Maricopa County Court Records
What Is Maricopa County Court Records
Maricopa County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records serve as the authoritative account of court activities and are maintained pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-284, which establishes the Clerk of the Superior Court's duty to maintain court records.
Court records in Maricopa County typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
- Docket sheets chronicling case events and filings
- Court orders and judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
- Sentencing information in criminal matters
- Marriage and divorce records
- Probate and estate documentation
These records differ from other public records such as property deeds, birth certificates, and tax records, which are maintained by separate county departments. Court records specifically document judicial proceedings and decisions.
The Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County maintains records for multiple court types, including:
- Superior Court (general jurisdiction)
- Justice Courts (limited jurisdiction)
- Municipal Courts (city violations)
- Juvenile Court (youth matters)
- Probate Court (wills, estates, guardianships)
- Family Court (domestic relations)
- Tax Court (tax disputes)
Court records span various case types including civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, and traffic violations. The specific content of each record depends on the nature of the case and the court of jurisdiction.
Are Court Records Public In Maricopa County
Court records in Maricopa County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Arizona's Public Records Law, A.R.S. § 39-121, which establishes that "public records and other matters in the custody of any officer shall be open to inspection by any person at all times during office hours." This statutory right of access is further supported by the Arizona Supreme Court's Rule 123 of the Rules of the Supreme Court, which specifically governs public access to judicial records.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Civil case files (with limited exceptions)
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Court judgments and orders
- Docket sheets and case indices
- Hearing schedules and calendars
- Marriage and divorce records
- Probate records
However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:
- Juvenile court records (with exceptions under A.R.S. § 8-208)
- Sealed records pursuant to court order
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health proceedings
- Records containing sensitive personal information
- Grand jury proceedings
- Cases involving minors as victims of sexual offenses
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona (located in Phoenix) are governed by federal access rules rather than state provisions. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system.
The Arizona Judicial Branch provides comprehensive guidance on record access policies, including specific provisions for electronic access to court information.
How To Find Court Records in Maricopa County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Maricopa County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently maintains multiple systems for record retrieval based on the court type and record format.
For in-person requests at the Superior Court:
- Visit the Clerk of the Superior Court's office during regular business hours.
- Complete a records request form, specifying the case number or party names.
- Present valid photo identification.
- Pay applicable copy fees ($0.50 per page for standard copies).
- Wait for staff to retrieve the requested records.
Clerk of the Superior Court - Customer Service Center
601 W. Jackson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
602-372-5375
Clerk of the Superior Court
For written requests:
- Submit a formal written request to the appropriate court clerk.
- Include specific case information (case number, party names, filing dates).
- Provide contact information and preferred delivery method.
- Enclose payment for applicable fees.
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing.
For Justice Court records:
- Contact the specific Justice Court where the case was filed.
- Complete the court's records request form.
- Pay applicable fees for copies or certified documents.
Maricopa County Justice Courts Administration
222 N. Central Avenue, Suite 210
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-372-3400
Maricopa County Justice Courts
For expedited service, the Clerk's office offers premium same-day service for an additional fee as authorized under A.R.S. § 12-284.03.
Researchers should note that older records may be archived and require additional retrieval time. Records dating before 1950 may be maintained by the Arizona State Archives rather than the county court system.
How To Look Up Court Records in Maricopa County Online?
Maricopa County offers several online portals for accessing court records electronically. These systems vary by court type and provide different levels of document access.
For Superior Court records:
- Access the Superior Court Docket search system.
- Select the appropriate case category (civil, criminal, family, probate).
- Enter search criteria such as case number, party name, or filing date.
- Review the case summary information displayed.
- For document images, use the eAccess portal with a registered account.
For Justice Court records:
- Visit the Justice Courts Case Search portal.
- Enter search parameters including defendant/plaintiff name or case number.
- Select the appropriate Justice Court precinct from the dropdown menu.
- Review the results for basic case information.
- Note that document images may require in-person requests.
For statewide case information:
- Access the Arizona Judicial Branch Public Access Case Lookup.
- Select the appropriate court level and county.
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name).
- Review the results for case status and event information.
For criminal history information:
- Visit the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
- Complete the Criminal History Records Check application.
- Submit the required identification and payment.
- Receive results via mail or secure electronic delivery.
Users should be aware that online systems may not contain complete case files, particularly for older cases or those with restricted access. Additionally, pursuant to Arizona Supreme Court Rule 123, certain sensitive information is redacted from publicly accessible records.
How To Search Maricopa County Court Records for Free?
Arizona law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, as established in A.R.S. § 39-121, which states that "public records and other matters in the custody of any officer shall be open to inspection by any person." While copying fees may apply, viewing records is generally free of charge.
Free options for accessing Maricopa County court records include:
- In-person inspection at the courthouse during regular business hours
- Basic case information searches through online portals
- Public access terminals located at courthouse facilities
The following online systems provide free search capabilities:
-
Superior Court Docket Search - Offers free access to case information including party names, case types, filing dates, and scheduled hearings.
-
Justice Courts Case Search - Provides free access to basic case information for matters filed in the county's justice courts.
-
Arizona Judicial Branch Public Access - Offers statewide case lookup capabilities across multiple court levels.
For in-person inspection, visitors may use public terminals at:
Superior Court Law Library
101 W. Jefferson Street, East Court Building, 1st Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85003
602-506-3461
Maricopa County Law Library
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
While basic case information is available without charge, fees apply for:
- Printed or electronic copies ($0.50 per page)
- Certified copies ($30.00 first page, $0.50 each additional page)
- Record searches conducted by staff ($30.00 per name/record)
- Expedited service fees
These fees are established pursuant to A.R.S. § 12-284, which authorizes the Clerk of Court to collect prescribed fees for services.
What's Included in a Maricopa County Court Record?
The contents of Maricopa County court records vary by case type and court of jurisdiction. However, most case files contain standard components that document the proceedings from initiation through disposition.
For civil cases, records typically include:
- Complaint or petition initiating the action
- Summons and proof of service
- Defendant's answer or response
- Motions filed by either party
- Court orders and rulings
- Exhibits and evidence admitted
- Transcripts of hearings (if requested)
- Final judgment or dismissal
- Post-judgment filings and enforcement documents
For criminal cases, records generally contain:
- Charging documents (indictment or information)
- Arrest warrant or summons
- Defendant's initial appearance records
- Bond or release conditions
- Pre-trial motions and responses
- Plea agreements (if applicable)
- Trial exhibits and evidence
- Verdict or judgment
- Sentencing information
- Post-conviction relief filings
For family law matters, files may include:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage or legal separation
- Financial affidavits and disclosures
- Parenting plans and child support worksheets
- Temporary orders
- Settlement agreements
- Final decree or judgment
- Post-decree modification requests
For probate proceedings, records typically contain:
- Petition for probate or guardianship
- Inventory of assets
- Notices to creditors and heirs
- Accountings
- Orders appointing personal representatives or guardians
- Final distributions and closing documents
Each case file also includes a register of actions (docket sheet) that chronologically lists all events and filings in the case. This serves as an index to the complete case record.
Court records may also contain transcripts of proceedings, though these are typically prepared only upon request and payment of transcription fees. Audio recordings of hearings may be available for more recent proceedings.
How Long Does Maricopa County Keep Court Records?
Maricopa County retains court records according to schedules established by the Arizona Supreme Court under Arizona Code of Judicial Administration § 3-402, which governs records retention for all courts in the state. These schedules vary based on case type, disposition, and historical significance.
General retention periods include:
- Felony cases: 75 years after final disposition
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Civil cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Domestic relations cases: 75 years after final disposition
- Probate cases: 25 years after case closure
- Juvenile cases: Until the individual's 25th birthday (with exceptions)
- Traffic cases: 5 years after final disposition
- Small claims: 7 years after final disposition
Cases of historical significance, including landmark decisions, high-profile matters, and capital cases, may be designated for permanent retention. Additionally, indexes to cases are typically retained permanently to maintain a record of all court proceedings.
After the retention period expires, records may be:
- Transferred to the Arizona State Archives
- Converted to microfilm or digital format
- Destroyed according to approved procedures
The Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records division maintains historical court records that have been transferred from county custody. Researchers seeking older records may need to contact this agency for assistance.
It is important to note that while the physical case file may be destroyed after the retention period, judgment records in civil cases are retained for 25 years, and criminal conviction records are maintained for 75 years or more, depending on the offense severity.
Types of Courts In Maricopa County
Maricopa County's judicial system consists of several court levels, each with distinct jurisdiction and authority. The county's courts operate within Arizona's unified judicial system under the administrative oversight of the Arizona Supreme Court.
Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County
201 W. Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
602-506-3204
Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Superior Court is Maricopa County's court of general jurisdiction, handling felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $10,000, family law, probate, tax, and juvenile cases. The court operates from multiple locations throughout the county.
Maricopa County Justice Courts
Various locations throughout the county
602-372-3400
Justice Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Justice Courts handle civil cases under $10,000, small claims up to $3,500, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felonies. Maricopa County has 26 justice court precincts, each serving a specific geographic area.
Municipal Courts
Various locations throughout the county
Hours vary by municipality
Municipal Courts handle city code violations, misdemeanors, and traffic offenses occurring within city limits. Each incorporated city in Maricopa County operates its own municipal court.
Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One
1501 W. Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007
602-452-6700
Court of Appeals
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Court of Appeals reviews cases appealed from the Superior Court and has jurisdiction over most appeals except death penalty cases and certain other matters.
Arizona Supreme Court
1501 W. Washington Street, Suite 402
Phoenix, AZ 85007
602-452-3396
Arizona Supreme Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Arizona Supreme Court is the state's highest court and has discretionary review authority over most appeals, with mandatory jurisdiction in capital cases and certain other matters.
The court hierarchy in Arizona follows this progression: Municipal/Justice Courts → Superior Court → Court of Appeals → Arizona Supreme Court. Federal cases are handled separately through the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, with appeals to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
What Types of Cases Do Maricopa County Courts Hear?
Maricopa County's court system adjudicates a wide range of legal matters, with jurisdiction divided among various court types based on case nature, severity, and monetary value.
The Superior Court of Maricopa County handles:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil lawsuits exceeding $10,000
- Divorce and family law matters
- Child custody and support proceedings
- Juvenile delinquency and dependency cases
- Probate, guardianship, and conservatorship
- Tax appeals
- Administrative agency appeals
- Complex civil litigation
- Mental health commitments
- Eminent domain proceedings
Justice Courts in Maricopa County adjudicate:
- Civil lawsuits up to $10,000
- Small claims up to $3,500
- Landlord-tenant disputes and evictions
- Orders of protection and injunctions against harassment
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Civil and criminal citations
Municipal Courts within Maricopa County process:
- City code violations
- Misdemeanor criminal offenses occurring within city limits
- Traffic violations within city boundaries
- Parking citations
- Preliminary hearings for felonies committed within city limits
- City ordinance violations
The Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One (located in Phoenix) reviews:
- Appeals from Superior Court decisions
- Special actions (extraordinary writs)
- Appeals from administrative agencies
The Arizona Supreme Court (also located in Phoenix) considers:
- Death penalty appeals (mandatory jurisdiction)
- Appeals involving the interpretation of the Arizona Constitution
- Discretionary review of Court of Appeals decisions
- Attorney discipline matters
- Judicial conduct cases
Each court level operates under specific jurisdictional limits established by A.R.S. § 12-123 for Superior Courts, A.R.S. § 22-201 for Justice Courts, and A.R.S. § 22-402 for Municipal Courts.
How To Find a Court Docket In Maricopa County
Court dockets in Maricopa County provide chronological listings of all actions taken in a case, including filings, hearings, and judicial rulings. These records are accessible through several methods depending on the court type and user needs.
For Superior Court dockets:
- Access the Superior Court Docket online search system.
- Select the appropriate case category (civil, criminal, family, probate).
- Enter search criteria such as case number, party name, or attorney bar number.
- Review the chronological listing of case events, filings, and scheduled hearings.
- Note that document images require separate access through the eAccess system.
For Justice Court dockets:
- Visit the Justice Courts Case Search portal.
- Enter search parameters including defendant/plaintiff name or case number.
- Select the appropriate Justice Court precinct from the dropdown menu.
- Review the docket information showing case events and status.
For in-person docket access:
- Visit the clerk's office at the appropriate courthouse.
- Request docket information for the specific case.
- Provide case number or party names to facilitate the search.
- Review the docket on public access terminals or request printed copies.
For upcoming court calendars:
- Access the Superior Court Calendar search.
- Select the desired judicial officer or courtroom.
- Choose the date range for scheduled hearings.
- Review the calendar results showing upcoming proceedings.
Attorneys and frequent users may register for the eAccess system, which provides enhanced access to Superior Court case documents and docket information for a subscription fee.
Researchers should note that while basic docket information is publicly available, access to certain case types may be restricted pursuant to Arizona Supreme Court Rule 123, which governs public access to court records.
Which Courts in Maricopa County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Arizona's judicial system, "courts of record" are those that maintain comprehensive verbatim records of proceedings and whose decisions may be appealed directly to higher courts. Conversely, "courts not of record" typically do not maintain verbatim transcripts, and appeals from these courts involve a new trial (trial de novo) rather than a review of the record.
According to A.R.S. § 22-201 and A.R.S. § 22-425, the following Maricopa County courts are not courts of record:
- Justice Courts (all 26 precincts)
- Municipal Courts (in all incorporated cities)
These limited jurisdiction courts handle:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil matters under $10,000
- Small claims up to $3,500
- Traffic violations
- City ordinance violations
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
While these courts maintain case files and docket information, they typically do not create verbatim transcripts of proceedings unless specifically requested. Instead, they may keep audio recordings of hearings that can be transcribed if needed for appeal purposes.
Appeals from these courts proceed to the Superior Court of Maricopa County as trials de novo under A.R.S. § 22-261, meaning the case is heard anew rather than reviewed based on the record from the lower court.
In contrast, the Superior Court of Maricopa County is a court of record, as are the Arizona Court of Appeals and Arizona Supreme Court. These courts maintain complete records of proceedings, and appeals are based on review of the existing record rather than new trials.
The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record affects:
- Appeal procedures
- Record-keeping requirements
- Evidentiary standards
- Precedential value of decisions
This classification system is established by the Arizona Constitution and implemented through state statutes governing court jurisdiction and procedure.
Lookup Court Records in Maricopa County
The Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County
Public Access to Court Information