Alaska Public Records /Alaska Court Records Online

Alaska Court Records Online

Are Court Records in Alaska Open to the Public?

Yes, court records in Alaska are generally open to the public. Public access to these records is governed by the Alaska Public Records Act (APRA) and the Access to Court Records Rule. These laws ensure that state and municipal agencies, including courts, allow public access to records unless restricted by law. To obtain these records, requesters typically need to provide specific information such as:

The name of the case party
The case number
The type of record requested
The court where the case was filed

Certain entities, like case parties and court personnel, may have greater access to specific records based on their role within the judicial system.

What Information Appears in an Alaska Court Records Search?

When conducting an Alaska court records search, the following information is typically available:

Case party's name
Case number
Case type
Case status
Judge's name
Docket information
Case actions
Disposition of the case
Filed motions and orders
Exhibits and electronic records of court proceedings

How To Find Court Records in Alaska

To find court records in Alaska, start by identifying the courthouse where the case was filed. Court records are usually maintained by the Clerk or Records Department of the respective court. Requesters can view or obtain copies of these records by following the court's guidelines. Inspection of records must be done during the court's working hours.

Request forms for different courts can be submitted via mail, email, or in person. The forms require information such as the requester's name, agency, phone number, case name, case number, and documents requested. The cost for obtaining records varies:

Plain copies: $10 for the first document, $3 for subsequent copies
Certified copies: $10 for the first copy, $3 for additional copies
Exemplified copies: $15 each
Research requests: $30 per hour

Public Access to Alaska Court Records

To obtain copies of court records, requesters must submit a request form to the Records Department or Clerk of the relevant court. Different forms are available for various courts, such as:

TF-311 FBKS for Fairbanks Trial Courts
TF-311 PA for Palmer Trial Courts
TF-311 ANCH for Anchorage, Saint Paul Island, and Sand Point Trial Courts
TF-311 for all other locations

Forms must be filled out completely to avoid delays in processing. Requests can be submitted via mail, email, or in person.

Searching Alaska Court Records by Name

The Alaska Court System provides two online portals for name-based searches. The CourtView tool is used for trial court cases, and the Case Management System is for appellate court cases. To use these tools:

Visit the Alaska Court System homepage and click on "SEARCH CASES / PAYMENTS."
For trial court cases, use the CourtView tool to search by party or business name.
For appellate court cases, use the Case Management System to search by party name, attorney name, or case number.

Alternatively, requesters can submit Records Request forms to the relevant court's records department or clerk.

How To Access Court Records Online for Free in Alaska

Court records can be accessed online for free through the Alaska Court System's tools. The Appellate Courts Case Management System allows searches by case number, party name, or attorney name. The CourtView tool is available for trial court records and allows searches by case number, name, or ticket/citation number.

For a low-cost option, the PACER tool provided by the United States Bankruptcy Court District of Alaska charges $0.10 per page. This service is also free for eligible individuals.

Exemptions for Alaska Court Case Lookup

Certain court records are exempt from public access. These include:

Juvenile proceedings
Adoption records
Some administrative records
Legal research and analysis by law clerks or judges
Records sealed by court rule, statute, case law, or court order
Notes, memoranda, or preliminary drafts related to legal issues

Only case parties, their counsel, court personnel, and individuals with court orders authorizing access can view these confidential records.

Finding a Court Docket in Alaska

An Alaska court docket is a cumulative record of all proceedings in a case. It includes civil judgment information, filed documents, motions, judicial assignments, and financial details like filing fees and fines. To find a court docket, individuals can use the CourtView tool provided by the Alaska Court System.

What Information Is Found in Alaska Judgment Records?

Alaska judgment records contain:

Litigants' names
Judge's name
Judgment date
Claims of the parties (civil cases)
Charges against the defendant (criminal cases)
Issued judgment

These records can be obtained by visiting the clerk’s office and submitting a request form during regular business hours.

Are Bankruptcy Records in Alaska Publicly Accessible?

Yes, Alaska bankruptcy records are publicly accessible. To obtain these records, requesters need to provide:

The name of the case party
Case number
Social security number (for phone requests)

Bankruptcy records can be accessed via phone, online through PACER, or in person at the United States Bankruptcy Court District of Alaska.

How To Search Bankruptcy Records in Alaska

To find bankruptcy records in Alaska, requesters can:

By Phone: Use the Multi-court Voice Case Information System (McVCIS) by dialing (866) 222-8029.
Online: Use the PACER tool, which costs $0.10 per page.
In-person: Visit the court's public terminal or speak with court staff.

Records are available at the United States Bankruptcy Court locations in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau.

Different Types of Courts in Alaska

Appellate Courts: Supreme Court and Court of Appeals
Trial Courts: Superior Courts and District Courts

Understanding the Differences Between Civil and Small Claims Courts in Alaska

Civil cases involve monetary claims between entities and are usually heard by District Courts. The monetary claim must not exceed $100,000. Appeals from civil cases are heard by the Superior Court and then the Court of Appeals.

Small claims cases involve simpler disputes with claims not exceeding $10,000. These cases are handled by the Alaska Small Claims Court, a subdivision of the District Courts. Plaintiffs must be at least 18 years old or be represented by a guardian. Small claims cases are governed by the Small Claims Rule of Procedure.

Search Court Records in Alaska

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