If your name or personal information appears on FindLaw.com, you may feel alarmed knowing it’s easily accessible and highly visible on Google.
FindLaw, owned by Thomson Reuters, is a platform that hosts a vast database of court records, legal articles, and judgments. While it offers a removal process, successfully removing a record from FindLaw is rare and requires compelling justification.
Here’s what you need to know about removing your information on FindLaw and Google search results.
What Is FindLaw and Why Is My Information There?
FindLaw provides free access to legal information, including:
- Court judgments
- Public records
- Legal articles and case summaries
Your information may appear on FindLaw if it is part of a public record, such as a court ruling or legal proceeding.
While FindLaw balances public interest with individual harm when reviewing removal requests, they rarely remove cases unless there is significant evidence, such as proof the record is not public or a court order to seal it.
Can You Remove Your Name from FindLaw?
Yes, you can remove your information from FindLaw, but only under specific circumstances.
FindLaw requires that removal requests:
- Come directly from a named party, their attorney, or guardian (not third parties).
- Include evidence such as proof the case is not a public record or a court order.
Having your information on FindLaw can lead to:
- Privacy Risks: Public exposure of personal details like your name or legal history.
- Reputational Damage: Misrepresentation of your current circumstances.
- Professional Challenges: Negative information appearing in online searches, affecting background checks or employment prospects.
Content from FindLaw at https://www.findlaw.com/company/contact-us/case-removal-request.html
Case Removal Request
Use the form below to request removal of a case on FindLaw.com. You will receive a follow-up email from our team after they have reviewed your case. This usually takes 1-2 weeks.
Please note that we do not accept FindLaw.com case removal requests from third parties (including reputation management companies). You must be a named party, their attorney, or their guardian.
In determining whether to remove a case, we will balance the harm to the individual with the research value of the case. It is rare that we remove cases in the public record. If you have proof that the case is not a public record, or you have a court order to redact or seal the document, we will ask you to provide it in our follow-up.
How to Request Removal from FindLaw
1. Complete the Case Removal Request Form
Submit your request using FindLaw’s Case Removal Request Form. Provide:
- Your contact information and relationship to the case.
- The case name and URL.
- A detailed explanation of your removal request, including harm caused.
2. Include Supporting Documentation
Requests are more likely to succeed with evidence, such as:
- Proof the case is not public.
- A court order sealing or redacting the record.
3. Wait for Review
FindLaw reviews removal requests within 1–2 weeks. Approval is rare and depends on the balance of public interest and individual harm.
How to Handle a Rejected Removal Request
If FindLaw denies your request, consider alternative strategies to mitigate its impact.
1. Suppress the Record on Google
Push FindLaw results lower in Google search rankings by:
- Creating positive online content, such as professional profiles or personal websites.
- Publishing blogs, press releases, or other optimized content about your accomplishments.
2. Seek Professional Help
Reputation management services can help suppress and remove negative court record content and enhance your online presence.
Why FindLaw Is Difficult to Remove From
Compared to other platforms, FindLaw is slightly more accommodating but still challenging due to its commitment to public records. Third-party removal requests are prohibited, and even direct requests require strong evidence.
Erase.com’s content removal service and reputation management services are designed to help you showcase your strengths and position you as a reliable and trustworthy partner.
We’ve helped over 5,000 individuals and businesses manage their online reputation and removed over 1,300 harmful court records for our clients in 2024 alone.
Get started and take control of your online presence today.
Key Takeaways
Court Orders Are Crucial
A court order is often required for removal. Pursuing one can be time-consuming, costly, and may not always succeed.Risks of Public Attention
Attempts to litigate or draw attention to a record may inadvertently amplify its visibility.Suppression Is More Effective
For most people, focusing on suppression and proactive reputation management yields better results than pursuing removal.
FindLaw’s commitment to public access makes removal difficult, but suppression strategies can help mitigate the impact. Reputation management professionals can assist in burying unwanted records and rebuilding your online presence.
If you need help managing your FindLaw record or improving your online reputation, contact us today. Don’t let FindLaw define your search results—take charge of your digital footprint and build a stronger online presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Removing or redacting your name from FindLaw court records is possible but challenging. FindLaw reviews requests on a case-by-case basis and requires compelling evidence, such as proof that the record is not public or a court order to redact or seal it. Submit your request directly using FindLaw’s Case Removal Request Form. Approval is rare without strong justification.
If removal isn’t possible, suppression is the most effective approach. Our reputation management specialists offer customized solutions to push unwanted links lower in search results and enhance your online presence. Contact us for professional guidance and proactive strategies to safeguard your reputation.
While FindLaw does not work directly with third parties for record removal, Erase.com can connect you with experienced attorneys to draft and submit removal requests on your behalf. If removal isn’t possible, our team specializes in suppression strategies to push the record lower in search results and protect your online reputation. Contact us for tailored support.
