Court records in Fulton County, New York can be searched through several channels. FultonNYCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also access records through the New York State Unified Court System's online tools, the Fulton County Clerk's Office, and public terminals available at local courthouses. Whether you need to look up a pending case, check a hearing date, or obtain court documents, these resources offer multiple ways to search.
Fulton Court System & Jurisdictions
Fulton County sits within New York's Fourth Judicial District. Several courts operate in the county, each handling distinct case types. Knowing which court has jurisdiction over your matter will save time when searching for docket information.
- Fulton County Supreme Court — Handles major civil matters (claims typically exceeding $25,000), felony criminal cases, and matrimonial (divorce) proceedings. The County Clerk serves as clerk of the Supreme Court.
- Fulton County Court — Has jurisdiction over felony criminal prosecutions originating in the county and civil cases up to $25,000.
- Surrogate's Court — Manages probate, estate administration, guardianship proceedings, and adoptions.
- Family Court — Handles custody, visitation, child support, family offense petitions, juvenile delinquency, and persons in need of supervision (PINS) cases.
- City Courts — The City of Johnstown and City of Gloversville each have a city court that handles misdemeanor criminal cases, small claims (up to $5,000), civil cases up to $15,000, vehicle and traffic infractions, and housing matters within city limits.
- Town and Village Justice Courts — Local justice courts across Fulton County's towns and villages hear vehicle and traffic tickets, misdemeanors, violations, small claims (up to $3,000), and civil matters up to $3,000.
Family Court and Surrogate's Court records are often restricted or sealed. Juvenile records and adoption files are generally not available to the public.
Fulton Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars in Fulton County are managed by individual courts. Here is how to find upcoming hearing dates:
- New York State Unified Court System (UCS) — eCourts: The statewide WebCivil Supreme portal lets you search Supreme and County Court civil case calendars by party name, index number, or attorney. You can view scheduled appearances for today, tomorrow, or the current week.
- City Court calendars: Contact the Johnstown City Court or Gloversville City Court directly for their daily or weekly calendars. These courts may post schedules at the courthouse or provide them by phone.
- Town and Village Justice Courts: Each justice court sets its own schedule, often holding court one or two evenings per week. Call the specific town or village court for hearing dates.
- Family Court and Surrogate's Court: Calendars for these courts are typically available by contacting the court clerk's office. Some scheduling information may appear on the UCS website.
If you are a party to a case or an attorney of record, you may also receive calendar notifications through the New York State Courts Electronic Filing (NYSCEF) system for e-filed cases.
How to Get a Copy of a Fulton Court Document
The process for obtaining court documents depends on the court that holds the record and whether you need a certified or uncertified copy.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies bear an official court seal and clerk signature. They are typically required for legal proceedings, real estate transactions, and official filings.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions suitable for personal reference.
How to Request Documents
- Online: The Fulton County Clerk's Office offers online public record searches through SearchIQS. Subscribers can view and print recorded documents such as deeds, judgments, and liens. Subscription fees apply (see fee section below).
- In person: Visit the County Clerk's Office at the address below. Staff can help you locate Supreme and County Court records, and you can request copies on the spot.
- By mail: Send a written request with the case name, index or docket number, document description, and a check or money order for applicable fees to:
For Family Court or Surrogate's Court documents, contact those courts directly, as the County Clerk does not maintain their files. Be prepared to provide your full name, case number, and relationship to the case, since access to certain records may be restricted.
Fulton Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record searches, copies, and certifications in Fulton County follow New York State statutory schedules and locally set rates. The table below covers the most common charges.
| Service | Fee | Source / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Online record search subscription (in-state) | $50/month + $0.50/page printed | County Clerk's Office |
| Online record search subscription (out-of-state) | Contact Clerk's Office for current rate | County Clerk's Office |
| 24-hour online access (no subscription) | $15 per 24-hour period | County Clerk's Office |
| Document print from online system | $5 per document | County Clerk's Office |
| Photocopy of court document (in-person) | $0.25–$1.25 per page (varies by document type) | NY CPLR §8019; County Clerk schedule |
| Certification of document | $1.25 per certification (County Clerk records); $5.00 for exemplified copies | NY CPLR §8019 |
| County Clerk record search (per name, per type of lien/judgment) | $5.00 | NY CPLR §8021 |
| Filing fees (civil actions — Supreme/County Court) | $210 (index number purchase) | NY CPLR §8018 |
Payment methods: The Clerk's Office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders for in-person and mail requests. Ask the office about credit or debit card acceptance, as policies may vary. Online system payments are handled through the SearchIQS platform.
Fees for Family Court and Surrogate's Court copies may differ from County Clerk rates. Contact those courts directly for their current schedules. Certain individuals — such as parties receiving public assistance — may qualify for fee waivers under New York law (CPLR §1101).