Using a Superior Court Directory

Each state in the U.S. boasts its own judicial system with several different levels and tiers within it. In addition to federal courts in each state, this state court system is considered a completely different system which stands alone. Every state is different in that courts may have the same name but different jurisdictions or powers, as provided by their own constitutions.

Superior Court Jurisdictions

Most states have at least one superior court in their court system. Others may have several, or one within each county or city. These courts may act as appellate courts, which hear appeals from lower courts--or they may act as original jurisdiction trial courts in specific case matters. Usually, a state's court of last resort, or highest appellate court, is the Supreme Court. Superior courts are often intermediate appellate courts or lower-level trial courts.

Types of cases heard by superior courts may include family matters, probate, small claims and even traffic infractions. Many states employ several different judges which may be elected or appointed to oversee these courts and decide the cases.

Superior Court Directories

A directory providing local superior court contact information is useful when you simply want to learn more about your local courts, need to file a case within the superior court, or are currently party to an active case.

When filing a case for any reason, it's important to ensure you are approaching the correct court with the correct type of case. If you do not do this, you risk having the case completely thrown out of court. Many times, a directory can provide the number of the clerk's office so you may inquire as to whether your case should be filed within that court. Sometimes, they may direct you to a different court due to geographical or case matter jurisdiction.

Several states now have official court websites which allow the public to access current case information or necessary forms. If you are currently party to a website, you may find this useful if you simply need to double-check your court date, location or time. Forms that the court will require in order to begin the legal proceedings are also frequently available online, and you may even be able to file them online as well. This prevents the need to visit the local courthouse in person.

Superior Court Locations

Depending upon your state or local government structure, the superior court in your area may be located in one of several places. Many superior courts are found in the local county courthouse. Several divisions of the superior court (i.e. traffic court, family court, etc.) may also require several different courtrooms within the courthouse. Other superior courts may be found at the municipal or city level, and may be housed within a local annex or other stand-alone building. States which utilize a superior court as an appellate judicial power often house these courts within the capital city to hear cases from several districts, circuits or counties.

State-Specific Superior Court Information :

Arizona Superior Court

California Superior Court

Georgia Superior Court

Massachusetts Superior Court

Washington Superior Court