Any paper records that have not been destroyed or transferred to the National Archives are available for free viewing in the clerk of court’s office. However, publishing or copying court records in the clerk’s office is subject to per-page charges.
Finding free court records depends on the jurisdiction, type of case, and whether the records are public. Below are the best ways to access court records without paying fees.
1. Check State and County Court Websites
Most state and county court systems offer free online access to case records. Visit the official court website for the state or county where the case was filed. Look for sections like:
• Case Search
• Public Records
• Docket Search
📌 Example: For Kansas court records, visit Kansas District Court Public Access Portal
💡 Search Example:
• Google: “Sedgwick County KS court records search”
• Google: “Kansas court case lookup free”
Finding free court records depends on the jurisdiction, type of case, and whether the records are public. Below are the best ways to access court records without paying fees.
1. Check State and County Court Websites
Most state and county court systems offer free online access to case records. Visit the official court website for the state or county where the case was filed. Look for sections like:
• Case Search
• Public Records
• Docket Search
📌 Example: For Kansas court records, visit Kansas District Court Public Access Portal
💡 Search Example:
• Google: “Sedgwick County KS court records search”
• Google: “Kansas court case lookup free”
Use PACER for Federal Court Cases
For federal court records, use PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) at pacer.uscourts.gov.
• Access U.S. District Courts, Bankruptcy Courts, and Appellate Courts.
•Some basic information is free, but full documents may have small fees.
Visit the County Clerk’s Office
If online records are unavailable, visit the county clerk’s office in person.
• Ask for public case records at the clerk’s office.
•Many courthouses have public access terminals for searching records for free.
•Printed copies may have a small fee, but viewing is usually free.
📍 Find Your Local Clerk’s Office: Search ”[County Name] Clerk of Court website”
Use Statewide Case Lookup Databases
Some states provide free statewide case searches, such as:
•California: California Courts Case Search
•Texas: Texas Court Records
•Florida: Florida Courts Case Search
🔎 Search Example: Google: “Kansas court records free search”
Use Statewide Case Lookup Databases
Some states provide free statewide case searches, such as:
•California: California Courts Case Search
•Texas: Texas Court Records
•Florida: Florida Courts Case Search
🔎 Search Example: Google: “Kansas court records free search”
Check Free Public Record Websites
Several third-party websites offer free access to limited court record details:
• Judici.com – Covers some county courts
• CourtListener.com – Provides free federal court case records
•Justia.com – Offers legal case summaries
•PublicRecordsNow.com – Lists general public records
⚠️ Limitations:
•Not all counties provide online records.
•Some websites require a paid account for full access.
What Court Records Are Available for Free?
Most criminal, civil, and small claims case information is public, but certain records may be restricted.
✅ Publicly Available:
•Civil and criminal case dockets
•Divorce and family court filings (unless sealed)
•Probate and estate cases
•Bankruptcy filings
•Small claims and eviction cases
❌ Restricted or Confidential Records:
•Juvenile court records
•Expunged or sealed records
•Some family law cases (custody, adoption)
•Medical or sensitive personal data in cases
Final Tips for Finding Free Court Records
✔ Start with state or county court websites for free access.
✔ Use PACER for federal case searches.
✔ Visit the county clerk’s office if records aren’t online.
✔ Check third-party websites for basic case details.
✔ File a public records request if needed.
