Broome County Court Records
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Broome County sits in New York's Southern Tier region with its county seat in Binghamton. The county's courts operate within the Sixth Judicial District of the New York State Unified Court System and include a Supreme Court, County Court, Family Court, Surrogates Court, and Binghamton City Court. The Broome County Clerk's Office is the principal keeper of court records from the Supreme Court and County Court, while individual courts handle their own case files for family, surrogate, and city court matters. Knowing which court and which office holds the records you need is the first step toward an efficient search.
If you're looking for court case information across New York, records can be found through clerk offices, public-access terminals at courthouses, and several online tools maintained by the state court system. NewYorkCourts.us can help identify publicly available case information statewide, while county-level resources give you more targeted access to local filings.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Broome County?
Broome County gives you several ways to search court records, depending on the case type, the court that handled it, and how much detail you need.
Online Search Tools
Several electronic systems support remote case lookups for Broome County matters:
- Broome County SearchIQS Portal — The SearchIQS system lets you search recorded documents and court-related filings maintained by the County Clerk. Guest searches are available; subscription plans offer expanded access. You can search by party name (last, first format), document type, date range, or case number.
- WebCivil Supreme — The WebCivil Supreme case search provides free access to civil Supreme Court cases statewide, including those filed in Broome County. Search by index number, party name, attorney or firm name, or judge.
- NYSCEF — For electronically filed cases, the New York State Courts Electronic Filing system lets the public search and view e-filed documents without an account by choosing "Search as Guest".
- WebSurrogate — The WebSurrogate portal provides free public access to estate proceedings and filings in Surrogates Courts across the state, including Broome County.
- Criminal History Record Search (CHRS) — The Office of Court Administration's CHRS portal allows statewide searches of criminal history records by name and date of birth for $95.00 per search.
Court Locations and Contact Information
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Broome County Supreme Court | 92 Court Street, Binghamton, NY 13901 (P.O. Box 1766) | (607) 240-5800 |
| Broome County Court | 65 Hawley Street, Binghamton, NY 13901 | (607) 240-5800 |
| Broome County Family Court | 65 Hawley Street, Binghamton, NY 13902-1766 (P.O. Box 1766) | (607) 240-5799 |
| Broome County Surrogates Court | 92 Court Street, Binghamton, NY 13901 (P.O. Box 1766) | (607) 240-5789 |
| Binghamton City Court | 38 Hawley Street, 5th Floor, Binghamton, NY 13901 | (607) 240-4272 |
| Broome County Clerk's Office | 60 Hawley Street, 3rd Floor, P.O. Box 2062, Binghamton, NY 13902 | (607) 778-2451 |
Broome County Clerk's Office Hours
- Searching: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Recording: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
- Passport Applications: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- No cash transactions before 9:00 a.m. or after 3:45 p.m.
- Email: clerkinfo@broomecountyny.gov
In-Person Searches
Walk-in visitors can access court records at the Broome County Clerk's Office on the 3rd floor of the Broome County Office Building at 60 Hawley Street, Binghamton. Staff can help you locate specific records when you provide enough identifying details — party names, case numbers, or filing dates all help narrow the search.
Mail Requests
Send written requests to the Broome County Clerk's Office at P.O. Box 2062, Binghamton, NY 13902-2062. Include the full case number or enough identifying information to locate the specific record, along with payment for applicable copy fees.
Are Court Records Public in Broome County?
New York law creates a strong presumption of public access to court records. The main legal framework includes the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Public Officers Law Article 6, and specific provisions of the Judiciary Law addressing court records directly.
Key Statutes Governing Access
Judiciary Law 255 requires a court clerk to search files upon request and certify the results. Judiciary Law 255-b mandates that docket books kept by court clerks remain open for public search during business hours. Together, these provisions mean that members of the public may inspect and obtain copies of most court records without giving a reason for the request.
Records Generally Available to the Public
- Criminal case filings, indictments, pleas, dispositions, and sentencing records (County Court and Supreme Court)
- Civil complaints, motions, court orders, and judgment entries
- Docket entries and case summaries
- Probate filings, including wills admitted to probate and estate accountings
- Judgments, liens, and satisfactions on file with the County Clerk
- Property records including deeds, mortgages, and UCC filings
Records That Are Restricted or Sealed
New York law restricts access to several categories of court records:
- Sealed criminal records — Under Criminal Procedure Law 160.50 and 160.55, records of cases resulting in favorable termination (acquittal, dismissal) or certain violations are sealed and removed from public access.
- Juvenile and youthful offender records — Proceedings involving juveniles and individuals adjudicated as youthful offenders are confidential.
- Adoption records — Sealed upon finalization under Domestic Relations Law 114.
- Family Court records — Certain sensitive proceedings, including those involving child abuse, domestic violence, and mental health, are restricted.
- Medical and mental health records — Protected from public disclosure.
- Personal identifiers — Social Security numbers, financial account details, and voter registration information are redacted or restricted.
- Ongoing investigation records — Materials related to pending investigations may be withheld.
- Trade secrets and proprietary information — May be sealed by court order.
Attorneys and parties filing documents are responsible for redacting protected personal identifiers before submission. If restricted information appears in a publicly filed document, a motion to seal or redact can be filed with the court.
Broome County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Broome County run through the County Court for felony prosecutions, the Supreme Court for certain felony matters, and the Binghamton City Court and various town and village courts for misdemeanors and lesser offenses. The Broome County Clerk's Office maintains records from the County Court and Supreme Court.
Felony Cases
The Broome County Court has exclusive trial jurisdiction over felony matters. Current County Court judges include Hon. Joseph F. Cawley, Phone: (607) 240-5804, and Hon. Carol A. Cocchiola, Phone: (607) 240-5801 Case records from felony proceedings — including indictments, plea entries, trial transcripts, sentencing orders, and post-conviction filings — are kept by the Clerk's Office.
Misdemeanor and Lower-Court Cases
Binghamton City Court handles misdemeanors, violations, and felony arraignments within its jurisdiction. The court is located at 38 Hawley Street, 5th Floor, Binghamton, NY 13901, and can be reached at (607) 240-4272. Fax numbers are (607) 240-5946 for the Criminal Unit and (607) 240-5947 for the Civil Unit. Broome County also has numerous town and village courts that handle misdemeanor and traffic cases in their respective areas.
Searching Criminal Records
The Broome County Clerk's Office does not conduct broad criminal background searches. Per guidance from the New York State Office of Court Administration, staff will not run general searches of the criminal case inventory. To obtain a Criminal Certificate of Disposition, you must provide information specific enough to identify a particular case for a particular defendant.
If you can't identify a specific case, two alternatives are available:
- OCA Criminal History Record Search (CHRS) — The CHRS online portal runs statewide criminal history searches based on an exact match of name and date of birth. The fee is $95.00 per search. Results include open, pending, and conviction records from County, Supreme, City, Town, and Village courts across all 62 New York counties. Sealed records are not disclosed.
- Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) — Individuals can request their own criminal history record through the DCJS record review process. The fee is $47.50, payable by credit card, check, or money order.
Arrest Records
The Broome County Sheriff's Office, located at 155 Lt. VanWinkle Drive, Binghamton, NY 13905, Phone: (607) 778-1911, maintains arrest and booking records separately from court case files. The Corrections Division can be contacted for inmate information at the Broome County Sheriff's Correctional Facility.
Broome County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Broome County is divided between the Supreme Court — which handles cases with monetary claims above $25,000 — and the County Court, which has limited civil jurisdiction for claims up to $25,000. Small claims matters and landlord-tenant disputes are heard in Binghamton City Court and in the town and village courts throughout the county.
Supreme Court Civil Cases
The Broome County Supreme Court handles the most significant civil matters, including personal injury, medical malpractice, contract disputes, real property actions, foreclosures, and matrimonial cases. Civil case filings from the Supreme Court are kept by the Broome County Clerk's Office and can be searched in person or through the SearchIQS Portal.
The WebCivil Supreme case search gives you free online access to Supreme Court civil case information — including index numbers, party names, case status, and appearance dates — without any account or registration.
Civil Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Issuance of Index Number | $210.00 |
| Third Party Summons | $210.00 |
| Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI) | $95.00 |
| Note of Issue | $30.00 |
| Jury Demand | $65.00 |
| Notice of Appeal | $65.00 |
| Motion / Cross-Motion / Order to Show Cause | $45.00 |
| Stipulation of Settlement or Voluntary Discontinuance | $35.00 |
Copy and Certification Fees
- Copies of recorded and filed documents: $0.65 per page
- Certified copy: $5.20 (up to 8 pages, then $0.65 per additional page)
- Judgment docket and entry (taxing costs): $45.00
- Transcript of judgment: $10.00
- Exemplified judgment: $15.00
Property Records
The Broome County Clerk's Office is also the official keeper of property records, including deeds, mortgages, liens, and UCC filings. Useful property-related tools include the Broome County GIS Portal, the Real Property Search tool, and the Parcel Mapper. Recording fees for deeds are $45.00 plus $5.00 per printed side per page, plus $0.50 per notation.
Lien Filings
- File and record a lien: $20.00
- Lis Pendens: $60.00 plus $0.50 per notation
- Mechanics Lien: $15.00
- Federal Tax Lien: $40.00
Broome County Family Court Records
The Broome County Family Court handles a wide range of family-related matters. The court is located at 65 Hawley Street, Binghamton, NY 13902-1766 (P.O. Box 1766), and can be reached at (607) 240-5799, Fax: (607) 240-5904 Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding state holidays. Current judges include Hon. Mark H. Young, Hon. Hollie S. Levine, Hon. Brett S. Noonan, and Hon. Veronica M. Gorman.
Types of Family Court Cases
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support and spousal support
- Paternity proceedings
- Adoption
- Abuse and neglect
- Domestic violence and orders of protection
- Juvenile delinquency
- Persons in need of supervision (PINS)
- Family offense proceedings
Accessing Family Court Records
Family Court records can be requested by contacting the court directly by phone, by mail, or in person during business hours. Many Family Court records are available to the parties and their attorneys, but public access to certain categories is restricted to protect vulnerable individuals — particularly children. Restricted records include those involving child abuse and neglect allegations, adoption proceedings, domestic violence details, information identifying minors, mental health and substance abuse treatment records, and personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers and home addresses.
Divorce and Dissolution of Marriage
Divorce cases in New York are filed in the Supreme Court, not in Family Court, though Family Court may address ancillary matters such as custody and support. The Broome County Clerk's Office maintains records of divorces adjudicated in Supreme Court. To get a certified copy of a divorce decree, you must present valid photo identification and be a party to the divorce or have authorization permitting the release. Non-parties must file a motion with the Supreme Court to obtain access. Certified copies of divorce decrees cost $5.20. Under New York law, divorce records are not available for general public inspection for 100 years from the date of filing.
Marriage Records
Marriage records are maintained by the city, town, or village clerk where the marriage took place. You can obtain them by contacting the local clerk or by ordering through the New York State Department of Health. The state fee is $30.00 for mail orders or $45.00 for online orders (including vendor processing fees). The requester must be a spouse named on the record or have a court order authorizing release.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death records in New York are maintained by the local registrar of vital statistics in the municipality where the event occurred and by the New York State Department of Health. Eligible requesters include the individual named on the certificate, a parent listed on the record, or a spouse or child of the record holder. Others must demonstrate a documented legal need or obtain a court order. The state fee is $30.00 per certified copy by mail or $45.00 per copy when ordering online. Mail orders should be sent to:
New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Certification Unit
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602
Phone: (855) 322-1022
Broome County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Broome County fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Broome County Surrogates Court. The court is located at 92 Court Street, Binghamton, NY 13901, with a mailing address of P.O. Box 1766, Binghamton, NY 13902. You can reach the court at (607) 240-5789 or by email at Broome-Surrogate@nycourts.gov. The current Surrogate is Hon. David H. Guy, and the Chief Clerk is Rebecca A. Malmquist, Esq. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Types of Probate Proceedings
The Surrogates Court handles a broad range of matters related to decedents' estates and related filings:
- Probate of wills
- Estate administration, including small estate proceedings and discovery proceedings
- Voluntary administrations
- Ancillary proceedings for out-of-state decedents with New York property
- Guardianship of minors and persons with developmental disabilities
- Trust administration and disputes
- Compromise and settlement of wrongful death claims
- Disputed claims against estates
Starting a Probate Proceeding
When a Broome County resident dies leaving a will, the executor named in the will must file the following with the Surrogates Court:
- The original will
- A certified copy of the death certificate
- A Petition for Probate and any supporting documents
Probate forms are available through the New York State Unified Court System website.
When a person dies without a will (intestate), the closest heir must file an Administration Proceeding. The Surrogates Court then issues Letters of Administration authorizing an individual to manage the distribution of the estate according to New York's intestacy statutes. Administration forms are also available online.
Searching Probate Records
You can search probate records through the WebSurrogate portal, which offers free access to estate filing information across New York's Surrogates Courts. Search by decedent name, file number, or fiduciary name. For records not available online, the Surrogates Court accepts requests in person, by mail, by phone, or by email.
Wills and the County Clerk's Office
The Broome County Clerk's Office does not handle wills, estates, or probate proceedings. Wills are not filed with the Clerk's Office because they contain confidential personal identifying information. The New York State Unified Court System recommends keeping the original will in a safe, secure, and accessible location and making sure the named executor knows where it is. The original will is required for probate in almost all circumstances — copies generally do not suffice.