Ulster County Court Records Search

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    Ulster County sits in the mid-Hudson Valley of New York State, with Kingston as its county seat. The county’s judiciary operates within the 3rd Judicial District and includes multiple courts: the Supreme Court and County Court (both housed in the Ulster County Courthouse on Wall Street), the Family Court, the Surrogate’s Court, the Kingston City Court, and more than 20 town and village justice courts spread across the county. The Ulster County Clerk’s Office serves as the primary custodian of civil and criminal files from both the Supreme and County Courts, while the Surrogate’s Court independently maintains probate and estate records dating back to 1787.

    Residents and researchers looking for court records in Ulster County have access to several official tools. In New York, court case information can be located through clerk offices, public access terminals at courthouses, and various online databases maintained by the state judiciary. NewYorkCourts.us offers statewide resources including court locators, case search portals, filing forms, and procedural guidance that can help users identify where particular types of records are held and how to obtain them. The specific search options available depend on the court and case type involved, so researchers should identify the correct court or custodial office before initiating a request. All details in this guide should be verified against current official sources, as fees and procedures are subject to change.

    How to Look Up a Court Case in Ulster County?

    Ulster County provides online, in-person, mail, and telephone channels for locating court records. The appropriate method depends on the court and document type.

    Online Searches

    The Ulster County Clerk’s Office maintains the Search IQS portal, which provides access to Supreme and County Court records from July 1987 to the present. To search:

    1. Visit the Search IQS portal.
    2. Select “Search Records as Guest” (or create an account).
    3. Enter the party’s first and last name or other case identifiers.
    4. Complete the additional search fields and click “Search”.

    Available records include civil actions, criminal actions, judgments, liens, and business filings, provided they are not sealed. The portal does not produce document copies directly; documents must be requested and purchased separately.

    For Supreme Court civil matters specifically, the state’s WebCivil Supreme portal allows searches by index number, party name, attorney, or justice for open civil Supreme Court cases statewide, including Ulster County. Documents filed electronically can also be viewed through the NYSCEF system.

    In Person

    Public access terminals are available in the County Clerk’s 2nd-floor Records Room at 244 Fair Street, Kingston. A NYSCEF computer is also available in the Records Room for attorneys and self-represented litigants who need to access electronically filed cases. Fees must be paid on-site before copies are produced.

    By Mail

    Send a written request to the County Clerk that includes the index number, filing date, names of the parties, and the specific documents requested. Include the requester’s name, return mailing address, and payment for applicable fees (check or money order payable to the Ulster County Clerk’s Office). Mail to:

    Ulster County Clerk’s Office
    Address: 244 Fair Street, Kingston, NY 12401
    Phone: (845) 340-3288
    Fax: (845) 340-3299
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:45 PM

    By Phone

    Telephone inquiries to (845) 340-3288 are for informational purposes only. Copies must be obtained through the online portal, by mail, or in person.

    Court Record Copy Fees

    ServiceFee
    Copy of a document (uncertified)$0.65 per page
    Prepare and certify a copy$5.00 for the first 4 pages, $1.25 each additional page
    Certify a prepared copy$5.20 for the first 8 pages, $0.65 each additional page
    Index number$210.00
    Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI)$95.00
    Motion or cross-motion$45.00
    Jury demand$65.00
    Note of Issue filing$30.00
    RJI and Note of Issue filed together$125.00
    Notice of Appeal filing$65.00

    The complete fee schedule is posted on the County Clerk’s website.

    Are Court Records Public in Ulster County?

    Under Section 255 of the New York Judiciary Law, court clerks in New York are required to search files upon request and certify the results, establishing a broad right of public access to court records. The Ulster County Clerk’s Office makes civil and criminal records from the Supreme and County Courts available for public inspection and copying, provided those records are not sealed by court order.

    Records generally accessible to the public include:

    • Civil complaints, answers, and motions filed in Supreme Court
    • Criminal case filings and dispositions in County Court
    • Judgments and liens
    • Business filings and corporate documents
    • Probate records at the Surrogate’s Court (estate proceedings from 1787 to present)
    • Property records, deeds, and land filings

    Records that are restricted or not publicly available include:

    • Sealed court records (by judicial order)
    • Juvenile records, which are confidential under Section 166 of the Family Court Act
    • Family Court records, which are generally not public and accessible only to authorized parties
    • Matrimonial (divorce) files, which in Ulster County are accessible only to the plaintiff, defendant, or their attorney of record
    • Criminal history records maintained by the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services (not public under the Freedom of Information Law)
    • Records containing Social Security numbers, health information, or details that could compromise personal safety

    Sealed matrimonial records require a notarized request form for access. In-person requests for divorce files require valid photo identification such as a driver’s license, non-driver ID, or U.S. passport.

    Ulster County Criminal Court Records

    Criminal cases in Ulster County are split between courts based on severity. The County Court handles felonies and serious misdemeanors, while the Kingston City Court and town and village justice courts handle lesser misdemeanors, violations, and traffic offenses. The Supreme Court may also exercise criminal jurisdiction for certain matters.

    Where Criminal Court Records Are Kept

    The Ulster County Clerk’s Office maintains criminal records from the Supreme and County Courts. Records from the Kingston City Court and town or village justice courts are held by the respective court clerks at those locations.

    Searching Criminal Court Records

    • Online: Use the Search IQS portal to look up Supreme and County Court criminal actions by party name or index number (records from July 1987 forward).
    • In Person: Visit the County Clerk’s 2nd-floor Records Room at 244 Fair Street, Kingston. Self-service terminals are available for free searches during office hours (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:45 PM).
    • By Mail: Send a written request with case identifiers and payment to the County Clerk’s Office at 244 Fair Street, Kingston, NY 12401.

    For criminal cases heard in the Kingston City Court, contact:

    Kingston City Court
    Address: 1 Garraghan Drive, Kingston, NY 12401
    Phone: (845) 481-9350

    Law Enforcement Records

    Arrest reports, incident reports, and booking records are maintained by the law enforcement agency that handled the incident, not the courts. The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office can be contacted for records requests.

    Ulster County Sheriff’s Office
    Address: 380 Boulevard, Kingston, NY 12401
    Phone: (845) 338-3640
    Email: sheriff@co.ulster.ny.us

    Official Criminal History Records (Rap Sheets)

    The NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is the sole source of official fingerprint-based criminal history records in New York. These records are not public and cannot be obtained through FOIL requests. Individuals may request their own records only. To do so:

    1. Schedule a fingerprinting appointment by calling (877) 472-6915. Provide service code 15464Z for a suppressed record or 15465F for an unsuppressed record.
    2. Bring acceptable photo identification to the appointment (driver’s license, state ID, or passport). For minors aged 11–17 without ID, a parent or guardian must complete the NY Photo ID Waiver for Minors form.
    3. Pay the fingerprint processing fee of $17.50 (effective February 2, 2026) to IdentoGo at the time of enrollment. Credit cards, checks, and money orders are accepted.
    4. DCJS processes the request and mails the response within approximately three to four weeks.

    An unsuppressed record includes all criminal history information, including sealed and suppressed entries. A suppressed record excludes sealed or suppressed information under the New York Criminal Procedure Law. Fee waiver applications are available for individuals unable to pay the processing fee. Contact DCJS at RecordReview@dcjs.ny.gov or (518) 457-9847 for details.

    Ulster County Civil Court Records

    Civil litigation in Ulster County’s Supreme Court covers lawsuits for monetary damages, property disputes, contract claims, foreclosures, and injunctive relief. The County Court handles civil matters within certain monetary thresholds. Small claims and landlord-tenant disputes are heard in the Kingston City Court and town or village justice courts.

    Custodian of Civil Records

    The Ulster County Clerk’s Office maintains all civil files from the Supreme and County Courts, including complaints, answers, discovery documents, motions, orders, judgments, liens, and business filings.

    How to Obtain Civil Records

    • Online: Search the IQS portal for Supreme and County Court civil actions from July 1987 onward. Additionally, electronically filed cases can be searched through NYSCEF, and open civil Supreme Court cases can be looked up on WebCivil Supreme.
    • In Person: Visit the 2nd-floor Records Room at 244 Fair Street, Kingston, during business hours. Public terminals are available for searching. Copies cost $0.65 per page (uncertified) or $5.00 for the first 4 certified pages plus $1.25 per additional page.
    • By Mail: Submit a written request with case identifiers, payment, and a return address to the Ulster County Clerk’s Office at 244 Fair Street, Kingston, NY 12401.

    Electronic Filing

    The Ulster County Clerk’s Office accepts electronic filings through the NYSCEF system. E-filing is mandatory for most new civil actions in Supreme Court, with exceptions for Election Law matters, Mental Hygiene Law matters (including Article 81 guardianships), and certain other categories. Matrimonial cases, Article 70 proceedings, Article 78 proceedings, and name change applications may be filed electronically or in hardcopy (consensual/voluntary matters). Regular filing fees apply; there is no additional charge to use the NYSCEF system. Attorneys needing assistance with NYSCEF can contact the E-Filing Resource Center at (646) 386-3033.

    Small Claims and City Court Records

    Records from small claims actions and other cases heard in Kingston City Court are maintained by that court’s clerk. Contact the Kingston City Court at (845) 481-9350 for record inquiries. Town and village justice courts maintain their own records as well; contact the relevant court directly using the contact information listed on the Ulster County courts directory.

    Ulster County Family Court Records

    The Ulster County Family Court handles matters involving children and families, including child custody and visitation, child support, family offense (domestic violence) proceedings, juvenile delinquency, child abuse and neglect allegations, foster care approvals, adoption, and guardianship. The Family Court shares jurisdiction with the Surrogate’s Court over certain adoption and guardianship matters.

    Ulster County Family Court
    Address: 2 Development Court, Kingston, NY 12401
    Phone: (845) 481-9430
    Fax: (845) 483-8114
    Email: UlsterFamilyCourt@nycourts.gov
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

    Access Restrictions

    Family Court records are not public under New York law. Section 166 of the Family Court Act restricts access to the following individuals:

    • Parties to the case and their attorneys
    • Parents, guardians, or legally approved caregivers
    • Authorized representatives of child protective services
    • Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program representatives
    • Persons with a specific court order granting access

    Eligible individuals should contact the Family Court directly or visit in person with valid government-issued photo identification and as much case-specific information as possible to assist staff in locating the records.

    Divorce Records

    According to the Ulster County Clerk’s Office, matrimonial (divorce) files are accessible only to the plaintiff, defendant, or their attorney of record. Other parties cannot obtain these records. To request copies:

    1. Complete and notarize the Request for Copies of Sealed Matrimonial Records form.
    2. Include the names of the parties, the index number, the filing date, and the type of records sought.
    3. Mail the notarized form with payment to the County Clerk’s Office at 244 Fair Street, Kingston, NY 12401. Fees can be paid by check or money order. The fee to prepare and certify copies is $5.00 for the first 4 pages and $1.25 for each additional page, with a maximum fee of $40.00. Uncertified copies cost $0.65 per page.
    4. In-person requests require valid photo identification (driver’s license, non-driver ID, U.S. passport, or other government-issued photo ID).

    Marriage Records

    Marriage certificates are maintained by the municipal clerk (town, city, or village) where the marriage took place. Marriage records more than 50 years old are considered publicly accessible. Records less than 50 years old are restricted — only a spouse, someone with notarized authorization from a spouse, an attorney with a legal need, or a party providing death certificates for both deceased spouses may request a certified copy. Contact the relevant municipal clerk for availability and fees.

    Birth and Death Records

    Birth records in Ulster County are private under New York law. Only the person named on the record, a parent listed on the certificate, a spouse, a child, or a person with a court order may obtain a certified copy. Death records are similarly restricted to immediate family members or individuals with a documented legal claim, medical need, or court order. Requests are handled by the clerk of the municipality where the event occurred. The New York State Department of Health can also process certain vital records requests. Valid government-issued photo identification is required for all vital records applications.

    Ulster County Probate Court Records

    In New York, probate and estate matters are handled by the Surrogate’s Court. The Ulster County Surrogate’s Court adjudicates cases involving the probate of wills, estate administration, guardianship of minors’ property, lifetime trusts, and adoptions.

    Ulster County Surrogate’s Court
    Address: County Office Building, 3rd Floor, 244 Fair Street, Kingston, NY 12401
    Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1800, Kingston, NY 12402-1800
    Phone: (845) 481-9338
    Email: UlsterSurrogateCourt@nycourts.gov
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed on state holidays)
    Surrogate: Hon. Sara McGinty
    Chief Clerk: Katrina Ogno

    Public Access

    The court’s records are open to the public and include estate proceedings on file from 1787 to the present. Most older records are preserved on microfilm and microfiche, and the court has two microfilm machines available for public use. There is no charge to view records on-site, though copy fees apply.

    How to Search Probate Records

    • By Email: Contact the Surrogate’s Court at UlsterSurrogateCourt@nycourts.gov to inquire about record availability before visiting.
    • In Person: Visit the court on the 3rd floor of the County Office Building at 244 Fair Street, Kingston, during business hours. Staff cannot provide legal advice but can assist with locating records.
    • Online: Supreme Court probate-related filings may also appear in the Search IQS portal. Certain Surrogate’s Court matters may be filed electronically through NYSCEF where e-filing protocols apply.

    Types of Probate Filings

    Records maintained by the Surrogate’s Court include petitions for probate of wills, petitions for estate administration (intestate estates), accountings, inventories, decrees, letters testamentary and letters of administration, guardianship petitions for minors’ property, trust proceedings, and adoption filings. Adoption records are generally sealed and not accessible to the public.

    Property Records Related to Estates

    Property records, including deeds, mortgages, and liens that may result from estate proceedings, are recorded with the Ulster County Clerk’s Office and can be searched online through the Search IQS portal or the county’s Image Mate Online property assessment portal. The county’s Real Property Tax division maintains assessed value records, and individual municipal assessors can assist with property-specific inquiries.