Case Search: Fast Court Case Lookup by Name, Number & Date

Case Search offers a straightforward entry point for anyone needing to locate court case records using known details such as a party name, docket number, or filing date. By entering the exact case number, the search engine narrows the result set to the precise case record, eliminating confusion caused by identical names. When only a name is available, the system applies a case search by name filter, then lets users add a division, case type, or status to refine the list. Users can also select a date range to target recent filings or historical entries, making it simple to find recently filed court cases or archived records. The platform draws from the official case database, ensuring each record reflects the current case information stored by the court. Advanced filters such as attorney name or court division help narrow court case search results, while a status filter separates active, closed, or sealed cases. This layered approach satisfies common queries like how to search for a court case, how to search a court case by name, and how to search a case by case number.

Case Search further expands capability by supporting searches that target specific attributes such as attorney name, filing date, or case type. To perform a case search by attorney, users input the lawyer’s full name and may combine it with a court or division filter to isolate relevant proceedings. A case search by filing date lets investigators pinpoint the exact month or year a complaint entered the docket, while a case search by date range captures all activity within a chosen interval, useful for tracking how often court case records are updated. When the goal is to locate a particular status, the case search by status feature separates pending matters from dismissed or sealed entries. The interface also answers common questions like why cant i find a court case, by prompting verification of jurisdiction and spelling variations. For broader inquiries, the system enables a search court cases online function that returns public case records across several divisions, and it offers tools to how to narrow court case search results through incremental filter addition. Whether seeking a civil case search, criminal case search, or family case search, the platform delivers reliable case information search without extra steps.

How to Search Court Cases

Looking up a court case in Manatee County starts with the official records portal maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. The case search tool draws from live court databases and returns public case records for civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and traffic matters. Official criminal guide details and verified records are maintained through local county databases. You can enter a full case number for an exact match or type a party name to scan every matching record. Filters for filing date, attorney, court division, and case type sit directly on the search screen so you can narrow court case search results without leaving the page.

The interface follows a layered structure where each new filter trims the result set in real time. If you have a docket number, the system shows one record. If you only have a last name, the system returns every party match from the case database and lets you pick the right one. This setup answers questions like how to search for a court case, how to search a court case by name, and how to search a case by case number through a single workflow.

Official Search Portal: https://records.manateeclerk.com/

Steps to Search

1. Open the records portal at the link above and locate the case search section on the homepage.
2. Choose your starting field: case number, party name, attorney name, filing date, court division, case type, or case status.
3. Enter the exact value you have, then select any extra filter you wish to apply (date range, case type, court).
4. Press the search button to view the matching cases returned by the court case database.
5. Click a case title from the results list to open the detailed case record screen, where you can view the docket, filing date, judge, and party details.

Search by Case Number

Entering the full case number into the case number field produces the fastest lookup because the system ties each docket to one unique record. The Manatee County case number format combines a year code, a court division letter, and a sequential identifier, and the search engine matches all three parts before displaying the result. A case search by case number removes the need to scroll through similar names, which makes it the right choice when you already hold the docket number from a summons, subpoena, or prior court order. If the field shows no results, double-check the number for missing letters or transposed digits.

Search by Party Name

A case search by name uses the party name field to scan every record where the person appears as a plaintiff, defendant, petitioner, respondent, or other named party. You can type a first and last name, a last name only, or a business name to widen or tighten the search. The portal returns a list of matching cases with the case title, case number, and filing date so you can pick the correct entry. When two records share the same name, the system shows the role of each party beside the name to help you tell them apart.

Search by Attorney Name

A case search by attorney lets you pull every matter handled by a specific lawyer or law firm registered with the court. Enter the attorney’s full name or bar number, then narrow the results by court division or case type if needed. This search helps you follow the caseload of a single attorney, check for conflicts of interest, or pull every hearing connected to a particular firm. Results show the attorney’s role, the case number, and the filing date, which you can use to confirm you have the right matter before opening the docket.

Search by Filing Date

A case search by filing date asks you to enter the exact date a complaint, petition, or other initiating document entered the docket. The portal checks this date against the court database and shows every case filed on that specific day. You can pair the filing date with a party name or case type to reduce the list further. This filter works well when you remember the day you filed paperwork but lost the case number, or when a researcher needs to confirm the filing sequence of a multi-party lawsuit.

Search by Court or Division

The court or division filter isolates cases tied to a specific branch of the Manatee County court system, such as the civil division, criminal division, or family division. Select the division from the dropdown menu before pressing search, then add a party name or date range to refine the list. This view answers questions about which cases a judge currently handles, which dockets belong to a specific courthouse, or how the court divides caseloads. It also helps when you need to know whether a matter sits at the trial level or has moved to an appellate calendar.

Search by Case Type

A case search by case type limits the result set to a single category of legal action, such as civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, misdemeanor, felony, or traffic. Pick the category that matches the matter you need, then add a name or date filter for tighter results. This approach works best when you want to see every case of one type in a given period, like every felony filed last quarter or every probate matter tied to one estate. The case type field also supports code-based searches for users familiar with the court’s internal classification system.

Search by Case Status

A case search by status pulls every record that matches a particular lifecycle stage, such as open, closed, pending, dismissed, or sealed. Pick the status from the dropdown list to see only those cases, then layer on a date range or party name to trim the list. This filter helps creditors check whether a judgment remains open, attorneys confirm a case closed before a settlement payment, and researchers measure active caseloads. Sealed and expunged records do not appear in public case search results and require an in-person request at the clerk’s office.

Case Search Results

Once you press the search button, the portal returns a results page listing every matching case from the case database. Each row shows the case number, case title, party name, attorney, court division, filing date, case type, and current status. The interface updates as you add or remove filters, so you can adjust your search on the same screen without starting over. Records are sorted by the most recent filing date by default, but you can change the sort to match the way you prefer to scan the list.

Case Number and Case Title

The case number and case title sit at the top of every result row so you can spot the right record without opening the docket. The case number is the unique identifier assigned at filing, while the case title lists the names of the parties in the order set by court rule. Together, these two fields give you a clear snapshot of who is involved and how the court tracks the matter. If the title uses initials or abbreviations, you can open the detailed view to see the full legal names.

Party Names and Roles

The party names and roles column lists every individual or business named in the case along with their role, such as plaintiff, defendant, petitioner, respondent, or third party. When you search by name, this column helps you verify that the person on the docket is the same person you are looking for. Each role appears next to the name in plain text so you can tell at a glance whether the party initiated the action or responded to it. If a case has many parties, the summary view shows the first few and lists the rest on the detailed screen.

Attorney Details

Attorney details appear as a separate column in the search results when the court has the lawyer’s name on file. You will see the attorney’s full name, bar number, and the firm or office representing the party. This column is helpful for confirming that you have the correct case before you open the docket, especially when the same party uses different counsel at different stages of the matter. If the attorney field reads “Pro Se” or “Self-Represented,” the party is handling the matter without a lawyer.

Court and Judge

The court and judge column shows the division where the case sits and the name of the assigned judge at the time of search. Judge assignments can change over the life of a case, so the system reflects the current sitting judge in the result row. Clicking the case title opens the full docket, where you can view the assignment history and the names of past judges. This column is useful for tracking which courtroom you need to visit for a hearing or which judge signed a particular order.

Filing Date

The filing date column records the day the initiating document entered the docket, which sets the start of the case timeline. You can sort results by filing date in ascending or descending order, and you can pair this field with a date range filter to capture a window of activity. Researchers and reporters often use the filing date to chart the pace of new filings over time. The column also drives the “recently filed” sort, which puts the freshest records at the top of the list.

Case Type

The case type column tags every record with the legal category that fits the matter, such as civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, misdemeanor, felony, or traffic. This tag tells you which courtroom and which set of rules apply, and it lets you filter the case database to a single category without searching by name. Cases can change type as they move through the system, so the field always reflects the most recent designation on the docket.

Case Status

The case status column shows where the matter sits in the court process. Common values include open, pending, closed, dismissed, and sealed. The status updates as the court enters new orders, so a case that was open yesterday may show as closed today if a judge signed a final order. Sealed and expunged records are removed from the public case search view, which is why a case you saw last month may no longer appear.

Case Search by Case Type

Manatee County divides court work into several case types, and each type has its own docket, judge rotation, and filing rules. The case search portal sorts every record by type so you can target a single category with one click. The categories below cover every public case type you can pull from the online system. Picking the right type first saves time because the search engine skips records from other divisions.

• Civil Case Search handles disputes between private parties, businesses, and government entities over money, contracts, property, and personal injury.
• Criminal Case Search covers state-level prosecutions for offenses charged by the State Attorney’s Office.
• Family Case Search focuses on domestic matters such as divorce, child custody, child support, and adoption.
• Probate Case Search deals with wills, estates, guardianships, and trusts that move through the probate court.

Civil Case Search

A civil case search returns disputes between private parties, businesses, and government entities where one side asks for money, property, or an order from the court. The civil division hears contract claims, personal injury suits, mortgage foreclosures, and landlord-tenant matters, among others. Each civil record shows the plaintiff and defendant names, the cause of action, and the damages sought. You can search by party name to find a pending claim against you, or by filing date to track how the court’s civil caseload changes from year to year.

Criminal Case Search

A criminal case search returns every record where the State Attorney’s Office has filed charges against a defendant. The criminal division divides cases by severity into felony, misdemeanor, and traffic infractions, but the umbrella search pulls every record at once. Each criminal record shows the defendant name, the charging statute, the arresting agency, and the current plea or verdict status. The portal hides sealed and expunged records from the public view, which is why some older cases do not appear.

Family Case Search

A family case search covers domestic relations matters such as divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence injunctions. The family division uses a separate docket and assigns each case to a specific judge who handles the matter from filing to final order. Records show the names of the petitioner and respondent, the relief sought, and the date of the next hearing. Adoption and certain juvenile dependency records are sealed by Florida law and do not show in the public search.

Probate Case Search

A probate case search returns every record tied to the estate of a deceased person, an incapacitated adult, or a minor in need of a guardian. The probate division handles wills, trusts, intestate estates, and guardianship petitions. Each probate record lists the decedent or ward, the personal representative or guardian, and the assets listed in the petition. You can search by decedent name to find a will or by representative name to track the court-appointed fiduciary for an estate.

Juvenile Case Search

A juvenile case search returns delinquency and dependency matters filed against minors in Manatee County. Florida law restricts public access to juvenile records, so the search results show only a limited summary and may require an in-person request at the clerk’s office for full details. Each juvenile record lists the minor’s initials, the offense or dependency allegation, and the next court date. The portal does not display juvenile arrest records that have been sealed or expunged under Florida Statute.

Misdemeanor Case Search

A misdemeanor case search returns criminal charges punishable by up to one year in county jail and fines, such as simple assault, petty theft, and first-time driving under the influence. The county criminal division handles these cases, and each record shows the defendant, the statute violated, and the plea or verdict entered. You can search by defendant name to check for an open warrant or by filing date to count new charges filed in a given month.

Felony Case Search

A felony case search returns serious criminal charges punishable by more than one year in state prison, such as aggravated assault, burglary, and drug trafficking. The circuit criminal division hears felony cases, and each record shows the defendant, the felony degree, the statute cited, and the current status of plea negotiations or trial dates. You can search by defendant name to confirm an outstanding charge or by attorney name to follow a lawyer’s felony caseload.

Traffic Case Search

A traffic case search returns citations issued by local law enforcement for moving violations, non-criminal infractions, and certain DUI misdemeanors. The traffic division handles these matters, and each record shows the driver, the citation number, the violation code, and the fine or school ordered. You can search by citation number when you have the paper ticket or by driver name and date range to check your driving record.

Case Search by Person

A case search by person lets you look up every court matter tied to a specific individual or business. You can search for plaintiffs, defendants, petitioners, respondents, attorneys, and other named parties using the same field. The portal returns a list of every record where the person appears, sorted by the most recent filing date. Each row shows the case number, the role the person played, and the court division where the case sits.

Search by Plaintiff or Defendant

Enter the plaintiff or defendant name in the party name field to pull every case where that person appears as either side of the dispute. The role tag beside the name tells you whether the person filed the action or responded to it. This search works well for background checks, debt collection, and pre-litigation research. If the same name appears on multiple cases, the results page lists them in reverse chronological order so you can see the freshest matter first.

Search by Petitioner or Respondent

Petitioner and respondent are the labels used in family, probate, and certain civil matters where one side initiates the action by filing a petition. Entering one of these labels in the role filter narrows the search to cases where your target holds that specific position. This filter helps you confirm a party role before serving legal papers or filing a responsive pleading. The portal also lets you combine a name with a date range to see only petitions filed in a given window.

Search by Attorney

The attorney search field accepts a lawyer’s full name or bar number and returns every case where that attorney has entered an appearance. You can add a court division filter to see only cases the lawyer has filed in that branch, or a date range to limit the search to recent matters. This search supports due diligence on opposing counsel, conflict checks at a law firm, and tracking of an attorney’s caseload over time.

Search by Party Name

The party name field is the broadest lookup option because it scans every role on the docket without distinguishing plaintiff from defendant or petitioner from respondent. Enter a first and last name, a last name only, or a business name to start the scan. The system returns every case that lists the name on its cover sheet, sorted by filing date. From the results list, you can click each row to see which role the party played in that specific matter.

Case Search by Date

Date-based case search helps you locate records when you remember when a case was filed but not the docket number or party name. The portal accepts a single filing date, a date range, or a preset window such as the last 30, 60, or 90 days. You can combine a date filter with a party name, attorney name, or case type to tighten the results. Date-driven searches are a common method for tracking filing trends, locating recent lawsuits, and verifying that older records remain available in the archive.

Search by Filing Date

The search by filing date field accepts a single calendar day and returns every case entered on that date. This filter helps when a reporter needs to know what was filed on a specific news day or when a paralegal wants to confirm the exact filing date of a complaint. You can layer on a party name or attorney to see only one party’s filings on that day. The field accepts the standard MM/DD/YYYY format that the clerk’s office uses across all case types.

Search by Date Range

The search by date range field accepts a start date and an end date and returns every case filed between the two markers. This window approach works well for monthly, quarterly, or yearly reviews of court activity, such as counting new felony charges in a quarter or counting new civil suits in a year. The portal accepts ranges from a single day to several decades, which means you can use the same field to find both recent and historical court cases. For very wide ranges, sort the results by filing date to keep the list readable.

Recently Filed Cases

The recently filed cases sort puts the freshest records at the top of the results page. The portal defines “recently filed” as any case entered into the docket within the past 30 days, though you can change the window through the date range filter. This sort is helpful for attorneys who want to spot new filings against an existing client, for journalists tracking the court’s docket, and for members of the public who want to follow active matters in their neighborhood.

Historical Case Searches

Historical case searches pull records filed years or decades ago, subject to the clerk’s archive retention schedule. Older paper records have been digitized and added to the online database where possible, while very old records may require an in-person visit to the clerk’s office. The portal marks archived records with a status flag and may show fewer details than a current case. You can search by party name, case number, or date range to find these older matters, and the portal will let you know when an in-person request is the next step.

Case Search Results and Filtering

After you run a search, the results page gives you several tools to review the list, narrow the matches, and pick the right case. Each tool works on the current result set, so adding a new filter trims the list without reloading the entire search. The sections below explain how to use these tools so you can find a specific case quickly.

Reviewing Matching Cases

The matching cases list shows every record that meets your current filter set, sorted by the most recent filing date by default. Each row shows the case number, case title, party names, attorney, court division, filing date, case type, and status, so you can scan the list without opening each docket. Click the case number or case title to open the detailed view for any row. If a row does not match the matter you need, leave it on the list and add another filter to drop it.

Filtering Search Results

Search filters sit above the results list and let you add a court division, case type, case status, or date range to the current query. Each new filter limits the results without erasing the original search, so you can stack several filters to reach the exact record you need. The portal saves your active filters at the top of the page so you can remove one at a time if the list gets too small. Reset the entire filter stack at any point to return to the broadest match.

• Filter by court division to see only civil, criminal, family, or probate records.
• Filter by case type to isolate felony, misdemeanor, traffic, or juvenile matters.
• Filter by status to see only open, closed, or dismissed cases.
• Filter by date range to capture a specific filing window.

Sorting Case Results

The case results page sorts by filing date by default, but you can switch to sort by case number, case title, party name, or status. Click the column header to toggle ascending and descending order. Sorting by case number gives you a stable order for audit trails, while sorting by status helps you group open and closed matters at a glance. The sort choice stays active until you change it, so subsequent searches in the same session keep the same order.

Identifying the Correct Case

When two cases share a name or a number pattern, use the combination of party name, filing date, court division, and case type to tell them apart. Each row carries all of these data points, so a quick side-by-side comparison usually picks out the right match. If you still have doubt, click the case title to open the docket and review the full case record, including the assigned judge, the cause of action, and the next hearing date. The docket view also shows the case history, which can confirm whether the matter is the one you intended.

Opening Detailed Case Records

Click a case title or case number to open the detailed case record screen. This screen lists the full caption, the filing date, the assigned judge, the case type, the status, the party names with roles, the attorney for each side, and the docket entries to date. From here, you can also jump to related court records such as court filings, court documents, and the case history. This is the deepest view the public case search tool offers, and it forms the basis for any follow-up research or hearing preparation.

Case Search Problems

Even with a strong case search tool, you can hit a wall when records are sealed, recently filed, or simply missing from the public view. The most common problems are a case not found, too many results, or a status that does not match your expectation. The sections below explain each problem and give you the next step to take through the clerk’s office.

Case Not Found

A case not found result means the search did not return any matching record in the public database. The most common reasons are a typo in the name or case number, a record sealed under Florida law, or a matter that sits in a different jurisdiction. Double-check the spelling of the name, confirm the case number against the original paperwork, and verify that the matter was filed in Manatee County. If the case still does not appear, contact the clerk’s office by phone or email to confirm whether the record is sealed or archived.

Too Many Search Results

Too many search results usually happens when you search with a common name or no date filter. Add a first name or middle initial, narrow the date range, pick a specific court division, and pick a specific case type to shrink the list. Sorting by filing date puts the freshest entries at the top so you can scan them first. If the list still feels too long, try the case number field because it returns exactly one record when the number is correct.

Incorrect Search Details

Incorrect search details happen when the value you entered does not match what the court has on file. A name with a hyphen or accent, a business name that has changed since filing, or a case number with a missing letter can all produce no results. Verify the spelling against the original court paperwork, and try a phonetic match if the portal supports it. For business names, search the formal legal entity name rather than the trade name to avoid confusion.

Recently Filed Cases

Recently filed cases may take a short time to appear in the online case search results because the clerk’s office enters the records into the public database after the initial filing is processed. If you filed a case yesterday and do not see it today, wait one business day and search again. The portal also has a “recently filed” sort that surfaces the freshest records at the top of the list. If the case still does not appear after two business days, contact the clerk’s service desk for confirmation.

Incomplete Case Records

Incomplete case records appear when a record is still being entered into the system or when certain fields are sealed under Florida law. Some entries show only the case number, case type, and filing date, with the party names and attorney hidden until the record is fully processed. If you need the full record, contact the clerk’s office in person or by phone to ask about the status. Sealed records cannot be released without a court order, even by phone or email.

Sealed or Restricted Cases

Sealed or restricted cases are removed from the public case search view under Florida law. Examples include juvenile dependency records, adoption proceedings, certain domestic violence injunctions, and cases under a valid court-ordered seal. The portal shows only the case number and the word “Sealed” for these records, with no party names, attorney, or docket entries. To view a sealed record, you must file a written request with the clerk’s office and obtain a court order from the judge who sealed the matter.

Delayed Record Updates

Delayed record updates happen when the clerk’s office is processing a large volume of new filings or when a record has been transferred between departments. Updates typically appear in the case search within one business day, though complex matters may take longer. If you find a record that is missing a recent order, check back the next business day or contact the clerk’s office. The clerk’s office does its best to keep the public case search current with the official docket.

Case Search and Related Court Records

The case search tool is one of several resources the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller offers for looking up court business. Each resource covers a different slice of the docket, and knowing which one to use saves time. The sections below compare case search with the other court lookup tools so you can pick the right one for your question.

Case Search vs. Case Lookup

Case search is the broader tool because it scans the full case database with several filter combinations at once. Case lookup is a single-record tool that opens a specific docket by its case number and shows the same detail page. Use case search when you need to find a case and use case lookup when you already hold the case number and want the docket fast. Both views display the same case record once you open a docket.

Case Search vs. Case Records

Case search is the entry point that helps you find a record, while case records is the output you see after you click a result. The record view lists the full caption, parties, attorney, judge, filing date, case type, status, and docket entries. Search returns the list of matching cases; records returns the detail of one case. If you have a docket number, you can jump straight to the record view and skip the search results page.

Case Search vs. Court Calendar

Court calendar lists upcoming hearings, trials, and motion deadlines scheduled in each division. Case search lists the records themselves. To find a hearing date, open the calendar view and pick the date, judge, or division you want to review. To find the underlying case, switch to case search and pull the docket by name or case number. The two views share the same data, but the calendar view organizes it by date instead of by case.

Case Search vs. Court Docket

Court docket refers to the chronological log of filings, motions, orders, and judgments entered on a single case. Case search is the tool that finds the case so you can view the docket. Once you click a case title, the docket becomes part of the case record page. Search is the lookup step; the docket is the record of activity that the lookup reveals.

Case Search vs. Court Records

Court records is the broad term for the official documents the clerk’s office keeps on file, including judgments, deeds, liens, marriage licenses, and many other public instruments. Case search is one slice of court records that focuses on case dockets. To pull a certified copy of a judgment or other document, you use the records request page rather than the case search tool. The case search result confirms the existence of the record and gives you the case number you need for the certified copy request.

Contact the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller

For help with case search, certified copies, or any record request, contact the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller through the channels below. Official civil court information details and verified records are maintained through local county databases. Office hours run from Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and the service desk answers phone and email requests during those hours.

• Phone: (941) 749-1800
• Email: servicedesk@manateeclerk.com
• Location: 1115 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34205
• Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
• Official Website: https://www.manateeclerk.com
• Direct Records Portal: https://records.manateeclerk.com/

Frequently Asked Questions

Manatee County’s online case search lets anyone view public court records for civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile and traffic matters. The portal pulls data directly from the clerk’s live database, so results are current. Users can type a full case number for an exact hit, or enter a party’s name to see every matching filing. Filters let you narrow by filing date, attorney, court division, or case type. The service works 24/7 from any device with a modern browser. Knowing how to use these fields saves time and helps you locate the right record without a phone call.

How can I use the Manatee County case search tool to find a case by name?

Start at the official records portal. In the search box, select the option for party name. Type the full or partial name of the person or business you are looking for. Click the search button. The system returns a list of cases that contain that name in any party field. Review the list and click any case number to open the detail view. From there you can see the filing date, case type, and current status. Use the filter row to limit results by court division if needed.

What steps let me locate a court case using the exact case number?

Enter the exact case number into the main search field. The format usually includes the year, court code and docket sequence, such as 2024-CA-12345. Press enter or click the search icon. The portal jumps straight to the record that matches that identifier. You can view the case summary, parties, judge, and upcoming events. If the number is typed incorrectly, the system will show a ‘no match’ message, prompting you to re‑check each segment. This method guarantees the fastest route to the correct file.

Can I filter a case search by filing date or date range?

After you have run a basic search, look for the date filter above the results list. Choose ‘Filing Date’ and enter a start date in the MM/DD/YYYY format. If you need a range, fill in the end date field as well. Click Apply. The list refreshes to show only cases filed within the selected window. This helps when you track recent activity or need records from a specific year. Remember to clear the dates if you want to return to the full set.

How do I search for a case when I only know the attorney’s name?

Select the ‘Attorney’ search option on the main page. Type the lawyer’s full name or the firm’s name as it appears in court filings. Press the search button. The system lists every case where that attorney appears as counsel. Click a case number to view details such as client name, case type, and current docket entries. You can combine this with other filters, like case status, to narrow the list further. This approach works well for monitoring a lawyer’s recent activity.

Why might a case not appear in the public case search results?

Sometimes a record is hidden because the court has sealed it, placed it under a privacy order, or classified it as juvenile. In those situations the database returns no entry for the requested number or name. Records that are still being processed may not show up until the clerk updates the system, which usually happens nightly. If you believe the case should be public, call the Manatee County clerk’s office at the listed phone number for confirmation. They can tell you whether the file is restricted or simply not yet entered.