Monroe County, New York State Court Records
Monroe County court records document the activities and decisions of the trial-level courts that operate in the county. Depending on the proceeding, such records may include documents and filings, such as complaints, petitions, motions, court orders, rulings, judgments, hearing schedules, and materials filed, submitted, or issued by the parties during the course of a case. The clerks of the various trial courts and the Monroe County Clerk’s Office serve as custodians of court records generated in the county’s courts.
The maintenance and accessibility of court records in Monroe County are governed by the New York Freedom of Information Law and the administrative rules adopted by the Unified Court System. These laws and policies outline how court records are maintained, which records may be accessed by the public, and which records are restricted from public access due to sensitive information or to protect personal privacy.
Monroe County court records often intersect with other categories of public records. In some cases, family and probate matters may require or involve vital records such as birth, death, or marriage certificates. Arrest records maintained by local law enforcement may also be referenced within criminal court records. Some cases may also involve proceedings before the federal judiciary in the United States District Courts, which maintain a separate system of federal court case records.
Are Monroe County Court Records Public?
Many court records generated in Monroe County are open to public access under New York laws. The courts operate under the Freedom of Information laws and the New York State Unified Court System, and generally follow the principle that court proceedings and related records should be open to public inspection unless a specific law or court order limits public access.
In practice, this means that a significant portion of trial-level records, including those involving civil lawsuits, criminal prosecutions, general or small claims cases, and certain types of property or contract disputes, may be reviewed and copies made available to the public via requests to the appropriate clerk’s office.
However, not every court file is fully accessible. New York laws and court rules restrict access to case types involving vulnerable persons and sensitive information. Records from family law cases handled by local Family Courts in New York may be confidential. These cases may involve child custody, child abuse or neglect, child support proceedings, and juvenile delinquency offenses. Similarly, many adoption proceedings and mental health commitment cases are only accessible to authorized parties or are completely sealed.
Even within otherwise public case files, certain documents or details may be removed or redacted to protect privacy. Courts may limit access to banking information, financial account details, medical or mental health records, and identifying details about minors or victims of a crime.
What Information is Available in Monroe County Court Records?
Monroe County court records typically contain case-specific information and official documentation generated during legal proceedings. However, while the exact contents of a record may vary by case type, court records and case files typically include several standard categories of information.
Common details found in Monroe County court records usually include the following.
- A case caption that lists the names of all parties involved, their attorneys, and the court where the case was filed.
- A unique docket or index number that is used to track the case within the court system.
- Documents and filings submitted by the parties, including complaints, motions, responses, and petitions.
- Court records also document procedural events and judicial actions, including hearing notices, scheduling entries, transcripts, court orders, rulings, and final judgments.
Records may also contain specific files depending on the type of case. For instance, criminal case records may include arrest information, while probate proceedings may contain references to wills, death certificates, and estate management. In comparison, cases involving civil litigation may contain affidavits, evidence reports, and depositions.
Monroe County Court Records Search
Members of the public may search for Monroe County court records using any of the following methods.
Online Access: The New York State Unified Court System provides online case search options for civil, criminal, and family court cases in all 62 counties, including Monroe County. Users may search for court records using criteria such as case or summons number, party name, and attorney name. The Monroe County Clerk also maintains a records system, SearchIQS, where visitors can search and request court records online. The clerk’s office website also provides an online Document Request Form.
Certain court records may be restricted from online access, and confidential records or sensitive personal information are usually not available in online databases.
In-Person Access: In-person requests may be made by visiting the Monroe County Clerk’s Office or the local Supreme Court or County Court locations. Staff at the location may be able to help visitors find files using a case number or party name. Public terminals are also usually available for visitors to search for records. After locating the file, visitors may also request copies for a fee.
Mail and Phone Requests: Interested parties may request copies of records by mail or make inquiries by phone. Written requests must include details of the record to be searched, such as the case number, case type, names of the parties involved, and the filing date/approximate year. The request can be mailed to the clerk’s office at:
Monroe County Clerk’s Office
Attn: Customer Service Department
101 County Office Building
39 West Main Street
Room 105
Rochester, NY 14614
Requests may require the inclusion of copy fees and a self-addressed stamped envelope, if the documents are to be returned by mail. Payment is accepted in cash(in person only), checks, and credit or debit cards. Checks should be made payable to the Monroe County Clerk. For any inquiries, record seekers may contact the clerk’s office at (585) 753-1600 or (585) 753-1620.
Fees for Court Records in Monroe County
The fees for court records in Monroe County are listed below.
- Standard paper copies cost $0.65 per page.
- Certification of the record costs $8 to $10, depending on the type of documents.
- General record searches cost $5 for every two years of records searched
- Vital records from the Monroe County Vital Records Office, including birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates, cost $30 per certificate.
Monroe County Courthouse Locations
The New York court system comprises several types of courts that hear cases at different jurisdictions and levels. At the county level, these include Supreme, County, City, and Town/Justice courts. Supreme and County Courts are the main trial courts and are found in every county. They have general jurisdiction over most civil and criminal cases, with the Supreme Court handling the most serious felony cases and civil cases with claims over $25,000. The following list contains all the courts operating in Monroe County.
Monroe County Supreme Court
Hall of Justice
99 Exchange Blvd, Room 545,
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 371-3758
Fax: (585) 371-3780
Monroe County Court
Hall of Justice
99 Exchange Blvd, Room 545,
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 371-3758
Fax: (585) 371-3780
Monroe County Family Court
Hall of Justice
99 Exchange Blvd, Room 360,
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 371-3544
Fax: (585) 371-3585
Monroe County Surrogate’s Court
Hall of Justice
99 Exchange Blvd, Room 541,
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 371-3310
Fax: (585) 371-3313
Rochester City Court - Civil Division
Hall of Justice
99 Exchange Blvd, Room 6,
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 371-3412
Fax: (585) 371-3427
Rochester City Court - Criminal Division
Public Safety Building
130 South Plymouth Avenue, Room 123,
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 371-3413
Fax: (585) 371-3430
Brighton Town Court
2300 Elmwood Avenue,
Rochester, NY 14618
Phone: (585) 784-5152
Fax: (585) 784-5380
Brockport Village Court
49 State Street,
Brockport, NY 14420
Phone: (585) 637-1044
Chili Town Court
3235 Chili Avenue,
Rochester, NY 14624
Phone: (585) 889-1999
Fax: (585) 889-8932
Clarkson Justice Court
3655 Lake Road, PO Box 803,
Clarkson, NY 14430
Phone: (585) 637-1134
Fax: (585) 637-1140
East Rochester Town Court
317 East Main Street,
East Rochester, NY 14445
Phone: (585) 385-2576
Fax: (585) 419-8285
Fairport Village Court
31 South Main Street,
Fairport, NY 14450
Phone: (585) 223-0316
Gates Town Court
1605 Buffalo Road,
Rochester, NY 14624
Phone: (585) 426-0410
Fax: (585) 247-5328
Greece Town Court
4 Vince Tofany Blvd,
Greece, NY 14612
Phone: (585) 227-3110
Fax: (585) 227-7637
Hamlin Justice Court
1650 Lake Road,
Hamlin, NY 14464
Phone: (585) 964-8641
Fax: (585) 964-2520
Henrietta Town Court
135 Calkins Road, Suite G,
Rochester, NY 14623
Phone: (585) 359-2640
Fax: (585) 359-8706
Honeoye Falls Village Court
Village Hall
5 East Street,
Honeoye Falls, NY 14472
Phone: (585) 624-1711
Fax: (585) 624-2588
Irondequoit Town Court
1300 Titus Avenue,
Rochester, NY 14617
Phone: (585) 336-6040
Mendon Justice Court
Town Hall
16 West Main Street,
Honeoye Falls, NY 14472
Phone: (585) 624-6064
Fax: (585) 624-3682
Ogden Justice Court
269 Ogden Center Road,
Spencerport, NY 14559
Phone: (585) 617-6118
Fax: (585) 352-2156
Parma Justice Court
1300 Parma-Hilton Corners Road,
Hilton, NY 14468
Phone: (585) 392-9470
Fax: (585) 392-4194
Penfield Town Court
Community Center
1985 Baird Road, Penfield, NY 14526
Phone: (585) 340-8623
Fax: (585) 586-0491
Perinton Town Court
Town Hall
1350 Turk Hill Road,
Fairport, NY 14450
Phone: (585) 223-0770
Fax: (585) 223-3639
Pittsford Town Court
3750 Monroe Avenue, Suite 950,
Pittsford, NY 14534
Phone: (585) 248-6238
Fax: (585) 248-6233
Riga Town Court
Town Hall
6460 East Buffalo Road,
Churchville, NY 14428
Phone: (585) 293-3880 ext. 127
Fax: (585) 293-1077
Rush Justice Court
5977 East Henrietta Road,
Rush, NY 14543
Phone: (585) 533-1130
Fax: (585) 533-6521
Sweden Town Court
Town Hall
18 State Street,
Brockport, NY 14420
Phone: (585) 637-1070
Fax: (585) 637-7726
Webster Justice Court
1002 Ridge Road,
Webster, NY 14580
Phone: (585) 872-7020
Fax: (585) 872-7096
Wheatland Town Court
22 Main Street, PO Box 28,
Scottsville, NY 14546
Phone: (585) 889-3074
Criminal Records Access in Monroe County
Access to criminal records for Monroe County typically depends on the type of record being requested. State-level criminal history reports, commonly known as rap sheets, are maintained by state law enforcement agencies rather than state or local courts. In NewYork, these criminal history records are maintained by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). Interested parties may request fingerprint-based searches for their New York Criminal History. These reports compile arrest and disposition data submitted by law enforcement and courts across the state in a statewide repository. Requests for these records should be made directly to the DCJS.
Record seekers may obtain criminal records from either the Monroe County Clerk’s Office or the appropriate courthouse where the case was heard. Requesters may visit the location in person or request records in writing/mail. Individuals may search for basic crime records and information online through the New York State Unified Court System. The New York eCourts WebCriminal portal allows users to search for criminal case records by case number or party name. Copy requests can also be made using the Clerk’s Office Online Document Request Form. Inquiries about criminal records and how to request them can be made by calling the clerk’s office at (585) 753-1600.
Monroe County Probate Records
Monroe County probate records document the legal process of administering a person’s affairs after their death or when they have been declared unable to take care of themselves. The Monroe County Surrogate’s Court hears probate matters and manages these records for the county. These records typically cover probate matters, including wills, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and other filings connected to estate administration.
Common examples of wills and probate filings include last wills and testaments, petitions, testamentary letters, asset inventories, accountings, creditor claims, and applications for guardianships or conservatorships of minors or incapacitated adults. Although probate courts may be public, certain records involving minors, certain trusts, or other sensitive information may be restricted from public access.
Monroe County estate records and other probate documents can be requested by visiting the local surrogate’s court in person or submitting a written request by mail. Interested parties may also look up probate records online through the Websurrogate database, which provides access to information from estate proceedings and other filings within New York’s Surrogate Courts.
Monroe County Family Court Records
Monroe County Family Court records pertain to family and child-related matters, including child custody, child support, juvenile proceedings, adoption, and paternity cases. These records are maintained within the courts of the New York State Unified Court System and are subject to stricter access rules than many other court records.
Access to family court records in New York is generally limited. For instance, you may be restricted from obtaining any document involving custody and support of minors, which are confidential by law and cannot be accessed by the general public. As a result, online portals provide little or no access to family court records, and most confidential records do not appear in public access systems. Access is restricted to in-person requests by parties directly involved in the case with valid identification.
For authorized individuals, certified family court records can be accessed by contacting the Monroe County Family Court or the County Clerk. Requesters must provide identification for requests and, in some cases, a court order. There will also be a per-page copy fee and a certification fee for the record of $0.65 and $8 to $10, respectively.
Federal Court Records in Monroe County
Federal court records for Monroe County are handled separately from county and state court systems. Federal cases involve federal crimes, constitutional issues, bankruptcy, and disputes between parties from different states. Even if they originate in Monroe County, they fall under the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Western District of New York. This court serves Monroe County and generates the official records of federal cases in the region.
The federal court clerk’s office manages these records. You can conduct general searches using criteria, such as case numbers, party names, and filing dates, during in-person visits. Federal records may also be accessed using the PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) database. While registration is required to use its resources, the PACER database allows users to search for and view case details from federal cases nationwide. Some records may be restricted online due to court orders and privacy laws, particularly in sensitive cases.