How to Obtain Court Records
Visits to the courthouse are often associated with times of great anxiety, but there is a wealth of information available to you in the courthouse, which is very easily obtained.
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Instructions
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How to Obtain Court Records
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Gather as much information as possible. Before you visit the courthouse, you should gather as much information about what you're looking for as possible. Ideally, you should have the case numbers associated with the materials you are looking for. If you do not have the case numbers, be sure that you have correct spellings of the names associated with the cases.
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Contact the courthouse to determine the rules for obtaining records. Some have limited hours, while others require that you request the records in advance. Be aware that this is also sometimes a fee for obtaining copies. You might also be required to return to the courthouse to obtain your copies. It helps to be prepared to know the rules and regulations before you arrive.
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Visit the courthouse. Most courthouses will require that you pass through a security checkpoint, so leave all weapons and metal objects at home. Some courthouses also prohibit cell phones and other electronics.
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Find the clerk's office and ask a clerk for help. The clerk will get the files that you need or help you find them yourself.
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Make copies of anything that you want to take with you, and return the file to the clerk.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember that most court records are public record, and you are entitled to access them. You should be polite to court personnel, but if they refuse you access to the records, remind them that you are in fact entitled to access.
