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Easy Forms with Steps & Tips*

Here are forms, letters, and information to help you collect and send information to Agencies. These forms are legal documents that have places that you only have to add your personal information in. And read the "Tips on Sending Forms & Letters"
Forms and letters are PDF files and require the program called "Acrobat Reader" to fill them in and print the form out.
Download by clicking your mouse on "Get Acrobat Reader" picture here:

Tip on Sending Forms & Letters	Freedom of Information Act
Good Record Keeping	Privacy Act
How to get Medical Records	Medical Records Confidentially Act
How to get Court Records	Legal Forms
Questions & Answers

How to get Court Records Materials to bring with you:

4 working pens, 2 black and 2 red
1 mechanical pencil
Business-style notebook or legal pad
Post-it notes (small and large sizes), money for copies
Manila file folders
State Photo ID(just in case)
Briefcase: purchase or borrow one to take with you. For the very professional look approach.

Adult Court Records:

Go down to the courthouse and walk right in like you do this every day. Whenever possible, dress professionally. If you go in your "comfy casuals", they will treat you as such. If you go in looking "professional" they will again treat you as such. Go in your Sunday best and get the "red carpet" treatment, but when you show up in your sweats or torn jeans, they will look at you like street trash fighting in court.

Appearance is everything! Shave, wear nice cologne, take a briefcase if you have one, a fancy notebook (as long as it isn't a back to school special it is fine), and hold your head high. I would advise going in on the premise of "I am new to this". Make casual conversation (smile and be genuine) with the secretaries etc, and be all around pleasant. DO NOT make a stink as to who you are looking for and why, or they will be reluctant to help. It also helps to look up a few other names as well. (Ex. similar cases like your own.)

Walk in the courthouse and ask the guard where to find the information desk. Go there and ask the following questions:

How are your court records and files stored for public access?
Where are the criminal/traffic computers?
Where would I find the Juvenile Records?
Where are the Civil Record computers?
How much does it cost to copy records?

If someone gives you ANY trouble, remind them EVER so politely that you are merely trying to access public records, and that you are aware that they are available to the public...so hand them over! Don't go into details, it is none of their business. When you get to the first set of computers you can do one of three things. You can:

Plunk around on the computer and hope you can make it work,
Ask a lawyer nearby to help you
or get a secretary to assist you.

Try all three, you never know who will help you the most, and who or what will give you the most information. Once you get them to work and figure out how to use them, put in the name and see what you get. Write down EVERYTHING in the notebook you brought. Use your red pen for information that needs immediate attention, like a warrant, or summons, or upcoming court date you will now be attending. Try to keep it organized, like date on the left, case number, charge, plea, conviction/determination, sentencing date, and punishment. Also ask the secretaries if it is possible to print out the page itself. Offer to pay a copy fee, that always helps. But write it in your notebook regardless. That way it is all in the same order and easier to read when you are reading it in awe later.
TIP: if the name is "John B. Doe", look up John Doe, Johnathan Doe , Johnathan B. Doe, JB Doe, Jon Doe. When you get all the info on everyone involved and then on a separate sheet of paper write down ALL the case numbers AGAIN. But JUST the case number this time. Find the place where they keep the files and ask to see ALL of the files listed. If they have not been archived they will get them for you. If they HAVE been archived they will order them and you will have to come back (again, worth it).

Juvenile Court Records:
This is where it will get tricky. You need to be VERY CAREFUL that you are understanding and compassionate- NOT "ANTI PARENT"! They can demand that you have the records subpoenaed if they want to be REALLY pissy, so BE CAREFUL.
Explain to the person in charge, "My name is Jane Smith, and my lawyer has asked me to retrieve records about my children/child with John Smith. I know there are Juvenile Records regarding them here, I need to look at them and possibly get copies. How do I go about doing that?"
If they give you ANY trouble, say "I thought this was all public record?" if they tell you that it is and roll their eyes, then you got it, if they say no, that Juvenile Records are sealed, then you are up against a minor setback. REGARDLESS, state that you are the child's Parent/Legal Guardian and that YOU WERE TOLD BY A LAWYER YOU ARE ENTITLED TO SEE THESE RECORDS...but don't yell! Be persistent, if they see you won't leave without the info you might get it, or you might get asked to leave, it depends on the courthouse policy. If there IS something on her in Juvenile Records, and they won't let you have it, you'll need your lawyer to Petition to Subpoena Court Files and you should get it, especially if it involves other parties in the record.

MAKE SURE you find the cases that say how they lost custody of their kids if they did. If they HAVE custody of any kids, MAKE SURE YOU FIND THE VISITATION ORDERS FOR THOSE. Reading those cases will help you see how they fight, and what they ends up with, and why. If you are unable to find any trace of a custody agreement.

*The information contained on these pages are for informational purposes only. The pages were created per requests received by our visitors. Remember, when needing legal advice, please consult an Attorney. We are not responsible for any typos, nor for the outcome of usage.