Order: a decision
A judge’s written decision. Orders can grant, deny or set conditions. They are signed and dated.
Look for:- Title includes ‘Order’
- Judge’s signature
- Filed or issued date
- Case number
Resources
Case documents:
know what you are
looking at.
Court and system records come in different forms. This page helps you identify what type of document you have and what to preserve.
Example
A complete record:
what to look for.
Every document has clues that tell you what it is, when it was filed or issued, who it involves, and whether there are attachments. Use the example to see the key parts.
Know the difference
Six common types of records.
Court and system records serve different purposes. Knowing the difference helps you find what you need and avoid missing something important.
Filing: a request
A formal request to the court. Examples include motions, responses and petitions.
Look for:- Title (e.g., Motion, Response)
- Filed date and court
- Party name(s)
- May include a proposed order
Docket: an index
A chronological list of case events and documents. It helps you see what was filed and when.
Look for:- Dates and event names
- Document titles
- May include page numbers
- Links or references to filings
Transcript: spoken record
A written record of what was said in a hearing or other proceeding. Transcripts are prepared by a court reporter.
Look for:- Title includes ‘Transcript’
- Hearing date
- Page numbers or line numbers
- Name of the court reporter
See all document types
Orders
Orders record decisions or directions issued by the court. Preserve the complete document, including signature pages, filing marks, attachments, and any page that identifies the case.
Motions and petitions
These documents generally ask the court to take an action or decide an issue. Keep the complete filing rather than only the page containing the request.
Notices
Notices may contain hearing dates, deadlines, procedural information, or other important case events. Preserve the complete notice and any attached instructions.
Docket or case index
A docket or case index can help establish what was filed, when it was filed, and what documents may exist even when you do not currently have a copy.
Transcripts
A transcript is a written record of what was said during a hearing, deposition, or other recorded proceeding. Availability and request procedures vary.
Exhibits and attachments
An exhibit may contain important source material that is not understandable when separated from the filing, hearing, or testimony it accompanied. Preserve its context when possible.
Preserve your records
Keep the right records,
in the right way.
Preserving a complete and organized record helps you stay informed and prepared. Save the original document and keep a working copy for notes.
Keep the original
- Save the file or paper exactly as you received it.
- Include all pages and attachments.
- Keep the filing or issued date visible.
- Store it in a safe place.
Use a working copy
- Make a separate copy for your notes.
- Highlight or annotate the working copy.
- Do not alter the original file or paper.
- Keep originals and working copies together so nothing is lost.
Need more help?
Not sure what a document is?
See examples, plain-language explanations and tips for what to preserve. For legal interpretation, ask your attorney or a qualified source.