📅 2026 Update: Recent Changes in Court Records Access

Since the original article was published, there have been important updates about accessing court records. The PACER system, used for federal court records, has seen some changes in fees and access methods. The information below outlines these key changes and how they affect your ability to search for court records.

🔧 PACER Maintenance and Access Fees

PACER underwent a maintenance period on October 11, 2026, which temporarily affected some site functions. Accessing federal court records through PACER costs $0.10 per page, up to a maximum of $3.00 per document. Users are billed quarterly, and those who accumulate less than $30 in fees during a quarter do not incur charges.

🏛️ Accessing Court Records in Courthouses

In-person access remains available at specific courthouses. Public computer terminals can be found in Kansas City, Topeka, and Wichita. Users can search for case information by case number, party name, or filing date range.

This access is limited to civil cases filed after 1991 and criminal cases after 1994.

🕒 Processing Times and Maintenance

Scheduled maintenance can disrupt access to court records, as seen with the recent maintenance on October 11, 2026. It's crucial to check the PACER website for potential downtime when planning to access records.

📄 Eligibility for Access to Records

Federal court records that are less than 15 years old are typically retained by individual courts and not the National Archives. Researchers need to contact the appropriate federal court for these records.

📌 Key Points Summary

  • 🛠️ PACER has updated access fees and underwent recent maintenance.
  • 📍 Public terminals for court record searches are available in select Kansas courthouses.
  • ⏰ Scheduled maintenance can affect access times.
  • 📜 Recent records are often held by individual courts.
  • 💻 Users can access records online or in person, depending on case details.

💡 Tips for Accessing Court Records

Review your specific circumstances with your attorney to ensure you understand your options.

🔍 Register for a PACER Account

To access federal court records online, individuals must register for a PACER account. Registration is free but comes with associated access fees.

🏢 Visit Local Courthouses

If online access is not available or convenient, consider visiting a courthouse directly. Public terminals allow searches by case number, name, or date range.

📅 Know the Hours

When planning to visit a courthouse, be aware of public hours. Many are open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, but closed on national holidays.

📞 Contact PACER Service Center for Help

If you encounter issues or need assistance with your PACER account, the PACER Service Center is available to help with technical issues.

📚 Utilize National Archives Resources

The National Archives provides resources for accessing federal court records. They offer guidance on the holdings and retrieval processes, which can be helpful for researchers.

🏆 Services for Court Records Access Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

The services listed below help users access legal documents and court records. They reflect user experiences based on Trustpilot data from October 2026. Ratings can change over time, and individual experiences may vary.

🥇 1. Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer has been rated 4.5. It is known for its user-friendly online legal document creation and affordable legal services. However, some users have noted that the subscription model might not be suitable for infrequent users and have raised concerns about customer support responsiveness.

🥈 2. RecordsFinder.com

RecordsFinder.com holds a rating of 4.5. It is recognized for providing access to over 2 billion public records and comprehensive background checks. Users have reported issues with data accuracy and privacy concerns, which may affect their experience.

🥉 3. LegalZoom

LegalZoom has a rating of 4.6. It is known for its online legal document preparation, business formation services, and estate planning. Some users have reported delays in processing times and issues with customer service responsiveness.

4️⃣ LegalShield

LegalShield averages 4.4. This service offers legal subscription services and access to a network of attorneys for affordable legal assistance. Users have mentioned difficulties in reaching assigned attorneys and slow callback times, which can impact the efficiency of service.

🆓 Free Government Assistance

The PACER Service Center provides free assistance for users facing technical issues or needing help with account management. Additionally, the National Archives offers guidance for accessing federal court records, which can be beneficial for those looking for specific documents.

🔎 What to Compare When Choosing Services

  • 📊 Trustpilot ratings and review counts.
  • 💬 User feedback on customer service experiences.
  • 📑 Types of legal documents available.
  • 💰 Cost structure and potential hidden fees.
  • 📈 Accessibility of services online and in-person.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is PACER?

PACER, or Public Access to Court Electronic Records, is a system that provides electronic access to federal court records. Users can search for and view documents related to federal cases online.

⚠️ Are there fees for accessing court records?

Yes, accessing federal court records through PACER incurs a fee of $0.10 per page, with a maximum charge of $3.00 per document. Users are billed quarterly, and fees are waived for those with charges below $30 in a quarter.

🏢 Can I access court records in person?

Yes, users can access court records in person at specific courthouses. Public terminals are available in locations like Kansas City, Topeka, and Wichita.

⏳ How long are federal court records kept?

Generally, federal court records less than 15 years old are held by individual courts and are not available at the National Archives. Researchers must contact the appropriate court for access.

📞 What should I do if I have trouble with PACER?

If you encounter issues with PACER, you can contact the PACER Service Center for assistance. They provide support for account management and technical issues.

🗓️ When are federal court proceedings open to the public?

Most federal court proceedings are open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. However, access may be limited in specific cases due to public interest or security concerns.

⚖️ Recent Cases Related to Court Records

Recent court rulings have highlighted the importance of accessing court records for case research and understanding judicial decisions. Staying informed about these rulings can enhance your knowledge of the legal system.

To learn more about current rulings, feel free to browse more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update





When an individual initiates a court records search, he/she should first understand the type of records that he/she is seeking. If he/she is looking to find court records regarding a specific person, it is helpful to know in which court this individual was tried. This may be narrowed down if an individual knows what State the offender resided in.

The laws and regulations regarding public access to court records is different from one State to another. In many instances, a State court will maintain an online database of court records which an individual can search to locate desired information. However, some states may not maintain an easily accessible database. In instances such as these, an individual will be required to contact the court directly and speak with them about acquiring public court records. 

If an individual has the resources necessary to complete an online court records search, the process should be relatively easy. There are a number of websites that are dedicated to helping individuals find court records. For example, the company Court Records Reference & Directory focuses on negating the complication often associated with court records search efforts.

Read This On How To Initiate A Court Records Search

An individual who utilizes this company will acquire easy access to information that he/she is seeking. In order to effectively use this service, an individual should know what State the court proceedings occurred in. Subsequently, an individual can search for court records by entering an individual's name. 

This will direct him/her to information regarding the desired individual and any court proceedings that he/she was involved in. It is important to note that this company does charge for its services.