Court Records and Your Name: What Is Public or Sealed
A lawsuit, a divorce or a criminal case can put your name in a searchable record. Sealing exists, but it is narrower than most people expect.
By Siddharth ShankarUpdated October 11, 2026Most filings in US courts are open by default, and federal court records are available through PACER. Judges can seal documents or close hearings, and filers must redact certain identifiers. Sealing or clearing a record in one place does not automatically remove copies held by private databases, so check those separately.
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Court records are one of the most sensitive categories of public information. A civil suit, a custody dispute, a small-claims judgment or a criminal charge can attach your name to a document that anyone may be able to view. Understanding what is open, what is protected and what is outside the court's control helps you decide what to do.
Court records are open by default
The US federal courts say that the media and public may view most filings found in the PACER system. Judges have the authority to seal additional documents or to close hearings that ordinarily would be public. In plain terms, openness is the default and secrecy needs a reason.
PACER charges ten cents per page with a maximum of $3.00 per document, and fees are waived if you stay below $30 per quarter, according to the federal courts. State courts have their own systems and costs.
What filers must redact
Federal rules limit how much identifying detail can appear in filings. Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 5.2, unless a court orders otherwise, a filer may include only the last four digits of a Social Security or taxpayer ID number, the year of birth, a minor's initials and the last four digits of a financial-account number. The judiciary's privacy policy also covers minors' names, financial account numbers and birth dates, and in criminal cases home addresses.
Redaction reduces risk, but a name and case details can still identify you.
What your name can reveal
A court record can show:
- Your name and case number
- The type of case and the parties
- Dates of filing and outcome
- Addresses or other details, if not redacted
Because the records are searchable, they can appear in background reports and people-search sites. The risk is greatest for old or dismissed matters that appear without context.
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Sealing, expungement and clearing a record
These terms mean different things and vary by place.
- Sealing hides records from public view, usually by court order. The records still exist.
- Expungement aims to remove or destroy records, but laws differ. California's courts say that true expungement does not exist in California and that options for cleaning a record depend on the situation.
- Redaction hides specific details inside a record.
California's Attorney General explains that sealed records remain in the state criminal history database, are not disclosed for licensing and certification purposes and may still be disclosed for criminal-justice purposes.
For anything beyond general information, ask a lawyer or a court self-help center. Outcomes depend on the jurisdiction and the case.
The copies problem
Even when a court seals or clears a record, private companies may already hold copies. A legal-aid nonprofit has written that expunged or sealed cases are often still reported by commercial screeners. We could not find an official source on exactly how often this occurs, so treat it as a risk to check, not a certainty.
What you can do
1Know what exists
Search court systems for your name where records are searchable, and check people-search sites. See how to find yourself on people-search sites.
2Ask a lawyer about sealing or clearing
Eligibility, timing and effect depend on local law.
3Ask the court for redaction where available
If a filing contains details that should not be public, ask the court clerk what processes apply.
4Request corrections from data sources
If a broker shows a sealed or incorrect record, use its dispute or opt-out process. See what to do when a data broker removal request fails.
5Re-check after the change
When this matters most
Court records matter in personal safety situations, family disputes and job searches. See digital privacy after a divorce or separation for the broader picture.
Sources
- US Courts: Find a case (PACER) (10 cents a page, $3.00 cap per document, fees waived under $30 a quarter)
- Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 5.2: Privacy protection for filings (LII) (only last four digits, birth year and a minor's initials in filings)
- California Courts Self-Help: Clean your record (options to clean a record depend on the case; no true expungement)
Frequently asked questions
Can anyone see my court case?
Many filings are open to the public by default. Some are sealed or restricted by law or by a judge.
Does sealing delete the record?
No. Sealing hides it from public view, and authorities may still access it in certain cases.
Can a data broker still list a sealed case?
It can if it collected the record before sealing. Ask the broker to remove it.
Does the court remove my name from search engines?
No. Search engines are separate from the court. Use Google tools or contact the site.
Are family court records public?
Rules vary widely. Ask the court clerk about your jurisdiction.
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