Yuma County Court Records

What Is Yuma County Court Records

Court records in Yuma County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's jurisdiction. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of cases heard in Yuma County courts, as established under Arizona Revised Statutes § 12-284. Court records typically include:

• Case files containing pleadings, motions, and responses
• Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case activities
• Judicial orders and final judgments
• Transcripts of court proceedings
• Evidence and exhibits admitted during trials
• Sentencing information in criminal matters
• Settlement agreements in civil cases

Court records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics, or tax assessments, as they specifically document judicial proceedings. In Yuma County, multiple courts maintain these records according to their jurisdiction:

• Yuma County Superior Court (general jurisdiction)
• Yuma County Justice Courts (limited jurisdiction)
• Municipal Courts (city violations)
• Juvenile Court (matters involving minors)
• Probate Court (wills, estates, guardianships)
• Family Court (domestic relations)

The Arizona Supreme Court establishes rules governing court records management, while individual courts maintain their respective case files. Court records encompass civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, traffic violations, and small claims disputes. These documents serve as the official record of judicial proceedings and decisions rendered within Yuma County's court system.

Are Court Records Public In Yuma County

Court records in Yuma County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to Arizona's Public Records Law (A.R.S. § 39-121) and the constitutional principle of open courts. The Arizona Constitution, Article 2, Section 11, establishes that "justice in all cases shall be administered openly," creating a presumption of public access to judicial proceedings and their associated records.

Public access extends to:

• Most civil case files and pleadings
• Criminal case records (post-charging)
• Court orders and final judgments
• Docket sheets and hearing schedules
• Marriage and divorce records
• Probate proceedings
• Small claims cases

However, certain records may be restricted or sealed by court order or statute. According to Arizona Supreme Court Rule 123, the following records typically have restricted access:

• Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions)
• Adoption proceedings
• Mental health commitment records
• Certain family court matters involving minors
• Grand jury proceedings
• Records sealed by judicial order
• Cases involving vulnerable victims

Federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona (which has a courthouse in Yuma) are governed by federal access rules rather than state provisions. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system rather than county or state repositories.

The Yuma County Clerk of Superior Court serves as the custodian of court records for the Superior Court and implements the access policies established by the Arizona Supreme Court's administrative orders regarding public access.

How To Find Court Records in Yuma County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Yuma County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The availability of specific records depends on the court of origin and the case type. Currently, the following options are available:

In-Person Requests:

• Visit the Clerk of the Superior Court's office during regular business hours
• Complete a records request form specifying the case number or party names
• Present valid photo identification
• Pay applicable copy fees ($0.50 per page for standard copies)

Online Access:

• Use the Arizona Judicial Branch's Public Access portal for case information
• Access eAccess for Superior Court records filed after July 1, 2010
• Check individual municipal court websites for local case information

Mail Requests:

• Submit a written request to the appropriate court clerk
• Include case information, specific documents needed, and contact information
• Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for copy fees

For Superior Court Records:

Yuma County Clerk of Superior Court
250 W. 2nd Street, Suite B
Yuma, AZ 85364
(928) 817-4100
Yuma County Clerk of Superior Court

Public records requests must comply with the procedures established under A.R.S. § 39-121.01, which requires custodians to promptly respond to requests. For certified copies of court documents, additional fees apply, and specific forms may be required depending on the document type.

How To Look Up Court Records in Yuma County Online?

Yuma County residents and interested parties can access various court records through several online portals, each providing different levels of information based on court type and case category. The following online resources are currently available:

Arizona Judicial Branch Public Access Case Lookup:

• Provides basic case information for most Arizona courts
• Search by case number, party name, or business name
• Displays case type, filing date, party information, and scheduled events
• Access at Public Access Case Lookup
• No subscription required for basic information

eAccess Portal:

• Offers more detailed Superior Court case information
• Includes civil and criminal cases filed after July 1, 2010
• Provides access to some document images (fees may apply)
• Register at eAccess Portal
• Requires user registration and acceptance of terms

Yuma County Justice Courts Online Search:

• Covers limited jurisdiction cases in Justice Courts
• Includes traffic citations, misdemeanors, and civil matters under $10,000
• Search by name, case number, or citation number
• Access through the Arizona Judicial Branch website

Municipal Court Records:

• City of Yuma Municipal Court offers online case lookup
• Covers city ordinance violations, traffic citations, and misdemeanors
• Access through the City of Yuma website

To conduct an effective online search, users should:

1. Identify the appropriate court based on case type and location
2. Gather available information (names, approximate dates, case numbers)
3. Select the appropriate online portal
4. Create user accounts if required
5. Enter search criteria following the system's formatting requirements
6. Review search results and select specific cases for more detail

Online access is subject to the Arizona Supreme Court's Electronic Access Policy, which balances public access with privacy protections. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records, and some case types may have restricted access even when physical records are publicly available.

How To Search Yuma County Court Records for Free?

Arizona law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, as established in A.R.S. § 39-121, which states that "public records and other matters in the custody of any officer shall be open to inspection by any person at all times during office hours." While copying fees may apply, several free options exist for searching Yuma County court records:

Free In-Person Inspection:

• Visit the appropriate court clerk's office during business hours
• Request to view specific case files using available indices
• No charge for viewing records on-site
• Self-service public access terminals available at most courthouses

Free Online Resources:

• Arizona Judicial Branch Public Access Case Lookup - Free basic case information
• Arizona Court Calendar Information - Free hearing schedules
• Yuma County Justice Court Case Search - Free limited jurisdiction case information

Yuma County Law Library:

Yuma County Law Library
250 W. 2nd Street, 1st Floor
Yuma, AZ 85364
(928) 817-4070
Yuma County Law Library

• Offers free public access to legal research terminals
• Provides assistance in locating case information
• Available during regular business hours
• No charge for research assistance

While basic case information is available without cost, fees may apply for:

• Printed copies ($0.50 per page for standard copies)
• Certified copies ($30.00 for first page, $0.50 for each additional page)
• Document certification ($17.00 per document)
• Research assistance beyond standard lookup ($30.00 per hour, one-hour minimum)

According to Arizona Supreme Court Rule 123, courts must provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities who need assistance accessing court records. This may include alternative formats or assistance with electronic systems at no additional charge.

What's Included in a Yuma County Court Record?

Yuma County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type. Pursuant to Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 79, court records typically include:

Civil Case Records:

• Complaint or petition initiating the action
• Summons and proof of service
• Answers or responses from defendants
• Motions filed by either party
• Court orders and rulings on motions
• Exhibits admitted into evidence
• Transcripts of hearings (if prepared)
• Final judgment or dismissal order
• Post-judgment motions and orders
• Appeal documentation (if applicable)

Criminal Case Records:

• Charging documents (indictment or information)
• Arrest warrant or summons
• Arraignment documentation
• Pre-trial motions and rulings
• Plea agreements
• Trial exhibits and evidence logs
• Verdict forms
• Sentencing orders
• Probation terms and conditions
• Post-conviction relief petitions

Family Court Records:

• Petition for dissolution of marriage
• Temporary orders
• Financial affidavits
• Parenting plans
• Child support worksheets
• Property settlement agreements
• Final decree
• Post-decree modification requests

Probate Records:

• Will (if testate)
• Petition for probate
• Letters of administration or testamentary
• Inventory of estate assets
• Claims against the estate
• Accountings
• Distribution orders
• Guardianship/conservatorship documentation

Court records also include the register of actions (docket), which chronologically lists all events and filings in a case. This serves as the official index to the case file. Additionally, records may contain administrative documents such as notices of hearing, certificates of service, and court reporter logs.

Certain sensitive information is protected under Arizona Supreme Court Rule 123 and may be redacted or filed under seal, including:

• Social Security numbers
• Financial account numbers
• Names of minor children in certain cases
• Victim information in sensitive cases
• Medical and mental health records
• Confidential settlement agreements

How Long Does Yuma County Keep Court Records?

Yuma County courts retain records according to schedules established by the Arizona Supreme Court under the authority of A.R.S. § 12-284, which designates the Clerk of the Superior Court as the custodian of court records. The Arizona Judicial Records Retention Schedule establishes minimum retention periods that vary by record type:

Superior Court Records:

• Felony case files: 75 years after case disposition
• Civil case files: 10 years after case disposition
• Domestic relations cases: 75 years after case disposition
• Probate cases: 25 years after case closing
• Juvenile delinquency records: Until age 28 (with exceptions)
• Juvenile dependency records: 75 years after case disposition
• Mental health cases: 25 years after case disposition

Justice Court Records:

• Criminal misdemeanor cases: 10 years after disposition
• Civil cases: 5 years after disposition
• Traffic cases: 3 years after disposition
• Small claims: 3 years after disposition

Municipal Court Records:

• Criminal misdemeanor cases: 10 years after disposition
• Civil traffic violations: 3 years after disposition
• Local ordinance violations: 3 years after disposition

Permanent Records:

• Indexes to all cases
• Judgment dockets
• Marriage records
• Adoption records
• Criminal homicide cases
• Cases establishing water rights
• Cases of significant historical value

After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to established procedures. However, many historically significant or genealogically valuable records are preserved permanently. The Clerk of Superior Court may also maintain records beyond the minimum retention period at their discretion.

Digital preservation initiatives are currently underway to convert older paper records to electronic format for permanent retention. Records scheduled for destruction may be eligible for transfer to the Arizona State Archives if they possess historical significance.

Types of Courts In Yuma County

Yuma County's judicial system consists of several court levels, each with distinct jurisdiction and authority. The following courts currently operate within the county:

Yuma County Superior Court
250 W. 2nd Street
Yuma, AZ 85364
(928) 817-4100
Yuma County Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Yuma County Justice Court - Precinct 1
250 W. 2nd Street, Suite B
Yuma, AZ 85364
(928) 817-4100
Yuma Justice Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Yuma County Justice Court - Wellton Precinct
10260 Dome Street
Wellton, AZ 85356
(928) 785-3321
Wellton Justice Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Yuma County Justice Court - Somerton Precinct
240 S. Cesar Chavez Avenue
Somerton, AZ 85350
(928) 627-8152
Somerton Justice Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

City of Yuma Municipal Court
1515 S. 2nd Avenue
Yuma, AZ 85364
(928) 373-2400
Yuma Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

City of San Luis Municipal Court
1030 E. Union Street
San Luis, AZ 85349
(928) 341-8565
San Luis Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

City of Somerton Municipal Court
143 N. State Avenue
Somerton, AZ 85350
(928) 627-8866
Somerton Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The court hierarchy in Arizona follows this structure:

1. Municipal and Justice Courts (limited jurisdiction)
2. Superior Court (general jurisdiction)
3. Arizona Court of Appeals
4. Arizona Supreme Court

Additionally, the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona maintains a courthouse in Yuma for federal cases:

U.S. District Court - Yuma Division
98 W. 1st Street
Yuma, AZ 85364
(928) 329-4766
U.S. District Court, District of Arizona
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

What Types of Cases Do Yuma County Courts Hear?

Yuma County's court system handles a diverse range of legal matters, with each court type authorized to hear specific categories of cases as defined by Arizona law. The jurisdiction of each court is as follows:

Yuma County Superior Court:

• Felony criminal prosecutions
• Civil cases involving amounts over $10,000
• Domestic relations (divorce, child custody, support)
• Probate matters (wills, estates, guardianships)
• Juvenile cases (delinquency and dependency)
• Mental health proceedings
• Tax matters
• Real property disputes
• Appeals from limited jurisdiction courts
• Complex civil litigation
• Special actions and writs

Yuma County Justice Courts:

• Misdemeanor criminal cases
• Civil lawsuits up to $10,000
• Small claims up to $3,500
• Traffic violations
• Orders of protection and injunctions against harassment
• Evictions and landlord-tenant disputes
• Preliminary hearings in felony cases
• Civil and criminal traffic offenses
• Fish and game violations
• Search warrants

Municipal Courts:

• City ordinance violations
• Misdemeanors committed within city limits
• Civil and criminal traffic violations within city boundaries
• City code enforcement
• Parking violations
• Juvenile traffic offenses
• Orders of protection and injunctions against harassment

U.S. District Court (Federal):

• Federal criminal prosecutions
• Civil cases under federal law
• Civil rights violations
• Bankruptcy proceedings
• Patent and copyright cases
• Cases involving federal land or agencies
• Immigration matters
• Cases between citizens of different states exceeding $75,000

Case assignment within the Superior Court is managed through specialized divisions or calendars, including criminal, civil, family, probate, and juvenile. Complex cases may be assigned to judges with expertise in particular legal areas. The Arizona Rules of Court establish procedures for each case type and court level.

How To Find a Court Docket In Yuma County

Court dockets in Yuma County provide chronological listings of scheduled hearings, filings, and judicial actions in active cases. Members of the public can access docket information through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

• Arizona Judicial Branch Public Access Portal - Provides basic docket information for most courts
• Arizona Court Calendar - Shows upcoming hearings by court, judge, or date
• eAccess Portal - Offers more detailed Superior Court docket information

In-Person Docket Review:

• Visit the clerk's office at the appropriate courthouse
• Request docket information by case number or party name
• Use public access terminals available in courthouse lobbies
• Review posted daily calendars near courtrooms

Telephone Information:

• Call the clerk's office for basic docket information:
  • Superior Court: (928) 817-4100
  • Yuma Justice Court: (928) 817-4100
  • Wellton Justice Court: (928) 785-3321
  • Somerton Justice Court: (928) 627-8152

To effectively search for docket information, users should:

1. Identify the correct court handling the case
2. Gather available information (case number, party names, filing date)
3. Select the appropriate search method
4. For online searches, follow the portal's specific search instructions
5. For in-person requests, complete any required forms
6. Review results to confirm the correct case

Docket information typically includes:

• Case number and filing date
• Party names and attorney information
• Judge assignment
• Scheduled hearing dates and times
• Filing history with document descriptions
• Case status (active, closed, stayed)
• Judgment information if applicable

According to Arizona Supreme Court Rule 123, docket information is generally public record, though certain case types may have restricted access. Court calendars are typically published one week in advance, though emergency hearings may be added with shorter notice.

Which Courts in Yuma County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Arizona's judicial system, "courts not of record" are tribunals where proceedings are not automatically recorded verbatim, and appeals from these courts involve a completely new trial (trial de novo) rather than a review of the existing record. According to A.R.S. § 22-201, the following Yuma County courts are classified as courts not of record:

Justice Courts:

• Yuma Justice Court (Precinct 1)
• Wellton Justice Court
• Somerton Justice Court

Municipal Courts:

• City of Yuma Municipal Court
• City of San Luis Municipal Court
• City of Somerton Municipal Court

These limited jurisdiction courts share several key characteristics:

• Proceedings are not automatically transcribed by court reporters
• Parties may arrange for recording at their own expense
• Appeals result in new trials in Superior Court
• Judges are not required to be attorneys (though many are)
• Simplified procedures for certain case types
• More informal proceedings than Superior Court

In contrast, Yuma County Superior Court is a court of record as established by A.R.S. § 12-121. In the Superior Court:

• Proceedings are recorded by official court reporters or digital recording
• Appeals are based on the existing record
• Judges must be licensed attorneys
• Formal Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure apply
• Written opinions and orders are maintained

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record significantly impacts the appeals process. When appealing from a court not of record, the appellant receives an entirely new trial in Superior Court, as if the original proceeding never occurred. This contrasts with appeals from courts of record, where the appellate court reviews the existing record for legal errors without rehearing evidence.

Lookup Court Records in Yuma County

Public Access Case Lookup

eAccess Portal for Superior Court Records