Finding your court file, or that of someone else, can feel like a difficult task. This post is designed to give you some hints to help in that process.  Keep in mind that each court file office is different, and that these rules offer general guidelines.

1.  Find the Courthouse

A court file can be generated for a marriage, a criminal charge or a lawsuit. The first step is to figure out the county or city where the event took place. Once you have done that, contact the court file room and ask their hours. By the way, getting a court file is one of those things that can only be done in person. Bring cash  and change ($20 for both should be adequate) when you go.

2.  Find the File

Once you are in the file room, ask the clerk for the case number (if you do not already have it). They may charge a small research fee ($5 in our state). Once you have the number, ask the clerk if you can check the file out. You may have a difficult time here. There are certain files (sexual assault) that cannot be viewed by the public. Other files (such as those that display social security numbers) may be viewed after those files are edited (redacted). You will pay the clerk to do that, and then you can have the edited portion of the file.

3.  View and Copy the File

There are always copy machines in the file room, and they charge 10-50 cents per page. If you need something certified (to make it official for court use) you will pay the clerk for that service, and they will do it for you.

Shaun Kaufman Law PC offers a team approach to litigation, and the firm has a team of private investigators who can help in a difficult case. Contact Shaun Kaufman Law, PC at 303-309-0430 any day of the week, 24 hours a day, for more information.