminate Guardianship or Conservatorship with the Court.
Where can I get help filing Guardianship papers?
The Family Law Facilitator can help you with your documents for Guardianship. Please see the Family Law Facilitator tab on this website.
Where can I check to see if a probate action has been filed with the Court?
You may visit the Civil Division of the Court in Room 103 or you may send your research request in writing with a $15.00 search fee and a self addressed stamped envelope to return your information. Please state the name of the deceased and approximate date of death.
My case was taken off-calendar, do I have to file a new petition?
If the matter was taken off-calendar, you can request that the petition be reset, re-notice, including re-publication, will be necessary if applicable.
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RESTRAINING ORDERS
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SMALL CLAIMS
Where can I receive Small Claims assistance?
The Small Claims Advisor is available for assistance with small claims questions. To reach the Small Claims advisor for Yolo County, please call:
Natalie Wormeli
Mo-Th 12pm to 2pm
530-758-1927
866-404-3288 (toll free)
How much can I sue for in Small Claims Court?
Your claim cannot be for more than $5,000.00, or $7,000.00 if you are a natural person (not a business or public entity). Please note that you can not file more than two claims for more than $2,500 each during a calendar year.
How do I file a claim?
All forms needed to file a claim can be obtained in the forms section on this website or at 275 First Street, Woodland. (Dept. 10.)
How do I serve the defendant?
- Certified Mail - Service by certified mail must be done by the clerks office. The fee is $10.00 per defendant being served. You will need to check with the court prior to the hearing to see if the receipt for certified mail was returned to the Court.
- Service by law enforcement - You may have the Sheriff serve the defendant for a fee of $30.00.
- Personal service or process server - Anyone over 18 years of age, not a party to the case, may serve the defendant. The person serving must sign a proof of service form showing when the defendant was served and this form must be filed with the court 5 days prior to the hearing date.
How do I postpone my small claims hearing?
Request for postponement forms are available on this website or from the Clerk. You must file that form with the Clerk at least 7 days prior to the hearing. The filing fee for this process is $10.00. The Clerk can grant up to a two-week continuance, any additional time must be granted by the Judicial Officer.
If my case was taken under submission, when will a ruling be entered?
The Judicial Officer has up to 90 days to make a ruling on a case that has been taken under submission. Please note that once the ruling has been made it then goes to the Clerk for processing and mailing.
Can someone else appear in court on my behalf?
You must appear to present your case. If the Plaintiff is a business, the owner/partner/officer must appear, unless there is a written authorization on file prior to the hearing. It must specify who is authorized to appear on behalf of the business entity.
I won my case, how do I collect the judgment?
You are responsible for the collection of the judgment. The Court offers forms that you may fill out for enforcement of a judgment. For information on the forms needed to enforce your judgment, please contact the Small Claims Advisor:
Natalie Wormeli
Mo-Th 12pm to 2pm
530-758-1927
866-404-3288 (toll free)
I won my case and the judgment debtor has paid me in full. Is there anyone I should notify?
After full payment of the judgment is made, the judgment creditor must immediately file an acknowledgment of satisfaction of the judgment with the Court. If the satisfaction of judgment is not filed with the Court in a timely manner the judgment creditor may be liable for damages. Click here to download/view this form.
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TRAFFIC
When do I need to pay my citation?
If you have been issued a citation for a traffic violation, you are required to pay the bail or appear in court within 21 days from the date of the citation.
You may receive a notice in the mail which states the required bail and the final date for payment. If you fail to respond you may be charged with a failure to appear and a civil assessment penalty of $300 may be imposed and a hold placed on your driver's license with the DMV.
What happens when I go to court?
At your first court appearance you may enter one of the following pleas:
Guilty - this means you admit the violation occurred. Please understand that you may admit the violation occurred and explain the circumstances to the Judicial Officer.
Not Guilty - this means you deny the violation. A hearing with the citing officer present will be set for another date and time. You may hire an attorney to represent you in court. If you would like to plead "not guilty" by mail, you must post bail in the amount shown on the courtesy notice (not all violations are eligible for this option). Your bail will be held in trust and you will be notified of the court trial date. At the trial, you should be prepared to produce all evidence and/or any witnesses necessary to your case. You may also be able to have your trial by a written declaration.
No Contest - this means you neither admit nor deny the violation occurred. This plea is treated the same as a guilty plea.
Do I have to appear in Court?
Most violations do not require a court appearance.
How do I take care of a correctable ticket?
Proof of correction and a $10 fee may be required for certain violations. Proof of correction must be presented to the court at the time of your appearance or payment. Please note: The sale of the vehicle does not relieve you of responsibility for correcting these violations.
Proof of correction may be obtained in the following manner: Smog control, brake and exhaust violations must be inspected and certified as corrected by an authorized Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Device Installation and Inspection Station. Registration and drivers' license violations may be certified as corrected at an office of the Department of Motor Vehicles or at the Yolo Superior Court, Traffic Division.
If you were cited for an insurance violation, your fine can be reduced if you provide proof of insurance to the clerk. All proof of insurance must be presented to the clerk. This violation cannot be signed off by a law enforcement agency.
For any other defects, proof of correction may be obtained at any law enforcement agency during normal working hours.
How do I qualify for Traffic School?
You may qualify for Traffic Violator School if you meet all of the following criteria:
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You have not attended traffic school in the past 18 months
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Your citation was not alcohol related
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You have a valid driver's license and no outstanding Failures to Appear or Failures to Pay
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You do not have a commercial driver's license
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You were cited for a moving violation (seatbelts, registration, insurance, etc are NOT moving violations)
You may request Traffic School by mail. Your request should be sent to:
Traffic Violator School
Yolo Superior Court
P.O. Box 2085
Woodland, CA 95776
You must pay the full amount printed on the courtesy notice and the $39.00 Court Administrative Fee in order to receive the Court Approved lists of schools. The Court does not allow payments for Traffic School requests.
How can I make my payment?
Payments may be made by mail or in person. To pay in person, you may appear at 275 First Street, Woodland during our normal business hours. To pay by mail, send your payment to:
Yolo Superior Court, Traffic Division
P.O. Box 2085
Woodland, CA 95776
When mailing in your payment, please enclose a copy of your citation or courtesy notice with your payment. Personal checks, cashier checks, or money orders should be make payable to "Yolo Superior Court". Please do not mail cash.
If you need additional time to pay your fine, you may arrange to make payments. You should appear in person to make these arrangements. An accounts receivable fee of up to $35.00 will be assessed.
For your convenience we do accept payment on traffic citations by credit card. In order to pay by phone with a credit card, please call (530) 406-6702.
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