How to Obtain Foreclosure Documents

You can view documents relating to a foreclosure action because foreclosures are public record. All involved parties file several documents during the legal proceedings, such as the lender's complaint, the borrower's answer and a signed court order allowing a public auction of the property. Foreclosure documents are useful for various reasons, including real estate investor research and a legal challenge to the action. The courthouse responsible for foreclosures in the property's county has the foreclosure documents on file.

Contact the county department of real property services or assessment if you don't know the foreclosed owner's name. Give the clerk the property address and ask for the name of the owner at the time of the foreclosure. Write the name down.

Check the official state judicial website for a listing of county court systems. Locate the county court that handles foreclosures; the courts differ by state.

Visit the county court clerk's office. Give the clerk the owner's name and ask for the foreclosure case records for the property. You can typically review the file on-site free of charge but might have to pay for any copies; fees vary by county court.

Tips

  • Check the official website of the county court. The court might have foreclosure documents available for public viewing online, but some court systems charge a fee for online access.