Tempe Civil Records
Tempe civil court records are filed at Maricopa County Superior Court and Justice Courts. This central valley city has over one hundred eighty five thousand residents. All general civil cases from Tempe go to Maricopa County courts. Cases over ten thousand dollars are filed at Superior Court. Smaller civil matters and evictions go to Justice Court precincts serving Tempe. Free online search is available through Maricopa County systems.
Tempe Quick Facts
Where Tempe Residents File Civil Cases
Tempe is in Maricopa County. All civil cases from Tempe residents are filed at Maricopa County courts. Superior Court handles cases over ten thousand dollars. Justice Courts take smaller matters.
The Southeast Court Complex at 222 East Javelina Avenue in Mesa serves the Tempe area. Call 602-372-5375 for information. The Superior Court Docket provides free online case search.
Justice Court precincts serving Tempe handle civil cases up to ten thousand dollars, small claims, and eviction actions. These courts are part of the Maricopa County Justice Court system with twenty six precincts countywide.
Filing Civil Cases in Tempe
Tempe 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.
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 courthouses or online at azcourts.gov. The Self-Service Center has free forms for common civil case types.
Tempe Municipal Court
Tempe Municipal Court handles only traffic violations, city code enforcement, and protective orders. General civil cases do not go to Municipal Court.
For general civil matters like lawsuits, contract disputes, and debt collection, Tempe residents must use Maricopa County courts. Municipal Court does not have jurisdiction over these case types.
Access Civil Records for Tempe Cases
Search Tempe area civil cases through the Superior Court Docket system. Justice Court cases can be searched at justicecourts.maricopa.gov with both being free to use.
Document downloads cost ten dollars each through Arizona eAccess. In-person access is free at Maricopa County courthouses. Copies cost fifty cents per page. Certification adds thirty five dollars.
For in-person research, visit the Southeast Court Complex in Mesa during business hours. The courthouse has public terminals for case lookup. Staff can help you find records and make copies.
Legal Aid and Forms for Tempe Residents
Free legal help is available for Tempe residents who qualify based on income. Community Legal Services provides civil legal aid for low-income residents. Call 602-258-3434 for help with civil cases. The office can help with debt defense, eviction cases, and other civil matters.
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.
Arizona State University College of Law operates a community legal clinic in Tempe. The clinic can provide help with civil matters for area residents. Call 480-965-6181 for intake information. Services are provided by law students under attorney supervision.
Nearby Cities in Maricopa County
Tempe is centrally located in the Phoenix metro area. Other nearby cities also file civil cases at Maricopa County courts.