Access Mesa Family Court Records

Mesa family court records are held by the Maricopa County Superior Court, not by Mesa city offices. The Mesa Municipal Court at 250 E. 1st Ave. handles traffic tickets and misdemeanors only. It does not process divorce cases, custody disputes, or child support matters. All family law filings for Mesa residents go through the Maricopa County court system. The Southeast Justice Center at 222 E Javelina Ave. in Mesa is the closest family court location for residents. You can search Mesa family court records online through the county portal or visit the courthouse in person during business hours.

Maricopa County Handles Mesa Family Court Cases

All Mesa family court records are processed through the Maricopa County Superior Court. This is the court of record for all family law matters in Mesa. The county system handles divorce petitions, legal separation requests, child custody disputes, parenting time schedules, child support orders, spousal maintenance, and paternity cases. Mesa city government has no role in these family court matters.

The Southeast Justice Center serves Mesa and the east valley. It is at 222 E Javelina Ave., Mesa, AZ 85210. This location has judges who hear family law cases. You can file new petitions here. Staff can help you search for existing records. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Call the Maricopa County Clerk at (602) 372-5375 if you have questions about filing or record requests.

Many Mesa residents assume the Mesa Municipal Court handles family matters. It does not. The municipal court at 250 E. 1st Ave. only deals with traffic violations, protective orders, and minor criminal cases. If you need to file for divorce or modify a custody order, you must use the county Superior Court system. The Southeast Justice Center is the most convenient location for most Mesa residents who need family court services.

Search Mesa Family Court Records Online

The Maricopa County Family Court Case Search is the best tool for finding Mesa family court records. This free portal shows case data for divorce, custody, support, and paternity matters. You do not need an account. Just enter a name or case number. Results show the case status and filing dates.

The statewide Arizona Courts Public Access Portal is another option. This system covers 153 courts across Arizona, including Maricopa County. You can search by party name or case number. Some basic case information is available online. Full documents may require a trip to the clerk office or a formal records request by mail.

For Mesa residents who want help with self-service options, the AZ Court Help website has guides and forms. It explains court procedures in plain language. The site also has a court finder tool that shows contact information for any court in Arizona. Use this if you need forms or are unsure where to start your search for Mesa family court records.

Southeast Justice Center for Mesa Family Records

The Southeast Justice Center is the primary family court location for Mesa. It sits at 222 E Javelina Ave., Mesa, AZ 85210. This facility is part of the Maricopa County Superior Court system. Family law judges hear cases here on a regular basis. The center handles new filings, hearings, and record requests for the east valley area.

You can get copies of family court records at this location. Plain copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies are $35.00 plus the copy fee. If you need staff to search for a case, there is a research fee of $35.00 per year. Bring cash, check, or a credit card to pay for your request. The clerk counter is open during regular court hours on weekdays.

Note: The Southeast Justice Center does not handle traffic or criminal matters, which go to the Mesa Municipal Court instead.

Mesa Family Court Filing Fees

Mesa residents pay Maricopa County fees for family court filings. The Maricopa County fee schedule lists all costs. Filing for dissolution of marriage is $376.00. This applies whether you have children or not. A summary consent decree costs $331.50. This is a simpler process for couples who agree on all terms.

Other common fees for Mesa family court cases include:

• Response to Dissolution: $287.00
• Legal Decision-Making Petition: $306.00
• Paternity Filing: $371.00
• Order of Protection: No charge
• Document Certification: $35.00

Fee waivers are possible for low-income filers. You must complete an application and show proof of need. Forms are available at the clerk office or through the Law Library Resource Center. Staff can help you fill out the forms. They cannot give legal advice on your case.

Types of Mesa Family Court Records

Divorce records are the most common type of family court document requested by Mesa residents. A divorce file contains the petition, response, financial disclosures, and final decree. The decree ends the marriage. It states the terms for property division and any support orders. If children are involved, it also covers custody and parenting time.

Child custody records in Arizona use the term legal decision-making. This refers to who makes major choices for the child. Health care, schooling, and religion are examples. Parenting time sets the schedule for when each parent has the child. These records include parenting plans, evaluations, and court orders. Modifications are common as children grow or circumstances change. Each change adds new documents to the case file.

Child support records show the ordered payment amount. They also track enforcement actions if payments are missed. The Arizona Division of Child Support Services helps establish and collect support. You can call them at 602-252-4045 or toll-free at 1-800-882-4151. They work with the court to enforce orders and process payments. Payment records are available through their portal at mychildsupport.azdes.gov.

Paternity records establish legal fatherhood. These cases may include DNA test results. Acknowledgments signed by both parents are also common. Once paternity is set, the court can order support and set custody terms. Many unmarried parents in Mesa need these records when dealing with child-related matters.

Mesa Family Court Legal Resources

The Law Library Resource Center helps Mesa residents handle their own family court cases. Staff show you how to find forms and explain filing steps. They offer live webinars on family law topics. You can watch recorded videos if you miss a session. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Call (602) 506-7353 for help.

Family court forms are online at the Family Court Forms page. You can download and print these at home. Some forms work with the e-filing system. Attorneys must e-file. Self-represented parties can still file in person if they choose. The forms cover divorce, custody, support, and other family law matters.

The AZPOINT portal handles protective order requests. If you need an order of protection, you can start online. The system walks you through the process. There is no fee for protection orders in Arizona. You can file at the Mesa Municipal Court or the Southeast Justice Center for this purpose.

Arizona Law and Mesa Family Court Records

Arizona Revised Statutes Title 25 governs all family law matters in Mesa. This includes marriage, divorce, custody, and support. The law sets residency requirements. At least one spouse must live in Arizona for 90 days before filing for divorce. Mesa is in Maricopa County, so filings go to the county Superior Court.

Arizona is a no-fault divorce state. You do not have to prove wrongdoing. Just state that the marriage is irretrievably broken. The court waits 60 days after service before it can finalize a divorce. This waiting period applies to all Arizona divorces, including those filed by Mesa residents. Property division follows community property rules. Most assets from the marriage are split equally between spouses.

Access to court records is governed by Arizona Supreme Court Rule 123. Most family court records are public. Some records are sealed or confidential. Adoption records are not open to the public. Juvenile dependency cases are also protected. Standard divorce, custody, and support records can be requested by anyone.

Get Copies of Mesa Family Court Records

You can get copies of Mesa family court records in person, by mail, or online. For in-person requests, visit the Southeast Justice Center at 222 E Javelina Ave. in Mesa or the main Clerk office at 620 W Jackson St. in Phoenix. Bring the case number or party names. Staff will search the system and make copies. Pay at the counter when you pick up your documents.

Mail requests go to the Maricopa County Clerk of Superior Court. Write a letter with the case details and your contact info. Include a check or money order for the fees. Plain copies are $0.50 per page. Certified copies add $35.00 per document. Postage and handling is $8.00. Mail to: 620 West Jackson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003. Processing takes one to two weeks.

Online access is available through the case search portal. Some documents can be viewed there. Others must be requested through the clerk. The AZCourtPay portal handles online payments for fees. Check with the clerk office to confirm they accept online payment for your specific request.

Nearby Arizona Cities

Mesa is surrounded by other major cities in Maricopa County. All of them use the same county Superior Court for family law matters. If you need family court records from a nearby city, the same Maricopa County resources apply. Pick a city below to learn more about family court access in that area.

Maricopa County Family Court

All Mesa family court records are part of the Maricopa County system. For full details on the county court, including all four regional locations and complete fee information, visit the Maricopa County page.