San Juan County Court Records Search
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San Juan County occupies the northwest corner of New Mexico, with Aztec as its county seat and Farmington as its largest city. The county’s judicial system operates through four tiers: the Eleventh Judicial District Court (which shares jurisdiction with McKinley County), magistrate courts in both Aztec and Farmington, a county probate court, and municipal courts in Aztec, Bloomfield, and Farmington. Together, these courts generate records spanning felony prosecutions, civil disputes, domestic relations matters, probate proceedings, and lower-level criminal and traffic offenses.
Individuals seeking San Juan County court records can approach the search through several channels. The clerk’s offices at each court maintain physical case files available for in-person inspection during business hours. The New Mexico Judiciary operates a statewide Odyssey Public Access portal covering district, magistrate, metropolitan, and municipal courts. Registered users can access more detailed records, including documents, through re:SearchNM. NewMexicoCourts.us may also help users find court case information across the state. Those unable to search online may submit a formal public records request through the judiciary’s IPRA request form or contact the relevant clerk directly.
How to Look Up a Court Case in San Juan County?
The primary online tool for case searches is the New Mexico Courts’ Case Lookup portal, which draws from the Odyssey case management system. To search, select the appropriate court location (such as the Eleventh Judicial District Court or a San Juan County Magistrate Court), then enter a party name or case number. Results display case status, charges or claims, hearing dates, and filing history.
Steps for an Online Search
- Navigate to the Case Lookup page.
- Select the court location from the dropdown menu.
- Under “Name Search”, enter the subject’s full name without commas or periods after initials, or enter a known case number.
- Review the results for matching cases.
- Click on a specific case to view detailed docket entries, parties, and scheduled events.
In-Person Access
Visitors may inspect public case files at the clerk’s office of the court where the matter was filed. The two primary district court locations serve San Juan County:
Eleventh Judicial District Court – Aztec
Address: 103 South Oliver Drive, Aztec, NM 87410
Phone: (505) 334-6151
Fax: (505) 334-1940
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Eleventh Judicial District Court – Farmington
Address: 851 Andrea Drive, Farmington, NM 87401
Phone: (505) 326-2256
Fax: (505) 326-1179
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Copy Fees
New Mexico district courts charge $0.35 per page for photocopies and $1.50 per certification. The Eleventh Judicial District and Magistrate Courts do not accept personal checks. Accepted payment methods include cash, money orders, cashier’s checks, approved company checks, and credit or debit cards (in person or online).
Requesting Records by Mail or IPRA
Under Section 14-2-8© NMSA, a written request must provide the requester’s name, address, and telephone number and describe the records sought with reasonable particularity. No reason for the request is required. The IPRA request can be submitted through the online IPRA form or mailed directly to the clerk’s office of the relevant court.
Are Court Records Public in San Juan County?
New Mexico presumes that court records are open to inspection. The Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA), codified at Sections 14-2-1 through 14-2-12 NMSA 1978, establishes the right of any person to inspect public records held by government entities, including courts. Court case records may be inspected in person at the courthouse clerk’s office or searched through the judiciary’s online portals.
Certain categories of records are exempt from public disclosure or subject to restricted access:
- Juvenile proceedings (abuse, neglect, and delinquency cases heard in children’s court)
- Adoption records
- Sealed cases or records sealed by court order
- Medical and mental health records contained within case files
- Law enforcement records that would expose confidential sources
- Records containing protected personal identifiers (Social Security numbers, financial account information), which are redacted before public release
Documents filed in domestic violence and family law proceedings may contain confidential information that is withheld from public inspection even when the case docket itself is accessible. Under NMSA 1978, Section 24-14-27, vital statistics records such as birth and death certificates are further restricted to persons with a direct and tangible interest.
Indigent litigants may petition for fee waivers under New Mexico Rule 1-088.1 NMRA, which can eliminate or defer filing and copy costs based on income relative to federal poverty guidelines.
San Juan County Criminal Court Records
Felony cases and serious misdemeanors in San Juan County are adjudicated by the Eleventh Judicial District Court. Lower-level misdemeanors, DWI offenses, and preliminary felony hearings are handled by the magistrate courts in Aztec and Farmington. Traffic and minor criminal violations within municipal limits go to the respective municipal court.
Searching Criminal Court Records
Criminal case information from the district and magistrate courts is searchable through the statewide Case Lookup portal. For DWI-specific searches in magistrate court, the portal offers a dedicated DWI search function. In-person searches can be conducted at either district court clerk location during business hours.
Magistrate Court Locations
San Juan County Magistrate Court – Aztec (Divisions I, IV, VI)
Address: 200 Gossett Drive, Aztec, NM 87410
Phone: (505) 334-9479
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
San Juan County Magistrate Court – Farmington (Divisions II, III, V)
Address: 950 West Apache Street, Farmington, NM 87401
Phone: (505) 326-4338
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Statewide Criminal Background Checks
The New Mexico Department of Public Safety (NMDPS) maintains the State Central Repository for criminal history records, covering arrests for felonies, misdemeanors punishable by six months or more, and DWI offenses. Fingerprint-based background checks are available only to the record subject. To request your own record:
- Complete the DPS Authorization for Release of Information form (must be notarized).
- Submit the form with a $15.00 money order or cashier’s check payable to the Department of Public Safety.
- Mail to: Department of Public Safety, P.O. Box 1628, Santa Fe, NM 87504-1628.
- Processing takes 7–15 working days from receipt.
For electronic fingerprinting, applicants can schedule through an authorized IdentoGo location. Manual fingerprinting is available at NMDPS headquarters in Santa Fe (4491 Cerrillos Road) Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., for $9.00 for the first two cards and $2.50 per additional card.
Arrest and Detention Records
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office handles arrest records for incidents within its jurisdiction. Current and recent detainees can be searched through the Adult Detention Center Detainee Inquiry portal by name, booking number, or booking date. The detention center can also be reached at (505) 566-4500, ext. 5618, for booking, charge, and bonding information.
San Juan County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in San Juan County are divided by monetary threshold and case type. The Eleventh Judicial District Court holds jurisdiction over civil matters exceeding $10,000, including contract disputes, personal injury claims, property disputes, foreclosures, and appeals from lower courts. The magistrate courts handle civil claims up to $10,000, landlord-tenant matters, and restraining orders.
Filing Fees
New Mexico district courts apply a uniform fee schedule set by statute (NMSA 1978, § 34-6-20). Based on schedules published by other districts in the Eleventh Judicial District’s circuit, typical fees include:
| Case Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil and probate cases (new and reopened) | $132.00 |
| Domestic cases (new and reopened) | $137.00 |
| Magistrate criminal appeal | $35.00 |
| Municipal appeal | $20.00 |
| Jury demand (6-person) | $150.00/day |
| Jury demand (12-person) | $300.00/day |
| Photocopies | $0.35/page |
| Certification | $1.50 each |
The Eleventh Judicial District publishes its fee schedule as a PDF on its website. The court does not accept personal checks.
Forms and Filing
The Eleventh Judicial District’s Forms & Files library provides downloadable forms organized by case type, including civil petitions, notices, subpoenas, and summons. Landlord-tenant forms, name change petitions, and restraining order packets are also available. Self-represented litigants can access the court’s self-help guide for procedural guidance and a directory of legal services and referral programs throughout New Mexico.
Searching Civil Case Records
Civil case records are searchable through the Case Lookup portal using a party name or case number. In-person requests should be directed to the district court clerk’s office at either the Aztec or Farmington courthouse.
San Juan County Family Court Records
The Eleventh Judicial District Court’s domestic relations docket covers dissolution of marriage, legal separation, child custody, child support, paternity, kinship guardianship, and domestic violence proceedings. The Farmington courthouse houses the Child Support Hearing Officer and the Domestic Violence Commissioner (Division 9). The court also operates a Safe Exchange/Safe Visitation (SESV) program and a mediation program for custody disputes, with fees assessed on a sliding scale.
Divorce Filings
A new domestic relations case carries a $137.00 filing fee. The Eleventh Judicial District provides divorce and family forms including petitions for dissolution with and without children, answers, motions, orders, and the current child support worksheet. Divorce records are maintained by the district court clerk — the San Juan County Clerk’s Office does not hold divorce records. To obtain copies of a divorce judgment, contact the Eleventh Judicial District Court clerk’s office or search through the Case Lookup portal.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses in San Juan County are issued and recorded by the County Clerk’s Office. Both applicants must appear in person with a current legal photo ID or birth certificate and proof of Social Security number. The license fee is $55.00 (cash or credit card; cash only after 5:00 p.m.). Marriage licenses are valid immediately and do not expire. Certified copies of a recorded marriage license cost $2.00 and can be requested by emailing clerks@sjcounty.net or calling (505) 334-9471.
San Juan County Clerk’s Office
Address: 100 South Oliver Drive, Suite 200, Aztec, NM 87410
Phone: (505) 334-9471
Fax: (505) 334-3635
Mailing: P.O. Box 550, Aztec, NM 87410
Birth and Death Records
Under Section 24-14-27 NMSA 1978, access to New Mexico birth and death records is restricted to individuals with a direct and tangible interest — including the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and officials involved in law enforcement or prosecution. Eligible individuals can obtain certified copies from local field offices of the New Mexico Department of Health – Bureau of Vital Records:
Office of Vital Records – Farmington
Address: 355 S. Miller, Farmington, NM 87401
Phone: (505) 327-4461
Fax: (505) 326-1762
Office of Vital Records – Bloomfield
Address: 903 West Broadway, Bloomfield, NM 87413
Phone: (505) 634-0229
Fax: (505) 634-0849
Confidentiality in Family Cases
Adoption records are sealed. Children’s court records involving abuse, neglect, and delinquency are not public. Domestic violence case files may contain restricted documents even though docket information appears in online search results. Personal identifiers are redacted from any records released for public inspection.
San Juan County Probate Court Records
The San Juan County Probate Court handles informal probate proceedings for the administration of decedents’ estates, including the appointment of personal representatives and distribution of assets. Contested or formal probate matters are transferred to the Eleventh Judicial District Court, which also adjudicates guardianships and conservatorships of adults and minors.
Filing with the Probate Court
The docket fee to file for informal probate is $30.00. The Probate Court provides downloadable packets:
Single-sided printing is preferred. Additional probate forms approved by the New Mexico Supreme Court are available at the Supreme Court Law Library.
Probate Court Location
San Juan County Probate Court
Address: 100 South Oliver Drive, Suite 200, Aztec, NM 87410
Phone: (505) 334-9471
Mailing: P.O. Box 550, Aztec, NM 87410
Formal Probate and Guardianship in District Court
Formal probate, guardianship, and conservatorship filings are made with the Eleventh Judicial District Court at a filing fee of $132.00 (the standard civil/probate rate). The court’s Forms & Files library includes forms used from the opening of an estate through final distribution, for both formal and informal proceedings. Adult guardianship and conservatorship forms approved by the Supreme Court are available in a separate section.
Searching Probate Records
Probate cases filed in the district court are searchable through the Case Lookup portal. For informal probate matters handled exclusively by the county probate court, contact the County Clerk’s office directly, as these records may not appear in the statewide Odyssey system. Self-represented litigants who need guidance on probate procedures can access free legal advice clinics offered through the Eleventh Judicial District.