Navigating family court matters in Las Vegas often requires access to official case records. Whether you are involved in custody disputes, divorce proceedings, or other family law issues, understanding how to look up your case and obtain necessary documents is crucial. This guide provides clear instructions on accessing family court records in Las Vegas, ensuring you have the information you need.
Online Access to Family Court Records
For individuals representing themselves, the Clark County courts offer online access to case information. You can initiate this process by visiting the Clark County Court Case Access webpage and following the outlined steps. This portal is a valuable resource for self-represented parties seeking to stay informed about their case progress.
Publicly accessible family court cases, excluding specific sealed case types, can be found online through two primary portals: the District Court Portal and the Clark County Courts Records Inquiry. Both platforms allow you to search for cases using either the case number or a party’s name. If unsure about the precise spelling of a name, the “soundex” feature within the records inquiry system broadens your search to include names with similar pronunciations, enhancing search accuracy.
It is important to note that certain family court cases are sealed from public view to protect privacy. Specifically, as of August 2, 2023, all custody cases within the Las Vegas Family Court are sealed and are not available for public online lookup. This measure ensures the confidentiality of sensitive information related to child custody matters.
If you are a party involved in a sealed family court case, you can still gain online access to your records. To do so, you must utilize the Clark County Court Case Access webpage. This process requires you to have a portal account, request extended access privileges, and participate in an online meeting with a court records clerk for identity verification. This secure procedure ensures that only authorized parties can access sealed case details.
Obtaining Copies of Documents, Transcripts, and Videos
Beyond online access, you might need physical copies of case documents, hearing transcripts, or video recordings. The Clerk of Court is the primary point of contact for obtaining document copies.
Document Copies
To request copies of documents from your family court case, visit the Clerk of Court Records page. Here, you can download a “copy request” form. Once completed, this form should be submitted via email to the address provided on the webpage. Alternatively, in-person requests can be made at the Family Court building located at 601 N. Pecos Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89101. The in-person service is available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Please be aware that there is a fee of $0.50 per page for copies, with additional charges for certified copies should you require official certification.
Court Hearing Videos and Transcripts
For obtaining video recordings or written transcripts of court hearings, the Transcript Video Services department is the relevant resource. Their webpage provides access to necessary forms for ordering videos and requesting cost estimates for written transcripts. The cost for videos depends on the number of hearings requested and the preferred recording format. Written transcript costs are determined by the hearing length. Requests for both videos and transcripts can be submitted in person or by mail. Additionally, transcript requests can be sent via fax. Visit the Transcript Video Services page to download the appropriate forms and find detailed submission instructions.
Special Note on Adoption Records
Adoption records are treated with a higher level of confidentiality. Accessing adoption records necessitates a court order. If you require documents from an adoption case, you can download the Petition to Unseal Adoption Packet (pdf). This packet includes all necessary instructions and forms needed to seek court approval for accessing these sealed records.
Conclusion
Accessing family court records in Las Vegas involves understanding the online portals available and the procedures for obtaining physical documents, videos, and transcripts. By utilizing the resources and following the steps outlined by the Clark County courts, individuals can effectively manage their family court case information needs. Whether accessing public records online or requesting sealed case access and document copies, the Clark County court system provides mechanisms to ensure parties can obtain the information they are entitled to, while also protecting sensitive information where necessary.
