Court Records

The surge in popularity of court records has coincided with the rise of podcasts like Serial and documentaries such as The Making of a Murderer. There is a growing interest among people to access court records, particularly when they come across news events and desire more comprehensive information.

Furthermore, court records have proven invaluable for academic research and news publications, enhancing their ability to provide accurate information about individuals and cases. Although not all court records are accessible to the public, federal and state governments across the nation have established various laws permitting certain information to be open to public scrutiny.

It’s natural for individuals to seek additional information about individuals in their community, as well as their family and friends. Court records frequently contain sensitive but non-confidential details that many individuals prefer to keep concealed from acquaintances and neighbors. Federal, state, and local authorities concur that citizens should have access to certain information, particularly in an era where maintaining anonymity has become exceptionally straightforward.

Let’s explore some of the different types of court records that can be uncovered when initiating a search:

Marriage Records

Marriage records are linked to state court records and often provide information such as the full names of the bride and groom, their ages, the date of the marriage, the county of marriage, and the presiding judge. These records, akin to birth records, are maintained by the state. These court records typically encompass a marriage license, a prerequisite for marriage, as well as divorce records. Some states may choose to seal divorce court records if they involve criminal activities like abuse.

Traffic Accidents

Similar to marriage records, traffic accident records are utilized for various purposes and are maintained at the state level, although certain states may withhold this information in specific scenarios. These court records prove valuable when filing claims stemming from traffic accidents and can shed light on the character of individuals involved. If you wish to access someone’s traffic accident history, you can do so by requesting these court records at the County Clerk’s office or by conducting an online search.

Foreclosures

When individuals struggle to meet their monthly mortgage obligations, their homes may be subjected to foreclosure. This process involves the lender, often a bank, selling the property to recover their funds. Foreclosures typically involve court judgments and are accessible to the public in most instances, potentially appearing on your public record.

Bankruptcies

Bankruptcy filings can stem from various circumstances such as unemployment, unexpected medical expenses, marital issues, or financial mismanagement. These records are part of federal court records, rather than state records, but they are often accessible to the general public. Bankruptcy records may encompass information regarding asset values, assigned trustees, creditor claims, and monetary transactions associated with the bankruptcy process.

Liens

Liens may be imposed on your property if you owe money to creditors, lenders, or the government, particularly for unpaid taxes (state or federal). Issuance of a lien typically involves state or federal court proceedings and is documented in a person’s court records. Knowing if there are any liens on a property before purchasing can help you avoid future complications, as properties with liens often cannot be sold until the lien is resolved.

Arrest Records

Although not all arrests are included in court records, many of them are and can provide insights into an individual’s criminal history, including traffic violations, drug possession, and theft. It’s essential to note that court records won’t reveal the outcome of the arrest, as many individuals are arrested for false accusations, by mistake, or as suspects and later released. Arrest records offer an overview but may not provide the complete story.

How to Find Court Records

Court records, whether maintained by state, federal, or local governments, are typically accessible to the public. While confidential and highly sensitive information may not be available, substantial details pertaining to the person of interest, such as marriage records, traffic accidents, arrest records, property history, and more, can be obtained with just the person’s first and last name to begin the search. Providing city and state information can refine the search but is not mandatory. It’s crucial to approach this search with responsible intentions, as you may uncover surprising information about individuals you thought you knew well.

For assistance in initiating your search, our site offers comprehensive tools and resources on our website’s search engine boxes. Start your search today!