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Bergen County Court Records

What Is Bergen County Court Records

Bergen County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records consist of case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by the courts. Court records are distinct from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics, or tax assessments, which are typically maintained by other county departments.

In Bergen County, court records are maintained by several judicial bodies:

  • Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen Vicinage (civil, criminal, family, probate divisions)
  • Bergen County Municipal Courts (traffic violations, disorderly persons offenses, municipal ordinance violations)
  • Bergen County Surrogate's Court (wills, estates, guardianships)
  • Tax Court (property tax appeals)

Pursuant to New Jersey Court Rule 1:38, court records are defined as "any information maintained by a court in any form in connection with a case or judicial proceeding, including but not limited to pleadings, motions, briefs and their attachments, evidentiary exhibits, indices, calendars, and dockets." This comprehensive definition ensures that virtually all documentation related to court proceedings falls under the umbrella of court records.

The New Jersey Judiciary maintains these records in accordance with state statutes and court rules, with the Bergen County court system serving as the custodian for records specific to cases heard within the county's jurisdiction.

Are Court Records Public In Bergen County

Court records in Bergen County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA) and New Jersey Court Rule 1:38-1, which establishes the presumption of public access to court records. This presumption aligns with the constitutional principle of open courts and transparency in judicial proceedings.

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

  • Civil case files (complaints, answers, motions, orders)
  • Criminal case files (post-indictment or post-information)
  • Judgments and orders
  • Docket sheets and case indices
  • Court calendars and hearing schedules
  • Probate records (wills, estate inventories)

However, certain records are exempt from public access under New Jersey Court Rule 1:38-3, including:

  • Family court records involving juveniles
  • Grand jury proceedings
  • Domestic violence records
  • Certain financial information and personal identifiers
  • Records sealed by court order
  • Pre-indictment criminal investigative records

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (which has jurisdiction over Bergen County) are governed by federal rules and are accessible through the federal PACER system, not through Bergen County or New Jersey state court systems.

The New Jersey Supreme Court has established comprehensive rules governing public access to court records, balancing the public's right to information with privacy concerns and the efficient administration of justice.

How To Find Court Records in Bergen County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Bergen County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The appropriate method depends on the type of record sought and its age.

For Superior Court records:

  1. Visit the Bergen County Justice Center in person:

    Bergen County Justice Center
    10 Main Street
    Hackensack, NJ 07601
    201-221-0700
    New Jersey Courts - Bergen Vicinage
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

  2. Submit a written request using the Records Request Form to the appropriate division:

    • Criminal Division for criminal cases
    • Civil Division for civil litigation
    • Family Division for divorce, custody, and other family matters
    • Probate Division for wills and estates

  3. Access the New Jersey Judiciary Electronic Filing and Imaging System for more recent cases filed electronically.

For Municipal Court records:

  1. Contact the specific municipal court where the case was heard. Bergen County has 70 municipal courts, each maintaining its own records.

  2. Use the Municipal Court Case Search portal for cases filed after 2001.

For Surrogate's Court records:

  1. Visit or contact the Bergen County Surrogate's Court:

    Bergen County Surrogate's Court
    Bergen County Justice Center
    10 Main Street, Room 211
    Hackensack, NJ 07601
    201-646-2252
    Bergen County Surrogate
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

When requesting records, individuals must provide:

  • Case number (if known)
  • Names of parties involved
  • Approximate date of filing or disposition
  • Type of case
  • Specific documents requested

Pursuant to § 22A:2-29 of the New Jersey Statutes, fees apply for copies of court records, with certified copies carrying additional charges.

How To Look Up Court Records in Bergen County Online?

Bergen County residents and interested parties may access various court records through several online portals maintained by the New Jersey Judiciary. Each system contains different types of records and requires specific search parameters.

For Superior Court criminal cases:

  1. Navigate to the PROMIS/Gavel Public Access portal
  2. Accept the terms of use
  3. Enter search criteria (defendant name, case number, or complaint number)
  4. Select Bergen County from the venue dropdown menu
  5. Review search results showing case status, charges, and next court date

For civil cases in Superior Court:

  1. Access the Civil Case Jacket Public Access portal
  2. Enter plaintiff or defendant name, docket number, or attorney information
  3. Limit search to Bergen County
  4. View basic case information, party names, and docket entries

For municipal court cases (traffic tickets, minor criminal offenses):

  1. Visit the Municipal Court Case Search website
  2. Enter defendant name or ticket/complaint number
  3. Select the appropriate municipal court within Bergen County
  4. Review case status, scheduled court dates, and payment information

For appellate decisions affecting Bergen County cases:

  1. Use the New Jersey Courts Search Engine
  2. Enter case name, docket number, or keyword
  3. Filter results by date range if needed
  4. Access published opinions and decisions

Online access is limited to basic case information and publicly available documents. Confidential records, sealed cases, and certain exhibits may not be available through these portals. Additionally, older cases (generally pre-2000) may not be fully digitized and might require in-person requests.

How To Search Bergen County Court Records for Free?

New Jersey law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, pursuant to New Jersey Court Rule 1:38-9, which states that "No fee shall be charged for inspection of court records." This provision ensures that all members of the public, regardless of financial means, can access the judicial system's public documents.

The following methods provide free access to Bergen County court records:

  1. In-person inspection at the courthouse:

    • Visit the appropriate division of the Bergen County Superior Court
    • Request to view specific case files at public terminals
    • No fee is charged for viewing records, only for obtaining copies

  2. Free online search systems:

  3. Public access terminals at the Bergen County Law Library: Bergen County Law Library
    Bergen County Justice Center
    10 Main Street, 3rd Floor
    Hackensack, NJ 07601
    201-527-2400
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

While searching and viewing records is free, obtaining copies incurs fees as established by § 22A:2-29 of the New Jersey Statutes:

  • $0.05 per page for regular copies
  • $0.07 per page for complex copies requiring significant redaction
  • $5.00 for certified copies of judgments
  • Additional fees may apply for expedited service

These fees are waived for certain individuals who qualify for fee waivers based on financial hardship, as determined by the court pursuant to Rule 1:13-2.

What's Included in a Bergen County Court Record?

Bergen County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type. The specific components of court records are governed by the New Jersey Rules of Court and relevant statutes.

Civil case files typically include:

  • Complaint and summons
  • Answer and counterclaims
  • Motions and supporting briefs
  • Discovery-related documents (in some cases)
  • Exhibits admitted into evidence
  • Court orders and judgments
  • Transcripts of proceedings (if requested)
  • Settlement agreements (if not sealed)
  • Case management orders
  • Judgment docket entries

Criminal case files generally contain:

  • Indictment or accusation
  • Plea documents
  • Bail/detention information
  • Motions and briefs
  • Evidence lists
  • Pre-sentence investigation reports (restricted access)
  • Sentencing orders
  • Judgment of conviction
  • Probation terms
  • Appeal notices

Family court records may include:

  • Divorce complaints and responses
  • Child custody and support orders
  • Domestic violence complaints and restraining orders
  • Financial disclosure statements (restricted access)
  • Parenting time schedules
  • Property settlement agreements
  • Adoption records (sealed)

Probate records typically contain:

  • Last will and testament
  • Letters testamentary or administration
  • Inventory of estate assets
  • Claims against the estate
  • Guardianship appointments
  • Accounting of estate distributions

Each court record also includes a docket sheet, which serves as an index of all filings and proceedings in chronological order. This docket provides case numbers, filing dates, party names, attorney information, and a brief description of each document filed.

Pursuant to New Jersey Court Rule 1:38-7, certain personal identifiers are redacted from public court records, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, driver's license numbers, and names of minor children in specific case types.

How Long Does Bergen County Keep Court Records?

Bergen County courts retain records according to the New Jersey Judiciary Records Retention Schedule, which is established pursuant to § 2B:34-10 of the New Jersey Statutes. This comprehensive schedule varies by case type and document importance.

Criminal case records:

  • Indictable offenses (felonies): Permanent retention
  • Dismissed indictments: 3 years after dismissal
  • Expunged records: Removed from public access upon expungement order
  • Probation records: 10 years after termination of supervision
  • Pre-trial intervention cases: 3 years after completion

Civil case records:

  • General civil litigation: 15 years after disposition
  • Small claims: 5 years after disposition
  • Landlord-tenant: 3 years after disposition
  • Civil judgments: 20 years (renewable)
  • Foreclosure: 10 years after disposition

Family court records:

  • Divorce decrees: Permanent retention
  • Child custody and support: Until youngest child reaches 23 years of age
  • Domestic violence: 5 years after expiration of final restraining order
  • Adoption: Permanent retention (sealed)

Probate records:

  • Wills: Permanent retention
  • Estate administration: 15 years after closing
  • Guardianships: 3 years after termination or death of ward

Municipal court records:

  • Traffic violations: 3 years after disposition
  • Disorderly persons offenses: 5 years after disposition
  • Ordinance violations: 3 years after disposition
  • DWI convictions: 15 years after disposition

The New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts oversees the implementation of these retention schedules. After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to established procedures, though records of historical significance may be transferred to the New Jersey State Archives for permanent preservation.

Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records. The judiciary's electronic case management systems maintain digital records according to the same schedules, with appropriate security measures to prevent unauthorized access or alteration.

Types of Courts In Bergen County

Bergen County's judicial system consists of several court levels, each with specific jurisdiction and authority. These courts operate within New Jersey's unified court system.

Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen Vicinage
Bergen County Justice Center
10 Main Street
Hackensack, NJ 07601
201-221-0700
New Jersey Courts - Bergen Vicinage
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The Superior Court includes several divisions:

  • Civil Division - handles lawsuits seeking monetary damages or equitable relief exceeding $15,000
  • Criminal Division - adjudicates indictable offenses (felonies)
  • Family Division - oversees divorce, child custody, support, domestic violence, and juvenile matters
  • Special Civil Part - manages cases involving claims up to $15,000, landlord-tenant disputes, and small claims up to $3,000
  • Chancery Division, Probate Part - handles wills, estates, and guardianships

Bergen County Surrogate's Court
Bergen County Justice Center
10 Main Street, Room 211
Hackensack, NJ 07601
201-646-2252
Bergen County Surrogate
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Municipal Courts (70 throughout Bergen County, including):

Hackensack Municipal Court
65 Central Avenue
Hackensack, NJ 07601
201-646-3992
Hackensack Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Paramus Municipal Court
1 Jockish Square
Paramus, NJ 07652
201-265-2100 ext. 2210
Paramus Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The court hierarchy in New Jersey follows this structure:

  1. Municipal Courts (lowest level)
  2. Superior Court (trial level with various divisions)
  3. Appellate Division of Superior Court
  4. New Jersey Supreme Court (highest state court)

Federal cases involving Bergen County residents are heard in:

United States District Court, District of New Jersey
Martin Luther King Building & U.S. Courthouse
50 Walnut Street
Newark, NJ 07102
973-645-3730
U.S. District Court - New Jersey
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

What Types of Cases Do Bergen County Courts Hear?

Bergen County's court system adjudicates a wide range of legal matters, with each court having specific jurisdictional authority as defined by New Jersey law.

Superior Court, Civil Division handles:

  • Personal injury lawsuits
  • Contract disputes exceeding $15,000
  • Real property litigation
  • Professional malpractice claims
  • Complex commercial litigation
  • Civil rights violations
  • Employment discrimination cases
  • Product liability lawsuits
  • Construction disputes
  • Insurance coverage matters

Superior Court, Criminal Division adjudicates:

  • Homicide and manslaughter
  • Robbery, burglary, and theft
  • Aggravated assault
  • Sexual offenses
  • Drug distribution and possession
  • Weapons offenses
  • White-collar crimes
  • Computer crimes
  • Organized criminal activity
  • Vehicular homicide

Superior Court, Family Division oversees:

  • Divorce proceedings
  • Child custody and parenting time
  • Child support and alimony
  • Domestic violence restraining orders
  • Juvenile delinquency matters
  • Child abuse and neglect cases
  • Adoption proceedings
  • Termination of parental rights
  • Family crisis interventions
  • Kinship legal guardianship

Superior Court, Chancery Division, Probate Part handles:

  • Will contests
  • Estate administration disputes
  • Guardianships for incapacitated adults
  • Trust litigation
  • Elder abuse matters
  • Contested accountings
  • Actions to remove executors or administrators
  • Probate of disputed wills
  • Conservatorships
  • Approval of settlements involving minors

Municipal Courts adjudicate:

  • Traffic violations
  • Driving while intoxicated (DWI)
  • Disorderly persons offenses
  • Petty disorderly persons offenses
  • Municipal ordinance violations
  • Fish and game violations
  • Minor assault cases
  • Shoplifting (under certain value thresholds)
  • Bad check cases (under certain value thresholds)
  • Certain drug possession offenses

The Tax Court, which has a statewide jurisdiction but hears Bergen County cases, adjudicates:

  • Property tax appeals
  • State tax disputes
  • Tax exemption matters
  • Farmland assessment challenges

Each court's jurisdiction is established by the New Jersey Court Rules and relevant statutes, with specific monetary thresholds and subject matter limitations determining which court has authority over a particular case.

How To Find a Court Docket In Bergen County

Court dockets in Bergen County provide chronological listings of all filings, proceedings, and actions in a case. These essential records help track case progress and identify upcoming hearings. Several methods exist for locating court dockets in Bergen County.

For Superior Court dockets:

  1. Online access through the New Jersey Courts Case Search:

    • Enter case number, party name, or attorney name
    • Select Bergen County as the venue
    • Review docket entries showing filings, hearings, and decisions
    • Note that some older cases may have limited online information

  2. In-person inspection at the courthouse:

    • Visit the appropriate division at the Bergen County Justice Center
    • Provide the case number or party names to the clerk
    • Request to view the docket sheet
    • Public access terminals are available for self-service searching

  3. Written request to the Records Department:

    • Submit a Records Request Form
    • Include case number, party names, and filing date if known
    • Specify that you are requesting the docket sheet
    • Pay applicable fees for copies

For Municipal Court dockets:

  1. Use the Municipal Court Case Search:

    • Enter defendant name or ticket/complaint number
    • Select the specific municipal court
    • View case status, scheduled dates, and disposition information

  2. Contact the specific municipal court directly:

    • Provide case information to the court administrator
    • Request docket information by phone or in person
    • Note that procedures may vary by municipality

For criminal case dockets:

  1. Access the PROMIS/Gavel Public Access system:
    • Enter defendant name or indictment/accusation number
    • Select Bergen County from the venue options
    • Review chronological listing of case events and status

When searching for dockets, be prepared to provide:

  • Full names of parties involved
  • Case number (if known)
  • Approximate date of filing
  • Case type (civil, criminal, family, etc.)

Pursuant to § 22A:2-29 of the New Jersey Statutes, fees apply for printed copies of docket sheets, though viewing them on public terminals is free of charge.

Which Courts in Bergen County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the New Jersey judicial system, "courts of record" are those that maintain comprehensive verbatim transcripts of proceedings and whose decisions may serve as legal precedent. Conversely, "courts not of record" typically do not maintain complete transcripts unless specifically requested by parties, and their decisions generally do not establish precedent.

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2B:12-1, Municipal Courts in Bergen County are classified as courts not of record. These include:

  • All 70 municipal courts throughout Bergen County's municipalities
  • Joint municipal courts serving multiple municipalities
  • Central municipal court sessions

As courts not of record, municipal courts have the following characteristics:

  • Proceedings are recorded electronically, but transcripts are only produced upon specific request and payment of fees
  • Decisions do not establish binding precedent for other courts
  • Appeals from municipal courts are heard de novo (anew) in the Superior Court
  • Judges are appointed by municipal governing bodies rather than by the Governor
  • Limited jurisdiction covering disorderly persons offenses, traffic violations, and municipal ordinance infractions

The following courts in Bergen County ARE courts of record:

  • Superior Court (all divisions)
  • Tax Court
  • Appellate Division
  • New Jersey Supreme Court

These courts of record maintain complete transcripts of all proceedings, and their published decisions may establish binding or persuasive precedent for future cases.

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is significant for several reasons:

  • Appeals process differs (municipal court appeals involve new hearings rather than review of existing record)
  • Evidentiary standards and procedural formalities may vary
  • Different retention requirements for case documentation
  • Varying qualifications for judicial appointments

This classification system is established by N.J.S.A. 2B:12-1 et seq. and the New Jersey Court Rules.

Lookup Court Records in Bergen County

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