Bronx County Courts

Bronx County is home to approximately 1.4 million residents, representing about 6.5% of New York's total population of about 20 million. The county seat is the Bronx, which is one of New York City's five boroughs. An average of 180,000 cases are filed in Bronx County courts each year, including criminal matters, civil cases, family court proceedings, housing disputes, and surrogate's court matters.

The trial courts in Bronx County handle various case types, depending on each court's jurisdiction:

• Bronx County Supreme Court - Holds general jurisdiction over major civil cases (typically over $25,000) and severe felony criminal cases, including divorce proceedings and complex civil litigation
• Bronx Criminal Court - Handles misdemeanor criminal cases, violations, and preliminary hearings for felony cases
• Bronx Civil Court - Hears civil cases with claims up to $25,000, including small claims matters up to $5,000, landlord-tenant disputes, and other civil issues.
• Bronx Surrogate's Court - Addresses probate matters, estate administration, will contests, guardianship proceedings, and adoption cases.
• Bronx Family Court - Manages domestic relations cases, child custody and support matters, family offense cases, juvenile delinquency, child protection proceedings, and paternity cases.
• Bronx Housing Court - As part of the Civil Court, it deals specifically with landlord-tenant disputes, housing code violations, eviction proceedings, and other residential property matters.

Additionally, the Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB) operates in Bronx County. It handles non-criminal traffic violation cases within the county, while more serious traffic-related criminal charges are processed through the Criminal Court system.

Bronx County trial courts are situated in various locations throughout the county, with the main courthouse complex located at 851 Grand Concourse.

How To Access Bronx County Court Records

Bronx County court records are generally available to the public per New York's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). However, some records may be restricted from public access either by statute or by court order. Examples of restricted records include confidential medical records, records of juvenile proceedings, adoption records, and child abuse investigation records.

Additionally, specific details in accessible records may be redacted, such as social security numbers, trade secrets, and personal medical information.

To request court records, interested individuals may need to provide case-related information, including party names, case numbers, attorney names, or filing dates. Note that processing fees may be charged, depending on the search method, case type, and other factors. Bronx County court records may be obtained through the following methods:

Online

Interested individuals may obtain Bronx County court records online through the New York State Courts Electronic Filing System (NYSCEF), which provides public access to court records and case information maintained by the Bronx County courts. Records can be searched using parameters such as claim/index number, party name, or attorney name.

The Bronx County Clerk's Office Case Search Portal offers another online option for accessing records of cases filed with the Bronx County Clerk's Office. This portal provides public information for guest viewing, with more detailed information available to New York State attorneys and other authorized persons.

Alternatively, CourtCaseFinder is designed to provide access to court records across all counties in the United States, including Bronx County, allowing users to search for court filings and case information from multiple jurisdictions.

Furthermore, records of federal cases heard in Bronx County may be obtained through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) portal. Interested persons may be required to register an account and pay specific fees to access these federal court records.

In-Person

Interested individuals may obtain Bronx County court records by visiting the Office of the Clerk for the court where the case was heard. Generally, each court maintains a clerk responsible for keeping court records. Requesters may visit the specific court that handled their case of interest to look up its records. Contacting the clerk's office beforehand is recommended to confirm record availability and learn the procedures for obtaining copies.

Some courthouses also provide public access terminals to make record searches more convenient. These computer stations assist visitors in searching record databases and locating specific case documents before requesting copies from the court clerk.

Note that specific fees are required for copying and certifying court records. Standard photocopies are charged at $0.65 per page for the first two pages and $0.30 for each additional page, while certified copies cost an additional $5.00 per document.

Old and Archived Court Records

Court records older than 50 years or those transferred from active court files are considered archived court records. Interested individuals may search for these records using the New York State Archives portal or by contacting the state archives directly at:

Historical court records may also be obtained through the New York State Library, which maintains collections of historical documents, including some court records. Requesters may contact the State Library at:

Additionally, for records specific to New York City courts, including those from Bronx County, interested persons may contact the New York City Municipal Archives, which maintains historical records from the city's courts:

How To File a Case in Bronx County

In Bronx County, cases can generally be filed either in person at the appropriate courthouse or by mail. Each court has its own filing procedures and required forms, which are available on the New York State Unified Court System's website or at the respective court clerk's office.

Filing a case in Bronx County attracts a fee, which may vary depending on the court and the nature of the case. For instance, initiating a civil case in the Supreme Court usually attracts a $210 filing fee, while fees for small claims cases in Civil Court may range from $15 to $25, depending on the amount claimed. Family Court filings usually do not require any fees, while the District Attorney's Office typically initiates Criminal Court filings.

Fee waivers are generally available for individuals unable to afford filing costs through New York's "Poor Person Order" application process.

To request a fee waiver, the filer must complete a Poor Person Relief application. This relief application is typically supported by an affidavit detailing their financial situation, including income, expenses, assets, and any public assistance received. The court reviews this information to determine eligibility under state guidelines. If granted, the waiver may cover filing fees, transcript fees, and other related court costs.

The general steps to file a case in Bronx County are as follows:

• Determine the case type and the court that handles such cases
• Prepare the initiating documents, such as the petition, complaint, or other required paperwork, based on your case type. These documents must clearly state the basis for the legal action and identify all parties involved. Make sure to include any available evidence, affidavits, exhibits, and supporting documents as appropriate. Note that the Bronx County District Attorney's Office primarily handles criminal case initiation on behalf of the state, though citizens may file complaints with law enforcement or the prosecutor's office regarding potential criminal matters.
• Complete all mandatory case information forms or court-specific documentation.
• Identify and complete any additional requirements for your specific court division. This may include obtaining proper service documents, such as a summons, or completing additional documentation required by the particular court division.
• Submit the completed petition or complaint to the appropriate court along with the filing fees.

Legal Help and Self-Help Resources

Across the United States, county court systems play a crucial role in delivering access to justice. Legal help and self-help resources are foundational to this access, particularly for self-represented litigants navigating civil, family, probate, or small claims matters. These resources vary by jurisdiction but commonly include self-help centers, online portals, legal aid organizations, and court-affiliated assistance programs.

Individuals who cannot afford legal representation may access assistance through the Bronx County courthouse, local legal aid organizations, and bar association pro bono programs to find legal help and self-help resources.

The Bronx County courthouse provides self-help support through various programs and connects litigants with statewide resources. Additionally, New York LawHelp, the state's official legal aid platform, offers extensive self-help materials and legal information for Bronx County residents, including court forms, legal handbooks, and step-by-step procedural guidance for representing yourself in court.

Apart from New York LawHelp, Bronx County residents may access free and low-cost legal assistance through the following local legal aid groups and pro bono service providers:

• Bronx Legal Services: Community-based legal aid organization providing free legal assistance to qualifying low-income Bronx residents across multiple areas, including housing matters, immigration cases, family law disputes, and public benefits advocacy
• Legal Aid Society: Offers comprehensive legal services to income-eligible clients facing eviction, domestic violence situations, consumer debt issues, and other civil legal problems.
• The Bronx Defenders: Specializes in legal representation and community advocacy for individuals and families facing complex legal challenges.
• City Bar Justice Center: Operates legal hotlines providing information, guidance, and referrals specifically for qualifying low-income New York residents
• Help Centers: Multiple assistance centers located throughout the Bronx, Harlem, and additional boroughs provide walk-in services, attorney consultations, and internet access for legal research.
• New York CourtHelp: Provides information and resources designed for litigants representing themselves in court proceedings.
• LawHelp.org: Comprehensive directory connecting users with free legal service providers throughout New York State.
• Bronx County Law Library: Public access legal research facility providing Bronx County residents with legal information and resources.
• NYC Bar Legal Referral Service: Helps individuals locate qualified legal representation.

Types of Courts in Bronx County, New York

Bronx County is served by several types of courts, including the Supreme Court, Criminal Court, Civil Court, Family Court, and Housing Court. Each court handles specific types of cases based on its jurisdiction:

Bronx County Supreme Court

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - This court handles felony cases, major civil matters with over $25,000 in dispute, matrimonial cases, complex commercial cases, and appeals from lower courts. The Supreme Court divisions in Bronx County are as follows:

Bronx County Supreme Court - Civil Division

• Address and Contact Information -

Bronx County Supreme Court - Criminal Division

• Address and Contact Information -

Bronx County Family Court

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard: Child custody and support cases, adoption proceedings, domestic violence matters, juvenile delinquency cases, and family offense petitions. The Family Court of Bronx County is located at:
• Address and Contact Information -

Bronx County Surrogate's Court

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard: Probate matters, estate administration, guardianship proceedings, and adoption cases. This court is located at:
• Address and Contact Information -

Civil Courts of the City of New York in Bronx County

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard: Civil cases up to $25,000, landlord-tenant disputes, small claims up to $10,000, and housing violations. The Civil Courts in Bronx County are:

New York City Civil Court - Civil Division

• Address and Contact Information -

New York City Civil Court - Housing Division

• Address and Contact Information -

New York City Civil Court - Small Claims Division

• Address and Contact Information -

Criminal Court of the City of New York in Bronx County

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Misdemeanor criminal cases, violations, traffic infractions, and preliminary hearings for felony cases. It is located at:
• Address and Contact Information -

Federal Courts Serving Bronx County

The following are the federal courts serving Bronx County:

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard: Federal civil and criminal cases, including constitutional matters, securities fraud, federal crimes, immigration cases, and other matters arising under federal law.
• Address and Contact Information:

U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard: All bankruptcy cases under Title 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Serves Bronx, Dutchess, New York, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, and Westchester counties.
• Address and Contact Information:

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard: Appellate jurisdiction over federal district courts in Connecticut, New York, and Vermont. The court also hears appeals from lower federal courts in these states.
• Address and Contact Information:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bronx County Courts

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions regarding Bronx County's court system: