Westchester County, New York Court Records

Westchester County court records comprise documents created by the county’s trial-level courts, such as the Supreme Court, County Court, Family Court, Surrogate’s Court, and local city, town, and village courts. These records document court cases, filings, hearings, and decisions, helping to keep the legal process transparent and creating a historical record of how cases are resolved.

The Westchester County Clerk’s Office is the main office that keeps records for the Supreme Court and County Court, while each court manages its own case files. Records are created when cases are filed, heard, and decided, and they are maintained in accordance with New York State Judiciary Law, court rules, and the Uniform Rules for the New York State Trial Courts.

Are Westchester County Court Records Public?

Yes, under New York Judiciary Law §255, Westchester County court records are generally open to the public for inspection, unless specifically sealed by law or court order. Generally, most civil, criminal, and probate records are open for inspection, including dockets, judgments, and filings in Supreme, County, and Surrogate’s Courts.

Public access is also governed by New York’s Freedom of Information Law (FOIL §§ 84-90) and common law principles, with exceptions for sealed or confidential matters. To access potentially restricted records, inquirers must submit a request to the Westchester County Court clerk or apply for unsealing via judicial discretion. Some examples of case types that may face such limitations include:

• Family court records, such as those involving child custody, abuse, or adoption, are not open to indiscriminate public view and require a court application demonstrating legitimate need. 
• Matrimonial actions (divorce, separation) are sealed and accessible only to parties or their attorneys.
• Juvenile delinquency and persons in need of supervision (PINS) cases are confidential. 
• Criminal records may be sealed upon acquittal, dismissal, or youthful offender adjudication, restricting access to defendants and specified law enforcement entities.
• Other restricted items include grand jury minutes, mental health records, sex offense victim details, and adoption files.

What Information is Available in Westchester County Court Records?

Court records in Westchester County, New York, contain a wealth of detailed documentation from civil, criminal, family, and surrogate courts. Some of these may include:

1. Basic Case Information:
   • Case numbers
   • Filing dates
   • Parties’ names
   • Attorney information
   • Presiding judge and court location
2. Pleadings and Motions: This document contains the legal arguments, including complaints, answers, motions, and supporting affidavits filed by both parties throughout the proceedings.
3. Court Orders and Decisions: This contains judicial rulings, judgments, sentencing information in criminal cases, and disposition details showing how cases were resolved.
4. Docket Sheets: This provides chronological summaries of all case activities, hearings, and filings, serving as a roadmap of the case progression.
5. Financial Records: This includes information about fines, restitution, bail amounts, and court fees assessed in various proceedings.

Records involving minors, sealed cases, or sensitive family matters have restricted access to protect privacy. Public access to records varies by case type and can be obtained online on the Clerk’s office website or physically at the Westchester County Clerk’s office:

Westchester County Clerk’s Office

110 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

White Plains, NY 10601

Phone: (914) 995-3080

110 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Westchester County Court Records Search

Westchester County court records can be accessed through multiple methods, which accommodate several needs and preferences:

• Online Access: The primary portal is Westchester Records Online (WRO), which offers free searches for civil cases from 1980 and criminal cases from 1978 onward. Researchers can view document images for filings after 2002. Access varies by case type, with matrimonial records restricted to parties or attorneys.

The New York State Courts Electronic Filing (NYSCEF) system provides additional e-filed documents for authorized users. Note that sealed cases are not available online.

• In-Person Access: Individuals can visit the Westchester County Clerk’s Office at:

Room 330, White Plains, NY 10601

Opens Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, excluding holidays. However, to enter, individuals must enter via the Richard J. Daronco Courthouse at 111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Staff assist with archived files, which may require advance ordering. Also, a proper ID is needed for sensitive requests.

• Mail and Phone Requests: Persons can send written requests to the Clerk’s Office with case details such as index number, parties, dates, and fees via check or money order. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if desired.

Fees for Court Records in Westchester County

Fees for obtaining court records in Westchester County are set by the Westchester County Clerk’s Office and vary based on the type of record and service requested. Standard photocopies of court records cost $0.65 per page, with a minimum charge of $1.30 and a maximum of $40, while certifying a copy provided by the requester is also $0.65 per page, subject to higher minimums. If the Clerk prepares and certifies the copy, the fee increases to $1.25 per page, again capped at $40.

Certified documents and official certificates carry additional flat fees. For example, issuing a court or non-court certificate costs $5, exemplifications cost $10, and certificates of disposition or dissolution of marriage are generally $5 each. Search fees may apply as well, such as $5 per name for each two-year period searched.

For electronic access, the Clerk offers annual subscription services for certain records, like judgments and liens, with separate weekly list fees for foreclosure, judgment, and business certificate updates. Fees are payable by check, money order, cash, or credit card, and NYSCEF e-filing payments are subject to an added administrative fee.

Westchester County Courthouse Locations

Westchester Supreme & County Court (Richard J. Daronco Courthouse)

111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd..,

White Plains, NY 10601

(914) 824-5300 (Civil Department)

(914) 824-5400 (Criminal Department

The case types it handles include:

• Supreme Court (State level) - major civil cases (e.g., large lawsuits, contract disputes, land/title issues).
• County Court - felony criminal cases, certain civil matters, and appeals from local courts.
• Civil & Criminal Calendars / Trials - general civil litigation and serious criminal prosecutions.
• (Also houses specialty civil parts such as Commercial Division, Matrimonial Part, etc.)

Westchester County Surrogate’s Court (Probate Court).

111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd..,

19th Floor, White Plains, NY 10601

Phone: (914) 824-5656

Fax: (914) 358-8042

Cases handled include:

• Probate of wills and estate administration
• Guardianships (minor and adult)
• Certain trust matters

Criminal Records Access in Westchester County

Official state-level criminal history checks in Westchester County are managed by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), and not the county court. Rap sheets require fingerprint submission via IdentoGo, with fees of $14.25 in-state or $44.25 out-of-state. Responses are mailed in 3-4 weeks.

Local case records, however, are accessible through the county’s systems. Persons may use Westchester Records Online for criminal filings from 1978, viewing dockets and documents unless sealed. In-person searches at the County Clerk’s Office provide terminals for post-2002 images; archived files can be ordered. Mail requests need case details and fees.

Note that restrictions apply to sealed convictions (e.g., acquittals, juvenile reoffenders). For recent arrests, persons can check the New York Department of Corrections’ inmate lookup. Federal crimes fall under the U.S. District Court.

Westchester County Probate Records

Westchester County probate records handle the legal processes surrounding a person’s estate after death or incapacity, ensuring assets are distributed properly and dependents are protected. These include wills, estate administrations for those without wills, and guardianships for minors or incapacitated adults. They are filed in Surrogate’s Court, and they detail assets, debts, heirs, executors, and court approvals.

More recent filings, from about 2002 onward, are available online through Westchester Records Online, allowing searches by name or case number. Older or detailed files typically require an in-person visit or requests via mail with fees.

Certain probate matters are confidential or restricted by law, such as adoptions or some guardianships, accessible only to involved parties or with court permission.

For search visibility, Westchester County probate records, such as estate records, wills, and probate filings, provide insights for genealogy or legal research. Persons can contact the court at (914) 824-5656 for assistance; fees apply for copies and certifications.

Westchester County Family Court Records

Westchester County Family Court records cover sensitive matters like divorce, child custody, adoption, paternity, support, and domestic violence. Access is available through online portals such as eCourts or Westchester Records Online for unsealed portions, but many are restricted to parties or attorneys due to privacy laws.

For courthouse access, visit one of three locations: White Plains, Yonkers, or New Rochelle, where public terminals allow viewing; staff assist with requests. Procedures for certified copies require identification, case details, and fees ($0.65-$1.25 per page, payable to the Westchester County Clerk). Mail requests need notarized signatures for matrimonial records. The court handles high volumes; over 10,000 filings annually.

Federal Court Records in Westchester County

Federal cases in Westchester County are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, which has jurisdiction over civil rights, bankruptcy, immigration, and federal crimes. It can be accessed through the clerk’s office in White Plains (300 Quarropas St.) or primarily via PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records), which offers case summaries, dockets, and documents to registered users. Fees are $0.10 per page (max $3 per document), and registration on PACER is required. Paper copies require in-person requests. Not all cases are electronic. Requesters may need to contact the court for archived files.