Welcome
Welcome to the Superior Court of Sierra County.
The mission of the Court is to dispense justice in all matters within its jurisdiction in an impartial manner and in accordance with the law.
Special Announcement
SIERRA COURT INFORMATION REGARDING COVID-19
Pursuant to the Declaration of Local Health Emergency issued by the Public Health Officer of Sierra County and the Sierra County Board of Supervisors Resolution proclaiming the existence of a local state of emergency in Sierra County as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic virus, the courthouse was closed to the public on March 18, 2020, and remains closed to the public. There is no projected date when the courthouse will reopen to the public.
Exective Orders Face Coverings September 18, 2020
County Dept of Public Health
State Dept of Public Health
State COVID-19 Executive Orders
***PLEASE NOTE: Sierra County Superior Court will be holding all court matters remotely until further notice. Please visit the courts home page for instructions to appear via Zoom.
View Public Hearing
This public access broadcast cannot be reproduced or re-broadcast without the express written approval of Sierra Superior Court.
COVID-19 Self-Help Remote Services
Current Court Operations
Zoom Connection Instructions
Video Conferencing for Best Practices
Self-Help Resources
Court Resources for Veterans
Info by Division
- Civil
- Collaborative Court
- Criminal
- Family Law
- Juvenile
- Probate/ Conservatorship
- Small Claims
- Traffic
The Civil Division of the court handles cases where one party sues another to recover money or property, enforce a contract, collect damages, or protect civil rights. Petitions to change names and various writs are also handled by the Civil Division.
Collaborative justice courts - also known as "problem solving" courts - promote accountability by combining judicial supervision with rigorously monitored rehabilitation services and treatment in lieu of detention.
A criminal case is a proceeding in which someone is charged with a public offense (i.e., with committing a crime), evidence is presented on both sides, and a decision is made as to the person's guilt.
Serves parties who need to file for Dissolution, Separation or Nullity of Marriage; Establishment of Parental Relationship, Petitions for Custody and Support, Motions for Child Custody, Support, or Visitation, Support Enforcement, Guardianship of Minors, Adoption, or who seek protection from Domestic Violence, Civil Harassment, Workplace Violence or Elder Abuse.
Juvenile Delinquency cases are defined under Welfare and Institutions Codes and involve any persons under the age of 18 (minors) who are accused of violations of any law of the state or of the United States, or minors who are habitually disobedient or truant.
Probate and Conservatorship matters address a person’s finances upon death or the care of an adult person that is unable to care for themselves or their finances. Probate cases address a person’s estate, resolve debts, and distribute the remaining property/monies to heirs or beneficiaries. Conservatorship cases appoint caregivers to care for a person and their finances.
Small Claims cases are lawsuits that do not exceed $10,000 and are resolved quickly and inexpensively with relatively simple and informal rules.
About Our Court
Charles H. Ervin, Presiding Judge
Yvette Durant, Assistant Presiding Judge
Ann M. Mendez, Court Executive Officer
Sierra County is located in northern California, about two and one-half hours driving time from the Sacramento metropolitan area; about two hours driving time from the Reno, Nevada area; and about five hours driving time from the Bay area
Court News & Notices
April 13, 2021
RFP Now Posted: Contracting with the Courts
February 5, 2021
Public Notice: Fiscal Year 2020 - 2021 Baseline Budget
Location & Contact Info
Mailing Address:
PO BOX 476
Downieville, CA 95936
Physical Address:
100 Courthouse Square
Downieville, CA 95936