Court records in Cortland County, New York, can be searched through several channels. CortlandCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also access records through the New York State Unified Court System's online tools, the Cortland County Clerk's office, and public terminals located at the courthouse. Each method offers different levels of detail, and some records may require an in-person visit or written request.
Cortland Court System & Jurisdictions
Cortland County is part of the New York State Unified Court System, Sixth Judicial District. Several courts operate within the county, each handling distinct case types:
- Cortland County Court — Handles felony criminal cases and civil matters where the amount in controversy exceeds the jurisdiction of lower courts. Also hears appeals from town and village courts.
- Cortland County Supreme Court — The court of general jurisdiction in New York. Handles major civil litigation, matrimonial (divorce) cases, and equity matters. In Cortland County, Supreme Court sessions are held at the Cortland County Courthouse.
- Cortland County Surrogate's Court — Manages probate proceedings, estate administration, guardianship matters, and adoption cases.
- Cortland County Family Court — Hears cases involving custody, visitation, child support, juvenile delinquency, persons in need of supervision (PINS), family offenses, and child protective proceedings. Many Family Court records are confidential under New York law.
- Cortland City Court — Handles misdemeanor criminal cases, violations, small claims (up to $5,000), and civil cases up to $15,000 originating within the City of Cortland. Also processes vehicle and traffic matters within city limits.
- Town and Village Courts (Justice Courts) — Cortland County has multiple local justice courts across its towns and villages. These courts handle traffic tickets, vehicle and traffic law violations, local code violations, small claims, minor civil disputes, and misdemeanor-level criminal charges.
If you are unsure which court holds a particular record, start by contacting the Cortland County Clerk's office or searching the New York State Courts Electronic Filing system (NYSCEF) or the WebCivil Supreme case search for Supreme and County Court civil matters.
Cortland Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's court schedule in Cortland County, use the following resources:
- New York State Unified Court System — Future Court Appearances: The WebCrims system allows you to search upcoming criminal court appearances by defendant name, case number, or date for courts across New York, including Cortland County Court and City Court.
- eCourts / WebCivil Supreme: For civil cases in Supreme Court and County Court, the WebCivil Supreme portal shows scheduled appearances and case status.
- Contact the court directly: For Family Court, Surrogate's Court, or local justice court calendars, call the appropriate clerk's office. These calendars are not always available online.
Cortland County Clerk's Office
Town and village justice court calendars are typically posted at the individual court or available by calling the court clerk. Schedules can change on short notice due to adjournments, so confirm before traveling to the courthouse.
How to Get a Copy of a Cortland Court Document
You can obtain court documents in Cortland County through three main channels:
In Person
Visit the Cortland County Clerk's office at the courthouse. Bring the case name, index number, or docket number if available. Staff can help locate records and provide copies on the spot. Public access terminals may also be available for self-service lookups.
By Mail
Send a written request to:
Include the full case caption or names of the parties, the index or docket number (if known), a description of the documents you need, whether you need certified or uncertified copies, and a check or money order for the applicable fees.
Online
Some Supreme Court and County Court civil records can be viewed and printed through the NYSCEF e-filing portal at no charge. Criminal history record searches for background check purposes are handled through the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain photocopies suitable for personal review or reference.
- Certified copies bear the clerk's official seal and signature, making them acceptable for legal proceedings, government filings, and other official purposes. Certified copies cost more and may take additional processing time.
Some records are restricted by law. Family Court records, sealed criminal records, youthful offender adjudications, and certain adoption files are generally not available to the public. If you need an incarcerated individual's information, the DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup tool covers state correctional facilities, while the Cortland County Sheriff's Office can assist with local jail inquiries.
Cortland Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Cortland County follow schedules set by New York State statute (primarily CPLR § 8019 and County Law § 525). The table below reflects standard fees; confirm current amounts with the County Clerk before submitting payment.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Photocopy (per page) | $0.65 |
| Certification of a document | $1.25 per certification |
| Certified copy of a court record (per page, plus certification fee) | $0.65/page + $1.25 |
| County Clerk record search (per two-year period searched) | $5.00 |
| Filing an Article 78 proceeding or civil action (Supreme/County Court) | $210.00 (index number fee) |
| Criminal history record search (through DCJS) | Varies; contact DCJS |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, or money order payable to "Cortland County Clerk."
- By mail: Check or money order only. Do not send cash.
- Online: NYSCEF filings accept credit card payments for e-filed documents. Not all record requests can be completed online.
For tax warrant records, the New York State Tax Warrant search is available at no cost and does not require an account. Warrant information for individuals wanted on criminal charges can also be checked through the Cortland County Sheriff's Most Wanted page or the New York State Police Wanted and Missing database.
Fees are subject to change. When in doubt, contact the Cortland County Clerk's office at (607) 753-5021 before mailing a request to confirm the exact amount due.