How To Get Court Records

In most cases, court records are public record but they are not always easy to access. The Freedom of Information Act requires that courts make public information available to people who request it. If you need to find court records fast and easy, check out CivilRecords.org. If you have some more time and follow these steps, you can get court records.

1. Know what you are looking for. Getting information from court records is not like doing a general search online. You cannot just type in a name on a general search and get the information you need. You will need the full legal name, age, date of birth, jurisdiction of the court case and approximate dates of the court proceedings in order to find court records.
2. Get the details right. Make sure you check the spelling of the names of anyone you are searching for. There are different kinds of court cases including civil and criminal proceedings. Records for criminal and traffic or speeding tickets may be easier to access than those for civil proceedings such as divorce, adoption or other suits. Know what kind of case you are looking for and which court was responsible.
3. Try an online search. Some basic court information may be available online. Be aware that there are several search sites and some are more reliable than others. These sites also charge for their services. Having the correct information for your search will make these searches more accurate. Also, remember that these searches are limited because police and local courts do not all have their records accessible online.
4. Contact the district court or Attorney General’s office. Once you know what you are looking for, you should head to the source. Contact the Attorney General’s office for the state where the court case was held. They will advise you which court to contact (county, state or federal) and will advise you on what documentation you will need to request the records. Every state and court differs in their requirements.
5. Hire a private investigator. If your information is limited or you aren’t sure about the details, you will need help. The best assistance is to hire a private investigator who can access searches and help you find the records you are looking for. Remember that these services can be expensive so you have to decide how much you want the records you are looking for.

Getting court records can be frustrating if you don’t have the information you need. Be sure you are prepared before you go to the courthouse. Follow these steps and you will get the court records you are looking for.