Court Records

Maricopa County, Arizona, is home to a robust and accessible court system, with a variety of records maintained by the Clerk of the Superior Court. These court records are essential for those involved in legal matters, such as litigation, investigations, or genealogical research. Maricopa County court records encompass various case types, from criminal and civil to family and probate, and can provide valuable information about court proceedings. This article will explore how to access these records, the types of documents available, and the processes involved in obtaining official copies of court records from Maricopa County.

Understanding Maricopa County Court Records

Court records in Maricopa County are public records that document legal proceedings held in the Superior Court. These records include filings, minute entries, rulings, and other court-related documents. The Clerk of the Superior Court is responsible for maintaining and preserving these records. Access to these records is available online and in person, making it easier for individuals to locate information relevant to their cases.

The Role of the Clerk of the Superior Court

The Clerk of the Superior Court is a critical office in Maricopa County, tasked with overseeing the recording of court cases and maintaining accurate records. The office manages documents from various types of cases, including:

Criminal cases
Civil cases
Family law cases
Probate matters
Juvenile cases

The Clerk also processes filings, fees, and manages access to public records, providing transparency and accessibility to the court system.

Types of Court Records Available in Maricopa County

Maricopa County court records can be classified into several categories based on the type of case. Below are the major categories of records maintained:

Criminal Court Records: These records pertain to individuals charged with criminal offenses and the corresponding legal proceedings.

Civil Court Records: These involve disputes between individuals or organizations over legal issues such as contracts, property, or personal injury claims.

Family Court Records: These documents are related to family matters like divorce, child custody, child support, and domestic violence cases.

Probate Court Records: These records deal with the distribution of assets and the administration of estates after a person's death.

Juvenile Court Records: These pertain to legal matters involving minors, including delinquency, dependency, and adoption cases.

Each type of record serves a specific purpose and is handled according to its category.

Accessing Maricopa County Court Records

Access to Maricopa County court records can be done through various methods. The Clerk's office offers both online and in-person options for individuals to obtain court documents.

Online Access to Court Records

The Maricopa County Clerk of the Superior Court offers several online services for accessing court records, including:

Case History Lookup: Available on the Superior Court's docket page, this service allows users to search for case history information by case number or party name.

Electronic Court Records (ECR): The ECR system enables registered users to access court records online, including filings, minute entries, and case documents. This service is available for criminal, civil, probate, and family cases. You can access this portal through the ECR login page.

eAccess Portal: For broader public access to court records, the Arizona Supreme Court provides the eAccess portal, which allows individuals to access public case records and documents for a fee.

These online resources offer a convenient way for people to access case information without having to visit the Clerk’s office in person.

In-Person Access to Court Records

For individuals who prefer or require in-person visits, the Clerk of the Superior Court has several locations where they can inspect or obtain copies of court records:

Customer Service Center: 601 W. Jackson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Northeast Regional Court Center: 18380 N. 40th St., Suite 120, Phoenix, AZ 85032
Northwest Regional Court Center: 14264 W. Tierra Buena Lane, Surprise, AZ 85374
Southeast Regional Court Center: 222 E. Javelina Ave., Mesa, AZ 85210

These locations are open to the public from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, where visitors can view court records or request certified copies.

How to Request Court Records in Maricopa County

When requesting court records, individuals may need to follow a formal procedure, depending on the type of record they are seeking.

Public Records Request Form

If the desired court record is not available through the online search tools or if you require a certified copy, you can submit a public records request through the Clerk’s online request form. This form is designed for more complex or specific record requests, including certified documents or marriage license copies.

Fees for Court Records

Obtaining copies of court records incurs certain fees:

Copy Fee: $0.50 per page
Certified Copy Fee: $35.00 per document
Research Fees: Additional fees may apply for complex record retrieval or research services

These fees must be paid at the time of the request, and payments can be made via money order, debit card, credit card, or cash at the Clerk’s office. Personal checks are not accepted.

Minute Entries: A Valuable Resource

Minute entries are an important part of Maricopa County court records. They summarize the key events of court hearings, including decisions made by judges. Minute entries are accessible online and can provide insight into the progress of a case. You can access minute entries through the Clerk's Minute Entry Portal.

Clerk of the Superior Court: Important Contact Information

To obtain more information or assistance with your court records request, you can contact the relevant Clerk's office locations directly.

Clerk of the Superior Court
Phone: (602) 372-5375 or (602) 37-CLERK
Address: 620 West Jackson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Website: www.clerkofcourt.maricopa.gov

Customer Service Center
Phone: (602) 372-5375
Address: 601 W. Jackson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Website: Customer Service Center

Northeast Regional Court Center
Phone: (602) 372-5375
Address: 18380 N. 40th St., Suite 120, Phoenix, AZ 85032
Website: Northeast Regional Court Center

Northwest Regional Court Center
Phone: (602) 372-5375
Address: 14264 W. Tierra Buena Lane, Surprise, AZ 85374
Website: Northwest Regional Court Center

Southeast Regional Court Center
Phone: (602) 372-5375
Address: 222 E. Javelina Ave., Mesa, AZ 85210
Website: Southeast Regional Court Center

Judicial Branch of Arizona (Information Center)
Phone: (602) 506-3204
Address: 201 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Website: Judicial Branch of Arizona

Maricopa County Court Records FAQs

How can I access Maricopa County court records online?

Maricopa County provides public access to court records through various online platforms. For case history information, individuals can visit the Maricopa County Superior Court docket page, which allows users to search by case number or name. Additional case details, including minute entries, are available through the Clerk of Court's Electronic Court Records (ECR) system and e-Access platform. Accessing these records may involve fees for documents, depending on their availability and type.

Can I inspect court records for free in Maricopa County?

Yes, you can inspect public court records for free in Maricopa County. Records can be viewed at the Clerk of Court's designated locations, such as the Customer Service Center and regional court centers, during regular business hours. Public access computers are available to review most records electronically. However, if you require copies, there will be fees associated with the printing and certification of documents. The cost for standard copies of court documents is $0.50 per page. Certified copies, which may be required for legal purposes, come with an additional $35.00 fee. In-person services at various Clerk of Court locations accept debit, credit cards, and money orders; however, personal checks are not accepted. It's important to confirm with the requesting agency whether a certified copy is necessary.

How do I request copies of court records in Maricopa County?

To request copies of court records in Maricopa County, you can use the Clerk of Court's Online Records Request Form if you're unable to find records through the public access systems. This form is convenient for requests that involve more detailed searches or the need for certified copies. For in-person requests, you can visit any of the Clerk's office locations. Remember, payment is required for both copy and certification requests.