Forms & Filing
How to file with the court
The Superior Court of Santa Barbara accepts filings in-person (including via drop box), online (e-filing), and by mail. Note that attorneys must e-file for civil, family, and probate cases.
Getting forms
Filings with the court may require state forms, which are also called Judicial Council forms.
Filings may also require court-specific or local forms. You can get local forms from the Clerk's Office or downloading them from the All Local Forms page. Please note, forms listed may not include every form you need for your case.
Determining your court Fees
If you can't afford your court fee, you can apply for a fee waiver.
The dollar amounts indicated in the bail schedules are subject to further fees and/or surcharges not shown here. Please use these amounts as estimates to prepare for your fine, not as an absolute amount to send the court.
Paying your court fees
In-person: You can pay by cash, check (payable to "Clerk/Superior Court"), or credit card. Checks accepted include: personal check, cashier's check, certified check, traveler's check, or money order.
Online: You can pay by credit card or electronic funds transfer. Visit to eFiling page for more information.
By mail: You can pay only by check, payable to "Clerk/Superior Court." Do not send cash. Checks accepted include: personal check, cashier's check, certified check, traveler's check, or money order.
Select the topics below to access filing information, forms, and files.
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Bail Schedules
Bail Schedule information.
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Filing Fees
Current and previous fee schedule information.
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Forms Packets
Forms marked with an asterisk are adopted for mandatory use.
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Local Forms
Forms marked with the asterisk (*) are adopted for mandatory use.
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Local Rules
These are the local Court Rules for Santa Barbara County Superior Court.
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Vendor Fees
For Non-Employee, Professional and Specialized Personal Services to the Courts.