New York County Court Records

What Is New York County Court Records

New York County court records encompass all official documents, filings, and information generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities and decisions. Court records typically include:

• Case files containing pleadings, motions, and supporting documentation
• Docket sheets chronicling case events and filing chronology
• Judicial orders and final judgments
• Hearing and trial transcripts
• Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
• Sentencing information in criminal matters
• Settlement agreements in resolved civil cases

Court records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics (birth/death certificates), and tax assessments, which are maintained by separate county departments. Pursuant to New York Judiciary Law § 255, court clerks are designated as the official custodians of court records and are responsible for their maintenance and accessibility.

The New York County court system, centered in Manhattan, maintains records through several distinct judicial bodies:

New York County Supreme Court
60 Centre Street
New York, NY 10007
(646) 386-3600
New York State Unified Court System

New York County Criminal Court
100 Centre Street
New York, NY 10013
(646) 386-4500
New York State Unified Court System

New York County Family Court
60 Lafayette Street
New York, NY 10013
(646) 386-5200
New York State Unified Court System

New York County Civil Court
111 Centre Street
New York, NY 10013
(646) 386-5700
New York State Unified Court System

Are Court Records Public In New York County

Court records in New York County are generally accessible to the public under New York's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) and the state's commitment to open courts. According to New York Public Officers Law § 84, the legislature has determined that "government is the public's business" and that the public should have access to government records, including court documents.

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

• Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sealed cases)
• Criminal case files (post-arraignment)
• Court dockets and calendars
• Judgments and judicial orders
• Hearing schedules and court calendars

However, certain categories of records may be restricted or sealed by statute or judicial order, including:

• Family Court proceedings involving minors
• Sealed criminal records following dismissals or acquittals
• Juvenile delinquency proceedings
• Certain matrimonial case details
• Records containing confidential personal information

The New York State Unified Court System has established administrative rules governing public access to court records, balancing transparency with privacy concerns. These rules are promulgated under the authority of the Chief Administrative Judge pursuant to Judiciary Law § 212(1)(s).

It is important to note that federal courts located in New York County, such as the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, operate under separate federal rules regarding public access to court records.

How To Find Court Records in New York County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in New York County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The New York State Unified Court System provides multiple pathways for record retrieval:

In-Person Requests:

• Visit the specific courthouse where the case was filed
• Proceed to the court clerk's office during regular business hours (typically 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday)
• Complete a records request form providing case information
• Present valid photo identification
• Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for most documents)

Written Requests:

• Submit a formal written request to the appropriate court clerk
• Include case number, party names, and filing date if known
• Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
• Include payment for anticipated copy fees

Electronic Access:

• Utilize the New York State Courts Electronic Filing System (NYSCEF)
• Create a user account for public access
• Search by case number, party name, or filing date
• Download publicly available documents (fees may apply)

For criminal case records, requesters may need to provide additional information and may face restrictions on certain sealed or confidential materials. The New York State Office of Court Administration maintains guidelines for criminal record searches.

Researchers seeking historical court records may need to contact the:

New York County Clerk's Office
60 Centre Street, Room 161
New York, NY 10007
(646) 386-5955
New York County Clerk

How To Look Up Court Records in New York County Online?

New York County offers several digital platforms for accessing court records online. These systems vary in scope and functionality based on the type of court and case category:

WebCrims provides public access to pending and closed criminal cases in New York County Criminal Court and Supreme Court (criminal term):

• Navigate to the WebCrims portal
• Select "Public Access" option
• Search by defendant name, case number, or attorney
• View case status, appearance dates, and basic case information
• Note that full document access is not available through this system

eCourts offers information on civil cases in New York County Supreme Court:

• Access the eCourts system
• Select the appropriate court type
• Search by index number, party name, or attorney
• View case status, appearances, and motions
• Documents must typically be requested separately

NYSCEF (New York State Courts Electronic Filing System) provides access to electronically filed documents:

• Visit the NYSCEF website
• Register for a public access account
• Search by case number or party name
• View and download publicly available documents
• Note that certain documents may require payment for access

New York County Clerk's Office Records Search:

• Access the County Clerk's online records portal
• Search for judgments, liens, and business records
• View basic case information and document indexes
• Request copies of specific documents as needed

When using these systems, users should be aware that:

• Not all court records are available online
• Some records may be accessible only in redacted form
• Certain case types (family, juvenile) have restricted online access
• Historical records may not be digitized

How To Search New York County Court Records for Free?

New York State law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. According to New York Judiciary Law § 255, "A clerk of a court must, upon request and payment of the fees allowed by law, diligently search the files, papers, records, and dockets in his office; and either make one or more transcripts or certificates of change therefrom, and certify to the correctness thereof, and to the search, or certify that a document or paper, of which the custody legally belongs to him, can not be found."

Free access options include:

In-Person Inspection:

• Visit the appropriate courthouse during business hours
• Request to view specific case files at the clerk's office
• Examine documents on-site without charge
• Take notes from records without incurring fees

Public Access Terminals:

• Use computer terminals available at courthouse locations
• Access case information and some documents without charge
• Available at most New York County court facilities

Free Online Resources:

• WebCrims - Free access to basic criminal case information
• eCourts - Free access to civil case status and appearance information
• New York State Court Calendar - Free access to court calendars and scheduled appearances

The New York State Unified Court System website provides additional resources and guidance for accessing court records without charge. While basic record searches are free, users should be aware that fees apply for:

• Printed copies ($1.00 per page)
• Certified documents ($8.00 per document)
• Record searches conducted by court personnel
• Expedited processing services

What's Included in a New York County Court Record?

New York County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with content varying by case type. Typical components include:

Civil Case Records:

• Summons and complaint initiating the action
• Defendant's answer or response
• Motions filed by either party
• Affidavits and supporting exhibits
• Discovery materials (when filed with the court)
• Court orders and decisions
• Transcripts of hearings and trials
• Final judgment or disposition
• Post-judgment filings and enforcement documents

Criminal Case Records:

• Charging documents (indictment or information)
• Arraignment records
• Bail determination documents
• Pre-trial motions and responses
• Evidence suppression hearing records
• Plea agreements (when applicable)
• Trial transcripts
• Verdict or judgment of conviction
• Sentencing documents
• Appeals and post-conviction filings

Family Court Records:

• Petitions for custody, support, or protection
• Financial disclosure statements
• Home study and evaluation reports
• Guardian ad litem reports
• Court orders regarding custody and support
• Adoption proceedings
• Juvenile delinquency records (access restricted)

Probate Court Records:

• Wills and codicils
• Petitions for probate
• Inventories of estate assets
• Claims against estates
• Accountings by executors/administrators
• Distribution orders
• Guardianship proceedings

Each court record also typically contains a docket sheet, which serves as a chronological index of all filings and court actions in the case. This document provides a comprehensive overview of the case history and procedural timeline.

How Long Does New York County Keep Court Records?

New York County courts maintain records according to retention schedules established by the New York State Unified Court System. These schedules vary by case type and document category, pursuant to 22 NYCRR § 104.1, which authorizes the Chief Administrator of the Courts to establish records retention policies.

Criminal Case Records:

• Felony cases: Permanent retention for cases resulting in conviction
• Misdemeanor cases: 25 years after case disposition
• Violations and infractions: 6 years after case disposition
• Dismissed cases: Sealed upon dismissal, maintained for limited periods under restricted access

Civil Case Records:

• Supreme Court civil actions: 25 years after disposition
• Contract and commercial disputes: 10 years after final judgment
• Personal injury cases: 25 years after disposition
• Property and real estate matters: 25 years after disposition
• Small claims cases: 6 years after disposition

Family Court Records:

• Custody and visitation: Until youngest child turns 28
• Support proceedings: 25 years after youngest child turns 21
• Juvenile delinquency: Sealed at age 16 for most cases, maintained under restricted access
• Orders of protection: 20 years from issuance

Probate Records:

• Wills and estate proceedings: Permanent retention
• Guardianship matters: 25 years after termination of guardianship

Certain historically significant cases may be designated for permanent retention regardless of case type. After the retention period expires, records may be:

• Transferred to the New York County Clerk's Archives
• Microfilmed or digitized for long-term preservation
• Destroyed according to secure document disposal protocols

Researchers seeking historical court records should contact:

New York County Clerk's Records Management Office
31 Chambers Street, Room 703
New York, NY 10007
(646) 386-5080
New York County Clerk

Types of Courts In New York County

New York County's court system consists of several distinct judicial bodies, each with specific jurisdiction and authority:

New York County Supreme Court
60 Centre Street
New York, NY 10007
(646) 386-3600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
New York State Unified Court System

Despite its name, the Supreme Court is not the highest court but serves as the main trial court with unlimited jurisdiction in civil matters and handles major criminal cases (felonies).

New York County Criminal Court
100 Centre Street
New York, NY 10013
(646) 386-4500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
New York State Unified Court System

This court handles misdemeanors, violations, and preliminary proceedings in felony cases before they are transferred to Supreme Court.

New York County Family Court
60 Lafayette Street
New York, NY 10013
(646) 386-5200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
New York State Unified Court System

Family Court addresses matters involving children and families, including custody, support, adoption, and juvenile proceedings.

New York County Civil Court
111 Centre Street
New York, NY 10013
(646) 386-5700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
New York State Unified Court System

This court handles civil cases involving claims up to $25,000, landlord-tenant disputes, and small claims matters.

New York County Surrogate's Court
31 Chambers Street
New York, NY 10007
(646) 386-5000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
New York State Unified Court System

Surrogate's Court oversees probate proceedings, estate administration, and guardianships.

The court hierarchy in New York State proceeds from these trial courts to:

• Appellate Term of the Supreme Court (for appeals from Civil and Criminal Courts)
• Appellate Division, First Department (for appeals from Supreme Court)
• New York Court of Appeals (the state's highest court)

Federal courts with jurisdiction over New York County include:

United States District Court, Southern District of New York
500 Pearl Street
New York, NY 10007
(212) 805-0136
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM
U.S. District Court, SDNY

What Types of Cases Do New York County Courts Hear?

New York County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters, with each court handling specific case types according to its statutory jurisdiction:

New York County Supreme Court:

• Major civil litigation (unlimited monetary claims)
• Real property disputes and foreclosures
• Matrimonial actions (divorce, separation, annulment)
• Article 78 proceedings (challenges to government actions)
• Felony criminal prosecutions
• Medical malpractice and complex tort cases
• Commercial and business disputes
• Election law matters

New York County Criminal Court:

• Misdemeanor prosecutions
• Traffic violations
• City ordinance violations
• Preliminary hearings in felony cases
• Arraignments and bail determinations
• Desk appearance ticket cases
• Summons cases

New York County Family Court:

• Child custody and visitation disputes
• Child and spousal support proceedings
• Family offense (domestic violence) cases
• Juvenile delinquency proceedings
• Child protective proceedings
• Adoption matters
• Paternity determinations
• Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS) cases

New York County Civil Court:

• Civil claims up to $25,000
• Small claims (up to $10,000)
• Commercial claims between businesses
• Landlord-tenant disputes and housing matters
• Consumer credit cases
• Name change applications
• Replevin actions (recovery of personal property)

New York County Surrogate's Court:

• Probate of wills
• Administration of estates
• Trust proceedings
• Guardianships for minors and incapacitated persons
• Adoption proceedings
• Estate accounting matters
• Kinship hearings
• Estate tax proceedings

Case assignment is determined by subject matter, monetary thresholds, and statutory authority as defined in the New York Judiciary Law and court rules. Certain specialized parts or divisions within these courts may handle particular case types, such as the Commercial Division of Supreme Court for complex business disputes or Integrated Domestic Violence courts for related family matters.

How To Find a Court Docket In New York County

Court dockets in New York County provide chronological summaries of all filings, appearances, and judicial actions in a case. Members of the public can access docket information through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

• For Supreme Court civil cases, use the WebCivil Supreme portal
• For Criminal Court and criminal Supreme Court cases, use WebCrims
• For Civil Court cases, use WebCivil Local
• For Family Court matters, limited information is available through UCMS

When searching online dockets:

1. Select the appropriate court type
2. Enter case information (index number, party name, or filing date)
3. Review the docket entries showing filings and court actions
4. Note that full document access may require additional steps

In-Person Docket Access:

• Visit the clerk's office at the courthouse where the case is filed
• Provide the case number or party names to the clerk
• Request to view the docket sheet or case file
• Review the information on public access terminals or in paper files

Docket Information by Mail:

• Submit a written request to the appropriate court clerk
• Include case identifying information and specify docket information needed
• Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
• Include any required search fees

For daily court calendars showing scheduled appearances, the New York State Court Calendar provides searchable information by court, judge, or date.

Pursuant to 22 NYCRR § 202.5-b, electronically filed cases maintain dockets through the NYSCEF system, which provides comprehensive docket information for registered users.

Which Courts in New York County Are Not Courts of Record?

In New York's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court whose proceedings are permanently recorded, has the power to fine or imprison for contempt, and operates according to the common law rather than statutory authority. Pursuant to New York Judiciary Law § 2, courts of record are specifically designated by statute.

The following courts in New York County are not courts of record:

Small Claims Part of the Civil Court

• Handles claims up to $10,000
• Utilizes simplified procedures
• Maintains limited record-keeping
• Appeals based on limited record

Housing Part of the Civil Court (when handling certain matters)

• Some proceedings use simplified procedures
• Limited transcription of proceedings
• Modified rules of evidence

Certain Administrative Tribunals:

• New York City Environmental Control Board
• New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission Tribunal
• New York City Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH)

These non-record courts typically:

• Maintain less formal procedures
• Have simplified rules of evidence
• May not require stenographic transcription of all proceedings
• Issue decisions with limited precedential value
• Have modified appeal processes

By contrast, courts of record in New York County include:

• Supreme Court
• Criminal Court
• Civil Court (except certain parts)
• Family Court
• Surrogate's Court

The distinction between courts of record and those not of record affects:

• The formality of proceedings
• Record-keeping requirements
• Appeal procedures
• Precedential value of decisions
• Contempt powers

Appeals from courts not of record typically require a trial de novo (new trial) in a court of record rather than a review of the existing record, as specified in New York Uniform City Court Act § 1702.

Lookup Court Records in New York County