Sullivan County Public Records /Sullivan County Court Records

Sullivan County Court Records

What Is Sullivan County Court Records

Court records in Sullivan County encompass the official documentation generated by judicial proceedings within the county's court system. These records include case files, docket sheets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records created throughout the lifecycle of a legal matter. Each document type serves a distinct function: case files contain the complete history of a proceeding, dockets provide a chronological index of filings and hearings, and judgments reflect the court's final determinations.

Court records are distinct from other categories of public records maintained in Sullivan County. Property records, for example, are held by the County Clerk and relate to real estate transactions, deeds, and liens. Vital records — such as birth, death, and marriage certificates — are maintained by the New York State Department of Health and local registrars. Court records, by contrast, are generated exclusively through judicial proceedings and are custodied by the clerk of the relevant court.

The following courts maintain official records in Sullivan County:

Sullivan County Court — handles felony criminal matters, civil cases above the monetary threshold, and appeals from lower courts
Sullivan County Family Court — presides over custody, support, adoption, and juvenile matters
Sullivan County Surrogate's Court — administers probate, estate, and guardianship proceedings
Sullivan County Supreme Court — hears major civil litigation and certain criminal matters
Sullivan County Court of Claims — adjudicates claims against New York State
Town and Village Justice Courts — handle misdemeanors, traffic infractions, and small claims

Records span civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters. Under New York Judiciary Law § 255, court clerks are required to maintain accurate records of all proceedings and make them available in accordance with applicable law.

Are Court Records Public In Sullivan County

Court records in Sullivan County are presumptively open to the public under New York law. The New York Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law § 87) establishes the general right of public access to government records, and this principle extends to judicial records maintained by court clerks. Members of the public may inspect most civil case files, criminal case files following the filing of charges, judgments, orders, docket sheets, and scheduled hearing information without demonstrating a specific legal interest.

The following categories of records are generally accessible to the public:

Civil case files and pleadings in non-sealed matters
Criminal case files after formal charges have been filed
Final judgments and court orders
Docket sheets and case indexes
Hearing and trial schedules

It is important to distinguish between state and federal court records. Sullivan County courts are part of the New York State Unified Court System, and access is governed by state law and the rules of the Office of Court Administration. Federal court records — such as those from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York — are governed separately by federal law and are accessible through the PACER system.

Certain records are exempt from public disclosure, including sealed cases, juvenile delinquency records, family offense proceedings under specific circumstances, and records protected by court order. The New York Civil Rights Law § 50-b restricts public access to records that identify victims of certain crimes.

How To Find Court Records in Sullivan County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Sullivan County may access them through several official channels. The process varies depending on the court type and the nature of the case.

In-Person Access: Individuals may visit the Sullivan County Courthouse to request records directly from the clerk's office. Requesters should bring identifying information about the case, including the full name of a party, case number, or approximate filing date.

Written Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the appropriate court clerk by mail or in person. Requests should specify the case name, index number if known, and the type of documents sought.

Online Access: The New York State Unified Court System provides online access to certain case information through its public portals. Requesters may use the eCourts case search platform to locate civil case records, or the WebCrims system for criminal case information.

Fees: Certified copies of court records typically carry a per-page fee established by the court. Uncertified copies may be available at a lower cost. Fee schedules are posted at the clerk's office and on the court's official website.

How To Look Up Court Records in Sullivan County Online?

The New York State Unified Court System maintains several online portals through which members of the public may search for court records without visiting a courthouse in person.

eCourts (WebCivil Supreme): Available through the New York State Courts Electronic Filing system, this portal provides access to civil Supreme Court filings, including pleadings, motions, and orders in cases that have been e-filed. Users may search by party name, index number, or attorney.

WebCrims: The WebCrims portal provides public access to criminal case information in New York State courts, including Sullivan County Court. Users may search by defendant name or case number to retrieve docket information, appearance dates, and case status.

eCourts Case Search: The general eCourts case search tool allows users to look up civil case information across multiple court types, including Supreme Court and lower civil courts.

Search Steps:

Navigate to the appropriate portal based on case type (civil or criminal)
Enter the party's full name or case/index number
Select the county as "Sullivan" from the dropdown menu
Review the case summary and available documents
Note the index number for use in any subsequent in-person or written requests

How To Search Sullivan County Court Records for Free?

New York State law guarantees the right of public inspection of court records at no charge. Under Public Officers Law § 87, agencies — including courts — must permit inspection of records during regular business hours without requiring payment. Fees may only be charged for copies, not for inspection itself.

The following resources are currently available at no cost:

eCourts Case Search — free public access to civil case indexes and docket information
WebCrims — free public access to criminal case docket information
In-person inspection at the Sullivan County Courthouse clerk's office — no fee to view records on-site

Certified copies, exemplified copies, and paper reproductions carry statutory fees. Members of the public who require only informational access — such as verifying a case outcome or confirming a hearing date — may do so through the online portals or in-person inspection at no cost.

What's Included in a Sullivan County Court Record?

The contents of a court record vary by case type, but generally include the following categories of documents:

Civil Court Records:

Summons and complaint
Answers and counterclaims
Motions and supporting memoranda
Discovery orders and stipulations
Trial transcripts
Judgments and orders
Notices of appeal

Criminal Court Records:

Arrest and charging documents (indictments, informations, complaints)
Bail and release orders
Plea agreements
Pre-sentence investigation reports (access may be restricted)
Trial transcripts
Sentencing orders
Probation and parole conditions

Family Court Records:

Petitions for custody, visitation, and support
Orders of protection
Adoption decrees (often sealed)
Juvenile delinquency records (restricted)
Foster care and termination of parental rights proceedings

Surrogate's Court / Probate Records:

Wills and testamentary documents
Letters testamentary and letters of administration
Inventory of estate assets
Final accounting and distribution orders

Traffic Records:

Uniform traffic tickets
Plea and disposition records
License suspension orders

How Long Does Sullivan County Keep Court Records?

Sullivan County courts follow retention schedules established by the New York State Archives and the Office of Court Administration. Retention periods vary by record type and court level.

Supreme Court civil case files: Retained permanently or for a minimum of 25 years following final disposition
Criminal case files (felony): Retained permanently
Misdemeanor and violation records: Retained for a minimum of 10 years
Family Court records: Retained for a minimum of 10 years; adoption records may be retained permanently
Surrogate's Court records: Wills and probate files are retained permanently
Traffic court records: Retained for a minimum of 4 years

The New York State Archives publishes the official Records Retention and Disposition Schedule CO-2 for local governments and courts, which governs the minimum periods for which records must be preserved before lawful destruction.

Types of Courts In Sullivan County

Sullivan County is served by several courts within the New York State Unified Court System. The court hierarchy proceeds from local Justice Courts at the base, through the County Court and Supreme Court, to the Appellate Division, and ultimately to the New York Court of Appeals as the state's highest court.

Sullivan County Supreme Court and County Court

Sullivan County Courthouse 414 Broadway, Monticello, NY 12701 (845) 794-8811 Sullivan County Courts – New York State Unified Court System Public counter hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Sullivan County Family Court 414 Broadway, Monticello, NY 12701 (845) 794-8811 Sullivan County Family Court Public counter hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Sullivan County Surrogate's Court 414 Broadway, Monticello, NY 12701 (845) 794-8811 Sullivan County Surrogate's Court Public counter hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Sullivan County Clerk's Office 100 North Street, Monticello, NY 12701 (845) 807-0411 Sullivan County Clerk Public counter hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Town and Village Justice Courts operate throughout Sullivan County in municipalities including Fallsburg, Liberty, Monticello, Bethel, and others. Each Justice Court maintains its own schedule and contact information, available through the New York State Justice Court directory.

What Types of Cases Do Sullivan County Courts Hear?

Each court within Sullivan County has defined subject matter jurisdiction.

Sullivan County Supreme Court:

Major civil litigation (no monetary minimum)
Matrimonial actions (divorce, separation, annulment)
Article 78 proceedings against government agencies
Felony criminal matters (concurrent jurisdiction with County Court)

Sullivan County Court:

Felony criminal prosecutions
Civil cases with amounts in controversy up to $25,000
Appeals from Town and Village Justice Courts

Sullivan County Family Court:

Child custody and visitation
Child support and spousal support
Orders of protection (family offenses)
Juvenile delinquency and PINS proceedings
Adoption and foster care matters
Termination of parental rights

Sullivan County Surrogate's Court:

Probate of wills
Administration of intestate estates
Guardianship of minors and incapacitated persons
Trusts and estate accountings

Town and Village Justice Courts:

Misdemeanor criminal matters
Vehicle and Traffic Law infractions
Small claims (up to $3,000 in Justice Courts)
Landlord-tenant proceedings
Arraignments and preliminary hearings in felony matters

How To Find a Court Docket In Sullivan County

A court docket is the official chronological record of all filings, hearings, and actions taken in a case. Members of the public may access Sullivan County court dockets through the following methods:

Online:

Use the eCourts case search portal for civil Supreme Court dockets
Use the WebCrims system for criminal case dockets in County Court
Search by party name, index number, or case number; select "Sullivan" as the county

In Person:

Visit the Sullivan County Courthouse clerk's office at 414 Broadway, Monticello, NY 12701
Request the docket sheet for a specific case by providing the case name or index number
Docket sheets may be inspected at no charge; copies are available for a per-page fee

By Phone:

Contact the Sullivan County Courthouse at (845) 794-8811 to inquire about case status and scheduled appearances

Which Courts in Sullivan County Are Not Courts of Record?

A court of record is a court whose proceedings are officially documented, preserved, and subject to review by higher courts. Courts not of record do not maintain a verbatim transcript of proceedings and are not bound by the same formal evidentiary and procedural rules as courts of record.

In New York State, Town and Village Justice Courts are generally considered courts not of record. Under New York Uniform Justice Court Act § 2020, Justice Courts are not required to maintain stenographic records of proceedings unless a party requests and pays for such services. As a result, appeals from Justice Court decisions typically proceed as de novo trials in County Court, meaning the case is heard entirely anew rather than reviewed on the existing record.

In Sullivan County, the following courts are not courts of record:

Town Justice Courts — operating in each of Sullivan County's 15 towns, including Fallsburg, Liberty, Bethel, Callicoon, and others
Village Justice Courts — operating in incorporated villages such as Monticello and Liberty

All other courts in Sullivan County — including the Supreme Court, County Court, Family Court, and Surrogate's Court — are courts of record, and their proceedings are preserved in the official case file maintained by the clerk of each court.

Lookup Court Records in Sullivan County

County Clerk – Sullivan County public records and legal documents