New London County Court Records Search
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New London County occupies the southeastern corner of Connecticut and encompasses cities and towns including New London, Norwich, Groton, and Waterford. The Connecticut Superior Court — the state’s sole general jurisdiction trial court — handles civil, criminal, family, housing, and small claims matters across multiple locations within the county. A separate network of probate courts addresses estate, trust, guardianship, and conservatorship matters at the municipal level. The county’s court records are maintained by the clerks of the respective Superior Court locations and by individual probate court offices.
Connecticut court records can be researched through official clerk’s offices, in-person visits to courthouses, and electronic tools maintained by the state judiciary. ConnecticutCourts.us may help users locate general information about the state’s court system. The Connecticut Judicial Branch maintains several free online case lookup tools covering civil, family, criminal, motor vehicle, housing, and small claims filings. Probate court case data is searchable through a separate portal operated by the Connecticut Probate Court system. For disposed Superior Court files, the Centralized Services Unit can retrieve records by request.
How to Look Up a Court Case in New London County?
New London County residents and members of the public can search for court cases using free online tools, by contacting a clerk’s office, or by visiting a courthouse in person.
Online Search — Superior Court Cases
The Connecticut Judicial Branch offers separate lookup portals by case type:
- Civil, Family, Housing, and Small Claims cases: Use the Civil/Family Party Name Search. Enter the party’s last name (required) and optionally the first name. Select “KNL-New London JD” or “KNO-Norwich JD” from the Location dropdown to narrow results. Searches can also be filtered by case category (civil or family) and specific case type.
- Criminal and Motor Vehicle cases: Use the Criminal/Motor Vehicle Case Lookup. Search by defendant name, docket number, or attorney jurisdiction number. Conviction records from the past ten years are displayed, along with pending case information.
- Probate cases: Use the Connecticut Probate Courts Case Lookup tool, which contains estate and trust data from January 2011 to the present.
Requesting Disposed Records
Disposed Superior Court files must be requested from the Centralized Services Unit by emailing SuperiorCourtRecordsCenter@jud.ct.gov or calling (860) 263-2750. Include the case name and docket number. Retrieved files may be emailed at no charge (size limits apply), or picked up at any court location or at the Centralized Services Unit with applicable copy and certification fees.
Copy and Certification Fees
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Court records/documents | $1.00 per page |
| Administrative records | $0.25 per page |
| Certification of a copy under seal | $2.00 |
| Exemplified copies | $20.00 |
| Certified copy of judgment file | $25.00 |
| Audio recording of a hearing (per day, per docket) | $25.00 |
Payment methods at the clerk’s office include cash, personal or business checks (payable to “Clerk of the Superior Court”), money orders, and credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover).
Court Locations in New London County
| Court | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| New London Judicial District Superior Court | 70 Huntington Street, New London, CT 06320 | (860) 443-5363 | Mon–Fri 9:00am–5:00pm (doors open 8:30am) |
| Geographical Area 10 — New London | 112 Broad Street, New London, CT 06320 | (860) 443-8343 | Mon–Fri 9:00am–5:00pm (doors open 8:30am) |
| Geographical Area 21 — Norwich | 1 Courthouse Square, Norwich, CT 06360 | (860) 889-7338 | Mon–Fri 9:00am–5:00pm (doors open 8:30am) |
| Juvenile Matters — Waterford | 987 Hartford Turnpike, Waterford, CT 06385 | (860) 440-5880 | Mon–Fri 9:00am–5:00pm (doors open 8:30am) |
Probate Court Locations
| Court | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| New London Probate Court | 181 State Street, Room 2, New London, CT 06320 | (860) 443-7121 | Mon–Fri 8:00am–4:00pm |
| New London Regional Children’s Probate Court | One Union Plaza, New London, CT 06320 | (860) 437-6253 | Mon–Fri 8:30am–4:30pm |
| Norwich Probate Court | 100 Broadway, Room 122, Norwich, CT 06360 | (860) 887-2160 | Mon–Fri 8:00am–4:00pm |
| Southeastern CT Regional Probate Court | Town Hall, 45 Fort Hill Road, Groton, CT 06340 | (860) 441-6655 | Mon–Fri 8:30am–4:30pm |
| Niantic Regional Probate Court | 118 Pennsylvania Avenue, Niantic, CT 06357 | (860) 739-6052 | Varies (Mon/Tue 8:00am–4:30pm; Wed/Thu 8:00am–5:00pm; Fri 8:00am–1:00pm) |
Are Court Records Public in New London County?
Court records in Connecticut are presumed open to public inspection. The Connecticut Freedom of Information Act (C.G.S. Chapter 14) establishes a general right of access to government records, and the Connecticut Practice Book and various statutes govern access to judicial records specifically. Members of the public may view documents in any court file unless a court has sealed the file or a statute renders the contents confidential.
The Connecticut Judicial Branch publishes detailed access guidelines that specify the disclosure status of each category of court record. Key restrictions include:
- Juvenile records: Generally confidential under C.G.S. § 46b-124, with limited exceptions — for example, a crime victim may access a juvenile delinquency case record to the same extent they could access a regular criminal case record per C.G.S. § 46b-124a.
- Sealed records: Only portions ordered sealed by a judge become inaccessible; the remainder of the file stays public. Anyone affected by a sealing order may petition the Appellate Court for review within 72 hours under C.G.S. § 51-164x.
- Erased records: Criminal records must be erased when a defendant is acquitted (after 20 days), a nolle is entered (after 13 months), a pardon is granted, or the offense is decriminalized. After erasure, the clerk may not acknowledge the case existed. (C.G.S. § 54-142a et seq.)
- Automatically sealed by statute: Records involving the psychologist-patient, psychiatrist-patient, battered women’s/sexual assault counselor-victim, and social worker-client privilege are sealed. Pre-sentence investigation reports are also confidential (C.G.S. § 54-91b).
- Adoption and paternity: Adoption records are confidential. Paternity acknowledgments filed before October 1, 1995 are closed; those filed on or after that date are open (Public Act 95-133).
- Youthful offender records: The court file is sealed under C.G.S. §§ 54-76c and 54-76d, though the offender may access it.
When disclosure could threaten a party’s safety, courts may redact specific identifying details such as names and addresses — particularly in sexual assault and risk-of-injury cases, where the victim’s identity is confidential under C.G.S. § 54-86e.
New London County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in New London County are processed through two Geographical Area courts — GA 10 in New London and GA 21 in Norwich — and the New London Judicial District Superior Court at 70 Huntington Street for more serious felony matters and jury trials. The Geographical Area courts handle arraignments, violations, infractions, and misdemeanor dispositions, while the Judicial District court handles cases bound over for trial.
Searching Criminal Court Records Online
The Judicial Branch’s Criminal/Motor Vehicle Case Lookup tool allows searches by defendant name, docket number, or attorney jurisdiction number. The database displays convictions from the past ten years, pending cases, and daily criminal dockets. Non-conviction dispositions (acquittals, dismissals, nolles) are subject to erasure timelines and may not appear.
Requesting Criminal Record Searches
Written requests for criminal or motor vehicle record searches should be submitted to the Geographical Area court where the arrest occurred. Each request should include the subject’s name, date of birth, and — if possible — the date of arrest or disposition. Searches are limited to the requested court location.
Arrest Records and Police Reports
Local police departments maintain arrest records, incident reports, and accident reports. The New London Police Department processes record requests through its GovQA FOIA portal. Fees include $0.50 per printed page, $5.00 for accident reports, $5.00 per disc of digital media, and $20.00 for background checks (limited to New London PD records). The Records Section operates Monday through Friday, 8:45am–3:45pm. Contact: (860) 437-6384.
Statewide Criminal History Checks
For comprehensive criminal background checks beyond local court records, the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) maintains the state criminal history repository. Fees include $75 for a state criminal history check and $13.25 for a federal criminal history check, plus a $15 fingerprinting fee where applicable. Requests are made through the Connecticut Criminal History Request System (CCHRS).
Key Erasure Rules for Criminal Records
Under C.G.S. § 54-142a, police, court, and prosecutorial records are erased when an acquittal becomes final (20 days after disposition, if no appeal), a nolle stands for 13 months, or an absolute pardon is issued. After erasure, the clerk cannot disclose any information about the case or acknowledge it existed.
New London County Civil Court Records
Civil matters in New London County — including contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, foreclosures, quiet title actions, and landlord-tenant cases — are filed in the New London Judicial District Superior Court (70 Huntington Street) for cases involving demands of $2,500 or more, or in the Centralized Small Claims docket for amounts within the small claims limit. Housing session cases, including summary process (eviction) actions, are also heard at the Superior Court level.
Searching Civil Records
The Civil/Family Party Name Search tool on the Judicial Branch website allows users to search by party last name, docket number, attorney jurisdiction number, or property address. Select “KNL-New London JD” from the location menu, and choose the relevant case type to narrow results. The tool displays case status, assigned judge, scheduled events, and short calendar entries.
Civil Filing Fees (Selected)
| Filing | Fee | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Civil cause (general) | $360 | C.G.S. § 52-259 |
| Civil cause (demand under $2,500) | $230 | C.G.S. § 52-259 |
| Small claims | $95 | C.G.S. § 52-259(b) |
| Counterclaim / cross complaint / third-party complaint | $205 | C.G.S. § 52-259(j) |
| Summary process (landlord-tenant) | $175 | C.G.S. § 52-259 |
| Jury fee | $440 | C.G.S. § 52-258 |
| Motion to open/set aside/modify civil judgment | $130 | C.G.S. § 52-259c |
| Prejudgment remedy application | $180 | C.G.S. § 52-259 |
| Application for wage/property/financial institution execution | $105 | C.G.S. §§ 52-361a, 52-356a, 52-367a |
Copies of civil court records cost $1 per page, with certification at $2 per copy and exemplified copies at $20. A complete fee schedule is published on the Judicial Branch website.
For disposed civil files, email SuperiorCourtRecordsCenter@jud.ct.gov with the case name and docket number. Files are typically retrievable within one to two business days and can be emailed, picked up at any court location, or collected at the Centralized Services Unit.
New London County Family Court Records
Connecticut does not operate a separate family court. Family matters — including divorce (dissolution of marriage), legal separation, annulment, child custody, child support, parentage, domestic violence restraining orders, and name changes — are handled within the family division of the Superior Court. In New London County, family cases are filed at the New London Judicial District Superior Court (70 Huntington Street) or at the Norwich Judicial District location, depending on the parties’ residence.
Searching Family Case Records
Family cases can be searched through the same Civil/Family Party Name Search portal used for civil matters. Select “FA” in the Case Category field and choose the appropriate case type — such as “F00 – Dissolution of Marriage” or “F65 – Relief from Physical Abuse” — to locate specific filings. The tool returns docket numbers, case status, hearing dates, and party information.
Obtaining Divorce Decrees
A certified copy of a divorce decree (referred to as the “Judgment File”) can be obtained from the Judicial District Clerk’s Office where the divorce was heard. Provide the case name and docket number. A certified judgment file costs $25; other documents cost $1 per page plus $2 for certification.
Filing Fees for Family Matters
| Filing | Fee |
|---|---|
| Dissolution of marriage / legal separation / annulment | $360 |
| Post-judgment motion to modify family judgment | $180 |
| Motion to open, set aside, or modify family judgment | $130 |
| Custody application (C.G.S. § 46b-61) | $360 |
| Relief from physical abuse (C.G.S. § 46b-15) | $360 |
Confidentiality in Family Cases
Family matters evaluations and studies ordered by the court are closed to the public except to parties and their counsel, per Practice Book § 25-60. Family hearings are open unless a judge orders them closed under Practice Book § 25-59. Domestic violence files are open unless sealed by court order. Records relating to children’s probate matters — including child protection, termination of parental rights, and adoption — are managed by the New London Regional Children’s Probate Court and are generally confidential.
Marriage and Divorce Records
Marriage certificates are maintained by the town or city clerk’s office where the marriage occurred, not by the Superior Court. Each municipality sets its own request procedures and fees. For example, the New London City Clerk accepts mail requests with a completed vital records request form, a photocopy of valid ID, a check or money order for $20 payable to the New London City Clerk, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Divorce records are filed with the Superior Court. Copies of divorce judgments and related filings can be obtained from the clerk’s office where the case was heard, or by requesting the disposed file from the Centralized Services Unit.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates in Connecticut are maintained by the vital records offices of individual towns and cities. Under C.G.S. § 7-51, birth records are restricted to the named individual, their parents, or legal representatives; others may obtain copies only for genealogical purposes, generally after a 100-year waiting period. Death certificates are more broadly accessible and may be requested by any member of the public. Fees and procedures vary by municipality.
New London County Probate Court Records
Probate courts in Connecticut are organized at the town level, with several regional districts serving New London County communities. These courts handle decedent estates, wills, trusts, guardianships and conservatorships for incapacitated persons, and mental health matters. Each probate court is an independent entity, separate from the Superior Court system.
Searching Probate Records Online
The Connecticut Probate Courts maintain a free Case Lookup tool with data for decedent estates and trust matters from January 2011 to the present. Search by case number, party name, or fiduciary name. Results include the assigned probate district and the fiduciary’s contact information. For more detailed documents or records predating 2011, contact the specific probate court directly.
Parties and their attorneys can also view case documents electronically through the Probate Court e-Filing system. Non-parties may need to visit the probate court office to inspect the paper file.
Probate Courts Serving New London County
The five probate courts serving New London County communities are listed in the court locations table above. Jurisdiction depends on the town where the decedent resided or the protected person lives. Use the Court Locator on the Connecticut Probate Courts website to determine which court serves a particular town.
Requesting Probate Records
To obtain copies of probate court records, contact the relevant court office by phone or in person. Provide the decedent’s or protected person’s name, and the case number if known. Fees for copies vary by court; most charge a per-page copying fee. Probate court staff can assist with locating files and explaining procedures for estates, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships.
What Probate Courts Handle
In New London County, probate courts address the admission of wills to probate and appointment of fiduciaries, distribution of estate assets, trust administration and disputes, guardianship of minors (through the Regional Children’s Probate Court) and incapacitated adults, conservatorship over financial affairs of individuals unable to manage them, and involuntary commitment and other mental health proceedings. Estate and trust records are generally public, while mental health proceedings and certain guardianship records involving minors carry heightened confidentiality protections.