📂 How to Look Up Court Records and Dockets
Find civil, criminal, and bankruptcy dockets yourself online.
💰
Most state lookups free; PACER bills $0.10 per page capped quarterly
⏱️
Immediate digital results; archived retrievals take weeks
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📋 Documents you'll need
- Party full names plus spellings variations
- Approximate filing period and court location
- Case numbers if previously known
- Payment card for PACER fees beyond free thresholds
🪜 Step-by-step
- Identify which level heard matters likely - municipal, county superior, state appellate, or federal district.
- Use state trial court public portals freely for recent filings by party name searching.
- Create PACER accounts for federal dockets charging modest fees beyond quarterly free allowances.
- Visit clerk physical archives for older paper files requiring retrieval appointments.
- Respect privacy limits: juvenile, adoption, mental health, and certain sealed matters remain confidential regardless.
| Estimated cost | Most state lookups free; PACER bills $0.10 per page capped quarterly |
|---|---|
| Typical timeline | Immediate digital results; archived retrievals take weeks |
Note This guide is general information and procedures, fees, and rules can change and vary by state or agency. The official authority is always the relevant government office and its official website. See our Disclaimer.
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Frequently asked questions
Are all records truly public?
No - sensitive categories stay sealed protecting minors and protected classes among others.
Expunged cases visible?
Properly expunged entries get removed; verify completion certificates when clearing history disputes arise.
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