Accessing information related to your case in Family Court in Las Vegas, Nevada, is crucial for staying informed and prepared. Whether you are representing yourself or working with an attorney, understanding how to look up your case details online and obtain necessary documents is essential. This guide provides clear steps on how to access your Family Court case information in Las Vegas.
Online Case Access: Public and Sealed Records
The Eighth Judicial District Court, Family Court Division in Clark County, Nevada, offers online access to court records through several portals. For individuals representing themselves (“pro se” litigants), requesting online access to your case is possible via the Clark County Court Case Access webpage. This streamlined process helps self-represented parties manage their case effectively.
Publicly accessible cases can be found on the District Court Portal or the Clark County Courts Records Inquiry system. These platforms allow you to search for cases by case number or by a party’s name. If you are unsure of the exact spelling of a name when using the records inquiry system, utilize the “use soundex” option. This feature broadens your search to include names that sound similar to your query, increasing the chances of finding the correct case.
It is important to note that as of August 2, 2023, all custody cases in Family Court are sealed and are no longer available for public online lookup. This change means that standard online search methods will not yield results for custody-related cases.
However, if you are a party involved in a sealed case, including custody cases, you can still request online access. To do so, you must visit the Clark County Court Case Access webpage and follow the specific steps outlined for sealed case access. This process involves having a portal account, requesting extended access, and participating in a live online meeting with a records clerk to verify your identity. This verification step is crucial to maintain the confidentiality of sealed records while ensuring parties to the case can still access their information.
Obtaining Copies of Documents, Transcripts, and Videos
Beyond online access, you may need physical copies of documents, transcripts, or videos related to your Family Court case in Las Vegas. The Clerk of Court provides services to obtain these materials.
Documents
To get copies of documents from your case file, visit the Clerk of Court Records page. Here, you can download a “copy request” form. Once completed, this form can be submitted via email to the address provided on the Clerk of Court’s website.
Alternatively, you can request copies in person at the Family Court building, located at 601 N. Pecos Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89101. The Records department is open 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 if you require official certification of the documents.
Videos and Transcripts of Hearings
For obtaining video recordings or written transcripts of court hearings, the Transcript Video Services page is your primary resource.
- Videos: On this page, you will find a form to order video recordings of hearings. The cost for video copies varies depending on the number of hearings requested and the preferred recording format. Requests for videos can be made either in person or by mail.
- Written Transcripts: To obtain a written transcript, visit the same Transcript Video Services page and locate the form to request a cost estimate. The price for written transcripts depends on the length of the hearing. Requests for transcripts can be submitted in person, by mail, or even by fax, offering flexible options for your convenience.
Special Note: Adoption Records
Adoption records in Family Court are treated with a high level of confidentiality. Accessing adoption records requires a court order. If you need to obtain documents from an adoption case, you can download the Petition to Unseal Adoption Packet (pdf). This packet includes all necessary instructions and forms to petition the court for approval to access these sealed records.
Conclusion
Navigating the Family Courts in Las Vegas, Nevada, to access your case information involves understanding online resources and procedures for obtaining physical documents. Whether you need to look up case details online, access sealed records, or get copies of documents, videos, or transcripts, the Clark County Court system provides various avenues to assist you. Utilizing the online portals and understanding the processes outlined by the Clerk of Court and Transcript Video Services will help you effectively manage your Family Court case in Las Vegas.
