Clerk of Superior Court

This article is designed to help residents, litigants, attorneys, and curious readers understand exactly what the Maricopa County AZ Clerk of Superior Court does, how to use its services, what to expect when filing or requesting records, and where to go in person. You’ll find step-by-step guidance on filings, eFiling, records access, family and juvenile support functions, appeals, marriage licenses, passports, payments, and appointments, along with practical tips to navigate counters and online tools smoothly.

Understand the Role: What the Clerk of Superior Court Actually Does for Maricopa County

The Clerk of the Superior Court is a constitutional office that serves the public, the legal community, and the Superior Court while remaining independent of the judiciary. In practice, that means the office is the record-keeper and financial hub for Superior Court matters. It receives, distributes, and preserves official court documents; keeps the docket; attends court to record actions; and provides public access to the records of Superior Court. The office accepts filings across civil, criminal, mental health, probate, tax, juvenile, and family cases, and manages a range of financial functions including collection and disbursement of court-ordered fees, fines, and victim restitution. It stores trial exhibits, processes passport applications, and issues and records marriage licenses. If you need to file a pleading, view a minute entry, obtain certified copies, or pay certain court-ordered amounts, you will likely interact with the Clerk’s Office at some point in your case lifecycle.

A useful way to think about the office is in two tracks: (1) recordkeeping and access to court files (paper and electronic) and (2) customer-facing services that support legal processes (filings, payments, licensing, passports, and family support operations). Keeping those tracks in mind helps you find the right counter, form, or portal the first time.

Start Here: Use the Services Menu to Zero In on Your Task

If you’re not sure which page you need, the fastest way to get oriented is by browsing the office’s organized service categories. The Services hub groups everyday tasks—address changes, appeals, payments, exhibits, family and juvenile matters, filing information, process servers, and more—so you can click straight to the right instructions, forms, and locations without getting lost in court jargon. Using the services index is especially helpful when you know what you need to do (“change my address,” “pay support,” “file a probate document”) but you’re unsure which counter or portal handles it. Visit the Services page to scan the full catalog and drill down into the exact topic you need.

Quick Wins with the “I Want To…” Actions

Common tasks are also bundled under action-oriented prompts like applying for a fee waiver, finding a case, making an appointment, or getting copies of records. Each link takes you to step-by-step instructions, eligibility notes, and, where available, a self-service or e-service option. This structure saves time and cuts down repeat visits or returned filings due to missing pieces.

File It Right the First Time: What to Know About Filing Information and Fees

Filing rules, case-type nuances, and fees can vary, so it pays to check the office’s filing guidance before you head to a counter or hit “submit” online. The Clerk of Superior Court provides clear, case-type-specific filing pointers, where to file, and how fees apply. You’ll find information on depository boxes (general and juvenile), civil and tax filing, criminal filing, family filing, probate filing, and juvenile filing, all in one place. That centralization matters because filing the right document in the wrong location or format can cause delays or result in your submission being returned for correction.

If you’re initiating a case in civil, tax, or family law, make sure you understand whether eFiling is required or optional for your role and case type.

If you’re submitting exhibits, note the different paths—some filings go through the Clerk’s Online Exhibit Portal while others are handled via Case Center.

If your filing includes fees, confirm payment methods accepted at your intended counter or within the eFiling platform.

To avoid the most common pitfalls and to confirm current fees for your case type, review Filing Information before you prepare your packet.

Go Digital When You Can: eFiling Options and Readiness Tips

Maricopa County supports electronic filing for many case types through authorized providers as well as a Clerk-managed eFiling Online Portal for specified criminal and juvenile matters. Attorneys (subject to administrative orders) may be required to eFile in certain case categories, while self-represented litigants have eFiling options in defined tracks. Before you eFile, take a few minutes to walk through the office’s eFiling overview so your documents meet the technical and formatting standards.

The Clerk of Superior Court highlights frequent reasons eFiled documents get returned as deficient—such as uploading instruction pages as the main document, using an incorrect or incomplete caption, filing exhibits as a lead document, or omitting required signature blocks. Paying close attention to those examples saves you time and prevents rework. You’ll also find links to training and guidelines and direct contact information for eFiling support within business hours.

When you’re ready to learn the requirements and choose the correct eFiling channel for your case, start with eFiling Information.

Plan Your Visit: Appointments, Check-In, and Which Counters Handle What

Some transactions are smoother—and faster—when you make an appointment, particularly for non-criminal adult filing counters, marriage licenses, and passports. Appointments are honored ahead of walk-ins. When you schedule, you’ll receive a confirmation with a QR code; bring it on your phone or printed to check in quickly at the kiosk. Not all services are appointment-eligible at every location (for example, criminal or juvenile filing counters are not included), so review the appointment page closely for eligible services and site options.

You can schedule at the Downtown File Counter (Central Court Complex) and the regional centers in Mesa, Phoenix (Northeast), and Surprise (Northwest). For marriage licenses and passports, the Customer Service Center (Downtown) and all three regional centers accept appointments. Hours are generally Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and recorded information is available after hours at the main phone line.

Reserve your slot and get the latest location-specific details on Make an Appointment.

Walk-In vs. Appointment: How to Decide

Use appointments for marriage licenses, passports, and non-criminal adult filing to minimize wait times and ensure you’re at the right counter.

Walk in if your need falls outside the appointment menu or if online booking is temporarily unavailable. Bring complete forms to avoid multiple trips.

Keep Your Case Info Current: Address Changes for Parties and Attorneys

Moving or updating your name? Court records must reflect where you can be reached. The office provides separate online forms for attorneys and for parties/litigants to update addresses. If your address is protected by court order, you must request changes in person at a Clerk facility so staff can verify and process the protection properly. Having your address correct ensures you receive notices, minute entries, and orders without delays or missed deadlines—critical in appeal windows, response periods, and support enforcement.

You’ll find the right forms and the in-person exception note under Address Changes.

Tap Into Family, Juvenile & Adoptions Support: Payments, Orders, and Account Tools

The Clerk’s Office supports the documentation and processing that sit alongside family and juvenile court matters—everything from income withholding orders to support payment channels and automated banking options for receiving funds. In practice, that includes:

Income Withholding Orders (IWO): Tools and FAQs guide employers and parties through starting, modifying, or closing wage deductions. There are dedicated resources for employers and for common life events like a change of employer.

Child Support Payments: Payment avenues and answers to frequent questions (for example, how to request a payment history or make a purge payment) help payors and recipients manage obligations and records cleanly.

Automated Banking: Direct deposit and electronic pay card information streamlines how recipients access funds, reducing delays and check handling.

Juvenile Court & Adoptions: Filing instructions and processing overviews clarify what gets filed with the Clerk and how exhibits or certifications are handled.

Each subtopic links out to focused pages with process steps and, where available, forms and FAQs. Start with Family Matters to explore IWO, payments, automated banking, adoptions, and other family-related services.

Records & Research: From Minute Entries to Certified Copies and Electronic Access

Public access to Superior Court records is a core Clerk function. Depending on the record you need, there are several paths:

Minute Entries: If you want to review what happened at a hearing or conference, minute entries are often the quickest snapshot of court action. Search and view through the office’s minute-entry resources to track case progress without pulling full files. Use Minute Entries for direct access.

Electronic Court Records (ECR): The ECR platform provides electronic access for eligible users to court documents. It’s particularly useful for attorneys and parties who need to download filed PDFs without visiting a counter.

e-Access: This tool supports online access to records and is a helpful companion when you’re checking filings in real time or need documents outside business hours. Visit e-Access to see availability and access details.

Public Records Requests: If the record you need isn’t available via self-service or if you require certified copies, submit a request with the details the office needs to locate and process the record efficiently. Start at Public Records Request.

Before you request, note the case number, party names, and the filing date range if possible—precision reduces turnaround time and follow-up questions. For marriage license copies, the office provides a dedicated pathway with instructions tailored to that record type.

Marriage Licenses & Passports: What You Can Do at Clerk Locations

The Clerk’s Office issues and records marriage licenses and accepts passport applications at designated sites. Appointments are available (and encouraged) at the Customer Service Center (Downtown) and the Northeast, Northwest, and Southeast regional centers. The licensing pages outline eligibility, required identification, fees, and location hours, plus online steps where applicable. For passports, you’ll find links to forms and a location-specific fee overview so you can arrive prepared with the correct payment method and documentation.

Because requirements can vary based on age, prior marital status, and travel timing, review the guidance carefully before you book. Explore Marriage Licenses & Passports to see the latest details, forms, and locations.

Appeals 101: How the Record Moves and Where to File

If you’re appealing a Superior Court judgment, the Clerk’s Office manages the record transmission to the appellate court on a timeline that differs by case type. In civil matters, an index and copies of specified documents are transmitted on the 30th day from the Notice of Appeal filing; in criminal, a copy of the record is transmitted at 45 days. Fees associated with appeals are posted with other filing fees, and you may file appeals at the designated Superior Court filing counters (Downtown Phoenix and regional centers listed on the appeals page).

If your appeal is from a lower court (Justice or Municipal), you must file in that originating court; those appeals are not initiated at the Superior Court Clerk’s counters. For instructions specific to Superior Court appeals, see Appeals and follow links to filing information and applicable fees.

Exhibits: Submitting, Storing, and Accessing Case Evidence

Exhibits play a special role in court records. The Clerk stores exhibits for all court cases and provides distinct submission routes depending on the platform and case context. Some exhibits are submitted via the Clerk’s Online Exhibit Portal, while other exhibit management occurs through Case Center. Verify which path applies to your division or judge before uploading or delivering exhibits. Getting that detail right helps ensure the court can view the evidence without rescheduling hearings.

Payments: Criminal Fines, Support, Bonds, and Restitution

The Clerk supports payment intake for criminal fines and fees, support obligations, and bond matters, with dedicated links for each category. Online payment options and FAQs explain what information you’ll need (like case numbers or account identifiers) and the processing windows to expect. If you’re paying a purge amount or seeking a payment history to reconcile your records, the family payments section provides direct instructions. Always confirm the accepted payment methods at the specific counter you plan to visit—regional counters may differ from the Customer Service Center for marriage/passport fees.

Process Servers: Licensing Resources and Study Materials

For process servers, the Clerk’s services hub includes an information gateway pointing to open forums, study guides, and related resources. While certification and procedural rules are governed by statewide standards and court orders, the Clerk’s pages centralize what local applicants need to know before testing or participating in forums. Reviewing those materials ahead of time improves your chances of a smooth licensing experience and helps you stay current on local procedural expectations.

Special Considerations: Accessibility, Language Services, and Holiday Schedules

The office maintains resources to ensure meaningful access to services and records. Accessibility and language services pages outline how to request accommodations and interpretation, and the posted holiday schedule helps you plan filings and counter visits around closures. When timing matters—such as appeal deadlines or emergency filings—checking the schedule and accommodation procedures ahead of time prevents last-minute hurdles.

Electronic Access and Security: Using Online Tools Safely

When you use electronic tools like eFiling portals, e-Access, or ECR, treat your case credentials, personal identifiers, and payment information like you would at a financial institution. Log out of public computers, double-check that you’re on official government domains, and keep your confirmation numbers and receipts. If a document is returned as deficient, fix the exact issue identified and resubmit; avoid “overcorrecting” by changing unrelated sections that could introduce new errors. For technical questions about the authorized eFiling platforms provided by the Arizona Judicial Branch, you can reach the AOC support desk during posted hours; for Clerk-managed eFiling and record questions, contact the Clerk’s support line.

Minute Entries, Case History, and Water Case Dockets: Find the Right Record Type

If you’re researching historical actions in a case, start with the minute entries—they’re often sufficient to understand orders and next steps. For broader case context, case history tools help trace all filed events. Specialized water rights matters, such as the Gila River and Little Colorado River adjudications, have dedicated docket pages accessible from the records area, allowing targeted research without sifting unrelated records. Knowing which record type to pull keeps your request focused and cost-effective.

When You Need Certified Copies: Prepare the Details Up Front

Certified copies are often required for adoption records, name changes, probate filings, and various licensing or immigration processes. To speed up certification, include the case number, document title, filing date (or range), and the number of certified sets you need. If you’re unsure of the exact document, use minute entries or e-Access to pinpoint it before you request certification. Submitting an incomplete request typically results in staff contacting you for clarification, which can add days to the process.

Pro Tips for Smooth Counter Visits

Bring complete forms and double-check signatures. Many returns stem from missing signatures or incomplete captions (wrong county, missing party names, or incorrect case numbers).

Confirm your counter (filing vs. customer service vs. passport/marriage) and whether appointments are available for your service type.

Arrive with payment ready in an accepted method for that location.

Retain receipts and stamped copies—your conformed copy is often your proof of filing until the document appears in the electronic docket.

Clerk of Superior Court Departments and Offices (Addresses & Phone)

Maricopa County Clerk of Superior Court (Main Office) — 620 West Jackson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003 — (602) 372-5375

Central Court Complex – Downtown File Counter — 201 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85003 — (602) 372-5375

Customer Service Center – Downtown (Marriage Licenses & Passports) — 601 W. Jackson St., Phoenix, AZ 85003 — (602) 372-5375

Northeast Regional Court Center — 18380 N. 40th St., Phoenix, AZ 85032 — (602) 372-5375

Northwest Regional Court Center — 14264 W. Tierra Buena Ln., Surprise, AZ 85374 — (602) 372-5375

Southeast Regional Court Center — 222 E. Javelina Dr., Mesa, AZ 85210 — (602) 372-5375

Appeals Filing (file counters as designated) — 201 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85003 — (602) 372-5375

eFiling Support – Clerk of Superior Court — 620 W. Jackson St., Phoenix, AZ 85003 — (602) 372-5375

Arizona Judicial Branch – eFiling Support (AOC) — 1501 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007 — (602) 452-3519

Maricopa County Clerk of Superior Court FAQs

How do I schedule service at a counter or for licenses?

You can book time for non-criminal adult filing counters, marriage licenses, and passports through the Clerk’s online appointment portal. Appointments are prioritized over walk-ins, and you’ll check in with the confirmation QR code when you arrive. Some services aren’t available for appointments at every location (for example, Criminal and Juvenile filing counters do not offer them), so review the details on Make an Appointment before you go.

Which case types can be eFiled and who’s eligible?

Maricopa County supports electronic filing for Civil/Tax and Family Law (initiation and subsequent filings via authorized EFSPs) and Probate (subsequent filings). Criminal and specified Juvenile matters use a separate Clerk-managed eFiling Online Portal. Attorneys—unless excluded by administrative order—must eFile in Civil/Tax and Family Law, while self-represented litigants may eFile optionally. Training resources, common-error checklists, and links to the correct portals are centralized under eFiling Information.

How does an appeal move from Superior Court to the appellate court?

If you’re appealing a Superior Court decision, the Clerk transmits the record on a set timeline after your Notice of Appeal is filed—generally 30 days in civil cases and 45 days in criminal cases. Filing locations, fee references, and links to statewide self-help guides from the Administrative Office of the Courts are compiled on Appeals, along with directions for appeals originating from Justice or Municipal courts.

What’s the official process to update my address or name with the court?

To keep court records current, submit the appropriate online form for attorney or party address changes. If your address is ordered protected, you must request changes in person at a Clerk facility. Step-by-step options and forms are listed on Address Changes.

Where do I handle marriage licenses and U.S. passports?

The Clerk issues and records marriage licenses and accepts passport applications at designated locations. Before visiting, confirm locations, hours, and any appointment requirements, and review what to bring for each service. All official instructions and subpages (including fees, forms, and site-specific hours) are on Marriage Licenses & Passports.