These terms and conditions set the rules for using this court records website. By visiting, browsing, or searching our pages, you agree to follow these rules.
If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, please stop using the site right away. The court records listed here come from public sources across the United States. We are a private information site. We are not a government agency, court, or law office.
1. What This Site Does
This site helps people locate public court records. We collect links, guides, and tools that point to court record databases run by state and federal courts. We do not store the actual court files. We do not pull case files for you. We do not send legal documents on your behalf. Our role is to show you where to look and how to ask for records on your own.
Court records include civil case records, criminal case records, family court case files, probate court records, traffic court case information, small claims court records, and appellate court case files. These records are open to the public under state and federal law. Each state has its own rules about who can view them and what fees apply.
2. Agreement to These Terms
When you use this site, you accept these terms and conditions in full. This agreement starts the moment you load any page on the site. It stays in effect until you stop using the site. If you break any rule listed here, your right to use the site ends right away. We may also take legal steps if your actions cause harm to us, our partners, or other users.
You must be at least 18 years old to use this site. Court records can contain sensitive details about real people. You should only use this site if you have a lawful reason to search for public court documents.
3. We Are Not a Government Agency
This site has no connection to any local, state, or federal government agency. We are not part of any court system. We are not a law enforcement agency. We are not run by the Department of Justice, the FBI, or any state bureau of investigation. The site is owned and operated by a private company. Our staff does not have the power to seal records, expunge cases, or change court files.
If you need an official certified copy of a court document, you must contact the clerk of court in the county where the case was filed. We do not provide certified court documents. We do not certify copies of court orders, court judgment records, or court verdict records. Only the original court clerk can stamp a document as a true certified copy.
4. We Are Not a Consumer Reporting Agency
This site is not a consumer reporting agency. We do not follow the rules of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, also called FCRA. We do not provide consumer reports. We do not run background checks for employers. We do not screen tenants. We do not help insurance companies decide who to cover. We do not help lenders decide who gets a loan. We do not help licensing boards decide who qualifies for a work permit.
You may not use data from this site, or from the sites we link to, to make decisions about:
- Hiring or firing a worker
- Renting a home to someone
- Issuing a loan or line of credit
- Setting up an insurance policy
- Granting a license or permit
- Any other action that falls under the FCRA
If you use this site for any of these reasons, you take full legal responsibility for your actions. We are not liable for harm that comes from such misuse.
5. We Are Not a Private Investigator Service
We do not offer private investigator services. We do not place surveillance on anyone. We do not track people down. We do not interview witnesses. We do not serve legal papers. We do not collect debts. We simply show you how to look at public court records that courts have already made open to the public.
If you need help with a legal matter, talk to a licensed attorney in your state. If you need someone to serve court papers, contact your local sheriff’s office or a licensed process server.
6. Acceptable Use of the Site
You agree to use this site only for lawful purposes. You will not use the site to break any local, state, federal, or international law. You will not use the site to harm, harass, stalk, or threaten another person. You will not use the site to commit identity theft, fraud, or any other crime.
You also agree that you will not:
- Run bots, scrapers, or spiders to pull data from our pages
- Try to hack, break into, or disrupt our servers
- Upload viruses, malware, or harmful code to the site
- Send spam, junk mail, or unwanted messages through our contact forms
- Copy our content, logos, or images without written permission
- Use our site to build a competing product or service
7. Public Court Records and Accuracy
Court records come from many sources. They include civil case records, criminal case records, family court case files, probate court records, traffic court case information, small claims court records, and appellate court case files. These records change often. New cases get filed every day. Old cases get sealed, expunged, or updated.
We do our best to link you to the right database and the right county clerk. We cannot promise that every record you find is correct, complete, or current. Clerks make mistakes. Typing errors happen. Cases get transferred between courts. Names get confused when two people share the same name.
You should always check the official court source before making any legal decision based on a court record. If you find a mistake, contact the court clerk in the county where the case was filed. Only the court can fix an error in an official case file.
8. Electronic Court Files and Online Access
Many courts now offer electronic court files through official portals. These portals let you view court documents online, search court filings, and pull court case information from a computer or phone. Each state runs its own system. Some states use a private vendor like Tyler Technologies or Odyssey. Other states built their own search tools.
When you click a link on our site, you may leave our site and go to a state court portal, a county clerk website, or a third-party vendor. Once you leave, their terms and conditions apply. Their privacy policy covers your data. We have no control over how they run their site or store your search history.
Some electronic court file systems charge a fee per page or per document. Some let you view records for free but charge for copies. Some require a paid subscription. We do not set these fees. We do not collect any part of these fees. The court or its vendor keeps the money.
9. Court Record Lookup by Name
Many users want to run a court record lookup by name. This search uses a person’s first and last name. Some systems also let you search by date of birth, case number, or attorney bar number. Name searches can return multiple results because many people share the same name. A search for “John Smith” may show dozens of cases across one state.
You should review each result carefully. Look at the date of birth, the address, the county, and the case type. These details help you match the record to the right person. If you are still not sure, contact the court clerk for help. They can check the case file and tell you if the record belongs to the person you are looking for.
10. Court Case Number Lookup
Every case filed in court gets a unique court case number. This number lets you pull up the exact file you need. A case number often includes the year, the case type, and a sequence number. For example, a case number might look like “CV-2024-001234.” The “CV” stands for civil. The year shows when the case was filed. The last digits show the order in which the clerk entered the case.
If you have a case number, you can use it to search court filings in most electronic court file systems. This is the fastest way to pull up a specific case. You can find the case number on a court summons, a court order, a subpoena, or any paper the court sent you. If you lost the paper, contact the court clerk for help.
11. Court Record Retrieval Services
Some private companies offer court record retrieval services. These companies charge a fee to pull court documents for you. They can be helpful if you do not have a computer, do not have time to search, or need a certified copy mailed to you. We do not run a retrieval service. We are not affiliated with any retrieval service listed on our site.
If you hire a retrieval service, read their terms before you pay. Ask about their fees, their turnaround time, and their privacy policy. Give them only the data they need. Do not share your Social Security number, bank account, or other sensitive data with any retrieval service.
12. Certified Court Documents
Only the clerk of court can issue certified court documents. A certified copy has a raised seal, a stamp, or a digital signature from the clerk. Courts charge a fee for certified copies. The fee varies by state and by county. Some courts charge a few dollars per page. Others charge a flat fee per case.
You can request certified copies in person, by mail, or online. Many courts now let you order certified copies through their electronic court file portal. You will need a valid photo ID to pick up a certified copy in person. If you mail your request, include a copy of your ID and a check or money order for the fee.
13. Civil Case Records
Civil case records cover disputes between people, businesses, or government agencies. These cases do not involve criminal charges. Common civil case types include contract disputes, personal injury claims, property disputes, and employment lawsuits. Civil case records are open to the public unless a judge seals them.
You can search civil case records by name, case number, or attorney. Some states let you search by date range or case type. Most civil case records include the complaint, the answer, motions, orders, and the final judgment. The amount of detail you can see depends on the court and the state.
14. Criminal Case Records
Criminal case records cover cases where the state charges someone with a crime. These include felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions. Criminal case records are open to the public, but some records get sealed after a case ends. Juvenile criminal records are usually sealed and not open to the public.
You can search criminal case records by name, case number, or attorney. Some states also let you search by booking number or arrest date. Criminal case records often include the charging document, the plea, motions, orders, and the final verdict. Sentencing records may also be available.
15. Family Court Case Files
Family court case files cover divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence cases. These records can contain very sensitive details. Many states seal parts of family court files to protect children and other family members. You may only see a redacted version of the file.
Access to family court case files varies by state. Some states let anyone view basic case info, like the names of the parties and the case status. Other states require you to be a party to the case or a licensed attorney. Check your state’s rules before you search.
16. Probate Court Records
Probate court records cover wills, estates, guardianships, and mental health commitments. These records show how a court handled a person’s property or care after they died or became unable to make decisions. Probate court records are usually open to the public.
You can search probate court records by name of the deceased, name of the estate, or case number. Some states also let you search by the name of the executor or guardian. Probate records often include the will, the inventory of assets, and the final distribution order.
17. Traffic Court Case Information
Traffic court case information covers traffic tickets, driving violations, and misdemeanor traffic offenses. These cases are heard in a special court or a division of a general court. Traffic court records are open to the public in most states.
You can search traffic court case information by name, case number, or ticket number. Some states also let you search by license plate. Traffic court records often include the citation, the plea, the fine, and any points added to the driver’s record.
18. Small Claims Court Records
Small claims court records cover disputes over small amounts of money. The dollar limit varies by state, but it is usually between $2,500 and $25,000. Small claims cases move fast. They often end in a judgment within a few months.
Small claims court records are open to the public. You can search them by name, case number, or address. These records often include the claim, the response, and the judgment. The judgment can affect the defendant’s credit report.
19. Appellate Court Case Files
Appellate court case files cover appeals from lower courts. These cases are filed when a party wants a higher court to review a decision. Appellate court records include the brief, the oral argument transcript, and the appellate opinion.
Appellate court case files are open to the public. You can search them by name, case number, or lower court case number. Federal appellate records are available through PACER. State appellate records are available through each state’s portal.
20. View Court Documents Online
Most courts now let you view court documents online through their electronic court file system. You can search by name, case number, or party. Some courts require you to register for a free account. Others let you search without an account. A few courts charge a fee per search or per page view.
When you view court documents online, you agree to the court’s terms of use. These terms usually ban you from using the data for commercial purposes, scraping, or reselling. Read the court’s terms before you download a large number of files.
21. Search Court Filings
You can search court filings by name, case number, or attorney. Some states also let you search by date range, case type, or party role. The search results show a list of cases that match your search terms. Click on a case to see the full file.
Court filings include complaints, answers, motions, briefs, orders, and judgments. Some filings are public. Others are sealed by a judge. You will only see the public filings in your search results.
22. Access Judicial Records
Access judicial records is a right granted by law in most states. The public has the right to see court records so that the justice system stays open and fair. This right is not absolute. Judges can seal records to protect victims, children, or trade secrets.
If a record is sealed, you cannot see it. If a record is expunged, the court removes it from the public system. Sealed and expunged records do not show up in public searches. Only the court or a licensed attorney with a court order can see them.
23. Court Record Request Process
The court record request process varies by court. Some courts let you request records online. Others require you to file a written request in person or by mail. The request usually includes the case number, the names of the parties, and the records you want.
Most courts charge a fee for copies. The fee covers the cost of pulling the file, making copies, and certifying the documents. Some courts waive the fee if you cannot afford it. You may need to show proof of income to get a fee waiver.
24. Court Record Database
A court record database is a digital system that stores court records. Each state runs its own database. Some states share a database across all counties. Other states have a separate database for each county. The federal court system runs PACER, which covers all federal courts.
Court record databases are public in most cases. You can search them for free or for a small fee. Some private companies also run court record databases. These companies collect data from public sources and charge a subscription fee.
25. Legal Case Records and Litigation Records Search
Legal case records and litigation records search cover all types of court cases. These searches help attorneys, journalists, researchers, and members of the public find court documents. You can search by party name, case number, attorney, or judge.
Legal case records and litigation records search results may include civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, small claims, and appellate cases. The depth of the records depends on the court and the state. Some courts only show basic case info. Others show full case files.
26. Court Judgment Records, Court Verdict Records, and Court Order Records
Court judgment records show the final decision in a civil case. They list who won and how much they won. Court verdict records show the final decision in a criminal case. They list the charges and the outcome. Court order records show rulings by a judge during a case.
These records are part of the case file. You can view them through the same search tools you use for other court records. Some records are sealed, especially in family court or juvenile court. You will not see sealed records in a public search.
27. Case File Search and Court Record Archive
A case file search lets you look at the full history of a court case. It includes every paper filed in the case. A court record archive stores old case files. Some archives go back many decades. Others only store recent cases.
Older case files may not be in the electronic court file system. You may need to request them from the court clerk in person or by mail. Some states have moved old case files to a digital archive. Others still keep paper files in a warehouse.
28. No Legal Advice
This site does not give legal advice. We do not tell you what to do about a legal problem. We do not help you file a lawsuit. We do not help you defend a case. We do not help you appeal a decision. If you need legal advice, talk to a licensed attorney in your state.
Articles, guides, and FAQs on this site are for general knowledge only. They do not replace the advice of a lawyer. Laws change often. A guide written in 2020 may not be correct in 2026. Always check the current law before you act on any legal issue.
29. No Attorney-Client Relationship
Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Our staff are not your lawyers. Our partners are not your lawyers. We do not represent you in court. We do not send letters on your behalf. We do not negotiate settlements for you.
If you need a lawyer, contact your state bar association. They can give you a referral. Many bar associations also have a lawyer referral service that can match you with a lawyer in your area.
30. No Guarantees
We provide this site as is. We make no promises about the accuracy, completeness, or current status of any record on the site. We do not promise that the site will work without errors. We do not promise that the site will be available at all times.
Public records change every day. We try to keep our links and guides current, but we cannot keep up with every change. If you find a broken link or a wrong address, let us know. We will fix it as soon as we can.
31. Limits on Our Liability
To the fullest extent allowed by law, we are not liable for any harm that comes from using this site. This includes direct harm, indirect harm, and consequential harm. It also includes lost profits, lost data, and lost business opportunities.
We are not liable for harm that comes from:
- Errors in our content
- Gaps in our content
- Outdated content
- Broken links
- Site downtime
- Security breaches
- Viruses or malware picked up from our site or from linked sites
- Decisions you make based on our content
This limit on liability applies even if we knew about the harm in advance. It also applies even if the harm was caused by our own negligence.
32. Indemnification
You agree to cover our defense costs and any damages if someone brings a claim against us because of your actions. This applies if you violate these terms and conditions. It also applies if you misuse the site or the data on the site.
You also agree to cover the defense costs and damages of our officers, directors, employees, and agents if they get named in a claim because of your actions.
33. Our Intellectual Property
The text, images, logos, and code on this site belong to us or to our licensors. You may not copy, distribute, modify, or build upon our work without written permission. This includes our guides, our FAQs, our search tools, and our blog posts.
You may link to our site. You may quote short passages from our site for review, news reporting, or scholarship. You must credit us as the source.
34. Changes to These Terms
We may update these terms and conditions at any time. The new version goes into effect the moment we post it. Your continued use of the site means you accept the changes. We will post a notice on the site when we make a major change.
Check these terms and conditions from time to time. The last update date is listed at the bottom of this page.
35. Termination of Access
We can block your access to the site at any time, for any reason, without notice. If you break these terms and conditions, expect to lose access right away. We may also report your actions to law enforcement if we believe you committed a crime.
You can stop using the site at any time. To remove your data from our systems, contact us through the contact page.
36. Governing Law
These terms and conditions follow the laws of the State of Florida. Any dispute about these terms will be handled in a Florida state or federal court. You agree to the personal jurisdiction of these courts.
If you live outside the United States, you still agree to Florida law. You also agree to Florida courts for any dispute.
37. Severability
If a court finds that any part of these terms and conditions is unenforceable, the rest still applies. We will remove or change the invalid part and keep the rest in effect.
38. Entire Agreement
These terms and conditions are the entire agreement between you and us about your use of the site. They replace any other agreement, oral or written, about the same subject.
39. No Waiver
If we do not enforce any part of these terms and conditions, that does not mean we waive our right to enforce it later. We can still enforce every part of these terms at any time.
40. Contact Us
If you have questions about these terms and conditions, you can reach us through the contact information below.
Website: https://www.example.com
Email: support@example.com
Phone: 1-800-555-0199
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Mailing Address: 123 Public Records Way, Suite 400, Miami, FL 33101
Last updated: July 15, 2026
FAQs
This FAQ section answers common questions about our terms and conditions, court records access, and how the site works. If your question is not here, contact us through the contact page.
1. Is this site affiliated with any government agency or court?
No. This site is a private information service. We are not a government agency, court, clerk of court, or law enforcement body. We do not represent any state or federal government. We collect links, guides, and tools that point to official court record sources. We do not store the actual court files. We do not have the power to seal records, expunge cases, or change court documents. Only the official court clerk can do those things. If you need an official certified court document, contact the clerk of court in the county where the case was filed.
2. Can I use court records from this site to screen tenants or run a background check?
No. You may not use data from this site or from sites we link to for FCRA-covered purposes. The Fair Credit Reporting Act, or FCRA, controls how employers, landlords, lenders, and insurers use background data. If you use court records to make a hiring decision, screen a tenant, or set up an insurance policy, you may be breaking the law. We are not a consumer reporting agency. We do not provide consumer reports. For FCRA-covered background checks, hire a licensed consumer reporting agency that follows the FCRA rules.
3. How do I get a certified copy of a court document?
Only the clerk of court can issue a certified copy. A certified copy has a raised seal, stamp, or digital signature from the clerk. You can request certified copies in person, by mail, or through the court’s electronic court file portal. The court will charge a fee. Bring a valid photo ID if you pick up the copy in person. If you mail your request, include a copy of your ID and a check or money order for the fee. We do not provide certified court documents. We do not certify copies of court orders, court judgment records, or court verdict records.
4. What types of court records can I search on this site?
You can search civil case records, criminal case records, family court case files, probate court records, traffic court case information, small claims court records, and appellate court case files. Each state has its own rules about what is public. Some records are sealed, especially in family court or juvenile court. You will not see sealed records in a public search. We link to state and federal databases. We do not control what those databases show.
5. How accurate are the court records on this site?
Court records come from public sources. They can contain errors. Clerks make typing mistakes. Names get confused when two people share the same name. Cases get transferred between courts. Records get updated, sealed, or expunged. We do our best to link you to the right database, but we cannot promise that every record is correct, complete, or current. Always check the official court source before you make a legal decision based on a court record. If you find an error, contact the court clerk. Only the court can fix an error in an official case file.
6. What should I do if my information appears in a court record?
Court records are public by law. If your information appears in a court record, it is because a case was filed in a public court. You cannot remove a public record from our site. You can ask the court to seal or expunge the record if you qualify under state law. Each state has its own rules for sealing and expungement. You may need a lawyer to help you. If the record is wrong, contact the court clerk and ask for a correction. We do not have the power to change or remove records from official court databases.
7. Does using this site create an attorney-client relationship?
No. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Our staff are not your lawyers. Our partners are not your lawyers. We do not give legal advice. We do not represent you in court. We do not send letters on your behalf. Articles, guides, and FAQs on this site are for general knowledge only. They do not replace the advice of a licensed attorney. If you need legal advice, contact a licensed attorney in your state. Your state bar association can give you a referral to a qualified lawyer.