Trinity County is located in the northwestern area of California, and is one of three California counties that does not have any incorporated cities. The county is home to Weaverville which houses some of California’s oldest buildings, and is the county seat as well as the largest community within Trinity County. 

According to the 2010 census, the county’s population numbered 12,786 which qualifies Trinity County as the fourth least populated California county. It is mountainous and heavily forested, and lies along the Trinity River, which is located within the Salmon Mountains and the Klamath Mountains.

The land that makes up Trinity County was mistakenly named for Trinidad Bay. In 1850 it was considered to be one of the first California counties as it was established at the time of statehood. Parts of the county were redistributed in 1852 to Klamath County, and to Humboldt County in 1853.

Because of the county’s geography, the main attractions include the following outdoor activities and features:

• The Trinity Alps, which provide opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking;
• Diverse plant and animal life;
• Wild-stream fishing;
• Gold panning;
• White-water rafting;
• Kayaking; and
• Hunting.

Additionally, Trinity County is home to the following protected areas:

• Shasta-Trinity National Forest;
• Six Rivers National Forest;
• Mendocino National Forest;
• Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area;
• Trinity Alps Wilderness; and
• Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness.

Information Regarding the Legal System in Trinity County, CA

In California, most counties are served by a Superior Court system. This court hears both civil and criminal cases. Trinity County utilizes a Superior Court system which is categorized into the following divisions:

• Adoptions;
• Appeals;
• Civil, which is responsible for personal lawsuits, enforcing contracts, name changes, and civil restraining orders;
• Criminal;
• Family Court Services, such as mediation and child custody recommending counseling;
• Family Law, which handles divorces, petitions for child custody and support, establishing parental rights, and elder abuse, among others;
• Juvenile Delinquency Court;
• Probate Court;
• Small Claims Court; and
• Traffic Court.

California law dictates that the amount in controversy could determine which court will hear a specific case. For example, the following is a list of courts as organized by the amount in controversy:

• Small Claims Courts: Small claim courts are courts of limited jurisdiction, which means that they can only hear cases where the amount in dispute is less than $10,000;
• California Superior Courts: Superior Courts also have limited jurisdiction, and are allowed to hear cases where the amount in controversy is less than $25,000. However, superior courts have exclusive jurisdiction in most cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $25,000; and
• Specific Courts: Courts such as a bankruptcy court, or probate court, have exclusive subject matter jurisdiction, which means certain legal issues fall specifically in those courts.

Connecting With Trinity County Lawyers

All legal issues occurring in Trinity County, CA should be handled by a local lawyer. LegalMatch can help simplify the search for a qualified Trinity County lawyer by recommending attorneys who have been pre-screened and are bar certified. A local attorney will be knowledgeable about the superior court system as well as local laws, and will best represent you in court.