Suffolk County Court Records Search
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Suffolk County spans the eastern portion of Long Island, New York, and maintains one of the state’s more complex local court systems. With Supreme Courts, a County Court, Family Courts, a Surrogate’s Court, six District Courts, and dozens of Town and Village Justice Courts spread across the county, the records generated by these tribunals touch on everything from felony prosecutions and matrimonial actions to estate administration and small claims disputes. The Suffolk County Clerk’s Office, headquartered in Riverhead, serves as the filing hub for Supreme Court and County Court actions, while individual courts maintain their own case records for matters within their jurisdiction.
For anyone in New York trying to track down court case information, several official resources are worth consulting. The New York State Unified Court System provides statewide case search tools covering civil and criminal matters across multiple court types. The state courts website at NewYorkCourts.us may also assist in locating publicly available court case data. Beyond online tools, records can be obtained through the Suffolk County Clerk’s public access room, individual court clerk offices, and by written request. The approach depends on the type of case and which court handled the matter.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Suffolk County?
The method for locating a court case in Suffolk County depends on whether it is a civil, criminal, family, or surrogate matter, and which court holds jurisdiction.
Online Case Search Tools
Several free portals are available for searching Suffolk County court records electronically:
- eCourts Case Search (WebCivil Local) — This portal operated by the New York State Unified Court System allows anyone to search civil cases across Suffolk County courts. Searches can be performed by first and last name, with the option to filter by court, filing year, and case status. No login is required. Results can be sorted by court, defendant name, plaintiff name, or appearance date. When entering names, use the last name first, as this matches how courts index records.
- WebCrims — This system provides criminal case information for cases processed through Suffolk County’s courts and can be searched by defendant name.
- Suffolk County Clerk’s Kiosk — This online system provides access to court minutes (documents filed under a case’s index number) for Supreme Court and County Court civil cases. Searches are free, but viewing document images requires a paid subscription.
- WebSurrogate — A free state portal for searching Surrogate’s Court files by party name, file number, or historical indexes. Document images filed on or after February 19, 2014, are available online.
In-Person Searches
The Suffolk County Clerk’s Office maintains a Public Access Room where visitors can search court actions and court minutes for Supreme Court and County Court cases.
Suffolk County Clerk’s Office
Address: 310 Center Drive, Riverhead, NY 11901
Phone: (631) 852-2000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Photo identification is required to enter the building. Visitors should arrive no later than 4:45 p.m. to allow time for service before closing.
Mail Requests
Written requests for court documents can be sent to:
County Clerk’s Office
ATTN: Public Access
310 Center Drive
Riverhead, NY 11901
All mail requests must include payment by check or money order payable to the Suffolk County Clerk, along with as much identifying information as possible—such as the index number, party names, file number, or approximate dates. Include a self-addressed stamped return envelope.
Are Court Records Public in Suffolk County?
New York’s Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), found in Public Officers Law Article 6, Sections 84–90, establishes a presumption of public access to government records, including court records maintained by judicial agencies. Under FOIL, any person may request to inspect or copy records held by a government entity, including the Suffolk County Clerk.
That said, significant categories of court records in Suffolk County are restricted from public inspection. The following are generally confidential or sealed by operation of statute or court order:
- Sealed criminal records (including records eligible for sealing under CPL 160.50 and 160.59)
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Adoption records
- Family Court proceedings (generally)
- Grand jury proceedings and reports
- Pre-sentence investigation reports
- Child abuse investigation records
- Alcohol and drug treatment records
- Records designated confidential by court order
- Records whose disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Documents containing trade secrets or confidential informant identities
Under Uniform Rule 207.64 for Surrogate’s Courts, confidential personal information (CPI) in surrogate filings is protected, and parties are responsible for redacting CPI from documents they file. The WebSurrogate system restricts access to files and documents covered by this rule.
For criminal records specifically, the Suffolk County Clerk only maintains records involving felony indictments or informations prosecuted in Suffolk County. The Clerk does not hold misdemeanor records; those are maintained by the individual District Court or Justice Court that handled the case.
Suffolk County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Suffolk County are distributed across multiple courts depending on the severity of the charge. Felony cases—carrying potential prison sentences exceeding one year—are prosecuted in the Suffolk County Court, located at the Arthur M. Cromarty Court Complex. The six District Courts handle misdemeanors, violations, infractions, traffic offenses, and preliminary felony proceedings. Town and Village Justice Courts also preside over certain criminal matters within their geographic jurisdiction.
Searching Criminal Records
The WebCrims defendant search portal allows online searches for criminal case information by defendant name across Suffolk County courts.
For felony cases specifically, the Suffolk County Clerk’s Office maintains dispositions, indictments, and related documents. To obtain a Certificate of Disposition or a copy of an indictment for a felony case, send a written request with:
- A $5.00 money order or check payable to the Suffolk County Clerk (per certificate)
- A self-addressed, stamped return envelope
- The defendant’s full name and date of birth
- Any additional identifying information (file number, approximate arrest date, known aliases)
Mail requests to:
Suffolk County Clerk
ATTN: Criminal Court Actions
310 Center Drive
Riverhead, NY 11901
For questions, contact: (631) 852-1462 or email CACriminal@suffolkcountyny.gov.
Misdemeanor Dispositions
The County Clerk does not handle misdemeanor records. For misdemeanor dispositions, contact the District Court at (631) 208-5775 or the local Justice Court where the case was heard.
District Court Certificates of Disposition
A certificate of disposition from any of the six District Courts requires a $5 fee and a valid photo ID. Applicants should provide as much case information as possible—docket number, date of disposition, date of arrest, and offenses charged. Requests can be submitted in person or by mail using Form DC-411.
Statewide Criminal History
For a complete statewide criminal background check, contact the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services at (518) 457-9847 or the Office of Court Administration at (212) 428-2810. The statewide criminal records search fee is $95.00. Information on sealing criminal records is available through the New York Courts website.
Suffolk County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Suffolk County is filed primarily in the Supreme Court (for cases exceeding District Court jurisdictional limits) or in the District Courts (for claims up to $15,000, small claims up to $5,000, landlord-tenant matters, and town ordinance violations). The Suffolk County Clerk serves as the filing clerk for all Supreme Court civil actions.
Searching Civil Case Records Online
The eCourts WebCivil Local search provides free public access to civil case information across Suffolk County courts. Searches can be conducted by party name and narrowed by court location, filing year, and case status. No account is needed.
For Supreme Court and County Court civil filings specifically, the Suffolk County Clerk’s online kiosk provides access to court minutes indexed by case number. Searching is free, but viewing and printing document images requires a paid subscription.
In-Person Access
Civil case files—including the docket sheet and all filed documents—can be reviewed at the Suffolk County Clerk’s Public Access Room at 310 Center Drive, Riverhead, NY 11901. Files not sealed by court order are available for public inspection during business hours (Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Court minutes are generally public, though the court may seal certain portions.
Copy Fees and Certified Copies
The Suffolk County Clerk charges the following fees for court document copies:
| Copy Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (per page) | $1.25 (minimum $5.00, maximum $40.00) |
| Non-certified copy (per page) | $0.65 (minimum $1.30, maximum $40.00) |
| Exemplified copy (per document, in addition to certification fee) | $10.00 |
| Court records search (per every 2 years searched) | $5.00 |
| Certificate regarding a search of the Clerk’s records | $9.00 |
Payment is accepted by cash, check, or money order payable to the Suffolk County Clerk. For mail requests, detailed instructions and order forms are available on the Copies or Certified Copies page, including dedicated forms for divorce/stipulation/QDRO orders and deed copies.
Key Filing Fees
| Action | Fee |
|---|---|
| Index Number (new case filing) | $210.00 |
| Index Number with foreclosure action | $400.00 |
| Request for Judicial Intervention | $95.00 |
| Motion/Cross-Motion/Clerk’s Judgment | $45.00 |
| Note of Issue | $30.00 |
| Jury Demand | $65.00 |
| Stipulation of Settlement | $35.00 |
Electronic filing is mandatory for certain case types in Suffolk County Supreme Court. Details on mandatory e-file case types and procedural protocols are available through the County Clerk’s website.
Suffolk County Family Court Records
Suffolk County Family Court operates from two locations and handles matters involving child welfare, domestic relations, and family safety. Unlike most other court records in the county, Family Court proceedings are generally confidential and not open to public inspection.
Court Locations
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Suffolk County Family Court (Central Islip) | Cohalan Court Complex, 400 Carleton Avenue, Central Islip, NY 11722 | (631) 853-4289 |
| Suffolk County Family Court (Riverhead) | Arthur M. Cromarty Court Complex, 210 Center Drive, 2nd Floor, Riverhead, NY 11901 | (631) 852-3905 |
Types of Cases Heard
Family Court handles a broad spectrum of proceedings: neglect and abuse, juvenile delinquency, persons in need of supervision (PINS), adoptions, guardianship, foster care placement, family offenses (domestic violence), custody and visitation, paternity, child support, and consent to marry.
Accessing Family Court Records
Because Family Court proceedings are largely confidential under New York law, public access is limited. Parties to a case who need copies of filings or orders should contact the records room at the Family Court location where the case was heard. Requests can be submitted by email, U.S. mail, or telephone to the General Clerk’s office at either location.
In limited circumstances, the court may permit access to Family Court records when it determines such access is appropriate. Third parties without direct involvement in a case will generally not be able to obtain these records without a court order.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses and certificates in Suffolk County are maintained by the town clerk of the town where the couple obtained the license. Certified copies cost $10 per copy, payable by check or money order. Applicants must be the bride, groom, spouse, or hold notarized authorization or a court order. A valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID) is required.
Divorce Records
Suffolk County divorce records consist of two components. The divorce decree—containing the full terms of the dissolution—is filed with the Suffolk County Clerk’s Office. Copies can be requested by calling (631) 852-2000 or by submitting the Divorce/Stipulation/QDRO order form by mail. The divorce certificate, which provides basic identifying information, is filed with the New York State Department of Health for divorces granted on or after January 1, 1963. Copies of divorce certificates can be obtained in person from the New York State Vital Records office (Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.) at 800 North Pearl St., Menands, NY 12204, Phone: (877) 854-4481, or by mailing the application form (DOH-4378) with a $30 fee to:
New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Certification Unit
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602
Birth and Death Records
Birth certificates in Suffolk County are obtained through the town hall or village hall where the birth occurred. Eligible applicants include the person named on the certificate (if 18 or older), parents named on it, a spouse or child of the registrant, or someone with a court order. Certified copies cost $15 per copy and require photo identification.
Death certificates are maintained by the town clerk of the town where the death occurred. Eligible applicants include the surviving spouse, parent, sibling (with a birth certificate showing the shared parent), child of the deceased, someone with notarized permission from an eligible party, or a person with a court order. Certified copies cost $10 per request.
Suffolk County Probate Court Records
In New York, probate matters are handled by the Surrogate’s Court rather than a separate probate court. The Suffolk County Surrogate’s Court, located in Riverhead, presides over the administration of decedents’ estates, will probate, intestate succession, guardianship of minors’ property, adoptions, wrongful death claims, accounting proceedings, and small estate administrations.
Suffolk County Surrogate’s Court
Address: 320 Center Drive, Riverhead, NY 11901
Phone: (631) 852-1746
Fax: (631) 852-1777
For general questions about wills, estates, guardianships, and adoptions, the Surrogate’s Court can also be reached at (631) 852-1745.
Searching Surrogate’s Court Records Online
The WebSurrogate portal is a free service maintained by the New York State Unified Court System that allows public searches of Surrogate’s Court filings. Available search options include searching by party name (with optional date-of-death filter), file number, old index records, index book pages, and wills filed for safekeeping. Document images filed on or after February 19, 2014, are accessible online; documents filed before that date may only be viewable on public access computers inside the courthouse.
In-Person Access
Records can be viewed at the Surrogate’s Court in person on paper, microfiche, or public access computers. To request retrieval of specific files, visitors should submit a requisition form to the records department.
Mail Requests
To request a surrogate records search by mail, complete the Surrogate’s Court records request form and mail it with payment to:
Suffolk County Surrogate’s Court
ATTN: Cashier
320 Center Drive
Riverhead, NY 11901
Search Fees
| Timeframe | Fee |
|---|---|
| Estates filed within 25 years | $30.00 |
| Estates filed more than 25 years ago | $90.00 |
The Surrogate’s Court maintains estate records dating back to 1787. For historical records predating what is available online, the New York State Archives holds appellate and trial court records from the 1660s through the 1990s, with online finding aids to help guide research.