Maricopa County Courts

Maricopa County has a population of about 4.5 million, accounting for nearly 62% of Arizona's 7.3 million residents. The county seat is Phoenix, which also serves as the state's capital and largest city. According to Arizona Courts Interactive Data, the Superior Court in Maricopa County handles over 100,000 cases annually, including about 27,000 criminal cases and more than 35,000 civil cases. The Justice and Municipal Courts resolve about 950,000 cases every year.

These courts exercise jurisdiction over the following cases in the county:

• The Superior Court hears felony cases, probate matters, juvenile proceedings, and other civil claims for over $10,000.
• Justice Courts handle misdemeanors, traffic offenses, eviction disputes, and civil lawsuits up to $10,000.
• Municipal Courts resolve city ordinance violations, parking infractions, and misdemeanor offenses occurring within city limits.

Maricopa County's Superior Court is located in Phoenix. The Justice and Municipal Courts operate from different towns and cities in the county.

How To Access Maricopa County Court Records

The Arizona Public Records Law ensures public access to Maricopa County, AZ, court records, such as criminal, civil, and probate records. However, records involving minors, crime victims, witnesses, and ongoing investigations remain confidential under state and federal laws. Only approved government agencies and involved parties can access confidential court records.

Interested persons can obtain these records by submitting mail, in-person, or online requests to official record custodians. They may be required to present valid identification and pay applicable fees before accessing these files. Here is a detailed guide on how to access Maricopa County, AZ court records using the following methods:

Online

Individuals may access Maricopa County court records online through any of the following systems:

• The Superior Court Docket Search - For viewing records filed in the Maricopa County Superior Court.
• Superior Court Public Request Webform - Allows users to request copies of Superior Court records online.
• The Justice Court Case Search - Provides access to cases handled by Maricopa County Justice Courts.
• Arizona Courts eAccess - A statewide portal that includes Maricopa County court cases from Superior and limited jurisdiction courts.

To find case files on these platforms, users may select the case type and enter the party name or case number.

Publicly available court records, including those from Maricopa County, are also available online through CourtCaseFinder. To access federal case files, requesters may use the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER). Next, complete the online registrationand enter the case numbers or involved parties' names in the spaces provided. Accessing federal court records on PACER costs $0.10 per page, with a maximum charge of $3.00 per document. Those who cannot afford PACER fees may explore other options to view and download court records.

In-Person

Maricopa County court records may be accessed in person by visiting the Clerk of the Superior Court or any of the Justice Court Locations. Records for cases handled by the Municipal Courts are also available through in-person requests at the respective courthouses. Requesters should follow the steps below to obtain public case files in person:

• Contact the court clerk's office in advance to confirm record availability
• Bring valid government-issued IDs
• Visit the courthouse during regular business hours
• Provide specific case details, such as case numbers, litigants' names, and hearing dates.
• Pay any applicable search or copy fees.

Some Maricopa County courthouses may provide self-service public access terminals where visitors can search for and view records at no cost.

Old and Archived Court Records

The Arizona State Archives typically maintains and provides access to historical court records created 50 years or older. Individuals interested in these files may submit formal requests by mail or in person at:

How To File a Case in Maricopa County

To file a case in Maricopa County, litigants may contact the Clerk of the Superior Court to determine where to file and what documents are required for the filing process. The Clerk's Office may also provide information on filing procedures, fees, and downloadable court forms.

Depending on the case type, litigants may file a case in person, by mail, or electronically. Those interested in mail filings may find and download relevant forms from the Superior Court Clerk or Justice Courts webpages. Next, submit completed forms by mail to the appropriate court address. To file in person, litigants should visit the courthouse with jurisdiction over the case. Contact the court clerk in advance to confirm official hours or schedule an appointment.

The Maricopa County Superior Court offers an eFiling System that allows litigants to file criminal and juvenile cases. For other case types, use the Arizona Courts eFiling or AZTurboCourt platforms. Instructions on how to register and file online are available on the court's E-Filing Guidelines. Meanwhile, the Justice and Municipal Courts do not accept online filings.

Filing fees in Maricopa County vary based on the type of case and the court in which it is filed. Individuals unable to afford these fees may apply for a fee waiver. Depending on the case type, applicants may request a Superior Court Fee Waiver online or download the appropriate form on the Justice Court Forms webpage. Applicants may include financial statements and other supporting documents for the court's consideration. If granted, the waiver permits the applicant to proceed without paying court fees.

Filing a case in Maricopa County typically involves these steps:

• Identify which local court has jurisdiction over the case.
• Determine the appropriate filing method based on the court and case type.
• Download court-approved forms for the case from the Maricopa County Superior Court, Justice Court, or Municipal Court website.
• Complete the forms carefully, ensuring that all information, including party names, contact details, and claims, is accurate.
• Include supporting documents such as photos, contracts, or police reports.
• Pay the required fee or submit the fee waiver form
• Serve the other party with court papers.
• Contact the Clerk of the Superior Court or other official court clerks for filing procedures and other instructions.

Legal Help and Self-Help Resources

Across the United States, county court systems play a crucial role in delivering access to justice. Legal help and self-help resources are foundational to this access, particularly for self-represented litigants navigating civil, family, probate, or small claims matters. These resources vary by jurisdiction but commonly include self-help centers, online portals, legal aid organizations, and court-affiliated assistance programs.

Maricopa County residents who cannot afford paid legal representation may seek assistance from local and state nonprofit legal organizations. These groups typically provide self-help resources, free guidance, and referrals to budget-friendly lawyers.

The following legal aid and referral services are available within Maricopa County:

• Maricopa County Bar Lawyer Referral Service
• Maricopa County Unbundled Services Attorney Roster - Lists attorneys who offer limited-scope legal services at affordable, fixed rates.

Here are some referral services and legal aids in Arizona:

• Community Legal Services - For low-income individuals and families in areas such as housing, consumer rights, family law, and employment.
• 211 Arizona Information and Referral Services - A free, statewide helpline that connects individuals to legal aid.

Other legal aid services and self-help resources are listed below:

• Maricopa County Law Library Resource Center - For self-represented litigants seeking free legal forms and. instructional packets.
• Maricopa County Volunteer Lawyers Program - Matches qualified low-income residents with volunteer attorneys
• Maricopa County Community Services - Provides referrals to legal aid for eligible residents.
• Friendly House Immigration and Legal Services - Delivers affordable immigration legal assistance and education to individuals and families.
• Disability Rights Arizona - Offers legal advocacy and representation to Arizonans with disabilities.
• Arizona Senior Citizens Law Project - For Arizona residents aged 60 and older in health care matters
• Arizona Law Help - An online portal offering legal information and self-help materials.

Types of Courts in Maricopa County, Arizona

The Maricopa County judicial system, comprising the superior, justice, municipal, and federal courts, ensures justice for individuals and business entities. The following outlines each court's contact details and jurisdiction:

Maricopa County Superior Court

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - As the general jurisdiction court, it handles all civil and criminal cases, including felonies, family law matters, probate, juvenile cases, and civil disputes involving more than $10,000. It also hears appeals from lower courts and administrative agencies.
• Address and Contact Information

Central Court Building

Downtown Justice Center

East Court Building

Black Canyon Building

Durango Juvenile Court Center

Maricopa County Justice Courts

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - They handle misdemeanors, traffic violations, small claims (up to $3,500), civil cases involving disputes up to $10,000, evictions, and protective orders.
• Address and Contact Information -

Agua Fria Justice Court

Arcadia Biltmore Justice Court

Arrowhead Justice Court

Country Meadows Justice Court

Desert Ridge Justice Court

Dreamy Draw Justice Court

East Mesa Justice Court

El Centro Justice Court

Encanto Justice Court

Hassayampa Justice Court

Highland Justice Court

Ironwood Justice Court

Kyrene Justice Court

Manistee Justice Court

Maryvale Justice Court

McDowell Mountain Justice Court

Moon Valley Justice Court

North Mesa Justice Court

North Valley Justice Court

San Marcos Justice Court

San Tan Justice Court

South Mountain Justice Court

University Lakes Justice Court

West McDowell Justice Court

West Mesa Justice Court

White Tank Justice Court

Maricopa County Municipal Courts

Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - These courts preside over minor violations within city limits.

The Municipal Court locations in Maricopa County are listed below:

Avondale City Court

Buckeye Municipal Court

Carefree-Cave Creek Consolidated Court

Chandler Municipal Court

El Mirage City Court

Fountain Hills Municipal Court

Gila Bend Municipal Court

Gilbert Municipal Court

Glendale City Court

Goodyear Municipal Court

Mesa Municipal Court

Paradise Valley Municipal Court

Peoria Municipal Court

Phoenix Municipal Court

Scottsdale City Court

Surprise City Court

Tempe Municipal Court

Tolleson Municipal Court

Wickenburg Municipal Court

Youngtown Municipal Court

Federal Courts in Maricopa County

The following are the federal courts serving the county:

United States District Court District of Arizona (Phoenix Division)

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - This court has jurisdiction over cases involving federal laws, the U.S. Constitution, civil rights violations, and multi-state disputes.
• Address and Contact Information -

United States Bankruptcy Court - District of Arizona (Phoenix Division)

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - It handles all bankruptcy-related matters filed under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
• Address and Contact Information -

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Maricopa County Courts

The following provides answers to some frequently asked questions related to Maricopa County, AZ, courts.