New York Court Records

The New York Courts Website provides a clear, accessible overview of the state’s complex, multi-layered judicial structure, including specialized courts and programs. 

The state's court system consists of the Small Claims Court, the Commercial Division of the Supreme Court, Integrated Domestic Violence Courts (IDV), Drug Treatment Courts, and Alternative Dispute Resolution. It also includes Towns and Village Courts, City Courts, Surrogate's Courts, and the Family Courts, which are divided into specialized parts: family offense, juvenile delinquency, persons in need of supervision (PINS), abuse and neglect, family treatment, juvenile treatment, and custody and visitation. Other courts include the Court of Claims, the County Court, the Supreme Court, the Appellate Divisions, and the Court of Appeals.  

The Supreme Court is the main trial court with broad state-wide jurisdiction. Above it are four intermediate appellate courts, and at the top is the Court of Appeals. New York courts handle civil and criminal matters of varying scope. Access to court records is governed by common law, statutes, and constitutional principles, including § 255 (public access) and Family Court Act § 166 (restricted access). While this portal provides valuable information on ways to access New York court records, it does not provide legal advice or official records.