How To Find Court Records In Connecticut

CourtCaseFinder is designed to help users explore Connecticut court records through an Instant Court Case Lookup. By entering a full name or case number, you may be able to view available records from courts and jurisdictions across the state.

For those unfamiliar, court records are official documents created during legal proceedings. Depending on the case type, results may relate to criminal offenses, such as fraud, theft, or domestic violence, or civil matters, including bankruptcies, liens, property disputes, and small claims.

Results may vary depending on location and source availability. A full court case report may include details such as case numbers, summaries, dockets, court documents, filings, decisions, dispositions, trial records, attorneys, prosecutors, related legal notes, and more. However, not all records are accessible online, and data may not be complete or current.

Note that CourtCaseFinder is intended to locate and provide Connecticut court information for informational purposes only.

How To Access Connecticut Public Court Records

If you want to access Connecticut public court records instantly, CourtCaseFinder can help users search across multiple case types using one platform. But for those who prefer to use official government channels, the Connecticut Judicial Branch offers several options.

Online

The Connecticut Judicial Branch provides online access to case information for different courts and case types. Options include:

• Supreme and Appellate Court Case Look-up: Cases filed after January 1, 1991, searchable by party name, docket number, attorney, or trial court number.
• Superior Court Civil / Family / Housing / Small Claims Case Look-up: Civil, family, housing, and small claims cases are searchable by party, docket number, attorney, or property address (summary process and foreclosure only).
• Superior Court Criminal / Motor Vehicle Case Look-up: Search convictions, pending cases, daily dockets, or attorney/firm case lists by defendant, docket number, or jurisdiction.
• Superior Court Housing Case Look-up: You can search housing matters by docket number, party name, property address, or attorney/firm case list.
• Centralized Small Claims Case Look-up: Cases before September 1, 2017, searchable by party, docket, attorney, or hearing date.

The Judicial Branch also offers:

• Court Events Look-up: View hearing dates and calendars.
• Attorney/Firm Juris Number Look-up: Search for attorney or firm jurisdiction numbers.

Case availability may vary, and some records are confidential under state law (e.g., juvenile cases, protective orders).

In-Person

You can visit a Connecticut courthouse to request access to court records. To get started, use the Connecticut Judicial Branch directory to find directions and contact information for local courts. Once you identify the right courthouse, reach out to the clerk's office where the record is kept and ask about the steps required.

If you need certified copies, the court staff can guide you through the process. Keep in mind that copying and certifying records usually involves a small fee, and in some cases, there may be an additional charge for expedited service.

By Mail

If you prefer, you can request court records by mail. Start by identifying the courthouse where the record is stored and reach out to the clerk's office for instructions. You will likely need to provide details such as names, case numbers, or filing dates to help staff locate the records.

Requests for copies may also require payment of applicable fees. Contacting the courthouse directly before sending your request will ensure you have the most accurate guidance.

Connecticut Court Records: What is Public and What is Not?

Under the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), you generally have the right to access government records, including court records, unless those records are confidential by law. This means that most court records in Connecticut are open for you to view, request, and copy.

Court records usually include key case-related details such as:

• Case numbers and docket information
• Names of parties involved
• Charges or claims filed
• Court dates and hearing schedules
• Court rulings, orders, and judgments
• Filed motions and pleadings

However, some records are exempt from disclosure for privacy, safety, or legal reasons. You cannot access the following types of records:

• Juvenile case records (except as permitted under CGS § 46b-124, which allows limited access to crime victims)
• Adoption records
• Medical or personnel files that would reveal private information
• Trade secrets and proprietary information
• Certain petitions and confidential filings
• Law enforcement records that could endanger victims or compromise safety
• Home addresses of individuals protected by confidentiality rules
• Financial records or statements of personal worth

If a record is sealed by a judge, the sealed portions will not be available to you until the order expires. In some cases, only part of a record is sealed, and the remaining portions are still open to the public.

Who Oversees the Courts in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, the Judicial Branch manages all state and county courts. At the top, the Chief Justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court serves as the head of the Judicial Branch. Working alongside the Chief Justice is the Chief Court Administrator, who is responsible for overseeing the administrative operations of the court system.

When you interact with the court system, you should know that judges handle the judicial functions, meaning they independently preside over cases at both the trial and appellate levels. On the administrative side, the Chief Court Administrator directs several divisions that keep the courts running smoothly:

• Administrative Services Division: Manages finances, personnel, facilities, and statewide administrative support.
• Court Support Services Division: Provides probation services, family services, alternatives to incarceration, and juvenile programs.
• External Affairs Division: Handles public education, outreach, and legislative activities.
• Information Technology Division: Maintains judicial IT systems, applications, and legal publications.
• Superior Court Operations Division: Supports clerk offices, court transcripts, interpreter services, records management, and judge support services.

This structure helps the Judicial Branch carry out its mission of providing fair and efficient court services across Connecticut.

What Types of Courts Exist in Connecticut?

Connecticut's court system is organized to handle different types of legal matters at multiple levels. Each court has specific jurisdiction, ranging from probate matters to appeals on criminal and civil cases. Understanding which court handles your case can help you navigate the state's legal system more effectively.

Court Type	Jurisdiction	Common Case Types
Supreme Court	The highest court in the state; reviews selected decisions from the Appellate and Superior Courts. Decides cases on the record, briefs, and oral arguments.	Appeals for criminal and civil cases, administrative agency cases, writs, death penalty cases, and judicial qualification proceedings
Appellate Court	Reviews decisions from the Superior Court to determine errors of law. Cases are typically heard by a panel of three judges.	Appeals for criminal and civil cases, administrative agency appeals, and interlocutory appeals for limited administrative agencies
Superior Court	General jurisdiction over major civil, criminal, family, housing, and juvenile cases. Divided into judicial districts, geographical areas, and juvenile courts.	Civil: landlord-tenant, accidents, contract disputes, small claims up to $5,000; Criminal: felonies, misdemeanors, infractions; Family: divorce, child custody, relief from abuse; Housing: evictions, landlord disputes; Juvenile: delinquency, child abuse
Probate Court	Handles estates, trusts, adoptions, conservatorships, guardianships, and juvenile matters. 54 districts plus six regional children's probate courts.	Estates of deceased persons, testamentary trusts, adoptions, conservatorships, commitment of mentally ill, guardianships, juvenile cases

What Federal Courts Are In Connecticut?

Federal courts and state courts serve different purposes.

State courts in Connecticut handle the majority of cases, including family law, probate, traffic violations, landlord-tenant disputes, and most criminal and civil matters arising under state law. In contrast, federal courts have limited jurisdiction, meaning they only hear cases authorized by the U.S. Constitution or federal statutes. Federal courts usually hear cases involving:

• Violations of federal laws or the U.S. Constitution
• Crimes prosecuted under federal authority
• Disputes between residents of different states where the amount exceeds $75,000 (diversity jurisdiction)
• Bankruptcy cases
• Lawsuits in which the U.S. government is a party

Below are the primary federal courts in Connecticut, along with details about their jurisdiction and contact information.

Federal Court	Jurisdiction	Location & Contact Information
U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut	General federal jurisdiction: civil rights, federal crimes, constitutional matters, and interstate disputes.	Headquarters - New Haven Richard C. Lee U. S. Courthouse 141 Church Street New Haven, CT 06510 Phone: 203-773-2140 Website: www.ctd.uscourts.gov Bridgeport Division Brien McMahon Federal Building 915 Lafayette Boulevard Bridgeport, CT 06604 Phone: 203-579-5861 Hartford Division Abraham Ribicoff Federal Building 450 Main Street, Suite A012 Hartford, CT 06103 Phone: 860-240-3200
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut	Exclusive jurisdiction over bankruptcy cases, including Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 filings.	Bridgeport: Brien McMahon Federal Building 915 Lafayette Boulevard Bridgeport, CT 06604 Phone: 203-579-5808 Website: www.ctb.uscourts.gov Hartford: Abraham Ribicoff Federal Building 450 Main Street, 7th Floor Hartford, CT 06103 Phone: 860-240-3675 New Haven: Connecticut Financial Center 157 Church Street, 18th Floor New Haven, CT 06510 Phone: 203-773-2009

Appeals from these Connecticut federal courts are generally heard by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, located in New York City. In limited situations, cases may be appealed directly to the U.S. Supreme Court.

How Many Cases Are Handled Annually in Connecticut Courts?

Connecticut courts handle around 488,400 cases each year across seven major case types. These include both filings and dispositions, with resolution rates typically keeping pace with new filings to ensure court dockets remain manageable. The table below shows the estimated annual case volume by type:

Case Type	Approx. Annual Volume
Criminal & Motor Vehicle Cases	~262,000
Civil Cases	~99,000
Small Claims Cases	~48,000
Family Cases	~31,000
Housing Matters	~21,000
Juvenile Cases	~20,000
Operating Under the Influence (OUI) Cases	~7,400

Note:The case types in this table are not complete, and the total caseload (488,400) is based on these cases only. For additional case types, complete caseload figures, and the most up-to-date statistics, refer to theJudicial Branch Statistics page.

How Do I File a Case in Connecticut Courts?

Filing a case in Connecticut courts requires following specific procedures to ensure it is properly reviewed and accepted. While the process may vary depending on the type of case, civil, criminal, family, housing, or small claims, you can generally follow the steps below to file a case in a Connecticut court:

Choose the Right Court and Case Type

Confirm your matter (civil, family, housing, or small claims) and where it belongs. Small claims are typically for money damages up to $5,000 (with limited exceptions). Review the Judicial Branch's small-claims and civil filing guidance before you begin.

Prepare Required Forms

For civil cases, complete the Summons, Civil (JD-CV-1) and attach your complaint. For small claims, use Small Claims Writ and Notice of Suit (JD-CV-40); related instructions and service forms are available on the forms page. If you need help paying, submit Application for Waiver of Fees (JD-CV-120).

File Online (When Eligible) or at the Clerk's Office

Enroll in E-Services (self-represented parties may enroll) and e-file new civil/family/housing/small-claims cases, or file in person/by mail with the clerk. Check the Self-Represented Parties page for information on how to e-file a specific case.

Initial entry fees (which may change) typically are: $360 for civil cases (or $230 if the claim is under $2,500), $95 for small claims, and $175 for summary process (landlord-tenant). Always check the current fee schedule for the latest amounts.

Serve the Other Party

After the clerk signs your civil summons, arrange service. Civil service is typically performed by a State Marshal (directory available). Small-claims service may be by certified mail, recognized courier with delivery confirmation, or a State Marshal, follow the Judicial Branch instructions. Keep proof of service for filing.

Track Your Case and Follow Court Orders

Use E-Services to monitor your docket, e-file additional documents, and receive notices. If you filed on paper, you can still request electronic access to an existing case. Watch for hearing dates and comply with any scheduling or service rules.

How Is the Connecticut Court System Unique?

Connecticut's court system stands out because it functions as a single, unified system instead of having separate county courts like many other states. All trial-level cases go through the Superior Court, which is divided into civil, criminal, family, housing, and juvenile divisions. This setup makes it simpler for you to know where your case will be heard.

The system is also distinct for its specialty courts, called special sessions. These include the Child Protection Session, Domestic Violence Dockets, Complex Litigation Docket, and Housing Session. If your case involves specialized issues, it may be directed here for more focused attention and expertise.

Connecticut Courthouses, Sheriff's Offices, Police Departments, Jails, & Prisons

• Fairfield
• Hartford
• Litchfield
• Middlesex
• New Haven
• New London
• Tolland
• Windham

Where to Find Additional Information About Connecticut Courts?

• State of Connecticut Judicial Branch
• Library of Congress
• District of Connecticut
• US Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs

FAQs