How to Check Your Case Status: Complete State-by-State Guide

By Talk About Debt Team
Reviewed by Ben Jackson
Last Updated: December 25, 2025
6 min read
The Bottom Line

You can check case status through state lookup tools, PACER for federal cases, or by contacting your court directly. Most states offer free online case searches, while PACER charges fees based on pages viewed. Always search by case number to minimize costs and narrow results.

Answer Your Lawsuit

You need to track your debt lawsuit case. Courts provide different ways to check case status online. Federal cases use PACER. State cases require different tools for each state.

We’ve compiled lookup tools for all 50 states. Find your state’s case search system below. If your state isn’t listed, search your county courthouse website. Federal cases require PACER access.

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Check Your Case Status by State

Most states offer online case lookup tools. You can search by case number or party name. Some states require county-level searches instead.

States With Online Case Lookup

States Requiring County-Level Searches

The following states don’t offer statewide lookup tools. Search your county courthouse website instead:

  • Alabama
  • California
  • Louisiana
  • Nevada
  • New Jersey
  • Ohio
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • West Virginia

Understanding PACER for Federal Cases

PACER provides access to federal court documents. You can search US district courts, appeals courts, and bankruptcy courts. The system works differently than state court lookups.

Federal bankruptcy cases require PACER access. Most debt lawsuits filed by collectors go through state courts. If you’re facing a debt lawsuit, our partner Solo helps you respond to the summons properly.

Registering for PACER Access

You can create a free PACER account. Registration costs nothing. However, viewing documents requires payment. Fees apply to searches and document access.

Register for your PACER account here.

PACER Fees and Costs

PACER charges $0.10 per page. Each document costs $3 maximum. Documents include dockets, motions, judgments, briefs, and orders.

Search fees depend on pages generated. You pay even for searches showing no results. No maximum fee exists for searches. Audio files cost $2.40 each in MP3 format.

How to Reduce PACER Fees

You can minimize costs with smart searching. Follow these strategies to save money.

Search by Case Number

Always use the case number when possible. Name searches generate dozens of results. Each result page costs $0.10. Case number searches go straight to your case.

Use Search Filters

Filters exclude unnecessary information from results. Disable “Parties and Counsel” if you don’t need it. Fewer pages mean lower costs.

Search Specific Courts

Searching one court costs less than using Case Locator. Case Locator searches all nationwide courts. Single court searches narrow results to specific jurisdictions.

Use Case Locator only when you don’t know which court filed the case. Otherwise, search the specific court directly.

Information Needed for Case Lookups

You need specific details to find your case. Courts require identification information. Bankruptcy cases need different information than other federal cases.

Bankruptcy Case Searches

Gather these details before searching:

  • Case number
  • Party name
  • Social Security Number
  • Tax Identification Number

Case numbers work best for targeted searches. They prevent multiple result pages.

Other Federal Case Searches

PACER Case Locator accepts multiple search criteria:

  • Case number
  • Party name
  • Social Security Number
  • Employer Identification Number
  • Filing date
  • Nature of suit
  • Close date

Free Case Status Options

Some states offer free case information. Methods vary by state. You can access basic information without paying PACER fees.

Voice Case Information System

VCIS provides free basic case information by phone. All US bankruptcy courts offer VCIS access. The system operates 24/7.

VCIS provides limited details:

  • Case number
  • Debtor name
  • Attorney information
  • Contact details
  • Trustee name
  • Filing date
  • Case status
  • Presiding judge

Washington state offers VCIS access online. Other states provide phone access only.

Court Clerk Records Requests

You can request physical copies from the clerk’s office. Visit in person or submit online requests. Fees vary by state.

Provide these details with your request:

  • Debtor name
  • Case number
  • Document description
  • Your name and contact information
  • Mailing address

Contacting Your Court Directly

Call the court when online tools fail. Court clerks can look up your case status directly. You only need your case number.

Find court contact information through your county courthouse website. State court websites list contact numbers for each location. If you’re being sued by a debt collector, our partner Solo can help you respond before your court deadline.

When to Check Your Case Status

PACER updates most cases in real time. Some cases take up to 24 hours. VCIS provides 24/7 access to basic information.

Check your case status regularly if you’re facing a lawsuit. Missing court deadlines can result in default judgments. Debt collectors win when you don’t respond.

State court online tools update at different speeds. Some provide same-day updates. Others may lag by several days.

Responding to Debt Lawsuits

Knowing your case status helps you meet deadlines. You typically have 14 to 30 days to respond to a lawsuit. Your Answer must reach the court before the deadline expires.

Don’t ignore court summons from debt collectors. Ignoring lawsuits leads to default judgments. Collectors can garnish wages and freeze bank accounts after winning judgments.

Our partner Solo helps you draft and file your Answer. The platform guides you through each required element. An attorney reviews your document before filing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the status of my court case online?

Use your state's case lookup tool from the list above. Enter your case number or party name. If your state requires county searches, visit your county courthouse website. Federal cases require PACER registration.

What is PACER and how much does it cost?

PACER is the federal court electronic records system. Registration is free, but you pay $0.10 per page viewed and $3 per document. Audio files cost $2.40 each. Search fees have no maximum limit.

Can I check bankruptcy case status for free?

Yes, use the Voice Case Information System (VCIS) available at all US bankruptcy courts. Call 24/7 for basic information like case number, debtor name, trustee, filing date, and case status. You can also request free information from the court clerk.

What information do I need to look up my case?

You need your case number for the fastest results. You can also search by party name, Social Security Number, filing date, or nature of suit. Case number searches generate fewer pages and cost less on PACER.

How do I respond to a debt collection lawsuit?

File an Answer with the court before your deadline, typically 14 to 30 days. Your Answer must address each claim in the complaint. Missing the deadline results in default judgment where collectors can garnish wages and freeze accounts.

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