The Superior Court in Arizona is the trial court of gernal jurisdiction within the Arizona Court system. Unlike the Justice Courts or Small Claims Courts, the Superior Court handles a wide variety of issues and legal matters including civil, criminal, family, and probate matters on the county level.
For most people going to court means appearing in Superior Court. In the Superior Court civil claims do not have caps on the amount in controversy, both felony and misdemeanor criminal cases are heard, divorces and custody petitions are handled, and the processing of a deceased's estate is approved.
There are many reasons a person may be required to either appear in Superior Court or file a complaint in the court. Filing and responding to actions cost slightly more than those which are filed in the lower courts.
Civil Claims
Just about any civil claim can be brought in Superior Court. Most cases involve negligence, personal injury, contract or business disputes, or medical malpractice. These cases can often be very expensive and the aid of an attorney is highly recommended.
A civil claim should be brought in Superior Court if the total amount recoverable is over the $10,000 jurisdictional limits of Justice Court. However, note that if your claim is for less than $50,000 the judge will require the parties to arbitrate the matter.
There are many rules that must be followed and deadlines that must be obeyed to avoid having your case dismissed. Familiarize yourself with pleadings, motions, disclosure, discovery, and evidence if you plan to handle your claim on your own. Most court houses can provide access to a legal library and can at least get you pointed in the right direction.
Criminal Cases
Felony and misdemeanor cases are heard by the Superior Court judges. These cases include everything from shop lifting to murder. Complaints for criminal cases are filed by a prosecutor for the State such as someone from the attorney general's office, a county prosecutor, or a city prosecutor.
Family Court
Orders granting a Dissolution of Marriage or a divorce or an order of protection are issued through the Family Court judge. The court also has the authority to enforce or modify the Dissolution of Marriage and any custody arrangements.
The Family Court often has additional counseling services available such as conciliation services and resolution conferences for those interested in avoiding the court room.
Probate & Mental Health Court
Most probate cases are capable of being resolved with the formalities of a judge or commissioner. Probate refers to the validating of a will for the distribution of a decedent's estate. Only when there is a conflict or controversy as to the intent or validity of a will is there need to involve judicial officer.
The court can require a person to undergo a mental evaluation and even have the individual committed to a mental health facility. To do this the court must find by clear and convincing evidence that the individual is suffering from a mental disorder or meets other criteria as established by the court.
For complete information including locations and FAZ on your county Superior Court, click on the link for your jurisdiction below:
