How to Check Public Records

The idea of checking public records sometimes sounds daunting to people who aren't in the legal world. But in reality, checking public records can be a snap if you know how and where to look for them. Sometimes that is as easy as turning on a computer, but other times requires you to get a little creative when hunting down information.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• A computer
• Some money
• Energy
• Time

How to check public records

1. Start online. Most cities and counties have some kind of information on a Web site and is searchable. That includes, but is not limited to property records, tax records on cars and boats, lawsuits, criminal records, death and wedding certificates. Try your local county or state's Web site when starting out.
2. Get ready to drive because not everything can be found on a web site. Start with the county courthouse. Unless under lock and key by order of a judge, records such as civil lawsuits and criminal cases are open to the public during normal business hours. You can also check out campaign filings for local officials at the courthouse.
3. Drive some more because not all legal work can be found in one courthouse. You may have to go to various traffic courts, family courts and the like to track down things such as divorce records, child custody cases and worker's comp filings.
4. Remember the federal branch also contains records. The easiest way to check federal court filings, which includes bankruptcy, is by using the PACER system. There is a fee, but it allows you to check docket and filings for cases.
5. Go to your county and city government buildings, which also are a treasure trove of resources. There you can find voting records ( if someone voted, not for who), building and construction permits, meeting notes and property records. Want to see your great grandma's signature? Pull the musty old deed book down and it will be in there if she ever bought property.
6. Want to see who has been arrested? The local police station is supposed to keep records open to the public that people can examine. That includes arrest records.
7. Turn off the television and drive to your local station, which should also have some files that contains interesting items. That includes how much money political campaigns spend. Just go to the station and ask to see their public file.

Tips & Warnings

• Most public records are open to the public. You should not be charged a fee, but some will stall.