New York Public Records /New York Court Records Online

New York Court Records Online

Are Court Records in New York Open to the Public?

Yes, court records in New York are generally open to the public under the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). This law ensures that individuals can access public records from any state agency or the state legislature without needing to provide a statement of purpose. However, certain courts may take the requestor's motive into account, especially in cases involving litigation.

To obtain court records, requestors must provide specific details about the record they seek. This includes:

A clear description of the record.
Relevant information such as case numbers, names of involved parties, or dates.
Compliance with the court's indexing and record retrieval system.

What Information Appears in a New York Court Records Search?

A New York court records search typically reveals:

Names of the plaintiff(s) and defendant(s)
Case number and type
Court's final ruling
Pleadings, orders, docket entries
Warrants and transcripts
Exhibits presented during trial proceedings
Documents submitted or created during the case

How To Find Court Records in New York

To find court records in New York, the first step is to identify the custodian of the record. Court Clerks in New York are responsible for maintaining and providing access to court records. Requestors may contact the Clerk of the Court or the County Clerk who holds the records.

Records can be requested directly from the court where the case was tried. For instance, the New York Supreme Court and County Courts share files with county clerks' offices. Verifying the availability of records in these offices is advisable. Typically, there are fees associated with obtaining copies of records, such as $0.65 per page with minimum charges for certification.

Public Access to New York Court Records

Residents have multiple methods to access New York court records. Some records are available online through the New York State Office of Court Administration. Requests can be submitted on the eCourt page or through the eTrack case tracking service. Additionally, individuals may request records in person at the Clerk's office or by mail.

Searching New York Court Records by Name

Individuals can search for New York court records by name using the eCourts or NYSCEF portals. The eCourts portal provides access to cases in criminal and civil courts, while NYSCEF offers access to e-filed cases in supreme courts.

To search by name on eCourts, users can:

Select the type of court (Civil, Supreme, Family, or Criminal)
Enter the name of the plaintiff, defendant, attorney, or judge
Use additional filters like case type, filing year, or case status

For NYSCEF, users can:

Visit the NYSCEF portal
Choose "Search as Guest"
Use the "Name" search tool for party or attorney searches
Enter the last name and other relevant details

How To Access Court Records Online for Free in New York

Many courts offer free access to court records online through their websites. The New York State Unified Court System provides limited Supreme Court records online for free. Other records must be accessed at courthouses where they can be inspected and photocopied at a low cost per page.

Private aggregate websites also offer low-cost options for retrieving court records online. While these sites are not government-sponsored, they often provide easier access to multiple records.

Exemptions for New York Court Case Lookup

Certain records are exempt from public access in New York. These include:

Family court records governed by Section 166 of the Family Court Act
Sealed criminal records under Section 160.50 of the Criminal Procedure Law
Adoption records sealed under Section 114 of the Domestic Relations Law
Matrimonial actions under Section 235 of the Domestic Relations Law

To access these records, one must be a legally authorized party or possess a court order.

Finding a Court Docket in New York

A New York court docket is a formal record of all proceedings and filings in a case. To find a court docket, individuals can visit the relevant court clerk's office or use the eCourts or Court-PASS portals.

Court dockets contain information such as:

Names of the plaintiff(s) and defendant(s)
Court handling the case
Venue and time of court appearances
Case status

What Information Is Found in New York Judgment Records?

New York judgment records include:

Names of litigants
Judge's name
Judgment date
Specific claims or charges
Issued judgment

To obtain a copy, visit the Clerk's office with the case number and names of involved parties. Fees apply for copying and certification.

Are Bankruptcy Records in New York Publicly Accessible?

Yes, bankruptcy records in New York are publicly accessible. These records include financial information about individuals and businesses filing for bankruptcy. Requestors must provide details such as the case number and names of involved parties.

How To Search Bankruptcy Records in New York

Bankruptcy records can be accessed through PACER or at federal bankruptcy courthouses. PACER provides 24/7 access to case information and documents. Users can search by specific court or use the PACER Case Locator.

Fees may apply for accessing records on PACER, but court opinions are free. Viewing records at a federal courthouse is free, and exemptions may apply for certain users.

Different Types of Courts in New York

New York State Court System includes:

Civil Courts
Criminal Courts
Family Courts
Surrogate's Courts
Appellate Courts

Understanding the Differences Between Civil and Small Claims Courts in New York

Civil Courts in New York handle lawsuits involving damages up to $25,000. They may also include a small claims section for cases with damages up to $10,000. Small claims courts are designed for individuals to sue without a lawyer for minor disputes.

Only residents aged 18 and above can sue in small claims courts. They must pay a court fee and submit a completed form specifying their claims.

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