How to Make Extra Cash as a Courthouse Researcher

Are you the type of person who loves to investigate and dig up information? Do you love research and have a good eye for details? If you are, then becoming a courthouse researcher might be perfect for you.

If you’ve been looking for a flexible way to make some extra cash then working part-time as a courthouse researcher could be just what you’re looking for. This gig is great if you want to set your own hours but still work Monday through Friday.

Even though these jobs are remote or home-based, they do require frequent trips to your local courthouse or surrounding courthouses to gather the information.

In this article, I’ll tell you how to become a courthouse researcher, what types of companies hire them, and other information about this side gig.

What is a Courthouse Researcher?

A courthouse researcher’s job involves looking up and reporting on all kinds of legal records for business clients. Typically, these businesses are law firms, home mortgage companies, marketing firms, or background information companies.

The job is usually contracted out, so most court researchers are independent contractors and do not work directly for any court or business client.

Even though many courthouses have their information stored digitally, not all use the electronic method for keeping records. Some small courthouses still have their records recorded in books and require physical retrieval. 

When the researcher has gathered all of the information in the records, they enter it into the business client’s database or spreadsheet. After the business client has reviewed the information submitted for accuracy, the researcher is paid.

Skills Needed

To work as a courthouse researcher, you should have a high school diploma or equivalent. You will need to have excellent writing, spelling, and grammar, outstanding attention to detail, excellent time management skills, the ability to research, and a typing speed of at least 35 words per minute.

How Much Does a Courthouse Researcher Make?

Researchers typically make between $15 and $20 per hour, depending on the company and complexity of the assignments.

What Equipment Will You Need?

To work as a researcher, you don’t need a lot of fancy equipment, but you will need a laptop to work on. As mentioned above, depending on the client, you will need to submit your research in either a database or a spreadsheet. If it requires a spreadsheet, you will need to have either MS Office or Google Suite.

Since researching requires visiting your local courthouses, you will also need to have reliable transportation.   

Are the Court Records Confidential?

Generally, no. The court records that researchers are assigned to research are public records. This means they are available for anyone to view, providing they know how to look for them. 

The public has the right to know the fiscal information of a property owner because they are assessed and taxed. Likewise, the public has a right to know the court history of a person who has been charged with a crime. 

 

Where to Find Courthouse Research Jobs

1) Deed Collector

DeedCollector is a company that collects information about property transactions, including mortgages and home equity.

Their researchers typically make between $12 and $18 per hour or more for more experienced researchers.

2) Advanced Background Check

Ohio-based company Advanced Background Check provides background checks as well as court and public records retrieval via its network of over 2,000 researchers. 

To become a researcher, you must have three years of experience in this field and be insured. To be considered, click on the link and fill out the application.

3) Morse Genealogical Services

Morse Genealogical Services is a company that hires remote researchers to search through probate and death record information. They offer full-time and part-time employment and allow you to choose your own hours. In order to be considered, you will need to complete the application form and wait for a call.

4) CORE Members Network

The CORE (Council on Research and Evaluation) Network is a network of court researchers that are mostly hired by realtors, investors, and debt and tax relief firms. 

They’re always looking for people to research public court records. Beginners are welcome; they provide free resources and training. To be considered, you’ll need to type at least 45 WPM and be a United States citizen.

5) Omni Data Retrieval

Omni Data Retrieval is a public record retrieval business serving clients worldwide. They specialize in delivering criminal history data from court records and repositories to background screening companies both domestically and internationally. 

To be considered for this company, you will need to email your resume and wait to be contacted.

6) JBS Court Research Services

JBS Court Research Services offers the gathering of court and public records for lead generation. They provide leads for financial institutions looking to lend money to new borrowers. 

If you’re interested in working with JBS, just complete their application form and wait to hear back.

7) First National Acceptance Company 

First National Acceptance Company is a small loan acquisitions company in East Lansing, Michigan, and a subsidiary of First National Bank of America. 

They hire part-time researchers whose pay is up to $12 per hour.

8) IT-Boss Research

IT-Boss Research is a small home-based company that helps businesses gather public information. 

They’ve been in business since 1991 and hire independent contractors to work as researchers. If you’re interested in working for them, complete the online registration, and they will contact you if you’re a fit.

9) Convergence Research

Cincinnati-based Convergence Research is an experienced market research firm. They’ve been in business since 2007 and provide pre-employment background screening for companies that hire new employees. 

If you’re interested in doing research for them, send a resume and inquiry to info@convergerresearch.com.

Final Thoughts

One thing to keep in mind is the amount of work you’ll obtain will be determined by where you live. Residents of larger, more populous areas will get more work than those living in more rural places with fewer people. 

Also, you can register with more than one company at a time. This will increase your chances of making more money.

More Courthouse Research Jobs

Courthouse research jobs are also available on the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) platform. This organization helps independent researchers find work, and companies post jobs to find researchers. Researchers in this database are independent contractors and are not employed by NARA.