Manual Search of Court Records: A Step-by-Step Guide
Conducting a manual search of court records involves visiting a courthouse or designated archives to access physical documents related to legal cases.

This process requires preparation, patience, and careful attention to detail. Here’s a detailed guide on how to carry out a manual search of court records:

Preparation
1. Gather Case Information: Collect as much information as possible about the case, such as the names of the parties involved, case number, and the date of the filing or hearing.
Identify the Appropriate Court: Determine which court handled the case. Different types of cases (e.g., civil, criminal, family, probate) are handled by various courts.
2. Visit the Appropriate Courthouse
Locate the Court Clerk’s Office: This is where court records are typically maintained. The office is often located within the courthouse.
Check Hours and Procedures: Verify the office hours and any specific requirements or procedures for accessing records. Some courthouses may require appointments or have specific times for record searches.
3. Request Assistance
Consult Court Staff: Upon arrival, ask the court clerks for guidance on how to begin your search. They can provide instructions on how to use the record-keeping system and direct you to the appropriate resources.
4. Access Indexes and Dockets
Case Indexes: These alphabetical lists of cases are organized by the names of plaintiffs and defendants.
Court Dockets: Dockets provide a summary of all proceedings and filings in a case, often organized by date. They can help you locate the specific documents you need.
5. Locate Case Files
Provide Case Number: If you have the case number, give it to the clerk to quickly locate the file.
Manual Search: If you do not have the case number, you may need to search manually through indexes or dockets to find the relevant case.
6. Review Documents
Court Filings: Examine pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, and other filings associated with the case.
Transcripts: Look for transcripts of hearings or trials if you need detailed accounts of the proceedings.
Exhibits: Review any exhibits or evidence submitted during the case.
7. Copying and Recording Information
Take Detailed Notes: Write down important information such as document titles, dates, and key legal actions.  Photocopy or Scan Documents: If allowed, make photocopies or digital scans of the documents for your records. Pay any associated document fees.

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