Westchester County Court Records
What Is Westchester County Court Records
Westchester County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of court activities and are maintained pursuant to New York Judiciary Law § 255, which establishes requirements for court record maintenance.
Court records in Westchester County typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and supporting documentation
- Docket sheets chronicling case events in chronological order
- Court orders and judicial decisions
- Judgments and decrees
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
- Sentencing information in criminal matters
- Settlement agreements in civil cases
These records are distinct from other public records maintained by Westchester County, such as property records (deeds, mortgages, liens), vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates), and tax assessment records. Court records specifically document judicial proceedings and decisions.
The New York State Unified Court System maintains records for various courts operating within Westchester County, including:
- New York Supreme Court (Westchester County)
- Westchester County Court
- Westchester County Family Court
- Westchester County Surrogate's Court
- City Courts (Yonkers, White Plains, etc.)
- Town and Village Courts
These courts generate records for civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, small claims, landlord-tenant disputes, and traffic violations, creating a diverse body of judicial documentation.
Are Court Records Public In Westchester County
Court records in Westchester County are presumptively public pursuant to New York Public Officers Law § 84, also known as the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), which establishes the public's right to access government records. Additionally, the common law right of access to court records has been affirmed by the New York Court of Appeals.
The following court records are generally accessible to the public:
- Civil case files (with certain exceptions)
- Criminal case files (post-arraignment)
- Court orders and judgments
- Docket sheets and case indices
- Court calendars and hearing schedules
- Property records in foreclosure or lien cases
However, not all court records are publicly accessible. New York law provides for certain exceptions and restrictions, including:
- Family Court proceedings (except in limited circumstances)
- Juvenile delinquency records
- Sealed criminal records pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.50
- Records containing confidential personal information
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health proceedings
- Grand jury materials
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the Southern District of New York, which includes Westchester County, are governed by federal access rules rather than state law. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system.
The New York State Unified Court System has established comprehensive rules regarding public access to court records, balancing transparency with privacy concerns.
How To Find Court Records in Westchester County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Westchester County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the type of record sought and its age.
For in-person requests:
- Identify the specific court that handled the case
- Visit the court clerk's office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form providing case information
- Present valid identification
- Pay applicable search or copying fees
- Wait for staff to retrieve records (same-day service for readily available records)
Westchester County Clerk's Office
110 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
White Plains, NY 10601
(914) 995-3070
Westchester County Clerk
For written requests:
- Prepare a detailed written request including case number, party names, and filing date
- Include contact information and preferred delivery method
- Enclose required fees (check or money order)
- Mail request to the appropriate court clerk's office
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing
For attorney or legal representative requests:
- Submit requests on official letterhead
- Include New York State attorney registration number
- Specify exact documents needed from case file
- Provide case caption and index/docket number
- Include authorization if requesting on behalf of a client
Certified copies of court records require additional fees and should be specifically requested. The New York State Courts Electronic Filing System (NYSCEF) provides electronic access to certain court documents for registered users.
How To Look Up Court Records in Westchester County Online?
Westchester County residents and interested parties can access various court records through several online portals, each serving different segments of the judicial system. These digital resources provide convenient access to public court information without requiring in-person visits.
The primary online resources include:
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WebCriminal - Provides access to pending criminal cases in Westchester County courts
- Search by defendant name or case number
- View case status, future appearance dates, and charge information
- Access available at WebCriminal Portal
- Registration required for full access
-
WebCivil Supreme - Offers information on civil cases in the Supreme Court
- Search by index number, party name, attorney, or judge
- View case status, appearances, motions, and decisions
- Access available at WebCivil Supreme
- No registration required for basic searches
-
WebCivil Local - Provides information on civil cases in local courts
- Search by index number or party name
- View case status and basic case information
- Access available at WebCivil Local
- No registration required
-
Westchester County Clerk Records Online - Offers access to County Clerk records
- Search by name, document type, or property information
- View index of filed documents
- Access available at Westchester County Clerk Records
- Registration required for document viewing
-
New York State Courts Electronic Filing System (NYSCEF) - Provides access to electronically filed documents
- Search by index number or case name
- View documents filed through the e-filing system
- Access available at NYSCEF
- Registration required for document access
When using these systems, users should note that:
- Document availability varies by court and case type
- Some documents may only be available at the courthouse
- Certain sensitive or sealed records are not accessible online
- User fees may apply for document downloads or detailed information
How To Search Westchester County Court Records for Free?
Westchester County residents have several options to access court records without incurring fees, as provided under New York Public Officers Law § 87, which establishes the right to inspect public records without charge. While copying fees may apply, inspection itself is generally free.
Free access options include:
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In-person inspection at courthouses
- Visit the clerk's office during regular business hours
- Request to view specific case files
- No charge for viewing records on-site
- Self-service public access terminals available at most locations
- Bring case number or party names to facilitate searches
-
New York State Unified Court System website
- WebCriminal and WebCivil provide free basic case information
- Search by party name, case number, or filing date
- View case status, appearance dates, and basic disposition information
- Access available at NY Courts eCourts
- No registration required for basic searches
-
Westchester County Public Law Library
111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
White Plains, NY 10601
(914) 995-3760
Westchester County Law Library- Public access computers available for legal research
- Staff assistance for locating case information
- Access to legal databases that may contain court decisions
- No charge for library use by county residents
-
Public access terminals at the County Clerk's Office
- Self-service computers for searching court indices
- Basic case information available without charge
- Located in the main office lobby
- Available during regular business hours
While inspection is free, users should be aware that:
- Printing or copying documents typically incurs fees (generally $0.25-$1.00 per page)
- Certified copies have additional charges (typically $5-$10 per document)
- Complex searches requiring staff assistance may involve service fees
- Electronic access to full documents often requires registration and payment
What's Included in a Westchester County Court Record?
Westchester County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type and court jurisdiction. These records provide an official account of all matters brought before the court.
For civil cases, court records typically include:
- Summons and complaint initiating the lawsuit
- Defendant's answer or response
- Motions filed by either party
- Affidavits and supporting documentation
- Discovery materials (when filed with the court)
- Court orders and judicial decisions
- Judgment and execution documents
- Transcripts of hearings and trials
- Settlement agreements (if filed with the court)
- Appeals documentation
For criminal cases, court records generally contain:
- Charging documents (indictment or information)
- Arraignment records
- Bail and pretrial release documentation
- Motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges
- Plea agreements
- Trial exhibits and evidence logs
- Verdict forms
- Sentencing documents
- Probation reports (when not sealed)
- Appeal filings
Family Court records, though often confidential, may include:
- Petitions for custody, support, or visitation
- Orders of protection
- Child protective proceedings
- Adoption records (typically sealed)
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Paternity determinations
- Support enforcement documents
Surrogate's Court records typically contain:
- Wills and codicils
- Probate petitions
- Letters testamentary or administration
- Inventories of estate assets
- Accountings
- Objections to probate
- Estate distribution records
Each court record also includes a docket sheet or case history that chronologically lists all actions taken in the case, providing a roadmap of the proceedings from filing to disposition.
How Long Does Westchester County Keep Court Records?
Westchester County courts maintain records according to retention schedules established by the New York State Unified Court System pursuant to 22 NYCRR § 104.1, which governs records management in the state court system. These schedules vary by record type and case disposition.
Criminal case records retention periods:
- Felony cases: Permanent retention for cases resulting in conviction
- Felony cases dismissed or acquitted: Minimum 10 years after disposition
- Misdemeanor cases with conviction: 25 years after disposition
- Misdemeanor cases dismissed: 6 years after disposition
- Violation/infraction cases: 6 years after disposition
- Youthful offender records: Sealed after disposition with limited retention
Civil case records retention periods:
- Supreme Court civil cases: 25 years after disposition
- Contract and commercial matters: 10 years after disposition
- Small claims cases: 6 years after disposition
- Landlord-tenant proceedings: 6 years after disposition
- Civil judgments: 20 years from date of entry (renewable)
- Mechanic's liens: 1 year (unless extended)
Family Court records retention periods:
- Child custody and visitation: Until youngest child turns 28
- Child support proceedings: Until youngest child turns 28
- Juvenile delinquency: Sealed after disposition with limited retention
- Orders of protection: 20 years from issuance
- Adoption records: Permanent (but sealed)
Surrogate's Court records retention periods:
- Probated wills: Permanent retention
- Estate administration: Permanent retention
- Guardianship proceedings: Until ward reaches age 28 or 10 years after termination
- Trust accountings: 25 years after trust termination
Court administrators may authorize longer retention periods for cases of historical significance or ongoing legal importance. The New York State Archives provides guidance on court records retention and may preserve certain records permanently for historical purposes.
Digital conversion efforts are currently underway to preserve older paper records, though complete digitization remains an ongoing process.
Types of Courts In Westchester County
Westchester County's judicial system consists of multiple courts with varying jurisdictions, organized within New York's Ninth Judicial District. Each court handles specific types of cases according to established jurisdictional limits.
New York Supreme Court - Westchester County
111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
White Plains, NY 10601
(914) 824-5100
NY Supreme Court - 9th Judicial District
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Westchester County Court
111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
White Plains, NY 10601
(914) 824-5400
Westchester County Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Westchester County Family Court
111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
White Plains, NY 10601
(914) 824-5500
Westchester Family Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Westchester County Surrogate's Court
111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
White Plains, NY 10601
(914) 824-5656
Westchester Surrogate's Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
White Plains City Court
77 South Lexington Avenue
White Plains, NY 10601
(914) 824-6300
White Plains City Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Yonkers City Court
100 South Broadway
Yonkers, NY 10701
(914) 831-6400
Yonkers City Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The court hierarchy in Westchester County follows the New York State judicial structure:
- Town and Village Courts (lowest level)
- City Courts
- County Court, Family Court, and Surrogate's Court
- Supreme Court
- Appellate Division, Second Department
- New York Court of Appeals (highest state court)
Appeals from Westchester County courts are typically heard by the Appellate Division, Second Department, located in Brooklyn, with further appeals possible to the New York Court of Appeals in Albany.
What Types of Cases Do Westchester County Courts Hear?
Westchester County's court system handles a diverse range of legal matters, with each court assigned specific case types according to jurisdictional parameters established by New York State law.
The New York Supreme Court in Westchester County, despite its name, functions as a trial court with jurisdiction over:
- Civil matters involving claims exceeding $25,000
- Divorce and matrimonial actions
- Corporate and commercial disputes
- Real property matters and foreclosures
- Article 78 proceedings (challenges to government actions)
- Medical malpractice and complex tort litigation
- Declaratory judgment actions
- Equity matters
Westchester County Court primarily handles:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Appeals from lower courts
- Civil matters between $15,000 and $25,000
- Criminal forfeiture proceedings
- Gun licensing matters
- Select specialized proceedings
Westchester Family Court addresses:
- Child custody and visitation disputes
- Child support proceedings
- Juvenile delinquency cases
- Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS) petitions
- Family offense proceedings and orders of protection
- Adoption proceedings
- Child abuse and neglect cases
- Paternity determinations
Westchester Surrogate's Court manages:
- Probate of wills
- Estate administration
- Trust proceedings
- Guardianships for minors and incapacitated persons
- Adoption records
- Estate litigation
- Accountings of fiduciaries
City Courts (White Plains, Yonkers, etc.) handle:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations
- Civil matters up to $15,000
- Small claims up to $5,000
- Landlord-tenant disputes and eviction proceedings
- Code violation cases
- Preliminary hearings in felony matters
Town and Village Courts process:
- Minor criminal matters and violations
- Traffic infractions
- Small claims up to $3,000
- Civil cases up to $3,000
- Landlord-tenant matters
- Local ordinance violations
- Preliminary proceedings in felony cases
Specialized courts within the system include:
- Drug Treatment Courts
- Mental Health Courts
- Veterans Courts
- Domestic Violence Courts
- Youth Courts
- Integrated Domestic Violence Courts
These specialized courts employ problem-solving approaches to address underlying issues while maintaining jurisdiction over their respective case types.
How To Find a Court Docket In Westchester County
Court dockets in Westchester County provide chronological listings of all actions taken in court cases, serving as roadmaps of proceedings from initiation through disposition. Several methods exist for locating these important records.
Online docket access options include:
-
New York State Unified Court System WebCriminal
- Search by defendant name or case number
- Provides criminal case appearance dates and status
- Access at WebCriminal Portal
- Registration required for full functionality
-
WebCivil Supreme and WebCivil Local
- Search by index number, party name, or attorney
- Provides case status, motion calendar, and decision information
- Access at WebCivil Portal
- No registration required for basic searches
-
New York State Courts Electronic Filing System (NYSCEF)
- Search by index number for e-filed cases
- Provides comprehensive docket information for participating courts
- Access at NYSCEF
- Registration required
For in-person docket searches:
- Visit the clerk's office of the specific court where the case was filed
- Provide case number, party names, or approximate filing date
- Request to view the docket sheet or case history
- Court staff will retrieve physical dockets for older cases
- Self-service terminals available for newer cases
By telephone:
- Contact the appropriate court clerk's office
- Provide specific case information
- Basic docket information may be provided by phone
- Detailed information typically requires in-person or written requests
For written docket requests:
- Submit a written request to the court clerk
- Include case number, party names, and filing date
- Specify exactly what docket information is needed
- Include self-addressed stamped envelope for response
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing
Attorneys and legal professionals can access additional docket information through specialized systems like the Attorney Portal of the New York State Courts Electronic Filing System, which provides enhanced case tracking capabilities.
Which Courts in Westchester County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Westchester County, certain courts operate as "courts not of record" as defined by New York Judiciary Law § 2, which distinguishes between courts that maintain comprehensive verbatim records of proceedings and those that do not. This distinction affects appeal procedures and record availability.
Courts not of record in Westchester County include:
- Town Courts (all 20 Westchester towns)
- Village Courts (all 23 Westchester villages)
These courts are characterized by:
- No automatic stenographic recording of proceedings
- Limited record-keeping requirements compared to courts of record
- Appeals based on return of the justice rather than trial transcripts
- Presiding justices who may not be attorneys
- Jurisdiction limited to minor matters
In contrast, courts of record in Westchester County include:
- New York Supreme Court
- Westchester County Court
- Westchester Family Court
- Westchester Surrogate's Court
- City Courts (White Plains, Yonkers, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Peekskill, Rye)
Courts of record maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings, employ court reporters or electronic recording systems, and follow more formalized procedures. Appeals from courts of record are based on the official transcript and record.
The practical implications of this distinction include:
-
Appeals process differences: Appeals from courts not of record require the justice to prepare a "return" summarizing the proceedings rather than relying on verbatim transcripts.
-
Record availability: Courts not of record maintain less comprehensive documentation, making historical research more challenging.
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Procedural formality: Courts not of record typically operate with somewhat less procedural formality than courts of record.
-
Judicial qualifications: Justices in courts not of record are not required to be attorneys, while judges in courts of record must be admitted to practice law in New York.
Despite being courts not of record, town and village courts still maintain case files, dockets, and judgment records that are subject to retention requirements under state law.