Contra Costa County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)
Everything California landlords need to file a Unlawful Detainer in Contra Costa County — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.
🏛️ Contra Costa County Courthouse Information
- Courthouse: Wakefield Taylor Courthouse
- Address: 725 Court St., Martinez, CA 94553
- Phone: (925) 608-1000
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Case type: Unlawful Detainer
- Online filing: Available
⚠️ Contra Costa County — What Landlords Should Know
Contra Costa County follows California statewide unlawful detainer procedures. Some cities like Richmond have rent control ordinances.
Need an Eviction Attorney in Contra Costa County?
Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Contra Costa County eviction attorney — free consultation.
Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Contra Costa County
Serve the Required Notice
Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 3-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 3-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per California law.
File Your Unlawful Detainer at Wakefield Taylor Courthouse
After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse (725 Court St., Martinez, CA 94553). The filing fee is $385. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service. Online filing is also available.
Serve the Summons on the Tenant
After filing, the court issues a summons. In Contra Costa County, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $35. You must NOT serve the summons yourself — improper service can get your case dismissed.
Attend the Court Hearing
Hearings in Contra Costa County are typically scheduled 3–5 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.
Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession
After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The California Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself — this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in California.
Contra Costa County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $385 | Paid to Contra Costa County Clerk of Court |
| Summons Service | $35 | Sheriff or process server fee |
| Writ of Possession | ~$30–$35 | Sheriff enforcement after judgment |
| Attorney (optional) | $750–$3000 | Strongly recommended — strong tenant protections |
Frequently Asked Questions — Contra Costa County Evictions
How long does an eviction take in Contra Costa County?
The typical Contra Costa County eviction takes 5–9 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement — assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. Contra Costa County has stronger tenant protections that can extend the timeline.
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Contra Costa County?
The court filing fee in Contra Costa County is $385. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($35), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$30–$35), and attorney fees if represented ($750–$3000). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $450–$455.
What court handles evictions in Contra Costa County?
Evictions in Contra Costa County are filed at the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse, located at 725 Court St., Martinez, CA 94553. The case type is filed as a Unlawful Detainer.
Can I file an eviction online in Contra Costa County?
Yes, Contra Costa County accepts electronic filing for eviction cases. You can file the complaint and pay fees online, though in-person service of process is still typically required.
Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Contra Costa County?
California law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, Contra Costa County has strong tenant protections, making procedural errors costly — an attorney is strongly recommended.
What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in Contra Costa County?
After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Contra Costa County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ — notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in California.
See full California eviction laws and notice requirements.
California Eviction Guide for Landlords →Download the eviction notice you must serve before filing in California.
California Eviction Notice Templates →Is your tenant facing eviction in Contra Costa County? See their rights.
Tenant Rights in Contra Costa County →Relevant California Statutes
- Primary eviction statute: Cal. CCP § 1161
- This guide is for informational purposes only. Laws change — verify with current California statutes or a licensed Contra Costa County attorney.