Court records in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, can be accessed through several channels. MatanuskaSusitnaCourt.us allows you to view publicly available information about court cases. Additionally, records are available through the official online resources of the state court system, the court clerk's office in Palmer, and public terminals in the courthouse. Below is a practical guide to navigating the borough's court system.
Matanuska-Susitna Court System & Jurisdictions
Matanuska-Susitna Borough is part of the Third Judicial District of Alaska. The court is located in Palmer and serves the entire borough, including Wasilla, Houston, and surrounding areas. There are two levels of trial courts here.
Superior Court handles:
- Criminal cases involving felonies
- Civil cases with claims over $100,000
- Family cases — divorce, child custody, child support (relevant family law forms are available on the court system's website)
- Probate and inheritance cases
- Appeals from District Court
District Court has jurisdiction over:
- Criminal cases involving misdemeanors
- Civil cases with claims up to $100,000
- Small claims cases — up to $10,000
- Traffic violations
- Domestic violence protective orders
A complete list of courts with contact information can be found in the Alaska Court Directory. The main court for the borough is located at:
Matanuska-Susitna Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The schedule of court hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week can be obtained in several ways.
- CourtView Online — case search on the Alaska court system's website allows you to find a case by party name or case number. The case information usually displays scheduled hearing dates.
- Phone Inquiry — call the court clerk's office in Palmer at (907) 746-8181 and inquire about the schedule of a specific case.
- In-Person Visit — public terminals in the courthouse allow you to view the hearing calendar directly.
Note: CourtView is not a criminal history check. Some cases — particularly juvenile cases and sealed records — do not appear in the system. The main page of the Alaska court system contains announcements about possible schedule changes.
How to Get a Copy of a Matanuska-Susitna Court Document
Copies of court documents come in two types: uncertified and certified. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the clerk's signature — it is required for most legal procedures.
Three Ways to Obtain a Copy
Online or by Mail: download and complete form TF-311 (Request for Court Records). Send it to the court clerk's office by mail or fax. Include the case number, full name of the party, and the type of document you need.
In Person: visit the court clerk's office in Palmer. The clerk will locate the case and make copies during your visit.
Some documents have restricted access. Juvenile cases, sealed cases, and certain family cases are not issued without special court permission. If you are unsure whether the document you need is available, ask the clerk.
Matanuska-Susitna Court Records Fees & Payment
The Alaska court system sets a uniform fee schedule for all state courts. Below are the main fees applicable according to the court system's administrative rules.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Document copy (uncertified) | $0.25 per page |
| Certification | $5.00 per document |
| Case search by request | Free through CourtView; a copying fee may be charged for written requests |
| Copy of hearing audio recording | $7.50 per disc/file |
Payment is accepted at the court clerk's office in cash, money order, or check payable to the Alaska Court System. Check with the clerk whether credit cards are accepted — this depends on the specific office.
For mail requests, include payment with the completed form TF-311. If the exact amount is not known in advance, the clerk may contact you for clarification before sending copies.
Public records of the borough not related to court cases (ordinances, resolutions, administrative documents) are maintained by the Borough Clerk. Requests for such records are governed by the MSB public records policy.