Schenectady County Court Docket Search
Schenectady County court docket records are on file at the County Clerk's Office in the city of Schenectady. You can search for case filings, docket entries, judgments, and other court records in person or through state online portals. Cara M. Ackerley serves as County Clerk. The office at 620 State Street handles all Supreme Court and County Court filings. Schenectady County is in the Capital District region, just west of Albany. The courthouse processes a steady flow of civil and criminal cases. Whether you need to check on a pending case or get copies of old court docket records, the clerk's office on State Street is the place to begin.
Schenectady County Overview
Schenectady County Court Docket Office
The Schenectady County Clerk's Office is the main source for court docket records in the county. Cara M. Ackerley is the County Clerk. The office is at 620 State Street, 3rd Floor, in downtown Schenectady. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. During summer months, the office closes at 3:45 PM. Staff handle all filings for Supreme Court and County Court cases.
The clerk's office keeps a wide range of records. Deeds from 1979 to the present are on file. Court records, divorce records, marriage records, birth records, foreclosure filings, and name change orders are all part of the collection. Under Judiciary Law § 255, the County Clerk must maintain and give public access to all court docket records filed in Supreme and County Court.
| Office | Schenectady County Clerk's Office |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Cara M. Ackerley |
| Address | 620 State Street, 3rd Floor Schenectady, NY 12305 |
| Phone | (518) 388-4220 |
| Hours | Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (summer: 9:00 AM - 3:45 PM) |
| Website | schenectadycounty.com |
One important thing to know about Schenectady County is the search fee. The clerk's office charges $25 per name for a records search. This is higher than some other counties. If you are doing multiple searches, the costs can add up fast. Call ahead to find out exactly what you need so you can keep your search focused and avoid unnecessary fees.
Search Schenectady County Court Docket Records
You can search Schenectady County court docket records online or in person. Online is free and a good first step. In-person visits let you see the full case file and get copies right away.
The WebCivil Supreme portal has civil Supreme Court docket records for Schenectady County. Search by index number, party name, or attorney name. Results show case status, appearance dates, and docket entries. For criminal cases, the WebCriminal system covers pending cases. Both tools are free and run by the New York State Unified Court System.
E-filing through NYSCEF is mandatory for new civil cases in Supreme Court. Once filed, documents become part of the court docket and are searchable through the NYSCEF Guest Search feature. No account needed to view publicly filed documents.
For estate and probate matters, the Schenectady County Surrogate's Court handles those separately. Search surrogate records through the WebSurrogate system online.
The Schenectady County website at schenectadycounty.com has information on all county departments, including the clerk's office and its court docket services.
To search in person, go to 620 State Street, 3rd Floor. Bring the case index number if you have it. Staff can search by party name, but remember the $25 search fee per name. The NYS Court Records Information page can help you figure out which online system to try before paying for an in-person search.
Schenectady County Court Docket Fees
Schenectady County has a $25 search fee per name for records lookups. Uncertified copies cost $0.65 per page. Certified copies are $5.00 per page. These fees cover all court documents, including docket sheets, judgments, and case filings.
Filing a new Supreme Court case requires an index number at $210. A statewide Criminal History Record Search through the Office of Court Administration costs $95.00 per name and covers all 62 counties. Results come by email the next business day.
- Records search: $25 per name
- Uncertified copies: $0.65 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00 per page
- Index number (new case): $210
- Statewide criminal history: $95 per name
Note: Town and City Court fees in Schenectady County may differ, as CPLR § 8019 sets separate fee standards for courts other than Supreme and County Courts.
Court Docket Records in Schenectady County
The Schenectady County Clerk keeps a wide range of court docket records. Civil case files from Supreme Court include the full docket from petition to judgment. County Court records cover felony criminal cases and civil matters up to $25,000. Judgment rolls, satisfaction records, and lien filings are part of the collection. The office also has divorce records, foreclosure filings, and name change orders.
Under Judiciary Law § 255-b, the County Clerk must keep a docket book for each case where a Request for Judicial Intervention or appeal is filed. That book lists every paper filed in the case in order. Each entry has the date, document type, and who filed it. This is the backbone of the court docket record system.
Deed records at the Schenectady County office go back to 1979 in the current system. Older records exist but may be in a different format or stored separately. Marriage records, birth records, and other vital records are also on file. Schenectady County was formed in 1809 from Albany County, so the full records collection spans over two centuries. Court docket files from the early years of the county are part of the archive, though accessing very old records may require advance notice to the office.
Public Access to Schenectady County Court Docket
Court docket records in Schenectady County are open to the public. You do not need to be a party to a case to view the records. Judiciary Law § 4 requires all court sittings to be public, and that extends to the records. Walk into the clerk's office at 620 State Street and ask for a case file. Staff will help you search.
Some records are sealed by court order or restricted by law. Juvenile cases, certain family court matters, and records sealed under CPL § 160.50 are not available to the general public. But open access is the default. If a record exists and is not sealed, you can see it. Just keep the $25 search fee in mind when planning your visit. Using the free online tools first can help you narrow down exactly what you need before paying for a search at the office.
Cities in Schenectady County
Schenectady County has several cities and towns. All court docket filings go through the Schenectady County Clerk's Office.
Nearby Counties
These counties are near Schenectady County. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where the case was filed.