Nassau County Court Records Search
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Nassau County occupies the western portion of Long Island, immediately east of New York City, and is one of the most densely populated suburban counties in the United States. The county seat is Mineola, where most court operations are centralized across several courthouse buildings. Nassau County’s court system includes a Supreme Court, a County Court, District Court, Family Court, and Surrogate’s Court, each maintaining its own set of records through the office of the respective clerk. The Nassau County Clerk serves as the Clerk of the Supreme and County Courts and is the primary custodian of civil, criminal, and land records at the county level.
For anyone searching court records in New York, official resources are available through multiple channels. The New York state judiciary maintains case-lookup tools, court directories, and procedural information through NewYorkCourts.us, which can help users identify the correct court, locate publicly available case data, and find applicable forms. At the local level, the Nassau County Clerk’s office and the individual court clerks provide in-person assistance, phone support, and online portals for accessing case files. Public-access computer terminals are available in several courthouse locations for walk-in visitors, and certain record types can be searched or requested remotely.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Nassau County?
Nassau County court cases can be located through online databases, in-person visits, or written requests, depending on the court that handled the matter and the type of record needed.
Online Case Search Tools
The New York State Unified Court System operates WebCivil Supreme, a free public portal for searching civil cases filed in Supreme Court. Users can search by index number, party name, or attorney name. The system displays case summaries, appearance details, motion information, and scheduled court dates for active matters. It does not provide downloadable document images — those must be obtained from the County Clerk.
For eCourts users, the New York State Courts Electronic Filing system (NYSCEF) allows registered users to search electronically filed cases and view documents in participating courts, including Nassau County Supreme Court. Registration is free for attorneys and self-represented parties.
Criminal case information, including future court appearances, can be checked through the WebCrims portal, which covers criminal cases in the Supreme and County Courts.
In-Person Access
The Nassau County Clerk’s office maintains public-access terminals and paper files at:
Nassau County Clerk’s Office
240 Old Country Road
Mineola, NY 11501
Phone: (516) 493-3000
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Walk-in visitors can search indexes, review case files, and request copies. The land records and court records divisions occupy separate sections of the building; staff at the information desk can direct visitors to the correct area.
District Court records are maintained separately at the District Court Clerk’s office:
Nassau County District Court
99 Main Street
Hempstead, NY 11550
Phone: (516) 493-4200
Mail and Phone Requests
Written requests for copies of court documents should be directed to the appropriate clerk’s office. Include the full case caption, index or docket number, names of all parties, document description, and a check or money order payable to the “Nassau County Clerk” for applicable fees. The Clerk’s office can confirm fees and document availability by phone at (516) 493-3000 before you submit a request.
Key Copy and Search Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Photocopy of court document | $1.25 per page |
| Certified copy | $5.00 per document (first page), $1.25 each additional |
| Exemplified copy | $10.00 per document |
| County Clerk search (per name, per type) | $5.00 per two-year block |
| NYSCEF document viewing | Free (with registration) |
Are Court Records Public in Nassau County?
New York follows a broad presumption of public access to court records. Under Section 255 of the Judiciary Law, court records are generally available for public inspection unless a specific statute, court rule, or order directs otherwise. The New York State Unified Court System also adopted Part 216 of the Uniform Rules for Trial Courts, which governs sealing of court records and sets out the standards a court must apply before restricting access.
Despite this presumption, several categories of records are shielded from public view:
- Sealed criminal records. Under CPL § 160.50, criminal cases that result in a favorable termination (dismissal, acquittal) are automatically sealed. New York’s Clean Slate Act, enacted in 2023, also provides for automatic sealing of certain conviction records after a statutory waiting period.
- Youthful offender adjudications. Records of defendants adjudicated as youthful offenders under CPL § 720.35 are confidential.
- Family Court records. Proceedings in Family Court are generally confidential under Family Court Act § 166, with limited exceptions.
- Adoption records. Sealed upon finalization under Domestic Relations Law § 114.
- Grand jury proceedings. Minutes and evidence presented to a grand jury remain secret under CPL § 190.25(4).
- Matrimonial files. Under Domestic Relations Law § 235, certain documents in divorce actions (including financial disclosure affidavits) are sealed to the public, though the basic case record remains accessible.
- Mental hygiene proceedings. Records of involuntary commitment and related proceedings under the Mental Hygiene Law are confidential.
Clerks are required to redact Social Security numbers and full financial account numbers from publicly accessible documents. If a record you expect to find does not appear in an online search, it may be sealed or restricted. Contact the relevant clerk’s office for guidance.
Nassau County Criminal Court Records
Criminal matters in Nassau County are divided between the County Court, which handles felonies, and the District Court, which has jurisdiction over misdemeanors and lesser offenses. The Nassau County Court sits at the Supreme Court complex in Mineola, while the District Court operates from its Hempstead location and several satellite courthouses throughout the county.
Searching Criminal Case Records
The WebCrims system allows the public to search pending criminal cases in the County Court and Supreme Court by defendant name, case number, or court date. The system shows charges, next court appearance, judge assignment, and case status. It does not cover District Court misdemeanor cases, which must be searched through the District Court Clerk’s office.
For in-person searches of criminal files at the county level, visit:
Nassau County Clerk — Criminal Records
240 Old Country Road
Mineola, NY 11501
Phone: (516) 493-3000
The County Clerk maintains files for indictments, superior court informations, and all felony-level cases. Copies of criminal complaints, court orders, plea minutes, and sentencing transcripts can be requested for the standard per-page fee. Sealed records under CPL § 160.50 or § 160.55 will not be disclosed without a court order.
Arrest and Booking Records
Arrest information is maintained by the arresting agency rather than the courts. For arrests made by the Nassau County Police Department, contact:
Nassau County Police Department — Records Bureau
1490 Franklin Avenue
Mineola, NY 11501
Phone: (516) 573-7511
The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office manages the county correctional facility and can provide information about current inmates. The Sheriff’s Civil Bureau can be reached at (516) 572-4100.
State Criminal History Checks
A statewide criminal history record search can be obtained through the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). Individuals may request their own record or, in limited circumstances, authorized entities may conduct background checks. Fingerprint-based searches processed through DCJS carry fees set by the agency and may also require an FBI processing fee for national checks.
Sealing and Expungement
New York does not use the term “expungement” for criminal records. Instead, records may be sealed under CPL § 160.50 (favorable terminations), CPL § 160.55 (certain violations and infractions), or CPL § 160.59 (discretionary sealing of up to two eligible convictions upon application). The Clean Slate Act adds an automatic sealing mechanism for eligible convictions after specified waiting periods. Petitions for discretionary sealing are filed with the court that handled the original case and require notice to the District Attorney.
Nassau County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Nassau County is handled primarily by the Supreme Court (unlimited monetary jurisdiction) and the District Court (civil jurisdiction up to $15,000). Small claims matters are heard in the District Court’s Small Claims Part for amounts up to $5,000.
Where Civil Records Are Maintained
Supreme Court civil case files — including complaints, answers, motions, decisions, and judgments — are kept by the Nassau County Clerk at 240 Old Country Road, Mineola. The Clerk also records judgments and transcripts of judgment, which become liens on real property within the county upon filing.
District Court civil records are maintained at:
Nassau County District Court — Civil Clerk
99 Main Street
Hempstead, NY 11550
Phone: (516) 493-4200
Searching Civil Cases
- Online: Use WebCivil Supreme for Supreme Court matters. District Court civil cases are not available on WebCivil and must be searched through the District Court Clerk.
- NYSCEF: If a case was electronically filed, documents are available to registered NYSCEF users at no charge.
- In person: Public-access terminals at the County Clerk’s office allow free index searches. Paper files can be pulled by staff upon request.
Filing Fees
Civil filing fees in Supreme Court are governed by CPLR § 8018 and the fee schedule posted by the New York State Unified Court System:
| Filing | Fee |
|---|---|
| Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI) | $95.00 |
| Index number purchase (Supreme Court) | $210.00 |
| Jury demand | $65.00 |
| Motion or cross-motion | $45.00 |
| District Court civil filing | Varies by claim amount |
| Small claims filing (individual) | $10.00–$20.00 |
| Small claims filing (corporation/partnership) | $25.00–$50.00 |
| Note of Issue | $30.00 |
Forms and E-Filing
Standardized court forms for civil actions are available from the New York Courts forms page. Nassau County Supreme Court participates in mandatory e-filing for most civil case types; documents must be submitted through NYSCEF unless an exemption applies.
Judgments and Liens
Money judgments entered in any New York court can be filed with the Nassau County Clerk to create a lien on real property in the county. Judgment searches are available through the County Clerk’s office for $5.00 per name per two-year period searched. The Clerk also maintains an index of mechanics’ liens, lis pendens notices, and federal tax liens affecting Nassau County property.
Nassau County Family Court Records
The Nassau County Family Court handles a wide range of domestic and child-welfare matters, including custody and visitation, child support, paternity, family offense (domestic violence) petitions, persons in need of supervision (PINS), juvenile delinquency, child protective proceedings, and adoption. The court sits at:
Nassau County Family Court
1200 Old Country Road
Westbury, NY 11590
Phone: (516) 493-4000
Confidentiality of Family Court Records
Family Court proceedings in New York are not open to the general public. Under Family Court Act § 166, the public is excluded from Family Court hearings unless the court directs otherwise. Case files are similarly restricted — only parties to the case, their attorneys, and authorized agencies may access records without a court order. This applies to custody files, support orders, protective orders, juvenile delinquency records, and child abuse or neglect proceedings.
Divorce and Matrimonial Records
Divorce cases are filed in Supreme Court, not Family Court. The index and basic case information (filing date, parties, disposition) are accessible through the County Clerk’s office and WebCivil Supreme. However, under Domestic Relations Law § 235, financial disclosure affidavits and certain other documents in matrimonial actions are sealed from public access. The judgment of divorce itself remains a public record, and certified copies can be obtained from the County Clerk for the standard certification fee.
Child Support
Child support orders may be established or modified in Family Court or as part of a Supreme Court divorce proceeding. The Nassau County Child Support Enforcement Bureau assists with collection, enforcement, and modification of support obligations. The Support Collection Unit can be reached at (516) 571-3639.
Marriage Licenses
Marriage licenses in Nassau County are issued by the Office of the Nassau County Clerk, not by the courts. Both parties must appear in person at:
Nassau County Clerk — Marriage License Bureau
240 Old Country Road
Mineola, NY 11501
Phone: (516) 493-3260
The license fee is $40.00. A 24-hour waiting period applies after issuance unless waived by judicial order. The license is valid for 60 days and may be used anywhere in New York State. Certified copies of marriage certificates are available from the County Clerk for $10.00 each.
Birth and Death Records
Vital records are not held by the courts. Certified copies of birth and death certificates for events that occurred in Nassau County can be obtained from the Nassau County Department of Health — Office of Vital Statistics. The fee is $10.00 per certified copy. For events outside Nassau County, contact the New York City Department of Health (for the five boroughs) or the New York State Department of Health Vital Records Section in Albany.
Nassau County Probate Court Records
In New York, probate matters are handled by the Surrogate’s Court rather than a separate probate court. The Nassau County Surrogate’s Court has exclusive jurisdiction over the probate of wills, estate administration, trust accountings, guardianships of the property of minors and incapacitated persons, and wrongful-death claims. The court is located at:
Nassau County Surrogate’s Court
262 Old Country Road
Mineola, NY 11501
Phone: (516) 493-3800
Types of Proceedings
The Surrogate’s Court hears several categories of matters:
- Probate of wills — Proceedings to establish the validity of a decedent’s last will and testament and to appoint an executor.
- Administration of intestate estates — When a person dies without a will, the court appoints an administrator under Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act (SCPA) Article 10.
- Small estates — Estates valued at $50,000 or less in personal property (excluding real estate) may qualify for voluntary administration under SCPA § 1301, a simplified process that avoids full probate.
- Guardianships — Appointment of guardians for the property of minors or for incapacitated persons under Article 17-A of the SCPA.
- Trust proceedings — Accountings, modifications, and terminations of testamentary and inter vivos trusts.
- Wrongful-death settlements — Court approval of compromise or settlement of wrongful-death claims under EPTL § 5-4.6.
Searching Surrogate’s Court Records
Case files in the Surrogate’s Court can be searched in person during business hours (Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.) at the courthouse address above. The court maintains index books and computer terminals for locating estate files by decedent name or file number. Staff can retrieve files for inspection at the counter.
Surrogate’s Court records for Nassau County are also available through NYSCEF for cases that were electronically filed. Older cases predating the e-filing requirement must be accessed in person or by mail request.
Probate Filing Fees
Fees for Surrogate’s Court proceedings are based on the gross value of the estate under SCPA § 2402:
| Gross Estate Value | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Under $10,000 | $45.00 |
| $10,000–$20,000 | $75.00 |
| $20,000–$50,000 | $215.00 |
| $50,000–$100,000 | $280.00 |
| $100,000–$250,000 | $420.00 |
| $250,000–$500,000 | $625.00 |
| Over $500,000 | $1,250.00 |
A small-estate voluntary administration affidavit carries a flat filing fee of $1.00. Certified copies of letters testamentary, letters of administration, or other Surrogate’s Court orders cost $6.00 per document.
Required Documents for Filing
When commencing a probate or administration proceeding, petitioners generally need to provide the original will (for probate), a certified death certificate, a completed probate or administration petition (available from the New York Courts forms page), information about the decedent’s assets and estimated estate value, names and addresses of all distributees (heirs), and any necessary renunciations or consents. The Surrogate’s Court Clerk can review filings for completeness and advise on any additional documents required.
Guardianship Proceedings
Petitions for guardianship of incapacitated adults under Article 81 of the Mental Hygiene Law are filed in Supreme Court rather than Surrogate’s Court. Guardianships involving the property of minors or persons with intellectual disabilities (Article 17-A of the SCPA) are filed with the Surrogate’s Court. Filing fees depend on the value of the property at issue and follow the same fee schedule. The court appoints a court evaluator and, in many cases, an attorney for the alleged incapacitated person. Notice must be given to all interested parties, and a hearing is held before a guardian is appointed.