This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/4g.2ADE/1756.1 Message Board Post: I've not done much courthouse research yet, but usually "public" means they have to give you information you ask for. It doesn't mean they can't charge you or that they will let you look up the information yourself. And as with most things, either the user pays directly for the service or everyone pays indirectly (applies to taxes and fees, insurance, etc.). Sorry.