📅 2026 Update: Changes to County Court Records Access

Since the original article was published, there have been important updates regarding access to county court records. Key changes include updated fees for accessing records and recent maintenance on the PACER system. The information below highlights these changes, while the earlier article continues further down this page.

⚙️ PACER System Maintenance

On October 11, 2026, the PACER system underwent maintenance from 6:55 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET. During this time, access to certain portions of the website was temporarily degraded.

Users might have experienced difficulties when trying to access records.

💰 Updated PACER Fees

Accessing federal court records through PACER now incurs a fee of $0.10 per page, with a maximum charge of $3.00 per document. Users are billed quarterly, but fees are waived for those who accrue less than $30 within a quarter. This means that occasional users may benefit from the updated fee structure.

🏢 Access to Courthouses

Individuals can still access court records at public terminals located in the lobbies of divisional offices in Kansas City, Topeka, and Wichita. Users can research case information by case number, party name, or filing date range. Docket information is available for civil cases filed since 1991 and criminal cases filed since 1994.

📞 Assistance for Users

The PACER Service Center continues to provide support for users needing help with account management and technical issues. This service is an important resource for those who encounter difficulties while accessing court records.

📚 Key Takeaways

  • ⚙️ PACER maintenance occurred on October 11, 2026.
  • 💰 Updated fees for PACER access are $0.10 per page and $3.00 per document.
  • 🏢 Public terminals are available in Kansas City, Topeka, and Wichita for accessing court records.
  • 📞 The PACER Service Center offers user assistance for technical issues.

💡 Tips for Accessing County Court Records

Review the details of your situation with your attorney.

🔍 Understand Fees

Be aware of the PACER fees when planning to access court records online. Knowing the cost helps avoid unexpected charges when retrieving documents.

🕒 Check Maintenance Schedules

Always check for scheduled maintenance on the PACER system before attempting to access records. Maintenance can affect your ability to retrieve needed information.

🖥️ Use Public Terminals

If you prefer not to pay PACER fees, consider visiting public terminals in courthouses. These terminals provide free access to case information and documents.

📅 Research Before Visiting

Before a courthouse visit, research your case details online if possible. This saves time and ensures you have the right information to find the records you need.

📞 Utilize PACER Service Center

If you encounter issues, reach out to the PACER Service Center. They can assist with technical problems and help you navigate the system effectively.

🏆 County Court Records Services Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

This section outlines various services related to accessing county court records and legal documents. The rankings are based on Trustpilot data as of October 2026. Keep in mind that star ratings are only one signal of customer satisfaction, as unhappy customers often leave more reviews, and samples may differ.

🥇 1. LegalShield

LegalShield has been rated 4.4. It is known for providing legal subscription services that grant access to a network of attorneys for affordable legal assistance. Some users report difficulties in reaching their assigned attorneys and occasional slow callback times, which is a consideration for potential users.

🥈 2. Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer holds a Trustpilot rating of 4.5. This service is recognized for its online legal document creation and affordable legal services. Users appreciate its user-friendly interface.

However, some find the subscription model less suitable for infrequent users, and there are occasional concerns about customer support responsiveness.

🥉 3. RecordsFinder.com

RecordsFinder.com has a rating of 4.5. It is known for providing access to over 2 billion public records and comprehensive background checks. Users value its people search services.

Some customers report issues with data accuracy and privacy concerns, which should be taken into account.

4️⃣ LegalZoom

LegalZoom has a Trustpilot score of 4.6. It is recognized for its online legal document preparation and business formation services. While many users find it efficient for estate planning, some report delays in processing times and occasional issues with customer service responsiveness.

🆓 Free Government Assistance

The PACER Service Center and the National Archives offer free assistance for accessing federal court records. The PACER Service Center helps with account management and technical issues, while the National Archives provides guidance on retrieving documents.

🔎 Considerations When Choosing a Service

  • 📊 Compare Trustpilot ratings and reviews.
  • 💰 Look at the fees associated with accessing records.
  • 🔍 Check for user support options available.
  • 📅 Review the types of documents and records offered.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

📜 What types of records can I access through PACER?

PACER allows access to federal court records, including civil and criminal cases, with documents available in PDF format for cases filed after specific years.

⏰ How often is PACER maintenance scheduled?

PACER maintenance is scheduled periodically, and users are advised to check for announcements to avoid access issues during these times.

📍 Where can I find public terminals for accessing court records?

Public terminals are available in the lobbies of divisional offices in Kansas City, Topeka, and Wichita, where users can access case information.

🔍 Are there restrictions on accessing certain court records?

Yes, some records may be sealed or restricted, particularly in cases of significant public interest or security concerns.

📞 Can I get help with using PACER?

Yes, the PACER Service Center provides assistance for users experiencing technical issues or needing help with account management.

🏛️ How do I obtain records older than 15 years?

Records older than 15 years are typically held by the National Archives. Users must contact the appropriate federal court to obtain access to those records.

⚖️ Recent Court Cases and Rulings

This section covers recent court rulings related to county court records and their access. These rulings can provide insight into how courts are handling record access and related issues.

For more recent rulings, please browse more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update





In addition to State and Federal courts, county courts are also responsible for creating and maintaining records regarding the court proceedings that occur within their courthouses. This can create extensive complications for individuals who are not certain where court proceedings occurred. If an individual is not sure in what State a court hearing or trial took place, or whether it took place in a State, county, or Federal court, he/she may find it difficult to locate and access the desired records. 

Like State and Federal court records, county records are available for the public to access. However, locating these records can often be troubling. If an individual is certain that a proceeding occurred within a county courthouse, he/she can contact that court to obtain information regarding acquiring county court records. 

In many states, including Missouri, county courts are primarily responsible for administrative, executive, and clerical duties. In states such as this, county court records may be much more extensive. The county court may maintain a larger database of procedures that occurred within the county, as well as vital records regarding individuals who reside within that county. Vital records include birth certificates, marriage records, and death records. However, in most instances, vital records are maintained on a State level in a Vital Records Department.

What Are County Court Records

Many county courts have established online records databases, and therefore, an individual may be able to access county court records online. In the event that an individual requires access to county court records, he/she should contact his/her county court to determine the most effective way of obtaining these records.