Bronx County Court Records Search
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Bronx County, one of the five boroughs of New York City, operates a complex court system that processes tens of thousands of cases each year. The county’s courts handle everything from minor civil disputes and traffic violations to serious felony prosecutions, family law matters, and estate proceedings. Because multiple courts serve the borough — including the New York State Supreme Court, Bronx County Criminal Court, Bronx County Civil Court, Surrogate’s Court, and Family Court — knowing where to direct a records request is essential for anyone trying to locate case information.
This guide provides a practical overview of how to find, request, and access court records in Bronx County, including the offices responsible for maintaining them, applicable fees, online search tools, and the legal framework governing public access.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Bronx County?
Court records in New York State can be searched through several channels, including clerk offices, public access terminals located in courthouses, and electronic tools maintained by the court system. NewYorkCourts.us serves as a central resource for locating court information statewide and may help users find publicly available case data for Bronx County proceedings.
There are three primary methods for searching Bronx County court records:
1. Online Case Search
The New York State Unified Court System operates WebCivil Supreme, which allows the public to search for civil case information in Supreme Court and Civil Court. Users can search by party name, index number, or attorney name. For criminal cases, the WebCrims system provides public access to criminal court case information across New York City, including Bronx County.
The New York State Courts Electronic Filing system (NYSCEF) offers another avenue for locating documents in cases that were electronically filed.
2. In-Person Search
Visitors can search records at courthouse public access terminals or request assistance from the relevant clerk’s office. Key locations include:
- Bronx County Supreme Court / County Clerk
Address: 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451
Phone: (718) 618-1300 - Bronx County Civil Court
Address: 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451
Phone: (718) 618-2000 - Bronx County Criminal Court
Address: 265 East 161st Street, Bronx, NY 10451
Phone: (718) 618-3100 - Bronx County Family Court
Address: 900 Sheridan Avenue, Bronx, NY 10451
Phone: (718) 618-2098 - Bronx County Surrogate’s Court
Address: 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451
Phone: (718) 618-2300
3. Mail and Written Requests
Written requests for court records can be sent to the appropriate clerk’s office. Requests should include the full case caption or index number, the names of the parties involved, the approximate date of filing, and a return address. Fees for copies and certifications, discussed in detail below, should accompany the request.
Are Court Records Public in Bronx County?
New York has a strong presumption of public access to court records. Under Section 255-b of the Judiciary Law and Part 216 of the Uniform Rules for Trial Courts, court records are generally available for public inspection unless sealed or otherwise restricted by statute or court order.
Records That Are Typically Public:
- Civil case filings, including complaints, answers, motions, and decisions
- Criminal court calendars and disposition information
- Judgments and liens
- Probate filings, including wills admitted to probate
- Land records and recorded instruments filed with the County Clerk
- Court orders (unless sealed)
Records That Are Restricted or Sealed:
- Juvenile delinquency and persons in need of supervision (PINS) proceedings under the Family Court Act
- Adoption records, which are sealed under Domestic Relations Law § 114
- Cases sealed pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50 following a favorable termination (acquittal, dismissal)
- Records sealed under CPL § 160.55 for certain non-criminal dispositions
- Grand jury proceedings
- Matrimonial records where a sealing order has been granted
- Mental health proceedings
- Youthful offender adjudications under CPL § 720.35
Certain personal identifiers — including Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and financial account numbers — must be redacted from filings under 22 NYCRR § 202.5(e), which governs the confidential personal information that litigants must remove before filing documents.
Anyone seeking access to a sealed record must petition the court for an unsealing order, and the court will evaluate the request based on the interests of justice and the privacy rights of the parties involved.
Bronx County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Bronx County are handled by two primary courts depending on the severity of the charge. Misdemeanors and violations are prosecuted in the Bronx County Criminal Court, while felony matters are prosecuted in the Supreme Court, Criminal Term.
Searching Criminal Records
The WebCrims online database is the most efficient tool for finding criminal case calendars and basic case information in Bronx County. Users can search by defendant name, docket number, or arrest number. WebCrims provides scheduling data, charges, and case status but does not provide copies of filed documents.
For official copies of criminal court records, requests should be directed to:
Bronx County Criminal Court — Clerk’s Office
Address: 265 East 161st Street, Bronx, NY 10451
Phone: (718) 618-3100
Criminal History Records
Individual criminal history records (commonly called “rap sheets”) are not available through the courts. These records are maintained by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). Individuals can request their own criminal history record through DCJS. Third-party background checks may be obtained through authorized sources, and employers are subject to restrictions under Correction Law Article 23-A and New York City’s Fair Chance Act.
Arrest Information
Current arrest and booking information is not published by the court system. The Bronx County District Attorney’s Office handles prosecutions and may provide limited information about pending cases. Arrest records are maintained by the New York City Police Department, and formal requests can be submitted under the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL).
Key Fees for Criminal Records:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.65 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $6.00 |
| Certificate of Disposition | $10.00 |
Certificates of Disposition — official documents summarizing the outcome of a criminal case — are frequently requested for employment, licensing, and immigration purposes. These can be obtained from the criminal court clerk’s office where the case was resolved.
Bronx County Civil Court Records
Civil matters in Bronx County are divided between two courts. Cases involving claims above $25,000 are filed in Supreme Court, Bronx County, while claims of $25,000 or less are heard in Bronx County Civil Court. Small claims — disputes involving $10,000 or less brought by individuals — are handled within the Civil Court’s Small Claims Part.
Searching Civil Records Online
The WebCivil Supreme system allows free online searches of Supreme Court and Civil Court cases. Search options include:
- Party name
- Index or case number
- Attorney or firm name
For electronically filed cases, the NYSCEF portal provides access to filed documents, including motions, stipulations, and court decisions. Many Supreme Court cases in Bronx County are filed through NYSCEF, and documents in these cases are viewable online at no charge.
In-Person Requests
The Bronx County Clerk serves as the clerk of Supreme Court and maintains civil case files, judgments, and liens. Requests can be made at:
Bronx County Clerk’s Office
Address: 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451
Phone: (718) 618-1300
Fees for Civil Records:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Index number search | No charge (online) |
| Copies of filed documents (per page) | $0.65 |
| Certified copies (per document) | $6.00 |
| Filing a judgment | $35.00 |
| Notice of Pendency | $35.00 |
| Satisfaction of Judgment | $5.00 |
Small Claims
Small claims cases can be initiated by individuals seeking monetary damages of $10,000 or less. Filing fees range from $15 to $20 depending on the claim amount. The Small Claims Court section of the court system’s website provides forms, filing instructions, and information about the hearing process. Commercial claims — brought by businesses, corporations, or partnerships — follow a similar process but with slightly higher filing fees.
Judgments and Liens
The County Clerk’s office records civil judgments and liens and issues certified copies upon request. Judgment searches can be conducted online through the New York State Department of State for UCC liens, or through the County Clerk for civil judgments. These records are public and frequently used in real estate transactions, credit checks, and litigation.
Bronx County Family Court Records
The Bronx County Family Court handles a wide range of sensitive matters affecting families and children. This court is located at:
Bronx County Family Court
Address: 900 Sheridan Avenue, Bronx, NY 10451
Phone: (718) 618-2098
Types of Cases Handled:
- Custody and visitation disputes
- Child support petitions and enforcement
- Domestic violence orders of protection
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- PINS (Persons in Need of Supervision) proceedings
- Guardianship of minors
- Foster care approval and review
- Paternity proceedings
- Family offense proceedings
Confidentiality of Family Court Records
Family Court records carry significant confidentiality protections under the Family Court Act § 166. Access to Family Court files is limited to the parties in the case, their attorneys, and authorized agencies. Members of the public generally cannot inspect Family Court records without a court order.
Adoption records are among the most tightly restricted. Under Domestic Relations Law § 114, adoption files are sealed upon the entry of an adoption order, and they can only be opened by court order upon a showing of good cause.
Domestic Violence Records
Orders of protection issued by Family Court are entered into the statewide registry of orders of protection, maintained by the Office of Court Administration. These orders are accessible to law enforcement but are not part of the public court file.
Child Support
The New York State Child Support Enforcement Program assists with the establishment and enforcement of child support orders. Payments, arrears information, and enforcement actions are handled through the Support Collection Unit rather than through the court clerk.
Divorce Records
While divorces are technically civil actions filed in Supreme Court rather than Family Court, they are closely related to family law matters. Divorce filings can be searched through WebCivil Supreme. Under 22 NYCRR § 202.5(e), financial disclosure affidavits filed in matrimonial actions contain sensitive information and are subject to restrictions on public access.
Marriage and Birth Records
Marriage licenses and certificates are maintained by the New York City Clerk’s Office, not by the court system. Birth certificates are issued through the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. While these are not court records, they are frequently needed in connection with Family Court proceedings involving custody, paternity, or guardianship.
Bronx County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Bronx County are handled by the Surrogate’s Court, which has jurisdiction over the estates of deceased persons, the probate of wills, the appointment of guardians for incapacitated adults, and trust administration.
Bronx County Surrogate’s Court
Address: 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451
Phone: (718) 618-2300
Types of Proceedings:
- Probate of wills
- Administration of estates (where there is no will)
- Accounting proceedings
- Guardianship of incapacitated persons under Article 81 of the Mental Hygiene Law
- Trust proceedings
- Wrongful death claims
- Kinship proceedings (to determine who has a right to inherit)
Searching Surrogate’s Court Records
Surrogate’s Court case information can be searched online through the Surrogate’s Court Records Search portal maintained by the court system. This tool allows searches by decedent name, file number, or attorney name and provides access to filed documents in electronically filed estates.
Requesting Records
In-person and written requests for probate records are handled by the Surrogate’s Court Clerk’s Office. A request should include the name of the decedent, the approximate date of death, and the file number if known.
Fees for Surrogate’s Court:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Filing a probate petition | Varies by estate value |
| Filing an administration petition | Varies by estate value |
| Copies (per page) | $0.65 |
| Certified copies | $6.00 per document |
| Exemplified copies | $12.00 per document |
| Accounting filing fee | Varies |
Filing fees for probate and administration proceedings are set by SCPA § 2402 and are calculated based on the gross value of the estate.
Public Access to Probate Records
Probate records, including wills that have been admitted to probate, are generally public records. Anyone can inspect a probated will at the Surrogate’s Court Clerk’s Office. However, wills that have been filed for safekeeping but not yet admitted to probate are not available for public inspection. Guardianship proceedings under Article 81 may contain confidential medical and financial information, and access may be limited by court order.
Estate Administration Timeline
Bronx County Surrogate’s Court typically processes routine probate petitions within several weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of the estate, the existence of a will contest, and whether all necessary parties have been properly notified. Contested matters can take considerably longer. Attorneys and self-represented parties can check the status of pending matters through the court’s online system or by contacting the clerk’s office directly at (718) 618-2300.