Phoenix Civil Court Records
Phoenix civil court records are filed at Maricopa County Superior Court and Justice Courts. Arizona's capital and largest city with over 1.6 million residents falls under Maricopa County jurisdiction for all civil matters. Cases over ten thousand dollars go to Superior Court at 620 West Jackson Street. Smaller civil cases and evictions are filed at one of four Justice Court precincts that serve Phoenix. Online case search is free through the county system. Municipal Court handles only traffic and code violations, not general civil cases.
Phoenix Quick Facts
Where Phoenix Residents File Civil Cases
Phoenix is in Maricopa County. All civil court cases from Phoenix residents are filed at Maricopa County courts. The county operates Superior Court for large cases and twenty six Justice Court precincts for smaller matters.
Superior Court at 620 West Jackson Street handles civil cases over ten thousand dollars including lawsuits, contract disputes, personal injury claims, and property litigation by calling 602-372-5375 for information. The Superior Court Docket provides free online case search for Phoenix area cases.
Justice Courts in Phoenix serve different neighborhoods. El Centro, Encanto, South Mountain, and West McDowell precincts are all at 620 West Jackson Street by calling 602-372-6300. These courts handle civil cases up to ten thousand dollars, small claims up to five thousand dollars, and all eviction actions for Phoenix residents.
Phoenix Municipal Court
Phoenix Municipal Court handles only limited civil matters. The court processes traffic violations, city code enforcement, and protective orders. General civil cases like lawsuits, contract disputes, and evictions do not go to Municipal Court.
For general civil matters, Phoenix residents must use Maricopa County courts. Municipal Court is at 300 West Washington Street by calling 602-534-8191. The court is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The records request page explains how to get copies of Municipal Court documents. This applies only to traffic and city code cases, not general civil litigation.
Protective orders filed at Phoenix Municipal Court become part of the statewide AZPOINT system. Other civil matters are not handled by this court.
How to File Civil Cases in Phoenix
Phoenix residents file civil cases at Maricopa County courts based on the amount in dispute. Cases over ten thousand dollars must be filed at Superior Court. Smaller cases and evictions go to Justice Court. Choose the Justice Court precinct where the defendant lives or where the rental property is for evictions.
Filing fees at Superior Court are three hundred sixty seven dollars for a civil complaint. Justice Court civil complaints cost one hundred fourteen dollars. Small claims cost fifty eight dollars. Evictions cost sixty nine dollars to file in Maricopa County for Phoenix residents.
Forms are available at the courthouse Self-Service Centers or online through the statewide system. The Arizona Courts Self-Service Center at azcourts.gov has free forms for small claims, evictions, and other common civil case types.
Access Civil Records for Phoenix Cases
Search Phoenix area civil cases through the Superior Court Docket at superiorcourt.maricopa.gov. This free system shows docket entries, hearing dates, and judge assignments for civil cases filed in Maricopa County.
Justice Court cases can be searched at justicecourts.maricopa.gov. This portal covers all twenty six Justice Court precincts including those serving Phoenix residents.
Document downloads cost ten dollars each through the Arizona eAccess portal. In-person access is free at any Maricopa County courthouse. Public terminals let you view and print case documents for Phoenix area cases.
Legal Resources for Phoenix Residents
Community Legal Services provides free legal help to low income Phoenix residents by calling them at their Phoenix office for civil matters including housing, family law, and consumer cases. The organization focuses on helping people who cannot afford a lawyer.
The Law Library Resource Center at the Maricopa County courthouse offers free access to legal research materials where staff can help you find forms and statutes but cannot give legal advice. The center has computers, books, and guides for people representing themselves in civil cases.
Arizona Court Help and ezCourtForms are online resources from the state court system. Both provide forms and instructions for common civil case types in Phoenix and throughout Arizona.
Other Major Cities in Maricopa County
Phoenix is one of twelve cities in Maricopa County with populations over fifty thousand. Other major cities also file civil cases at Maricopa County courts.