Identify the court where the case was filed
Gather the case number, party names, and filing date if available
Check the court’s official website for an online case search portal
Search by case number, party name, or attorney name
Review the court’s public access rules and record availability
Visit the courthouse clerk’s office for in-person records requests
Request copies of specific documents if needed
Use state or county court record databases when available
Check appellate court websites for appeal records
Search federal court records through PACER if the case is in federal court
Verify whether the record is sealed, restricted, or confidential
Pay any required search or copy fees
Confirm the accuracy of the record details before relying on them