Stanislaus County eviction court cases are called “unlawful detainers.” They are heard by the Superior Court of California, County of Stanislaus, and the court says these cases are handled at its Turlock location. If you get eviction papers, the Stanislaus County eviction court deadline you must not miss is the response date on your Summons. That window is short, so read your papers today.
Stanislaus County Eviction Court: Location, Hours, and Case Lookup
This is the part that surprises many renters. The court’s civil division is at 801 10th Street, 4th floor, in Modesto. However, the court’s civil page says unlawful detainer matters are handled at its Turlock location. As a result, your hearing is probably not in the Modesto civil office.
The civil page does not list the Turlock street address. So check the address printed on your Summons, or call the civil clerk to confirm it. Going to the wrong building on your court date can cost you the case. For Stanislaus County eviction court, always double-check the location before you leave home.
You can find your case on the court’s online case search. Have your case number ready. It is on the top of your papers. The court also explains its case research process if the search does not work for you.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Where eviction cases are heard | The court’s Turlock location. Confirm the address on your Summons or with the clerk. |
| Civil division office | 801 10th Street, 4th floor, Modesto, CA 95354 |
| Civil office hours | Monday–Friday, 8:15 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| Drop box hours | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Papers stamped after 4:00 p.m. are filed the next day. |
| Civil phone | (209) 530-3100, Monday–Friday, 8:15 a.m. – 3 p.m. |
| Civil email | [email protected] |
| Case lookup | The court’s online case search (link above) |
| Law library | Stanislaus County Law Library, 1101 13th Street, Modesto |
Your Deadlines After You Are Served
An eviction case moves much faster than most lawsuits. Your Summons tells you how many days you have to file a written response. That response is usually called an Answer. The count starts on the day you are served. The court’s civil page does not list the number of days. So read your Summons carefully and confirm the exact count with the clerk or a legal-aid office.
If you miss that deadline, your landlord can ask for a “default.” A default means the court can rule against you without hearing your side. In most cases, a default leads quickly to a judgment and a lockout. As a result, filing on time is the single most important step at Stanislaus County eviction court.
Watch the drop box timing, too. Papers stamped by 4:00 p.m. count for that day. Papers stamped after 4:00 p.m. count for the next day. For example, a response dropped off at 4:30 p.m. on your last day may be filed late.
What Happens on Your Court Date at Stanislaus County Eviction Court
Arrive early and bring photo ID. Also bring your lease, rent receipts, texts, photos, and any notices you got. Check in with the courtroom clerk when you arrive. Typically, the judge calls each case by name. Stay in the room until your case is called.
Many landlords want to settle before trial. For example, they may offer you more time to move out. Read any deal slowly before you sign. Ask whether the case will be sealed or dismissed. The court’s civil page does not describe a mediation program for Stanislaus County eviction court, so ask the clerk whether one is offered on your date.
If there is a trial, both sides tell their story and show evidence. Then the judge decides. If you lose, you may be able to ask for more time to move or file an appeal. Those windows are short. The official source does not list them, so confirm them with the clerk or a tenant attorney right away.
Free Help in This Courthouse
Court staff cannot give legal advice. State law bars them from telling you which forms to use or how to fill them out. However, you still have free places to turn. The court runs a Self-Help Center and offers virtual workshops. Staff there can explain forms and steps in plain words.
The statewide California Courts Self-Help Center also has eviction forms and guides. In addition, the county law library at 1101 13th Street in Modesto can help you research the law. For an active eviction at Stanislaus County eviction court, call a local legal-aid office as soon as you are served.
If English is not your first language, ask for an interpreter. The court explains how on its interpreter information page. Ask early, before your court date. That way the court has time to arrange help for Stanislaus County eviction court hearings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stanislaus County eviction court in Modesto or Turlock?
The court says unlawful detainer matters are handled at its Turlock location. The Modesto address is the main civil office. Confirm the exact building on your Summons or by calling (209) 530-3100.
Can I still respond if my deadline is almost up?
In most cases, yes, if no default has been entered yet. File your response as fast as you can. Then check the online case search to confirm Stanislaus County eviction court received it.
Can the clerk tell me what to write in my Answer?
No. State law bars court staff from giving legal advice. The Self-Help Center, a legal-aid office, or a tenant attorney can help you with your Answer for Stanislaus County eviction court.
Protect your stuff while you sort this out
A landlord’s insurance does not cover your belongings — renters insurance does, often for a few dollars a month. Compare options before your next move.
Find Your State’s Exact Rules
Notice periods, deposit caps, and the eviction timeline all change from state to state. Pick your state to see the exact days, dollar limits, and steps that apply where you live.
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Sources & How to Verify
The rules on this page are drawn from official government and legal-aid sources. Tenant law changes, so always confirm the exact rule with your state’s statute or a local legal-aid office.
- HUD: hud.gov — federal renter protections and fair housing
- Legal Services Corporation: lsc.gov — find free legal aid in your state
- Cornell Legal Information Institute: law.cornell.edu/wex — plain-English legal definitions
- Your state statute & court self-help portal: search “[your state] landlord tenant act” and “[your state] court self-help eviction” for the exact law and forms
Content last reviewed September 2026. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.
California Renter Guides
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Informational only — not legal advice. Tenant Rights Info is an independent educational resource, not a law firm, and this page does not provide legal advice. Landlord-tenant law varies by state and city and changes over time, so always verify the exact rule with your state’s statute, your local court’s self-help portal, or a legal-aid office. For urgent situations like an active eviction, contact a local legal-aid office or a licensed tenant attorney in your state right away.