Matanuska-Susitna Borough Court Records
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The Matanuska-Susitna Borough—commonly called the Mat-Su—is one of Alaska's largest and fastest-growing boroughs, anchored by the city of Palmer. Court operations in the borough fall under Alaska's Third Judicial District, with both a Superior Court and a District Court housed at the Palmer Courthouse. These courts produce records covering criminal prosecutions, civil lawsuits, family law proceedings, probate administration, small claims, and traffic or minor offenses. The Office of the Clerk of Court at the Palmer Courthouse maintains all trial court records generated in the borough.
If you need to find Mat-Su court records, you have several options. The Alaska Court System operates a statewide online case lookup tool, and AlaskaCourts.us may also help you identify publicly available case information. Beyond online tools, the Palmer Courthouse clerk's office accepts in-person visits, written requests by mail, fax submissions, and email inquiries. Public-access terminals at the courthouse let visitors review electronic docket information during business hours. The sections below walk through the specific procedures, fees, and restrictions that apply to each type of court record in the borough.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Matanuska-Susitna Borough?
There are three main ways to find case records from borough courts: the online case search system, in-person inspection, and formal copy requests.
Online case search. The Alaska Court System's CourtView portal is the primary public-access tool for trial court records statewide. You can search by party name, case number, or ticket/citation number. The system returns case summaries including case type, file date, participants, court location, and disposition information. CourtView generally contains cases from 1990 forward, though some older cases that became active again may also appear. Important limitations apply: CourtView is not a criminal history check, and certain case categories are removed from the public index under Administrative Rule 40(a) or by statute. For appellate matters, check the separate Appellate Case Management System.
In-person inspection. Most court files are available for free public inspection at the Palmer Courthouse during business hours, subject to staff availability and provided the review does not interfere with court operations. Confidential records require proof of eligibility and a photo ID.
Palmer Courthouse
Address: 435 South Denali Street, Palmer, AK 99645
Phone: (907) 746-8181
Fax: (907) 746-8152
Email (record requests only): 3PACopyRequests@akcourts.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Note: Clerk's office closed Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
Copy requests by mail, fax, or email. The Alaska Court System publishes a dedicated request form for the Palmer location, TF-311 PA, which can be submitted in person, by fax, by mail, or by email to the address above. You'll need to identify the case number, party names, and the specific documents you're looking for. Due to high volume, online and mailed copy requests currently carry a wait time of two to four weeks. In-person requests are processed on a current basis.
Fees for copies and services (per Administrative Rule 9):
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| First document requested | $5.00 |
| Each additional document (same request) | $3.00 |
| Certified copy (first) | $10.00 |
| Each additional certified copy (same document, same request) | $3.00 |
| Exemplified/authenticated copy | $15.00 |
| Audio recording (per CD) | $20.00 |
| Records research | $30.00 per hour |
A deposit may be required for large copy requests. You can include payment with your request if the cost is known, or the clerk will provide a breakdown before processing. For Palmer audio recording requests, use form TF-304 PA.
Are Court Records Public in Matanuska-Susitna Borough?
Court records in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough are presumptively open to the public. Two legal frameworks govern access: the Alaska Public Records Act (AS 40.25) and the Alaska Rules of Administration, particularly Rule 37.5, which establishes the general access policy for court records.
Under Rule 37.5, any member of the public may inspect, copy, or obtain court records unless a specific statute, court rule, or court order designates them as confidential or sealed. The court system publishes case summaries on CourtView for all non-confidential cases.
Records that are generally accessible include:
- Criminal case filings, docket entries, charges, and dispositions
- Civil complaints, motions, orders, and judgments
- Small claims records
- Probate estate and protective proceeding records
- Traffic and minor offense case records (non-confidential)
- Divorce and dissolution case documents (with some restrictions)
Records that are confidential or restricted include:
- Juvenile delinquency cases
- Child in Need of Aid (CINA) proceedings
- Adoption records
- Mental health and alcohol commitment cases
- Domestic violence protective orders (certain closed cases where no order was issued)
- Emancipation and minor settlement cases
- Cases sealed by court order under Administrative Rule 37.6
- Certain dismissed or acquitted criminal cases removed from the public index under AS 22.35.030
Personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers and party addresses are not displayed on CourtView. If you believe a case has been improperly retained on the public index, you can submit form TF-810 to the court where the case was filed.
Matanuska-Susitna Borough Criminal Court Records
Criminal jurisdiction in the borough is divided between the Palmer Superior Court and the Palmer District Court. The Superior Court handles felony trials and sentencing. The District Court processes misdemeanors, municipal ordinance violations, and preliminary felony hearings, and also issues warrants and handles extradition proceedings.
Searching criminal case records. Criminal case summaries—including charges, amendments, and charge dispositions—are available through CourtView. When reviewing criminal records, look at the party charge disposition for each charge individually. The system displays both misdemeanors and felonies under the single label "Criminal", and you should never assume conviction from the original charges alone. CourtView contains misdemeanor and felony data from approximately 1990 forward.
To get official copies of criminal case documents, submit a request to:
Palmer Court Clerk
Address: 435 South Denali Street, Palmer, AK 99645
Phone: (907) 746-8181
Email: 3PACopyRequests@akcourts.gov
Requests may be made using form TF-311 PA. Standard copy fees apply ($5.00 for the first document, $3.00 for each additional).
Criminal history background checks. CourtView is not a criminal history records check. For a comprehensive Alaska criminal history report, contact the Criminal Records and Identification Bureau within the Alaska Department of Public Safety. Available options include:
- Name-based check: $20 per request. Submit the record subject form or the third-party request form by mail or in person. Record subjects may also request online.
- Fingerprint-based state check: $35 per request.
- Fingerprint-based state and national (FBI) check: $47.00 per request.
Requests can be submitted by mail or delivered in person to a walk-in location. The Bureau's mailing address is:
Criminal Records and Identification Bureau
Address: 5700 E. Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99507
Phone: (907) 269-5767
Fax: (907) 269-5091
Arrest records. Arrest records are maintained by the law enforcement agency that made the arrest—such as the Alaska State Troopers, Palmer Police Department, or Wasilla Police Department. These records do not typically include conviction details.
Matanuska-Susitna Borough Civil Court Records
Both the Superior Court and the District Court hear civil matters at the Palmer Courthouse, with jurisdiction divided by the amount in controversy and case type. The Superior Court handles civil cases exceeding $100,000 and cases involving injunctive relief, property disputes, and other equitable matters. The District Court adjudicates civil claims up to $100,000, forcible entry and detainer (eviction) actions, and small claims cases up to $10,000.
Searching civil records. Public civil case information is accessible through CourtView. Case summaries show the parties, case type, status, docket entries, and disposition. If a case shows a monetary judgment, keep in mind that this does not necessarily mean judgment was entered against all defendants—review the docket or case file for the complete picture.
Obtaining copies. Submit requests to the Palmer Court Clerk using form TF-311 PA by email, fax, mail, or in person. Copy fees are $5.00 for the first document and $3.00 for each additional document. Certified copies are $10.00 for the first and $3.00 for each additional copy of the same document.
Filing fees for common civil case types:
| Case Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil cases (general) | $250.00 |
| Debt collection (up to $100,000) | $150.00 |
| Debt collection (over $100,000) | $250.00 |
| Forcible entry and detainer / eviction (up to $100,000 damages) | $150.00 |
| Small claims ($2,500 or less) | $50.00 |
| Small claims (over $2,500) | $100.00 |
Fee waivers are available for qualifying individuals through form TF-920. All fees are established by Administrative Rule 9.
Property records. Property records in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough—including deeds, mortgages, and plat maps—are maintained by borough offices rather than the courts. The MSB Parcel Viewer provides interactive maps, and the Matanuska-Susitna Property Portal lets you search by name, address, or property ID to view ownership, appraisal, and tax information. Platting documents are available from the MSB Platting Division at 350 E. Dahlia Avenue, Second Floor, Palmer, AK 99645, Phone: (907) 861-7874
Matanuska-Susitna Borough Family Court Records
Family law matters in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough are handled by the Palmer Superior Court, which has jurisdiction over dissolution of marriage, divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, and adoption. The Palmer District Court shares limited jurisdiction over domestic violence protective orders and emergency child-protection orders. All family court records are maintained by the Palmer Court Clerk.
Searching and requesting records. Public family case information appears on CourtView under various case type suffixes (CI for civil, which includes domestic relations cases). Copies can be requested through the standard process using form TF-311 PA, submitted to the Palmer Courthouse clerk by email, fax, or mail. Confidential family records—including domestic violence cases, CINA proceedings, and adoption files—require you to present a photo ID and demonstrate eligibility to access the records.
Filing fees for family cases:
| Case Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Divorce, dissolution, custody, or paternity | $250.00 |
| Contested motion to modify custody, support, or maintenance | $75.00 |
| Joint/stipulated motion to modify | Free |
| Adoption | $100.00 |
| Domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault protective order | Free |
Marriage records. Marriage certificates are issued by the Alaska Department of Health, Health Analytics and Vital Records Section. Marriage records are confidential for 50 years after the marriage date, with access restricted to the parties named on the certificate, their legal representatives, and authorized agencies. Certified copies cost $30.00 for the first copy and $25.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Requests can be placed online through VitalChek, in person at the Anchorage or Juneau vital records offices, or by mailing the completed marriage certificate request form with payment to:
Health Analytics and Vital Records
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 110675, Juneau, AK 99811-0675
Fax: (907) 465-3618
Divorce records. Divorce decrees and full case files are available from the Palmer Court Clerk's office. Divorce certificates—a one-page certified summary—are issued exclusively by Alaska Vital Records, with the same fees and access restrictions as marriage certificates. Use the divorce certificate application to request by mail or fax.
Birth and death records. These vital records are administered by Alaska Vital Records, not the court system. Birth records are confidential for 100 years, and death records for 50 years, with access limited to eligible family members, legal representatives, and authorized agencies. Certified copies cost $30.00 for the first and $25.00 for each additional copy. Applications can be submitted through VitalChek, in person, or by mailing the birth or death certificate request form to the Juneau address above.
Matanuska-Susitna Borough Probate Court Records
Probate matters in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Palmer Superior Court. The court oversees the probate of wills, estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, and the distribution of decedents' assets. The filing fee to open a probate estate is $250.00. Guardianship petitions carry a $150.00 filing fee, and depositing a will with the court costs $50.00.
Public access to probate records. Estate proceedings and protective proceedings (guardianships and conservatorships) are generally accessible to the public. However, most other probate case types—including adoptions, mental commitments, and alcohol commitments—are confidential under Alaska court rules. Public probate case summaries can be searched on CourtView using the case number suffix PR for probate matters or WI for deposited wills. For example, a probate case filed in Palmer in 2025 might carry a number formatted as 3PA-25-00001PR.
Requesting probate record copies. Submit requests to the Palmer Court Clerk using form TF-311 PA. Standard copy fees apply: $5.00 for the first document and $3.00 for each additional document, with certified copies at $10.00 and $3.00 respectively. If you need access to confidential probate records, you must visit the clerk's office in person with a valid photo ID to establish your eligibility.
Palmer Court Clerk (Probate)
Address: 435 South Denali Street, Palmer, AK 99645
Phone: (907) 746-8181
Fax: (907) 746-8152
Email: 3PACopyRequests@akcourts.gov
The Third Judicial District's public administrator for the Palmer area is Brodie Kimmel, reachable through the Anchorage office at (907) 264-0415, who handles estates of deceased persons when no other person applies for administration within 30 days of death.