Court records in Cortland County, New York, are maintained by the county clerk and the clerks of the various courts serving the county. CortlandCourt.us can help you find publicly available court record information for Cortland County. You can also access records through the New York State Unified Court System's online tools, the Cortland County Clerk's office, and other official government resources. The sections below explain how the court system is organized, which courts handle which cases, and where to find the records and resources you need.
Cortland Court System Overview
Cortland County is part of the Sixth Judicial District of the New York State Unified Court System. The Sixth Judicial District covers ten counties in central New York, including Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Madison, Otsego, Schuyler, Tioga, and Tompkins. The court system in Cortland County includes Cortland County Court, Cortland County Supreme Court, Cortland County Surrogate's Court, Cortland County Family Court, and the Cortland City Court. Town and village justice courts also operate throughout the county. The main courthouse is located in the City of Cortland.
Courts Serving Cortland County
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Cortland County Supreme & County Court | 46 Greenbush Street, Cortland, NY 13045 | (607) 753-5013 |
| Cortland County Surrogate's Court | 46 Greenbush Street, Cortland, NY 13045 | (607) 753-5355 |
| Cortland County Family Court | 46 Greenbush Street, Cortland, NY 13045 | (607) 753-5353 |
| Cortland City Court | 25 Court Street, Cortland, NY 13045 | (607) 428-5420 |
| U.S. District Court – Northern District of New York | James T. Foley U.S. Courthouse, 445 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207 | (315) 234-8500 (Syracuse division) |
| U.S. Bankruptcy Court – Northern District of New York | 100 South Clinton Street, Syracuse, NY 13261 | (315) 295-1600 |
In addition, town and village justice courts operate in municipalities across Cortland County, handling traffic tickets, small claims, minor criminal matters, and local ordinance violations.
What Types of Cases Cortland County Courts Hear
Courts in Cortland County handle a wide range of case types across criminal, civil, and family matters:
- Criminal: Felonies, misdemeanors, violations, and infractions
- Civil litigation: Contract disputes, personal injury, property disputes, and commercial claims
- Small claims: Informal resolution of disputes involving limited dollar amounts
- Family law: Divorce, custody, child support, paternity, orders of protection, adoption
- Probate and estate: Wills, estate administration, guardianship, trusts
- Juvenile: Juvenile delinquency, persons in need of supervision (PINS)
- Traffic: Vehicle and traffic law violations
District Court Cases in Cortland County
New York does not use the term "district court" at the county level in Cortland. Instead, Cortland County Court handles felony prosecutions and hears appeals from lower courts. Supreme Court handles major civil matters and matrimonial cases. County Court has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, typically after the defendant has been indicted by a grand jury or has waived indictment. The County Court judge also presides over certain civil matters and post-conviction proceedings such as motions to vacate judgments. Cases are assigned by the court clerk upon filing. Felony cases generally arrive after arraignment in a local justice court or city court, followed by grand jury action.
Magistrate Court Cases in Cortland County
Cortland County does not have a separate magistrate division. Instead, local justice courts and Cortland City Court serve a similar function. These courts handle:
- Misdemeanors and violations
- Felony arraignments and preliminary hearings before cases are sent to County Court
- Civil claims up to $15,000 in City Court
- Small claims up to $5,000 (City Court) or $3,000 (justice courts)
- Traffic and vehicle law violations
- DWI arraignments and related proceedings
Town and village justice courts handle similar matters for cases arising outside the City of Cortland. If a felony charge originates in a local court, the case is transferred to County Court after a preliminary hearing or grand jury indictment.
Family Law, Probate, and Juvenile Matters in Cortland County
Family Law
Cortland County Family Court handles custody, visitation, child support, paternity, family offense petitions (orders of protection), and termination of parental rights. Divorce and matrimonial actions are filed in Supreme Court. Contested custody or support issues connected to a divorce may be referred to Family Court for hearings.
Probate
Surrogate's Court in Cortland County handles probate of wills, estate administration, guardianship of minors and incapacitated persons, and trust-related matters. The Surrogate's Court Clerk can provide the required filing forms and fee schedules.
Juvenile
Juvenile delinquency and PINS (Persons in Need of Supervision) cases are heard in Family Court. Juvenile records are confidential under New York law and are not available to the general public. Contact the Family Court Clerk at (607) 753-5353 for procedural questions.
How Cases Move Through the Cortland County Court System
- Filing or initiation: A criminal case begins with an arrest or the filing of an accusatory instrument. Civil cases start with the filing of a summons and complaint. Family and surrogate matters begin with a petition.
- Assignment: Cases are assigned to a judge by the court clerk based on case type and the court's calendar.
- Initial appearance: In criminal cases, the defendant is arraigned and bail is set. In civil cases, a preliminary conference or return date is scheduled.
- Pre-trial phase: Both sides exchange information through discovery. In criminal cases, plea negotiations may occur. Motions may be filed and argued.
- Trial or resolution: Cases proceed to trial (jury or bench), settle, result in a guilty plea, or are resolved by default judgment.
- Post-judgment: Criminal cases may involve sentencing, probation, or appeal. Civil cases may involve enforcement of judgment or appeal to a higher court.
Court Administration, Local Rules, and Public Access in Cortland County
The courts in Cortland County are administered under the New York State Unified Court System. The Administrative Judge for the Sixth Judicial District oversees operations across all ten counties in the district. Day-to-day operations are managed by the Chief Clerk in each court.
- Local rules: Local rules for the Sixth Judicial District are published on the New York State Courts website. Attorneys and self-represented litigants should review these before filing.
- Public access: Under New York Judiciary Law § 255 and court administrative rules, most court records are open to the public. Exceptions include sealed records, juvenile proceedings, certain family court matters, and records subject to a court order. You can request records in person at the relevant clerk's office.
- Remote hearings: Some proceedings in Cortland County may be conducted by video or telephone, particularly in Family Court. Ask the clerk's office for the current policy on virtual appearances.
Court Records and Related Court Resources in Cortland County
- Court case search: The New York State eCourts portal allows you to search for civil Supreme Court and County Court case information statewide, including Cortland County.
- Criminal history records: Individuals can request their own criminal history through the New York Division of Criminal Justice Services. Employers and licensing agencies can also request background checks through DCJS.
- DCJS resources: The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services provides access to sex offender registries, crime statistics, and criminal justice data.
- Incarcerated individual lookup: To find someone in a New York State correctional facility, use the DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup tool or the NY.gov inmate search.
- County jail information: The Cortland County Sheriff's Office operates the Cortland County Jail at 54 Greenbush Street, Cortland, NY 13045. Contact the jail at (607) 756-4275. The New York State Commission of Correction maintains a directory of all county jails.
- Most wanted: The Cortland County Sheriff publishes a most wanted list on its website. The New York State Police also maintains a statewide wanted and missing persons page.
- Tax warrants: You can search for New York State tax warrants through the NYS Tax Warrant search tool or the Department of State Tax Warrant Notice System.
- Court forms and self-help: The New York State Courts website offers free downloadable court forms and self-help guides for common case types including divorce, small claims, name changes, and landlord-tenant matters.
- Cortland County Clerk: The County Clerk's office handles land records, civil case filings for Supreme and County Court, and naturalization records. You can request copies of court documents in person or by mail. Fees apply for certified copies.
For additional help finding publicly available court records in Cortland County, visit CortlandCourt.us.