Matanuska-Susitna County
Matanuska-Susitna Borough, also known as Mat-Su Borough, was formed in 1964 and named after the Susitna and Matanuska rivers. The borough is the sixth-largest community in Alaska, having a land area of 24,707 square miles. As of 2022, the borough was home to 108,661 residents. Its seat of government is Palmer.
The Superior and District Courts in Palmer make up Matanuska-Susitna Borough trial courts. Operating within Alaska's 3rd Judicial District, the Superior Court hears all felony cases and civil disputes where the amount in controversy exceeds $100,000. It also resolves domestic relations cases such as child custody, divorce, domestic violence, and adoption cases. The Superior Court in Matanuska-Susitna has jurisdiction over probate cases like guardianships, conservatorships, and appointment of estate administrators.
The borough's District Court adjudicates misdemeanors, felony pretrials, ordinance violations, traffic crimes, and other minor criminal cases. It also presides over equity cases, personal injuries, foreclosures, and civil actions involving monetary lawsuits for up to $100,000. Other civil lawsuits heard at the District Court in Matanuska-Susitna Borough include landlord-tenant complaints, small claims below $10,000, and protective order cases.
Matanuska-Susitna Borough public court records contain case filings, party names, testimonies, evidence, indictments, motions, pleadings, jury verdicts, orders, judgments, and other information showing how the borough's trial courts work. According to the Alaska Public Records Act (APRA), public court records should be publicly accessible to ensure accountability, transparency, and trust in the judiciary. The state law prohibits public access to court records related to juveniles, adoption, guardianship, and Child in Need of Aid (CINA). However, members of the public can view or obtain copies of the following court records in Matanuska-Susitna Borough.
- Civil court records
- Probate records
- Family records
- Criminal court records
- Small claims records
To obtain Matanuska-Susitna public court records, requesters can send request forms via mail, email, fax, or in person at:
Palmer Superior Court
435 South Denali Street
Palmer, AK 99645
Fax: (907) 746-8152
Email: 3PACopyRequests@akcourts.gov
It is also possible to search Matanuska-Susitna court records online using the Alaska Court CourtView. Online record searchers can search for case files by providing names of parties involved, case numbers, or hearing dates. Public terminals are also available at the courthouse for in-person access at no cost.
