New York County
New York County, which is called Manhattan as well, is one of the five boroughs of New York City. It has a greater population density than all other counties within the country and is also the smallest in land mass. It has a population of over 1.65 million residents living within its 22.7 square miles. Formed in 1683, New York County is the heart of the city's government, business, and culture.
The court system in New York County includes the Supreme Court, County Court, Family Court, Surrogate's Court, and Civil and Criminal Courts. The New York Supreme Court serves as the general jurisdiction court and hears major civil cases, including claims that exceed $25,000, as well as all felony criminal cases. It may also handle domestic violence cases such as divorce or legal separation, including protection orders. The Family Court handles domestic matters, including paternity, divorce, annulment, child custody, child support, and cases involving minors such as juvenile delinquency, persons in need of supervision, and child protective proceedings. The Surrogate's Court oversees probate of wills, estate administration, guardianships of the property of a minor, and lifetime trusts. New York County's Civil Courts, including the New York City Civil Court, Harlem Community Justice Centre, Housing Court, and Small Claims Court, handle landlord-tenant disputes, small claims cases, replevin actions, and lawsuits with claims under $25,000, while the Criminal Courts manage misdemeanors, violations, and preliminary hearings for felonies.
The New York County Clerk manages public court records, which contain information about civil complaints, judgments, motions, and other judicial actions arising from legal proceedings within the county. These records include:
- Criminal Records
- Civil Records
- Probate Records
- Family Records
- Juvenile Records
Public court records in New York County are accessible under the Freedom Of Information Law (FOIL). Requesters can search records by party name or case number through New York's eCourts Portal. Physical copies of court records and docket information can also be obtained by visiting the County Clerk's Office at:
60 Centre Street
New York, NY 10007
Phone: (646) 386-5955
Certain sensitive records, such as records on adoption and juvenile cases, are restricted from public access.
