Common Questions About Rockland County Court Records
How do I search Rockland County court records online?
Use the system that matches the case. County Clerk eSearch covers many filed and recorded documents, including court records, land records, maps, naturalization, notary, tax warrants, and judgments. WebCivil Supreme is for civil Supreme Court cases. WebCriminal is for criminal cases and calendars. WebSurrogate is for estate files. WebFamily is linked for Family Court, but family records are restricted. The Clerk's eSearch page also tells users to cross-reference court records with NYSCEF. See court records for the full breakdown of each tool.
Are Rockland court records free to view?
Many County Clerk documents can be viewed online free of charge. The eSearch login page says free viewing is available by clicking "Sign in as Guest." Printing is different. Users must create an account to print, and registered users print at $0.50 per page. Hard-copy court copies are $0.50 each, while certified copies are $1.25 per page with a $5 minimum. Some documents may be restricted or need in-person access. The County Clerk page lists every fee.
Which office keeps Supreme and County Court filings?
The Rockland County Clerk files and records court documents for New York State Supreme and County Courts. The Clerk accepts the papers that start an action and the later filings in open cases. The state court chief clerks manage operations and calendars, but the County Clerk is the key record office for filed Supreme and County documents. The Clerk's Court Records phone is 845-638-5094. More detail is on the County Clerk page.
Where is the Rockland County Courthouse?
The courthouse is at 1 South Main Street, New City, NY 10956. Supreme and County Court, Family Court, Surrogate's Court, the County Clerk, and the District Attorney are all on or tied to the campus. The County Clerk is in Suite 100 and tells visitors to enter through the rear parking lot of 11 New Hempstead Road. The court guide says visitors must pass through a magnetometer before entering court space. See the Supreme Court page for court contacts.
What court handles probate in Rockland County?
Probate and estate matters go to Rockland Surrogate's Court, not a court called probate court. The Surrogate's Court is at 1 South Main Street, New City, NY 10956, phone 845-483-8270. The official page names Hon. Keith J. Cornell as Surrogate and links WebSurrogate for searching filings. Useful terms include estate, will, administration, and letters testamentary. The Surrogate's Court page covers the process and forms.
Can I view divorce records online?
Do not assume divorce files are public. The County Clerk FAQ says the public can view court documents other than mental hygiene, matrimonial, and youthful offender files. It specifically says only parties to the action and their attorneys can view matrimonial files. Divorce certificates and decrees may have separate eligibility rules through the court or state vital records. Treat matrimonial files as restricted. The marriage and divorce records page explains the access rules.
Where are older court files kept?
The County Clerk FAQ says files started in roughly the last six years are at the Clerk's Office in the courthouse at 1 South Main Street, Suite 100, New City. Files started more than about six years ago are at the Rockland County Archives, 50 Sanatorium Road, Building S, Pomona. To obtain a physical file, complete a File Request Card at the right location. Files are viewed there and cannot be removed. See the County Clerk page for the split.
How do I start a Supreme Court lawsuit in Rockland County?
The County Clerk FAQ says to submit a summons with notice or a summons and complaint, complete an index number application, and buy an index number. The stated cost is $210. The Clerk directs people to the Court Records Counter at the Clerk's Office in New City for more help. If the matter is e-filed, also check NYSCEF requirements and any court rules first. The Supreme Court page explains where the case is heard.
Where do small claims and landlord-tenant cases go?
The County Clerk FAQ states small claims under $3,000 and all landlord-tenant disputes are handled by towns and villages only. That means you usually contact the specific town or village justice court, not the County Clerk's Supreme and County filing office. The court guide lists phone numbers for Clarkstown, Haverstraw, Orangetown, Ramapo, Stony Point, and the village courts. See the Supreme Court page for the full justice court list.
How do I search for a criminal case?
Use WebCriminal. The defendant search accepts a first and last name, or a corporation name. The case identifier search accepts a case number or a summons number. Both allow court filtering, including Rockland County Court and Rockland County Supreme Court, with output on the page or as a PDF. WebCriminal posts a notice that some case info may run late, so retry later if a detail is missing. The arrest records page covers criminal searches.
What records are not public?
The County Clerk FAQ names mental hygiene, matrimonial, and youthful offender files as excluded from public viewing. NY Courts guidance also flags juvenile delinquency, adoption, mental-health, and sealed criminal records. Civil records may be sealed under Rule 216.1 only on written good-cause findings. Criminal records can be sealed under several statutes. Family Court records are often limited to parties and attorneys. The public records page covers access law in full.
How do I get certified copies?
For County Clerk court documents, copies are $0.50 each and certified copies are $1.25 per page with a $5 minimum. Some documents can be viewed online, but printing needs a registered eSearch account. For older physical files, request the file at the courthouse or the Archives and follow staff instructions. For sealed or restricted records, you must establish eligibility before copies are issued. The County Clerk page walks through the steps.
Can I remove court documents from the Clerk's office?
No. The County Clerk FAQ warns that court files can be viewed only at the Clerk's Office or the Archives and cannot be removed from the premises. It also warns that removing documents is a crime and that no papers may be taken off the metal clips at any time. Request copies rather than trying to move or detach originals from a file. The County Clerk page explains how to request copies instead.
How do I find an inmate in Rockland County Jail?
The Sheriff's official site directs people to download the Rockland County Sheriff's Office app and gives the Correctional Center information phone number, 845-638-5600. The public web pages do not show a browser-based roster. For state-prison custody, use the NYS DOCCS lookup. For federal custody, use the BOP locator. For notification, use VINE through the DOCCS victim notification page. The inmate records page covers each option.
How do I post bail in Rockland County?
The Sheriff's visitation page says anyone posting bail must present two valid forms of identification, at least one with a photo. Accepted examples include a driver's license, passport, voter registration card, military ID, or certified birth certificate. If paying by check, it must be a certified bank check made out to "The Sheriff of Rockland County." Call 845-638-5600 to confirm current procedures. The inmate records page has more on custody.
How do I search the New York state inmate database?
Use the NYS DOCCS incarcerated individual lookup. NY.gov says accepted identifiers include a DIN, NYSID, or a name used alone or with a birth year. It covers current and certain former incarcerated individuals since the early 1970s. It does not list youthful offenders, some set-aside convictions, or records removed under Correction Law Section 9. Lookup hours are limited each day. The released inmates page explains state and federal searches.
How do I search the sex offender registry?
Use the New York DCJS Sex Offender Registry or the NY.gov registry page. Online search begins with a last name, county, or ZIP code. The public online registry includes Level 2 and Level 3 offenders. Level 1 residence info is limited to a ZIP code. Profiles can include names and aliases, addresses, convictions, vehicles, supervision conditions, and photos. The registry phone search line is 1-800-262-3257. The released inmates page has the registry details.
What should I do if I think there is a warrant?
Do not rely only on a web search. Use WebCriminal if you know the case number, summons number, or defendant name, then contact the court or a lawyer. If you qualify for assigned counsel, apply to the Public Defender early because processing takes time. If a surrender or bail is required, confirm ID and payment rules with the court and the Sheriff's Correctional Center before you appear. The warrant records page covers the search.
Still Have Questions?
For the right office, see the County Clerk. For broader access rules, see public records. For records by topic, browse court records, arrest records, inmate records, warrant records, marriage and divorce, or Surrogate's Court.