Surprise Civil Records
Surprise civil court records are filed at Maricopa County courts. This fast growing northwest valley city has over one hundred forty five thousand residents. The Northwest Regional Court Center at 14264 West Tierra Buena Lane in Surprise houses both Superior Court and Justice Courts. Cases over ten thousand dollars go to Superior Court. Smaller civil matters and evictions go to Justice Court precincts serving Surprise.
Surprise Quick Facts
Where Surprise Residents File Civil Cases
Surprise is in Maricopa County. All civil cases from Surprise residents are filed at Maricopa County courts. The Northwest Regional Court Center is conveniently located in Surprise at 14264 West Tierra Buena Lane.
Call 602-372-2000 for information. The Superior Court Docket provides free online case search for Surprise area civil cases.
Four Justice Court precincts serve the Surprise area. Arrowhead, Hassayampa, Manistee, and North Valley are all at the Northwest Regional Court Center. These courts handle civil cases up to ten thousand dollars, small claims, and evictions.
Surprise City Court
Surprise City Court handles only traffic violations, city code enforcement, and protective orders. General civil cases do not go to City Court.
For general civil matters like lawsuits and contract disputes, Surprise residents must use Maricopa County courts. City Court serves a limited role.
Filing Civil Cases in Surprise
Surprise residents file civil cases at Maricopa County courts based on the amount. Cases over ten thousand dollars must be filed at Superior Court. Smaller cases and evictions go to Justice Court.
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.
Forms are available at the courthouse or online at azcourts.gov. The Self-Service Center has free forms.
Access Civil Records for Surprise Cases
Search Surprise area civil cases through the Superior Court Docket system. Justice Court cases can be searched at justicecourts.maricopa.gov with both being free.
Document downloads cost ten dollars each through Arizona eAccess. In-person access is free at the Northwest Regional Court Center in Surprise. Copies cost fifty cents per page.
For in-person research, visit the courthouse during business hours Monday through Friday. The courthouse has public terminals for case lookup. Staff can help you find records and make copies for the fees shown above.
Legal Aid and Forms for Surprise Residents
Free legal help is available for Surprise residents who qualify. Community Legal Services provides civil legal aid for low-income residents. Call 602-258-3434 for help with civil cases. The West Valley office serves Surprise.
Self-help forms are available online through the Arizona Supreme Court Self-Service Center. The center provides forms for debt collection, eviction defense, small claims, and other common civil case types. All forms are free to download and use.
Nearby Northwest Valley Cities
Surprise is part of the northwest Phoenix metro area. Other nearby cities also file civil cases at Maricopa County courts.