Frequently Asked Questions

What are court records?

Any information pertaining to a particular court case, including related subject's details and available posted case records.

How to look up court cases?

Simply enter the subject's full name and location to start the search. You can also try looking up court cases by using the case numbers.

Who can I search?

You can find court cases for any person in the United States that had a court case in available jurisdictions that fall under our coverage area.

What does a court case report include?

Our court case reports include, when available, subject's information, general court case details, filing dates, court decisions, outcomes, fines, resolutions, statuses, case numbers, and other information depending on the eligibility and case types. Not all cases are searchable or accessible online.

Are your searches secure?

Yes, all our searches and reports are secure, and we strive to provide the quickest, safest, and easiest method for instantly looking up court records and court case information online.

How far back do court records go?

Court records typically go back decades, depending on the case type and the location or jurisdiction. Older records can be found in the archives or at the local courthouse, while new records are usually accessible online where permitted.

Can anyone search for civil, criminal, and traffic cases?

Yes. Criminal, civil, and traffic case records are typically accessible but availability varies by court, jurisdiction, case type, and applicable law. Some records may be restricted, sealed, delayed, or unavailable online.

Are court records accessible to anyone?

Most court records are accessible to the public under applicable state or local law. However, case files detailing restricted information, including abuse of minors, sexual assault, and ongoing criminal investigations, are usually sealed from public viewing.

Is it legal to look up someone's personal court records?

Personal court records are accessible depending on the jurisdiction. Some states and counties allow access to civil or criminal records for legal purposes. Access to records cannot be used for employment screening, tenant screening, credit, insurance, licensing, benefits determinations, stalking, harassment, or any other use prohibited by law or our Terms.

Are online court record reports accurate?

Court records sourced online from courthouse databases are updated regularly. However, not every jurisdiction reports in real time, meaning older or confidential records may not be found during online searches. CourtCaseFinder does not guarantee that all records are complete, accurate, or current.

Can I search court cases according to county or state?

You may search court records according to the state or county where the case occurred.

What personal information is needed to perform a search?

During a search, you should give the person's name and residence. Including their middle name, case number, court dates, and city helps get more accurate results.

Can I look up federal court cases?

Yes. Federal court case records are available via online platforms like PACER and, where available, through CourtCaseFinder search tools.

Is it free to search court records?

Some jurisdictions allow free but limited access to cases. Detailed reports may require per-page fees, a one-time fee, or a subscription.

What is the difference between court and criminal records?

Court records include civil, criminal, traffic, family, and probate cases. Criminal records focus on arrests, charges, and convictions.

How quickly can I access court case results?

Many search results are returned promptly after a query is submitted, where available. Timing may vary based on jurisdiction, court reporting schedules, and whether the record is public, restricted, or otherwise unavailable.

Is it possible to remove or amend court records online?

CourtCaseFinder does not create, edit, or remove official court records. If a record has been sealed, expunged, vacated, corrected, or otherwise restricted, any change must be requested through the originating court or appropriate government agency, subject to local law and court procedures.

Is my payment and search data secure?

Yes, every search and payment is secured through high-level encryption. Search history is never shared with third parties.

Can I search a court case according to the business entity or company name?

Yes, you can search cases involving individuals, businesses, or organizations by entering their names or aliases.

How often are court records updated?

Most court records are refreshed daily or weekly, depending on the state's reporting schedule and the specific court.

Which court record types are confidential, restricted, or sealed?

The confidential or sealed records may include juvenile matters, adoption records, certain family law records, records involving minors or protected victims. For security reasons, ongoing criminal investigations and grand jury proceedings are also restricted from public viewing.

What is the process of obtaining copies of divorce decrees, judgments, or orders?

Certified divorce decrees are available from the county Clerk of Court. Requests may be made in person, via mail, or online where supported.

How long does the court retain case filings and transcripts?

Retention periods vary by jurisdiction and case type. Most courts follow a retention schedule established by state law or the Judicial Conference for federal courts.

What is the process of finding small claims, traffic, or municipal court records?

Start by locating the specific court that handled the case. Small claims, traffic, and municipal cases are usually in limited-jurisdiction courts or searchable through online courthouse systems.

What is the difference between a case being expunged and sealed?

Expungement erases the record entirely, while sealing hides the record from public view but keeps it accessible to certain law enforcement agencies.