Access Peoria Family Court Records

Peoria family court records are held by the Maricopa County Superior Court in Arizona. The city of Peoria does not have its own family court. All divorce filings, child custody cases, child support orders, and paternity matters go through the county court system. Residents can search Peoria family court records online or visit the Maricopa County Clerk of Superior Court in person. The county has four regional court centers, and the Northwest Regional Center in nearby Surprise is the closest option for most Peoria residents seeking family law services.

Maricopa County Handles Peoria Family Cases

Peoria sits in Maricopa County, which means all family court matters go through the Maricopa County Superior Court. The county court system handles divorce petitions, legal decision-making disputes, parenting time schedules, child support orders, and paternity cases for Peoria residents. There is no city-level family court in Arizona. Every family law case files at the county level, and the Clerk of Superior Court maintains all records.

The main Maricopa County Clerk office is at 620 West Jackson Street in Phoenix. You can call them at (602) 372-5375 during business hours. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The clerk office is closed on weekends and state holidays. Staff can help you search for records, make copies, and explain filing procedures for family court cases.

For Peoria residents, the Northwest Regional Court Center at 14264 W Tierra Buena Lane in Surprise is often more convenient than driving to downtown Phoenix. This location offers full family court services including new case filings and record requests. You can reach this office at the main clerk number. Both locations have the same fees and access to all Maricopa County family court records.

Note: Peoria Municipal Court handles traffic tickets and minor offenses, not family law matters.

Search Peoria Family Court Records Online

The Maricopa County Family Court Case Search is the best tool for finding Peoria family records online. This free system lets you look up divorce cases, custody matters, and support orders from your computer or phone. Just enter the name of a party or the case number to find what you need. Results show case status, filing dates, and basic party information.

The statewide Arizona Courts Public Access Portal also works for Peoria family court searches. This system connects to 153 courts across Arizona, including the Maricopa County Superior Court. You do not need an account to use it. Some court documents may be available to view online, while others require a visit to the clerk office or a mail request.

For help with your search or case, the AZ Court Help website has guides and tools. It explains court procedures and helps you find the right forms for your situation. The site includes a court finder that gives contact information for every court in the state. Use this resource if you need help understanding your options or locating specific services.

Peoria Family Court Filing Fees

Filing fees for Peoria family court cases are set by Maricopa County. The Maricopa County fee schedule applies to all residents in the county, including those in Peoria. A divorce filing costs $376.00 whether or not there are children. Summary consent decrees, which are simpler divorce cases, cost $331.50. These fees are due when you submit your initial petition to the court.

Copy fees for family court records are $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost an extra $35.00 per document on top of the page fee. If clerk staff must search for records on your behalf, there is a research fee of $35.00 per year searched. Postage and handling add $8.00 for mail requests. You can pay by cash, check, or credit card at the clerk counter in person.

Other filing fees that apply to Peoria family court cases:

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

Fee waivers exist for people who cannot afford court costs. You must fill out an application and show proof of low income. The judge reviews your request and decides if you qualify. Forms for fee waivers are available at the clerk office or through the Law Library Resource Center.

Get Copies of Peoria Family Court Records

You can get copies of Peoria family court records in several ways. In-person visits work well if you know which case you need. Go to any Maricopa County Clerk of Superior Court location during business hours. Tell the clerk what records you want and provide the case number or party names. Staff will search the system and make copies on the spot. Bring payment for the copy fees.

Mail requests are another option for Peoria family court records. Write to the Maricopa County Clerk of Superior Court at 620 West Jackson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003. Include the names of the parties, the case number if you have it, and your return address. Send a check or money order for the copy fees made payable to the Clerk of Superior Court. Processing time is usually one to two weeks for mail requests, though busy periods may take longer.

The Maricopa County records request page has full details on how to get copies. You can request records from any of the four regional court centers. The Customer Service Center at 601 W. Jackson in Phoenix handles the most record requests. For Peoria residents, the Northwest Regional Center in Surprise at 14264 W Tierra Buena Lane is often closer and just as capable of helping with your needs.

Note: Bring valid photo ID when picking up certified copies of court records.

Types of Family Court Records in Peoria

Divorce records are the most common type of family court document for Peoria residents. A divorce file includes the initial petition, the response from the other spouse, financial disclosure forms, settlement agreements, and the final decree. The decree ends the marriage and sets terms for property division, spousal support, and child matters if applicable. All these documents become part of the permanent court record kept by Maricopa County.

Child custody records use the Arizona terms legal decision-making and parenting time. Arizona Revised Statutes Title 25, Chapter 4 governs these matters. Legal decision-making covers who makes major choices for the child. Parenting time sets the schedule for when each parent has custody. These records include parenting plans, any evaluations from court-appointed experts, and court orders. Modifications create new entries in the file.

Child support records show payment orders and enforcement actions for Peoria families. The Arizona Division of Child Support Services works with courts to set up and collect support payments. You can reach them at 602-252-4045. Support orders are based on both parents' incomes and the needs of the child. Changes happen when circumstances shift, like a job change or a child aging out of support.

Paternity cases establish legal fatherhood. Records include DNA test results, signed acknowledgments, and court orders naming the father. Once paternity is confirmed, the court can order child support and set custody terms.

Peoria Family Court Self-Help Resources

The Law Library Resource Center helps Peoria residents who handle their own family court cases. Staff can show you where to find forms, explain filing steps, and point you to useful guides. You can call (602) 506-7353 or (602) 506-SELF for help. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Email questions to services@jbazmc.maricopa.gov for a response during business hours.

The Law Library offers free webinars and workshops on family law topics. Classes cover how to fill out divorce forms, what happens at court hearings, and how to modify custody orders. Recorded videos are online if you cannot make a live session. Step-by-step guides walk you through common tasks. These resources help people who have never been to family court before and need basic guidance on procedures.

Family court forms are online at the Family Court Forms page. Download, fill out, and print forms at home. Some can be filed electronically. Attorneys must e-file all family law documents. Self-represented parties can still file in person if they prefer. The forms page has instructions for each document type.

Peoria City Clerk Office

The Peoria City Clerk office handles city business like public records requests for city documents, but not family court records. The Peoria City Clerk is at 8401 W. Monroe St., Peoria, AZ 85345. You can call them at 623-773-7340 or email cityclerk@peoriaaz.gov. Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office is closed on Fridays.

If you call the Peoria City Clerk about family court records, they will refer you to Maricopa County. The city does not keep divorce decrees, custody orders, or support judgments. All family law records are at the county level. The city clerk can help with other matters like city council meeting minutes, business licenses, and local ordinances. For family court needs, contact the Maricopa County Clerk of Superior Court instead.

Legal Help for Peoria Family Court Cases

Arizona has specific laws that govern family court matters. Arizona Revised Statutes Title 25 covers marriage, divorce, custody, and support issues. To file for divorce in Arizona, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for 90 days. You file in the county where you or your spouse resides. Arizona is a no-fault state, so you do not have to prove wrongdoing. The court must wait 60 days after service before finalizing a divorce.

Arizona is a community property state. Most assets and debts from the marriage split equally. Each spouse keeps separate property, which includes things owned before marriage or received as gifts. The court aims for fair division, usually meaning 50/50 in divorce cases involving Peoria residents.

The AZPOINT portal handles protection order petitions. If you need an order of protection in a family situation, start the process online. There is no filing fee for protection orders. The system guides you through the forms and allows electronic filing.

Nearby Arizona Cities

Peoria is in the northwest valley of Maricopa County, near several other major cities. All these cities use the same Maricopa County Superior Court for family law matters. If you live near the border between cities, your case still goes through the county court system. Below are links to family court information for other nearby cities.

Maricopa County Family Court

For full details on family court services, fees, and procedures that apply to Peoria residents, see the Maricopa County page. The county court handles all family law matters for cities within its borders.