How to Obtain Public Records on Court Decisions
- 1). Determine what records or decisions you are looking for and whether they are truly public records. While most court records are public record, some are not. For instance, juvenile cases are usually not public records, and adoptions are almost always sealed records.
- 2). Locate the website of the court where the records are located. Search the website for a section containing information about requesting records. Each court will have a slightly different procedure for obtaining records. Each court also will charge different fees depending on the type of records you are requesting, the type of copy you need and whether you have all the information needed to find the records.
- 3). Follow the procedures found on the website for requesting copies of records or call the court directly if you are still unsure how to obtain copies. Most courts require your request for records to be in writing and to provide enough information for the court to find the record. Many courts have a records request form that you must use while others simply require the request to be in writing. Some courts offer to search records on your behalf for a fee, but in many cases you must have the case number available in order to obtain records.
- 4). Pay the required fees. Whether you request the records by mail, fax, telephone or in person you will need to pay for the copies that you request.
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