Rockland County court records, New York, are available through several channels. RocklandCourt.us allows quick access to public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be searched through the official online portals of the state court system, directly at the county clerk's office, and through public terminals installed in the courthouse. Below is a practical guide for searching, obtaining, and paying for court documents.
Rockland Court System & Jurisdictions
Several courts operate in Rockland County, each handling specific categories of cases. Knowing the correct court will save time when searching for files.
Supreme Court — the general jurisdiction court of New York State. It handles civil claims over $25,000, divorce cases, and other family property matters, as well as criminal cases for felonies.
County Court handles criminal cases for felony charges and some civil disputes with claims up to $25,000.
- Family Court — cases regarding child custody, alimony, protective orders, and juvenile delinquency.
- Surrogate's Court — probate, estate management, and name changes.
- Town and Village Justice Courts — traffic violations, minor criminal cases (misdemeanors), and small claims up to $5,000 in local courts.
Traffic violation cases typically go to the Justice Court of the town or village where the ticket was issued. If you're unsure which court is handling your case, call the county clerk's office or check the Rockland County records database.
Rockland Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out the schedule of hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week, use the New York State Courts Electronic Filing (NYSCEF) system or WebCivil Supreme. Both resources contain information about scheduled sessions in the Supreme Court and County Court.
- Open the WebCivil Supreme portal and select Rockland County.
- Enter the party's last name or case index number.
- Find the tab with upcoming hearing dates in the case card.
For local Justice Courts, the session schedule is published directly on the websites of the respective towns and villages. For example, the courts of Clarkstown, Ramapo, and Haverstraw maintain their own calendars. If information is unavailable online, contact the specific court clerk by phone — this is the quickest way to confirm the date and time of the session.
For criminal cases where the defendant is in custody, you can check the status through the DOCCS inmate lookup system. State police reports are available on the NYSP Blotter Reports portal.
How to Get a Copy of a Rockland Court Document
Copies of court documents are issued by the Rockland County Clerk's office. There are two types of copies:
- Uncertified copy — suitable for personal review. It costs less and does not require a seal.
- Certified copy — has the official seal and signature of the clerk. Required for submission to other courts, government agencies, or for immigration procedures.
How to Order a Copy
- Online: Check the availability of the document through the Rockland County records portal. Some documents are available for direct viewing, but obtaining a certified copy may require a personal visit or mail request.
- In person: Visit the clerk's office at the address below. Bring the case index number or the full name of the party and the approximate filing date.
- By mail: Send a written request specifying the case details, type of copy (uncertified or certified), and a check or money order for the appropriate amount.
Family Court and Surrogate's Court documents are stored separately — you need to contact the respective court clerk directly for them. Records related to juvenile or sealed cases are generally not available to the public.
Rockland Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court documents in New York are set at the state level and regulated by CPLR § 8019 and relevant administrative orders. Below are typical rates for Rockland County.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Name search (per every 2 years searched) | $5.00 |
| Uncertified document copy (per page) | $0.65 |
| Document certification | $1.25 per document |
| Exemplified copy with court seal | $5.00 and up |
| Court judgment copy | $5.00 |
Payment is accepted in person at the clerk's office — by cash, check, or money order payable to "Rockland County Clerk." Some local courts also accept credit cards, but it's best to confirm in advance.
Note: For cases conducted through the NYSCEF system, viewing many documents online is free. However, downloading or obtaining an officially certified copy still requires payment of the established fee. If you need information about a person in state custody, use the free DOCCS inmate lookup or the NY.gov portal.