Litchfield County Court Records Search
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Litchfield County occupies the northwest corner of Connecticut, with its county seat in the city of Torrington. Although Connecticut abolished county government in 1960, the geographic boundaries of Litchfield County remain relevant for judicial administration. Court proceedings in the county are handled primarily by the Litchfield Judicial District Superior Court, which sits in Torrington, along with regional probate courts that serve the county’s towns. Case records generated through these courts include filings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, and exhibits that accumulate as matters move from initiation to final disposition.
Residents and members of the public looking to locate court records in Connecticut may begin by consulting the resources offered through ConnecticutCourts.us. Official clerk offices, public access terminals at courthouses, and the Connecticut Judicial Branch’s online case-lookup tools all provide pathways to search for publicly available case information. The state probate court system maintains its own separate lookup service, and various state agencies hold criminal history and vital records that intersect with court proceedings.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Litchfield County?
There are several methods for finding a court case in Litchfield County, depending on the type of case and the level of detail needed.
Online Search — Superior Court Records
The Connecticut Judicial Branch offers free web-based lookup tools through its Case Look-up page. Two primary portals serve different case types:
- Civil, Family, Housing, and Small Claims Cases — Use the Superior Court Civil/Family Case Lookup portal. Search by party name, docket number, or attorney Juris number. Filters allow users to narrow results by court location (select “Litchfield”), case type, and case category.
- Criminal and Motor Vehicle Cases — Use the Criminal/Motor Vehicle Case Look-up portal. Search by defendant name or docket number. The tool also provides access to conviction records, pending cases, and daily criminal dockets.
Both portals are free to use for viewing case information. They do not provide downloadable copies of court documents.
Online Search — Probate Court Records
The Connecticut Probate Courts maintain a separate Case Lookup Tool with data from January 5, 2011 to the present for decedent estates and trust matters. Earlier records may appear but the database is incomplete before 2011. The tool returns basic case information, fiduciary contact details, and the probate district where the case is filed.
In-Person Search
Visitors can review case files at the Litchfield Judicial District Courthouse during business hours. The Chief Clerk’s Office is located at:
Litchfield Judicial District Courthouse
Address: 50 Field Street, Torrington, CT 06790
Phone: (860) 626-2100
Fax: (860) 626-2101
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (doors open at 8:30 a.m.)
Members of the public may inspect any document in a court file unless the file has been sealed by court order or the contents are made confidential by statute. Staff can assist with locating specific cases, but they cannot provide legal advice.
By Mail or Phone
Written record requests and criminal or motor vehicle record search requests can be directed to the clerk’s office at the courthouse where the matter was heard. Include the case name, docket number (if known), names of parties, and dates of proceedings. Copy fees apply and must be paid by check or money order made payable to “Clerk of the Superior Court”.
| Copy Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Court record copies | $1.00 per page |
| Certification under seal | $2.00 |
| Exemplified copies | $20.00 |
| Certified copy of judgment file | $25.00 |
| Audio recording of court hearing | $25.00 per day, per docket number |
Are Court Records Public in Litchfield County?
Court records in Litchfield County are generally open to public inspection. The Connecticut Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified in Chapter 14 of the Connecticut General Statutes, establishes the public’s right to inspect and obtain copies of public records, including those maintained by the courts. Anyone may review documents in a court file at the clerk’s office during regular hours without providing a reason for the request.
However, certain categories of records are restricted from public disclosure. Under Connecticut law, the following are generally not available for public inspection:
- Juvenile case records — Records of juvenile matters are confidential under C.G.S. § 46b-124. An exception exists for the victim of a crime committed by a minor, who may access that specific case record to the same extent as a record in a regular criminal proceeding.
- Sealed records — A judge may order all or part of a court file sealed. Only the portions designated by the court become unavailable to the public. Anyone affected by a sealing order may petition the Appellate Court for review within 72 hours of its issuance, pursuant to C.G.S. § 51-164x.
- Erased records — Under C.G.S. § 54-142a, police, court, and prosecutorial records must be erased when a defendant is acquitted, charges are dismissed (after 20 days), a nolle is entered (after 13 months), the defendant receives an absolute pardon, or the underlying offense is decriminalized. Connecticut’s Clean Slate law further provides for automatic erasure of certain qualifying convictions; additional information is available on the state’s Clean Slate website.
- Statutorily sealed communications — Records involving privileged communications between psychologists, psychiatrists, physicians, social workers, marital and family therapists, and their patients or clients, as well as communications between battered women’s or sexual assault counselors and victims, are automatically sealed.
- Adoption records, medical records of case parties, and sensitive law enforcement information that could endanger personal safety are also restricted.
When records have been erased, the clerk will respond that no public record of the case exists.
Litchfield County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Litchfield County—including felonies, misdemeanors, and motor vehicle offenses—are adjudicated in the Litchfield Judicial District Superior Court. The Chief Clerk’s Office maintains all records for criminal matters heard in this court.
Searching Criminal Case Records Online
The Judicial Branch’s Criminal/Motor Vehicle Case Look-up portal allows users to:
- Search conviction records by defendant name or docket number
- View pending criminal cases by defendant details or docket number
- Access daily criminal docket information by defendant name or court location
- Look up outstanding arrest warrants for criminal offenses
The portal is free but limited to viewing. Obtaining actual copies of documents requires contacting the clerk’s office.
Requesting Criminal Records by Mail
Requests for a criminal or motor vehicle record search should be submitted in writing to the Geographical Area 18 court location in Torrington. Each request should include the individual’s full name, date of birth, and, if available, the date of arrest or disposition. The search will be confined to records at the requested court location.
Statewide Criminal History Checks
For a statewide criminal background search, the State Police Bureau of Identification (SPBI) processes criminal history record requests. Individuals must complete the Criminal History Record Request Form (DPS-0846-C) and mail it to:
Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
State Police Bureau of Identification
1111 Country Club Road
Middletown, CT 06457
Phone: (860) 685-8480
Fees for criminal history services are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Name/Date of Birth search (existence check only) | $36.00 |
| Criminal conviction history by Name/DOB (provides record copy) | $75.00 |
| Criminal conviction history by fingerprint | $75.00 |
| Fingerprinting at DESPP | $15.00 |
| Federal criminal history check | $13.25 |
An online portal for Name/DOB criminal history requests is also available. Fingerprint appointments at the SPBI office must be scheduled in advance and are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. All fees must be paid in exact, separate amounts by check, money order, or cash.
Arrest and Incident Records
Arrest reports, police incident reports, and inmate records originating from local law enforcement agencies in Litchfield County towns should be requested directly from the relevant police department. Connecticut State Police incident reports are available through the State Police Reports and Records page.
Litchfield County Civil Court Records
Civil matters in Litchfield County—including contract disputes, personal injury claims, property disputes, landlord-tenant actions, and small claims—are heard in the Litchfield Judicial District Superior Court. The clerk’s office at 50 Field Street in Torrington serves as the custodian of all civil case records.
Online Case Search
The Civil/Family/Housing/Small Claims Case Lookup portal provides free access to case information for all civil matters handled in the Litchfield Superior Court. Users can search by party name, docket number, or attorney Juris number. The tool displays case status, scheduled events, and party information but does not allow document downloads.
Filing Fees for Civil Actions
Civil filing fees in Connecticut Superior Court are established by C.G.S. § 52-259 and are uniform statewide. Key fees include:
| Action | Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil cause (general) | $360.00 |
| Civil cause with demand under $2,500 | $230.00 |
| Small claims | $95.00 |
| Summary process (landlord & tenant) | $175.00 |
| Counterclaim or cross complaint | $205.00 |
| Motion to transfer small claims to regular docket | $125.00 |
| Jury fee | $440.00 |
| Prejudgment remedy application | $180.00 |
| Application for wage/property/financial institution execution | $105.00 |
| Mechanics lien discharge application | $20.00 |
A complete list of court fees is published by the Judicial Branch. Accepted payment methods at the clerk’s office include cash, personal or bank checks payable to “Clerk of the Superior Court”, money orders, and credit or debit cards.
Obtaining Copies
Court document copies cost $1.00 per page, with a $2.00 certification fee per document. Certified copies of a judgment file in a foreclosure action cost $25.00. Requests can be made in person at the clerk’s office or by mail.
Court Forms
Official court forms for civil proceedings—including complaints, summonses, motions, and execution applications—are available through the Connecticut Judicial Branch webforms page. The Litchfield courthouse also houses a Court Service Center on the second floor, reachable at (860) 626-2529, which provides procedural information and form assistance for self-represented parties.
Litchfield County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Litchfield County—including dissolution of marriage (divorce), legal separation, child custody, child support, paternity, domestic violence restraining orders, and adoptions—are adjudicated in the Litchfield Judicial District Superior Court. Certain matters involving guardianship of minors, custody, adoption, and paternity also fall within probate court jurisdiction.
Searching Family Case Records
Family case records are searchable through the same Civil/Family Case Lookup portal used for civil matters. Search by party name or docket number and filter by the “Family” case type to narrow results.
Divorce Records
A certified copy of a divorce decree—referred to in Connecticut as a “Judgment File”—can be obtained from the Chief Clerk’s Office at the Litchfield Judicial District Courthouse where the dissolution was filed. The certified copy fee is $25.00 for a judgment file. Other documents within the divorce case file are available at $1.00 per page, plus $2.00 for certification if needed.
Family law forms, including the Summons for Family Actions (JD-FM-3), the Dissolution of Marriage Complaint (JD-FM-159), financial affidavits, parenting plans, and separation agreements, are available on the Judicial Branch’s family forms page. The filing fee for a dissolution of marriage is $360.00. A post-judgment motion to modify any family judgment costs $180.00, and a motion to open, set aside, or modify a family judgment costs $130.00. Fee waiver applications are available for those who cannot afford court costs.
Domestic Violence
Individuals seeking a restraining order related to family violence may file without charge through the Superior Court. The pretrial family violence education program carries an application fee of $100.00 and a program fee of $300.00.
Marriage Records
Marriage records are maintained by the town clerk in the Connecticut municipality where the marriage took place, not by the court. In the Town of Litchfield, for example, certified copies of marriage certificates cost $20.00 each and can be requested through the Town of Litchfield Town Clerk. Alternatively, requests may be mailed to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Vital Records Section, P.O. Box 340308, Hartford, CT 06134-0308, with a $20.00 fee payable by money order to “Treasurer, State of Connecticut”.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates are issued by the Connecticut Department of Public Health or the town clerk of the municipality where the event occurred. The fee for a certified copy is $20.00. Access to birth certificates less than 100 years old is limited to specified eligible persons, including the record subject (if over 18), parents, grandparents, spouse, children, grandchildren, and legal guardians.
Litchfield County Probate Court Records
Probate courts in Litchfield County handle matters involving decedent estates, wills, trusts, conservatorships, guardianships of minors and adults with intellectual disabilities, and certain adoption and custody proceedings. The county is served by two probate districts: the Litchfield Hills Probate Court and the Housatonic Probate Court.
Litchfield Hills Probate Court
This court serves the towns of Canaan, Cornwall, Harwinton, Kent, Litchfield, Morris, Norfolk, North Canaan, Salisbury, Sharon, Thomaston, and Warren. It maintains offices in multiple locations:
| Location | Address | Phone | Fax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Litchfield (Main Office) | 74 West Street, P.O. Box 505, Litchfield, CT 06759 | (860) 567-8065 | (860) 567-2538 |
| North Canaan | 100 Pease Street, North Canaan, CT 06018 | (860) 824-7012 | (860) 824-7428 |
| Kent | 41 Kent Green, Kent, CT 06757 | (860) 927-3729 | — |
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Judge: Jordan M. Richards
Chief Clerk: Tanya M. Matulis
Housatonic Probate Court
This court serves towns in the southern portion of Litchfield County, including New Milford and surrounding communities.
Housatonic Probate Court
Address: 47 Bridge Street, New Milford, CT 06776
Phone: (860) 355-6029
Fax: (860) 355-6024
Hours: Monday–Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Searching Probate Records
The statewide Probate Court Case Lookup tool covers decedent estate and trust data from 2011 forward. For records predating that period or for other case types, contact the specific probate court directly.
Probate Filing Fees
Probate fees in Connecticut are set by statute and are uniform statewide. Under C.G.S. § 45a-106a, the filing fee for most petitions—including appointment of guardians, conservators, adoption approval, parentage determination, and trust-related filings—is $250.00. Additional selected fees include:
- Petition for custody of remains of a deceased person: $150.00
- Release of funds from a restricted account: $150.00
- Registration of an out-of-state conservatorship order: $150.00
- Mediation by a panel member: $350.00 per day
- Continuance request: $50.00 plus rescheduling expenses
- Decanting petition: $300.00
- Foreign subpoena issuance: $100.00
Fees for decedent estates are calculated under C.G.S. § 45a-107 based on the value of the estate. The Fees & Expenses Calculators tool on the Connecticut Probate Courts website provides estimates for specific cases. Certified copies from probate court cost a minimum of $5.00 per document for up to five pages, with $1.00 for each additional page.
Wills and Estate Administration
A will must be filed with the probate court in the district where the decedent was domiciled. Interested parties can contact the clerk of the relevant probate court to request copies of wills, inventories, accounts, and other estate filings. Conservatorship and guardianship records are maintained in the court where the appointment was made.