- 1). Decide which records you are seeking. Court records are divided into two basic categories -- criminal and civil. In larger jurisdictions, the courts may be further divided into specific courts such as juvenile court, traffic court and probate court. Once you have determined which records you need, you can determine in which court they are.
- 2). Determine whether the court records you need are in a court system that has an online search option. Many larger jurisdictions allow the public to search records online. Locate the court or county website and look for a "search records online" option. Some courts allow you to search for free while others charge for searching.
- 3). Contact the clerk of court's office if searching online is not an option. Ask about the procedure for requesting court records. Many courts require a written request form along with the appropriate copying or certification fees.
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