Saratoga County Court Records

What Is Saratoga County Court Records

Court records in Saratoga County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities and are maintained pursuant to New York State Judiciary Law § 255, which establishes requirements for court record maintenance.

Saratoga County court records typically include:

• Case files containing pleadings, motions, and supporting documentation
• Docket sheets chronicling case events and filing chronology
• Court orders and judicial decisions
• Judgments and decrees
• Hearing and trial transcripts
• Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
• Sentencing information in criminal matters
• Marriage and divorce records
• Probate and estate documentation

Court records differ from other public records such as property deeds, birth certificates, and tax records, which are maintained by separate county departments. The primary distinction is that court records document judicial proceedings rather than administrative functions of government.

Within Saratoga County, several courts maintain official records:

Saratoga County Supreme Court
30 McMaster Street
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
(518) 451-8866
New York State Unified Court System

Saratoga County Family Court
30 McMaster Street
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
(518) 451-8865
New York State Unified Court System

Saratoga County Surrogate's Court
30 McMaster Street
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
(518) 451-8870
New York State Unified Court System

These courts handle various case types including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family matters, probate cases, and traffic violations, with each generating distinct record types according to their jurisdiction.

Are Court Records Public In Saratoga County

Court records in Saratoga County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with New York's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) and the state's commitment to open courts. The New York State Constitution and Public Officers Law Article 6 § 84-90 establish the presumption that government records, including court records, should be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute.

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

• Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sealed cases)
• Criminal case files (post-arraignment)
• Court judgments and orders
• Docket sheets and case indices
• Court calendars and hearing schedules
• Property records related to judgments

However, certain records may be restricted or sealed pursuant to statutory provisions or court orders. These commonly include:

• Family Court proceedings involving minors
• Sealed criminal records following dismissals or acquittals
• Juvenile delinquency proceedings
• Certain matrimonial case details
• Mental health proceedings
• Adoption records
• Grand jury materials
• Records sealed by judicial order

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the Northern District of New York (which includes Saratoga County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state provisions. These records are accessible through the federal Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system.

The New York State Office of Court Administration has established uniform rules for public access to court records, which are codified in 22 NYCRR § 124, providing consistent guidelines for record access across all state courts, including those in Saratoga County.

How To Find Court Records in Saratoga County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Saratoga County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county maintains multiple access points depending on the record type and court of origin.

For in-person requests:

1. Identify the specific court where the case was filed (Supreme Court, Family Court, Surrogate's Court, etc.)
2. Visit the appropriate court clerk's office during regular business hours
3. Complete a records request form providing case information (parties' names, case number, filing date)
4. Present valid photo identification
5. Pay applicable search or copy fees (typically $0.25-$1.00 per page)
6. Wait for staff to retrieve the requested documents

For mail requests:

1. Prepare a written request including case details and contact information
2. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
3. Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees
4. Mail to the appropriate court clerk's office

Saratoga County Clerk's Office
40 McMaster Street
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
(518) 885-2213
Saratoga County Clerk

The County Clerk serves as the clerk of the Supreme and County Courts and maintains records for these courts. For specialized courts, contact:

Saratoga County Family Court Clerk
30 McMaster Street
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
(518) 451-8865
New York State Unified Court System

Saratoga County Surrogate's Court Clerk
30 McMaster Street
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
(518) 451-8870
New York State Unified Court System

For criminal case records, contact:

Saratoga County District Attorney's Office
25 West High Street
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
(518) 885-2263
Saratoga County District Attorney

Pursuant to New York Civil Practice Law and Rules § 8019, fees may be charged for searching and copying court records. Current fees include $30 for record searches and certification fees ranging from $4-$8 per document.

How To Look Up Court Records in Saratoga County Online?

Saratoga County residents and interested parties can access certain court records through several online portals maintained by New York State and county agencies. These digital resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person visits.

The primary online resource is the New York State Unified Court System's WebCriminal and WebCivil portal, which provides access to:

1. Civil Supreme Court cases (WebCivil Supreme)
2. Local civil court cases (WebCivil Local)
3. Criminal cases (WebCriminal)
4. Family Court cases (limited access)
5. Housing Court matters
6. Surrogate's Court information

To use these systems:

1. Navigate to the appropriate portal based on case type
2. Select "Saratoga County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
3. Enter search criteria (name, index number, etc.)
4. Review the case summary information
5. Note that document images are generally not available online

For criminal case information, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Inmate Lookup provides information on current inmates and their status.

The New York State Sex Offender Registry allows searches for registered sex offenders residing in Saratoga County.

For federal cases involving Saratoga County residents, the PACER system provides access to U.S. District Court and Bankruptcy Court records. Users must register for an account and pay nominal fees for document access.

Online access limitations include:

• Document images are rarely available (mostly docket information only)
• Sealed or confidential cases are excluded
• Family Court records have significant access restrictions
• Historical cases (pre-2000) may not be included in online systems
• User fees may apply for certain searches or document retrieval

How To Search Saratoga County Court Records for Free?

New York State law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. According to New York Judiciary Law § 255, "A clerk of a court must, upon request and upon payment of the fees allowed by law, diligently search the files, papers, records, and dockets in his office; and either make one or more transcripts or certificates of change therefrom, and certify to the correctness thereof, and to the search, or certify that a document or paper, of which the custody legally belongs to him, can not be found."

Free search options in Saratoga County include:

In-Person Inspection:

• Visit the appropriate court clerk's office during business hours
• Request to view specific case files using available indices
• Examine records on-site at no charge
• Pay only for copies if needed ($0.25-$1.00 per page)

Free Online Resources:

• New York State Court Electronic Filing System (NYSCEF) - Basic case information without registration
• WebCriminal - Limited criminal case information
• WebCivil Supreme - Basic civil case information
• New York State Sex Offender Registry - Information on registered offenders

Public Access Terminals:

• Available at the Saratoga County Clerk's Office
• Provide more comprehensive access than remote online systems
• No charge for searching, only for printing documents

Saratoga County Law Library
30 McMaster Street
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
(518) 451-8866
New York State Unified Court System

The law library maintains public access terminals for legal research and limited court record searches at no charge.

What's Included in a Saratoga County Court Record?

Saratoga County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type and court jurisdiction. These records typically include several standard components as well as case-specific documentation.

Civil Case Records typically contain:

• Summons and complaint initiating the action
• Defendant's answer or response
• Motions filed by either party
• Affidavits and supporting documentation
• Discovery materials (depositions, interrogatories)
• Court orders and judicial decisions
• Judgment documents
• Transcripts of hearings or trials
• Exhibits admitted into evidence
• Settlement agreements (if not sealed)
• Appeals documentation (if applicable)

Criminal Case Records generally include:

• Charging documents (indictment or information)
• Arraignment records
• Bail and pretrial release documentation
• Motions filed by prosecution or defense
• Evidence suppression hearing records
• Plea agreements or trial documentation
• Verdict forms
• Sentencing information
• Probation reports (may be restricted)
• Appeal documents (if applicable)

Family Court Records may contain:

• Petitions for custody, support, or visitation
• Orders of protection
• Child protective proceedings
• Juvenile delinquency records (often confidential)
• Adoption proceedings (typically sealed)
• Paternity determinations
• Child support calculations and orders
• Transcripts of hearings

Surrogate's Court Records typically include:

• Wills and codicils
• Probate petitions
• Letters testamentary or administration
• Estate inventories
• Accounting documents
• Guardian appointments
• Trust documents
• Contested will proceedings

Additional components found in most court files:

• Case information sheet with party details
• Proof of service documentation
• Attorney appearance notices
• Court calendar notations
• Docket entries chronicling all filings and events
• Correspondence with the court (if filed)
• Fee payment records

Certain sensitive information is typically redacted from public court records pursuant to New York General Business Law § 399-ddd, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain personal identifiers.

How Long Does Saratoga County Keep Court Records?

Saratoga County courts maintain records according to retention schedules established by the New York State Unified Court System and the New York State Archives Records Retention and Disposition Schedule for County and Supreme Court Records. These schedules vary by record type and case disposition.

Criminal Case Records:

• Felony cases: Permanent retention for cases resulting in conviction
• Felony cases dismissed or acquitted: 10 years after disposition
• Misdemeanor cases with conviction: 25 years after disposition
• Misdemeanor cases dismissed: 6 years after disposition
• Violation/infraction cases: 6 years after disposition

Civil Case Records:

• Cases with judgments: 25 years after disposition
• Dismissed cases: 6 years after disposition
• Small claims cases: 6 years after disposition
• Landlord/tenant proceedings: 6 years after disposition
• Index books and case registers: Permanent retention

Family Court Records:

• Child support cases: Until the youngest child turns 28
• Custody/visitation cases: Until the youngest child turns 28
• Juvenile delinquency: Until the subject turns 21
• Person in Need of Supervision (PINS): Until the subject turns 21
• Child protective proceedings: Permanent retention
• Adoption records: Permanent retention (sealed)

Surrogate's Court Records:

• Probate files: Permanent retention
• Estate administration: Permanent retention
• Guardianship records: Permanent retention

Court Administration Records:

• Court calendars: 2 years
• Attorney registration records: 7 years
• Juror records: 4 years after service
• Court reporter notes: 6 years after transcription

The Chief Administrator of the Courts may issue administrative orders modifying these retention periods. Additionally, records with historical significance may be transferred to the New York State Archives for permanent preservation rather than destruction after their retention period expires.

Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records, though the storage medium may differ. The transition to electronic filing has not altered the fundamental retention requirements established by state law and court administration.

Types of Courts In Saratoga County

Saratoga County's court system operates within New York State's Unified Court System and includes several levels of courts with varying jurisdictions and authority.

Saratoga County Supreme Court
30 McMaster Street
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
(518) 451-8866
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
New York State Unified Court System

Despite its name, the Supreme Court is not the highest court in New York but serves as the trial court of general jurisdiction handling major civil cases and some criminal matters.

Saratoga County Court
30 McMaster Street
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
(518) 451-8872
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
New York State Unified Court System

The County Court primarily handles felony criminal cases and civil matters with claims between $25,000 and $100,000.

Saratoga County Family Court
30 McMaster Street
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
(518) 451-8865
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
New York State Unified Court System

Family Court addresses matters involving children and families, including custody, support, and juvenile cases.

Saratoga County Surrogate's Court
30 McMaster Street
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
(518) 451-8870
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
New York State Unified Court System

The Surrogate's Court handles matters related to estates, wills, and guardianships.

Saratoga Springs City Court
15 Lake Avenue
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 451-8873
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
New York State Unified Court System

City Court handles misdemeanors, violations, traffic infractions, and civil claims up to $15,000 within city limits.

Town and Village Courts (Justice Courts) Multiple locations throughout Saratoga County, including:

Ballston Town Court
323 Charlton Road
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
(518) 885-8502
Hours: Vary by court session
Town of Ballston

These local courts handle minor criminal matters, traffic violations, and small claims within their geographic boundaries.

The court hierarchy in New York State progresses from Town and Village Courts to County/City Courts to Supreme Court. Appeals from these courts are heard by the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court (Third Department for Saratoga County), with the Court of Appeals serving as New York's highest court.

What Types of Cases Do Saratoga County Courts Hear?

Saratoga County's various courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their statutory jurisdiction and authority. Each court type specializes in specific case categories as established by New York State law.

Supreme Court handles:

• Major civil litigation with claims exceeding $25,000
• Divorce, separation, and annulment proceedings
• Corporate and commercial disputes
• Real property actions including foreclosures
• Article 78 proceedings (challenges to government actions)
• Medical malpractice and personal injury cases
• Declaratory judgment actions
• Some criminal matters (concurrent with County Court)

County Court presides over:

• Felony criminal prosecutions
• Appeals from lower courts (Town, Village, City Courts)
• Civil cases with claims between $25,000 and $100,000
• Criminal appeals from local courts
• Specialized treatment courts (Drug Court, Veterans Court)

Family Court addresses:

• Child custody and visitation disputes
• Child and spousal support proceedings
• Paternity determinations
• Juvenile delinquency cases
• Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS) petitions
• Family offense proceedings and orders of protection
• Adoption proceedings
• Child protective proceedings (abuse and neglect)
• Foster care approvals and reviews

Surrogate's Court manages:

• Probate of wills
• Administration of estates
• Trust administration
• Guardianships for minors and incapacitated persons
• Adoption records
• Estate litigation
• Kinship hearings

City Court (Saratoga Springs) handles:

• Misdemeanor criminal cases
• Traffic violations
• Parking infractions
• Civil claims up to $15,000
• Small claims up to $5,000
• Landlord-tenant disputes and eviction proceedings
• Code violation cases

Town and Village Courts (Justice Courts) preside over:

• Misdemeanor criminal cases
• Traffic violations
• Local ordinance violations
• Civil claims up to $3,000
• Small claims up to $3,000
• Landlord-tenant matters
• Preliminary hearings in felony cases

Case assignment between courts is governed by New York Judiciary Law Article 7 and related statutes, which establish the subject matter jurisdiction of each court type. In some instances, cases may be transferred between courts when jurisdictional requirements or specialized needs dictate such movement.

How To Find a Court Docket In Saratoga County

Court dockets in Saratoga County provide chronological listings of all filings, appearances, and judicial actions in a case. These official records are accessible through several methods depending on the court and case type.

Online Docket Access:

The New York State Unified Court System offers several web-based docket search options:

1. WebCriminal - For criminal case dockets

   • Select "Saratoga County" from the jurisdiction menu
   • Enter defendant name or case number
   • View chronological case events and scheduled appearances

2. WebCivil Supreme - For Supreme Court civil cases

   • Choose "Saratoga County" from location options
   • Search by party name, index number, or attorney
   • Access docket entries showing all filings and decisions

3. eCourts - For integrated case information

   • Select appropriate court type
   • Enter search criteria
   • View calendars and appearance schedules

In-Person Docket Access:

Visitors may examine docket information in person at:

Saratoga County Clerk's Office
40 McMaster Street
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
(518) 885-2213
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saratoga County Clerk

The process typically involves:

1. Completing a records request form
2. Providing case identifying information
3. Presenting identification
4. Waiting for staff to retrieve docket information
5. Reviewing materials on-site

Telephone Docket Information:

Limited docket information may be available by calling the appropriate court clerk:

• Supreme/County Court: (518) 451-8866
• Family Court: (518) 451-8865
• Surrogate's Court: (518) 451-8870
• Saratoga Springs City Court: (518) 451-8873

Case Notification Services:

For attorneys and registered parties, the New York State Courts Electronic Filing (NYSCEF) system provides automatic notifications of docket updates in participating courts.

Docket information typically includes:

• Case caption and index/docket number
• Party and attorney information
• Chronological listing of all filings
• Judicial decisions and orders
• Scheduled appearance dates
• Disposition information

Pursuant to 22 NYCRR § 202.5-b, electronic filing requirements affect how dockets are maintained and accessed in Saratoga County courts, with increasing transition to digital docketing systems.

Which Courts in Saratoga County Are Not Courts of Record?

In New York State's judicial system, "courts of record" are those authorized by law to keep permanent, official records of their proceedings that can serve as the basis for appeals. Conversely, courts "not of record" maintain less formal documentation and have limited jurisdiction. This distinction is established by New York Judiciary Law § 2, which enumerates the courts designated as courts of record.

Within Saratoga County, the following courts are not courts of record:

Town Courts (Justice Courts):

• Ballston Town Court
• Charlton Town Court
• Clifton Park Town Court
• Corinth Town Court
• Day Town Court
• Edinburg Town Court
• Galway Town Court
• Greenfield Town Court
• Hadley Town Court
• Halfmoon Town Court
• Malta Town Court
• Milton Town Court
• Moreau Town Court
• Northumberland Town Court
• Providence Town Court
• Saratoga Town Court
• Stillwater Town Court
• Waterford Town Court
• Wilton Town Court

Village Courts (Justice Courts):

• Ballston Spa Village Court
• Corinth Village Court
• Galway Village Court
• Round Lake Village Court
• Schuylerville Village Court
• South Glens Falls Village Court
• Stillwater Village Court
• Victory Village Court
• Waterford Village Court

These courts are presided over by justices who may not be attorneys and operate with simplified procedures. They handle:

• Traffic violations
• Misdemeanor criminal cases
• Local ordinance violations
• Small claims up to $3,000
• Civil cases up to $3,000
• Landlord-tenant matters

Appeals from these courts are heard by the Saratoga County Court, which is a court of record. The appeals process involves a complete re-examination of the case rather than a limited review of the record, reflecting the non-record status of the originating court.

Courts of record in Saratoga County include:

• Supreme Court
• County Court
• Family Court
• Surrogate's Court
• Saratoga Springs City Court

These courts maintain comprehensive records of all proceedings, employ court reporters or electronic recording systems, and produce official transcripts that serve as the basis for appeals to higher courts.

Lookup Court Records in Saratoga County