Nassau County Courts

Nassau County has approximately 1.39 million residents, representing about 6.9% of New York State's total population of 19.95 million. The county seat is Mineola, which serves as the administrative center and houses some of the county's main courts.

Nassau County courts handle a substantial annual caseload, with over 103,000 cases filed each year. This includes approximately 17,000 family law cases, 11,000 probate cases, and 30,000 criminal cases, with the court system successfully disposing of about 97,000 cases annually.

The county has several courts, each responsible for handling specific types of cases:

• Nassau County Supreme Courts: Handle serious criminal offenses, civil lawsuits exceeding $25,000, family law matters like divorce and annulment, disputes over tax assessments in small claims, and intricate business-related cases
• County Court of Nassau County: Manages felony cases, civil lawsuits under $25,000, unlimited-value civil counterclaims, and property foreclosures
• Nassau County Family Court: Presides over legal proceedings involving minors, covering cases of neglect, delinquency, and dependency, as well as certain child custody, paternity, and adoption matters
• Nassau County Surrogate's Courts: Handles estate-related issues such as will probate, estate administration, appointing guardians for minors' assets, and managing trusts created during a person's lifetime
• Nassau County District Court: Responsible for trying most misdemeanor offenses, lesser infractions, and holding preliminary proceedings in felony cases. It also covers civil lawsuits valued at $15,000 or less
• Nassau County City Courts: They manage civil disputes involving money or personal property, foreclosures of liens on personal property under $15,000, violations of housing laws, eviction cases, and some general civil counterclaims
• Nassau County Town and Village Courts: They deal with misdemeanors, violations of local laws and traffic rules, and minor infractions. They also handle civil disputes and small claims under $3,000

While the primary court facilities are concentrated in Mineola, Nassau County's judicial system extends throughout its municipalities through numerous town and village courts that serve local communities.

How to Access Nassau County Court Records

Court records in Nassau County are generally accessible to the public for review per the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). However, records that have been sealed by a court order or are regarded as confidential by law are not open to public access. Examples of such restricted records include records of adoption cases, mental health proceedings, and juvenile criminal court records.

When requesting Nassau County court records, individuals may be required to present valid government-issued identification and provide essential case details. Required information includes the correct names of all parties involved in the case, along with the case number or filing date when available. This information helps court staff locate the specific records being requested.

Nassau County court records may be obtained through the following methods:

Online

Court records in Nassau County may be accessed electronically through several online platforms. The New York State Unified Court System operates the WebCivil Supreme and WebCrims Supreme portals. These portals allow users to search Nassau County Supreme Court cases using index numbers, party names, attorney names, or justice names. The state court system also maintains a centralized online search portal that provides access to Nassau County court records across multiple court levels.

Also, CourtCaseFinder offers additional options for locating Nassau County court records. It provides access to case details and legal documents from counties throughout the United States, including Nassau County cases.

Additionally, federal cases heard in Nassau County may be accessed through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system. Users are required to create a PACER account to access the system, and fees are generally charged for viewing and downloading documents.

In-Person

Nassau County court records may be obtained in person at several Nassau County locations, including the Nassau County Supreme Court, District Court, or County Clerk's Office, depending on the type of case. These courthouse facilities maintain public access terminals that allow individuals to view court documents and search records during regular business hours. Court staff are also available to assist users in identifying specific records before formal copy requests are submitted.

While reviewing court records is free of charge, administrative fees apply for copying and certifying documents. Certified copies cost $5 for the first four pages and $1.25 for eachadditional page. Note that it is common practice for record seekers to provide essential case information, including index numbers, case names, and party details, to facilitate efficient record searches.

Old and Archived Court Records

The Nassau County Clerk's Office serves as the primary repository for the county's historical court records and provides public access to archived documents. Record requests may be submitted by contacting the office directly or visiting in person at:

Requests should include the names of all parties involved, the case number if known, the approximate date of the proceedings, and the specific type of record required. This information ensures accurate record retrieval and efficient processing of requests.

How To File a Case in Nassau County

Legal proceedings in Nassau County may be initiated through several methods. Cases may be filed by submitting documents in person at the appropriate courthouse, using the New York State Unified Court System's online electronic filing portal, or mailing court-approved forms to the designated court. The filing method selected often depends on the type of case and the specific court's requirements.

Filing fees in Nassau County also vary depending on the type of case and the court division handling the matter. The general fee schedule is as follows:

• Small Claims: $15 to $20 for filings in District Court, while town and village courts charge between $10 and $15
• District Court Civil Cases: Fees differ based on the case type and jurisdictional limits
• Supreme Court Civil Cases: Most civil filings begin at $210, with higher fees for cases of greater value or complexity
• Family Law and Probate Matters: Fees vary depending on the specific proceeding, with Surrogate's Court charges based on the type of case and the estate's value

Those unable to afford filing fees may apply for a fee waiver, known as "Poor Person Relief." To obtain this waiver, individuals must submit a motion and affidavit detailing their financial situation, including income, assets, expenses, and any public benefits they receive. The court will review the applicant's financial ability before granting or denying the request.

If approved, the fee waiver may cover both filing costs and certain other court-related expenses. However, if the applicant later receives a judgment or settlement, the court may require repayment of the waived fees.

Below is an outline of the steps involved in filing a case in Nassau County:

• Start by determining the type of case you want to file and identifying the appropriate Nassau County court with jurisdiction over the matter
• Prepare your petition or complaint in line with the requirements of your case, ensuring it includes all relevant exhibits, affidavits, and supporting evidence. Keep in mind that criminal cases are generally prosecuted by the Nassau County District Attorney's Office
• Complete all necessary case information details or other supporting paperwork required by the court division where you are filing. For Small Claims cases, you will usually need a Statement of Claim form. District or Civil Court filings typically require a Summons and Complaint form, which can be obtained either from the Nassau County Supreme Court website or directly at the court clerk's office. Family Court cases require specific forms, which are available on the Nassau County Family Court website
• Ensure compliance with any additional filing requirements, such as providing proof of proper service, completing procedural forms, or meeting court-specific rules based on your case type
• When all paperwork is complete, submit your case to the clerk's office at the appropriate courthouse. Include the required filing fee unless you have been granted a Poor Person Relief fee waiver. Finally, complete and file an Affidavit of Service to confirm that proper service has been made

Legal Help and Self-Help Resources

Across the United States, county trial courts are vital for ensuring fair access to justice. These courts are generally supported by legal aid services, self-help resources, online court portals, and court-sponsored assistance programs.

In Nassau County, individuals in need of legal support can take advantage of various resources, such as local legal aid organizations and attorney referral services offered by the Nassau County Bar Association. The Nassau County court system also provides self-help programs through the Nassau County Help Centers and other court-based assistance initiatives. These Help Centers are located at:

Additionally, LawHelpNY, the state's official legal assistance platform, offers extensive self-help resources, including downloadable court forms, step-by-step guides, and instructions for navigating court processes.

Below are other legal aid organizations and pro bono programs available to Nassau County residents:

• Legal Services of Long Island: A publicly funded organization that provides free legal assistance to low-income residents of Nassau County. It focuses on civil matters related to housing, food, healthcare, and family law. The organization also collaborates with community advocates to promote access to justice for underserved individuals and families
• Nassau County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: A volunteer-driven program that connects residents with qualified attorneys for various legal needs. It also offers resources and information to help self-represented litigants navigate the court system
• Legal Aid Society of Nassau County: A specialized nonprofit that delivers free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals and families across Nassau County
• Legal Hand Call-In Center: A program serving Nassau and Suffolk Counties aimed at preventing homelessness and addressing legal crises. Trained volunteers provide free information, assistance, and referrals over the phone for issues such as housing, employment, family disputes, and domestic violence
• New York State Unified Court System's CourtHelp: A statewide online legal resource offering comprehensive self-help materials, including court forms, legal research tools, and detailed guides on court procedures and self-representation
• Nassau County Help Centers: Court-affiliated facilities that assist individuals with navigating the court system. They provide free Wi-Fi, computers, scanning services, and phone access for filing legal documents, as well as technical support and limited procedural guidance from volunteer attorneys and law students

Types of Courts in Nassau County, New York

Nassau County's trial court system consists of several courts, including the Supreme Court, Family Court, District Court, Surrogate's Court, County Courts, City Courts, as well as Town and Village Courts. Each of these courts has specific jurisdiction over different types of cases. Below is an overview of these courts, along with their contact details:

Nassau County Supreme Court

Jurisdiction/Cases Heard: This court oversees trials involving felonies and misdemeanors, civil disputes valued above $25,000, marital dissolutions or annulments, reviews of small claims tax issues, and high-level commercial litigation. They are located at the following addresses:

Nassau County Supreme Court I

Nassau County Supreme Court II

County Court of Nassau County

Jurisdiction/Cases Heard: This court addresses some serious criminal matters, smaller civil disputes below $25,000, counterclaims of any amount, and actions involving tenant evictions and foreclosure of properties. It is located at:

Nassau County Family Court

Jurisdiction/Cases Heard: It manages juvenile-related cases such as child neglect, delinquency, and dependency. It also hears family law matters such as custody disputes and adoptions. It is located at:

Nassau County Surrogate's Court

Jurisdiction/Cases Heard: This court handles matters related to the administration of deceased estates, including probating wills, managing estates, and overseeing guardianships for minors' property. It is located in the City of Mineola at:

Nassau County District Court

Jurisdiction/Cases Heard: Handles most misdemeanor proceedings, minor offenses, felony preliminary hearings, and civil cases with a maximum value of $15,000. It is located at:

Nassau County City Court

Jurisdiction/Cases Heard: This court has jurisdiction over setting up liens below $15,000, foreclosure of liens on personal property valued under $15,000, enforcement of state and local housing regulations, eviction proceedings, and civil counterclaims. The following are the City Courts in Nassau County:

Glen Cove City Court

Long Beach City Court

Nassau County Town and Village Courts

Jurisdiction/Cases Heard: They preside over misdemeanor cases, local ordinance and traffic violations, and conduct preliminary hearings for felonies. They also hear civil claims and small claims cases below $3,000 in dispute. Here are the town and village courts in Nassau County:

Atlantic Beach Village Court

Baxter Estates Village Court

Bayville Village Justice Court

Bellerose Village Court

Brookville Village Court

Cedarhurst Village Court

Centre Island Village Court

Cove Neck Village Court

East Hills Village Court

Hempstead Village Justice Court

Hewlett Bay Park Village Court

Lake Success Village Justice Court

Lattingtown Village Court

Malverne Village Justice Court

Manorhaven Village Justice Court

Massapequa Park Village Court

Mineola Justice Court

Old Westbury Village Court

Oyster Bay Cove Village Court

Plandome Heights Village Court

Rockville Centre Village Justice Court

Roslyn Estates Village Justice Court

Russell Gardens Village Court

Saddle Rock Village Court

Williston Park Village Justice Court

Woodsburgh Village Court

Federal Courts Serving Nassau County

Below are the federal courts that serve Nassau County:

United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard: Cases heard by this court include immigration proceedings, violations of federal law, civil rights lawsuits, and federal crimes such as terrorism, cybersecurity violations, organized crime, and public corruption
• Address and Contact Information:

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

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard: This court oversees all federal bankruptcy cases under Title 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, including Chapter 7, 11, 12, and 13 filings. It also hears cases pertaining to cross-border insolvency, debt discharge, and asset protection matters
• Address and Contact Information:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Nassau County Courts

Here are answers to commonly asked questions regarding the Nassau County courts: