Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County Sealing & Redaction Procedures

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Requests to file a pleading or document under seal must comply with Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure 5.4, including subsections (d) and (e).

All requests to file a pleading or document under seal must comply with Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure 5.4, including, but not limited to Subsections (d-e).

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

The request to file documents under seal must be lodged in paper form under Rule 5.4(e)(2).

The Division requires compliance with 5.4(e)(2) regarding the lodging the request to file documents under seal being provided in paper form so the Court may properly consider the request.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Sealed filings are discouraged and require a significant reason to shield records from public view.

Filings under seal are discouraged. There must be a significant reason to shield records from public view and to create administrative hardships for court access via such designation.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Sealed filings are discouraged, and the Court will seal a file only as a last resort.

Filings under seal are discouraged, simply because it makes file access difficult for the Court, and the parties. This Court will place a file under seal as a last resort.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

When seeking to file a document under seal pursuant to A.R.Civ.P. 5.4, the filing party must: (i) e-file a motion to file the document under seal; (ii) submit a proposed form of Order sealing the document in Word format through the eFile system; and (iii) lodge the document to be sealed at the Clerk's filing counter. The proposed Order sealing the document must specifically identify the document by title and date of lodging and contain the findings required by A.R.Civ.P. 5.4. The filing party also must simultaneously email an electronic copy of the document proposed to be sealed to the Division's staff. If the Court grants the motion to seal, the Clerk's Office will file the lodged document under seal.

Summary: To seek sealing under Rule 5.4, e-file a sealing motion, submit a proposed sealing order in Word format, lodge the document with the Clerk, and simultaneously email its electronic copy to Division staff; the order must identify the document and include required findings.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

I avoid placing an entire file under seal. However, I typically will file documents that pertain to sensitive matters as confidential documents, which allows the parties, their counsel, and court staff to have access to the documents while protecting them from disclosure to the general public.

Summary: The judge avoids sealing entire files and typically files documents concerning sensitive matters as confidential, allowing case participants and court staff access while shielding them from public disclosure.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

If e-filing anything under seal, or information requiring in-camera inspection, a copy should be delivered to my Division or it may not be accessible.

Summary: When e-filing material under seal or requiring in-camera inspection, deliver a copy to the Division so it is accessible.