If your name is tied to a court case and it shows up online, you might feel stuck. It can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to move on. But can you actually remove your name from legal documents online?
Yes, sometimes you can. But it depends on what kind of document it is, where it’s posted, and whether the law allows changes.
Dig Deeper: How to Remove Court Records from Google Search
Why Your Name Shows Up Online
Public Record by Default
Most legal documents are public. That includes court filings, judgments, and other records. Your name is usually included.
Courts post these records online as part of public access. Some states even have searchable online portals. Background check sites, court databases, and even news outlets pick them up.
Third-Party Sites Copy Everything
Sites like UniCourt, CourtListener, and Justia pull court records from public databases. Once your name is there, it can show up in search results.
One guy told us, “I had a dismissed case from five years ago. Still shows up every time I Google myself. I had no idea so many sites were posting this stuff.”
What You Can’t Do
You Can’t Erase Court History (in Most Cases)
You can’t just ask the court to delete your name from official filings. Courts are legally required to keep accurate records. They don’t change names or hide documents unless there’s a strong legal reason.
You also can’t force a news site to remove a name unless what they posted is false or harmful in a legally recognized way.
What You Can Do
1. Ask the Court to Seal the Case
If the case is minor, old, or resolved in your favor, you may be able to ask for it to be sealed. When a record is sealed:
- It’s no longer visible to the public
- Background checks can’t show it
- Search engines eventually drop it
Each state has its own rules. Some allow sealing for dismissed charges, juvenile cases, or certain misdemeanors. Felonies are usually harder.
2. Get the Record Expunged
Expungement is stronger than sealing. It removes the record from the system like it never happened.
Expungement laws vary widely. Some states allow it for first-time offenses. Others only offer sealing.
If you qualify, it’s worth pursuing. It’s one of the best ways to remove your name from legal documents online.
3. Use Google’s Removal Tools
If the legal document includes sensitive personal info (like your Social Security number, address, or bank info), Google may remove it.
Google has a form for removing personally identifiable information. But they won’t remove the whole legal document just because your name is in it.
4. Contact the Hosting Website
If a third-party site hosts the legal document, reach out directly.
Ask if they can remove or redact your name. Be polite. Share proof if the case was dismissed, sealed, or expunged.
Some sites will cooperate. Others won’t. It helps to show how the listing causes harm, like job loss or harassment.
You can also request a content takedown if the post violates their terms or contains incorrect info.
5. Push It Down with Positive SEO
If you can’t remove your name, you can bury the bad stuff.
Start by creating:
- A LinkedIn profile with your real name
- A personal website or blog
- Business listings or press releases
The goal is to outrank the court pages. Reputation services like Top Shelf Reputation specialize in this.
One client told us, “I gave up trying to get my name off the site. Instead, I launched a new brand and worked with a service to bury the court page. After two months, it was off the first page of Google.”
Special Cases
Business Lawsuits
If your name is on a lawsuit as part of a company, it may be harder to remove. Courts treat business disputes like public matters.
However, if the case has been resolved, you can file a motion to seal with consent from both parties.
Divorce and Family Court
These are usually private, but not always. In some states, child custody and divorce records are public.
You can ask for the record to be sealed to protect privacy, especially for minors.
Victims or Witnesses
In some cases, victims or witnesses can ask for their names to be redacted or replaced with initials.
Talk to your lawyer or the court clerk to see if you qualify.
Numbers That Matter
According to a 2023 study by the Legal Services Corporation:
- 78% of people with past court records say it has hurt job or housing opportunities
- 41 states have some form of sealing or expungement process
- Less than 10% of eligible people actually file to have their records cleared
The system is there, but most people don’t know how to use it.
Final Tips
- Check your name in quotes on Google: “First Last”
- Save PDFs or screenshots of anything inaccurate or harmful
- Track what websites are sharing your info
- Keep copies of any court orders related to sealing or expungement
Final Thoughts
You may not be able to erase your name from all legal documents online, but you can limit the damage.
Start with sealing or expungement if you qualify. Then go after third-party sites. Use tools like Google’s removal request form. And build up your positive presence online.
Reputation management is not one and done. It’s an ongoing process.
If you’re overwhelmed, a reputation management service like Top Shelf Reputation can help clean up your name and take control of the search results.