Court records in New Haven, Connecticut, are available through several channels. NewHavenCourt.us allows you to search for public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through the state's official court online resources, directly at court clerks' offices, and through public terminals located in court buildings. Each of these methods has its own features depending on the type of case and the court handling it.
New Haven Court System & Jurisdictions
Connecticut has a unified state court system—there are no district courts in the usual sense for many states. All general jurisdiction courts are subordinate to the Judicial Branch of the state of Connecticut. Several judicial institutions of different levels operate in New Haven.
Superior Court — Judicial District of New Haven handles serious criminal cases (felonies), civil claims over $2,500, family cases (divorce, custody, alimony), and housing disputes. This is the main court of first instance.
- Criminal cases, including felonies and complex misdemeanors
- Large-scale civil cases
- Family law — divorce, child custody, protective orders
GA 23 — Geographical Area Court #23 operates directly in New Haven and handles lower-level criminal cases, traffic violations, and minor offenses for the towns within its area.
- Misdemeanors and infractions
- Traffic cases — fines, license suspensions
- Minor criminal cases
Small Claims up to $5,000 are filed through the Superior Court and are handled under a simplified procedure.
New Haven Probate Court is a separate court that deals with probate matters, guardianship of incapacitated persons, name changes, and some issues concerning minors. Information about the local probate court and its forms can be found on the Connecticut Probate Courts website.
Federal cases in New Haven are handled by the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut, located in the Richard C. Lee U.S. Courthouse at 141 Church Street.
New Haven Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out the schedule of hearings for today or the upcoming days, use the online system of the Judicial Branch of the state of Connecticut. Case calendars are published on the Connecticut Judicial Branch portal at jud.ct.gov—there you can search by case number, party name, or hearing date.
Several practical tips:
- Go to the Judicial Branch portal and select the "Case Look-up" section.
- Select the type of court—Superior Court or GA 23—and specify the location New Haven.
- Enter the party's last name or case number to search for scheduled hearings.
For federal cases, the schedule is available through the PACER system or directly on the U.S. District Court website. Clerk's Office phone: 203-773-2140.
The probate court calendar is usually published separately—refer to the Connecticut Probate Courts or call the New Haven Probate Court directly.
How to Get a Copy of a New Haven Court Document
You can obtain a copy of a court document in several ways. The type of copy—certified or uncertified—affects the cost and procedure.
In person at the court clerk's office. Visit the Clerk's Office at the appropriate court. For Superior Court and GA 23 cases in New Haven:
Bring the case number or the full name of the party—this will speed up the search. The clerk will prepare a copy on-site or within a few business days.
By mail. Send a written request specifying the case number, party names, type of document, and return address. Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount (see the payment section below).
Online. Some documents are available through the Judicial Branch portal. Certified copies typically require an in-person request or a mail request.
Important restrictions:
- Juvenile cases and some family cases have restricted access.
- Sealed or expunged records are not issued.
- Copies of divorce decrees can be obtained at the clerk's office that issued the decree—Vital Records Office does not keep such documents.
For state-level criminal records, refer to the Criminal Records page on CT.gov, which links to Judicial Branch and State Police resources.
New Haven Court Records Fees & Payment
The fees are set by the Judicial Branch of the state of Connecticut and are the same for all Superior Courts. Below are the main rates, current according to the state's administrative rules.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Regular copy of a document (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy (certification fee) | $2.00 per document (in addition to the copying cost) |
| Search in court records | Free when contacting the clerk's office or through the online portal |
| Filing a civil claim (Superior Court) | $360.00 |
| Small Claims — filing a claim | $95.00 |
Payment is accepted by check, money order, and in some cases by credit or debit card. Not all clerks' offices accept cash—check in advance by phone.
For mail requests, checks should be made payable to "Clerk of the Superior Court." Probate court fees may differ—check on the Probate Courts website. The federal court uses a separate payment system through PACER ($0.10 per page, with a quarterly cap).
If you need information about inmates, the inmate search on the Connecticut Department of Correction website is available for free. To check arrest warrants, use the warrant database on the CT.gov portal—search is possible by name, city, or court location.