Passaic County Public Records /Passaic County Court Records

Passaic County Court Records

What Is Passaic County Court Records

Court records in Passaic County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities and decisions pursuant to New Jersey Court Rule 1:38. Court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
Docket sheets chronicling case events and filings
Court orders and judgments
Transcripts of hearings and trials
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Sentencing records in criminal matters
Settlement agreements in civil cases
Probation and pre-trial intervention records

Court records differ from other public records maintained by government agencies. While property records document land ownership and vital records capture life events, court records specifically document judicial proceedings. According to N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1.1, court records fall under the broader category of government records but are governed by court rules rather than the Open Public Records Act.

In Passaic County, court records are maintained by various courts within the New Jersey Judiciary system, including:

Superior Court (Civil, Criminal, Family, and Probate Divisions)
Municipal Courts
Tax Court (for property tax appeals)
Special Civil Part (for small claims and landlord-tenant matters)

These records document proceedings across civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate cases, traffic violations, and municipal ordinance infractions.

Are Court Records Public In Passaic County

Court records in Passaic County are presumptively open to public inspection under New Jersey law. The New Jersey Constitution and court rules establish a strong presumption of public access to court records. According to New Jersey Court Rule 1:38-1, "Court records and administrative records are open to inspection and copying by any person, except as otherwise provided in this rule."

The following court records are generally available for public access:

Civil case files (with certain exceptions)
Criminal case files (post-indictment or post-complaint)
Judgments and orders
Docket sheets and case indices
Court calendars and hearing schedules
Property and financial records filed in court proceedings

However, certain records are exempt from public access under Rule 1:38-3, including:

Family court records involving juveniles
Grand jury proceedings
Certain domestic violence records
Records sealed by court order
Pre-indictment criminal investigative records
Probation reports and pre-sentence investigations
Records pertaining to juveniles charged as delinquents

The New Jersey Judiciary balances the public's right to access with privacy concerns and the administration of justice. Federal court records in New Jersey are governed by separate federal rules and policies, while state court records follow New Jersey Court Rules.

How To Find Court Records in Passaic County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Passaic County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The New Jersey Judiciary provides multiple pathways for record retrieval:

Online Access:

Visit the New Jersey Courts Public Access portal to search for case information
Access the PROMIS/Gavel Public Access system for criminal case information
Use the Municipal Court Case Search for traffic and local ordinance violations

In-Person Requests:

Identify the appropriate court division (Civil, Criminal, Family, or Special Civil Part)
Visit the Records Room at the Passaic County Courthouse during business hours
Complete a Records Request Form (available at the courthouse or downloadable from the court website)
Present valid identification
Pay applicable fees for copies if requested

Written Requests:

Submit a written request to the appropriate court division
Include case information (names, docket number, filing date)
Specify records needed and purpose
Provide contact information and return address
Include payment for applicable fees

Certified Copies: For certified copies of court records, requestors must specifically request certification and pay additional fees as outlined in N.J.S.A. 22A:2-29.

Passaic County Superior Court
77 Hamilton Street
Paterson, NJ 07505
(973) 247-8600
Passaic Vicinage

How To Look Up Court Records in Passaic County Online?

The New Jersey Judiciary offers several online portals for accessing Passaic County court records electronically. Each system provides access to different types of court records:

For Superior Court Civil Cases:

Navigate to the New Jersey Courts Public Access portal
Select "Civil Case Jacket" from the available options
Enter search criteria (party name, docket number, or business name)
Select Passaic County from the venue dropdown menu
Review search results and select the desired case
View available documents and case information

For Criminal Cases:

Access the PROMIS/Gavel Public Access system
Accept the terms and conditions
Enter defendant name or case number
Select Passaic County from location options
Review case information, including charges, status, and scheduled events

For Municipal Court Cases:

Visit the Municipal Court Case Search
Enter ticket number, complaint number, or defendant information
Select the appropriate municipal court within Passaic County
View case status, scheduled court dates, and payment information

For Appellate and Supreme Court Opinions:

Access the New Jersey Courts Search portal
Select "Published Opinions" or "Unpublished Opinions"
Enter search terms or case information
Review and access available opinions

Online access is subject to certain limitations. Not all documents within a case file may be available electronically, particularly older records or exhibits. Additionally, records excluded from public access under Rule 1:38-3 will not be available through online portals.

How To Search Passaic County Court Records for Free?

New Jersey law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge. According to New Jersey Court Rule 1:38-9, "Any person may inspect public court records and administrative records at no charge." This rule applies to in-person inspection of records at courthouse facilities.

Free access options include:

Online Free Search Options:

The New Jersey Courts Public Access portal provides free case searches for basic case information
PROMIS/Gavel Public Access offers free criminal case searches
Municipal Court Case Search provides free access to municipal court case information

In-Person Free Inspection:

Visit the Passaic County Superior Court Records Room during business hours
Use public access terminals available at the courthouse
Review case files and documents on-site without charge

While inspection is free, fees apply for copies of records. According to N.J.S.A. 22A:2-29, the current fee schedule is:

$0.05 per page for regular copies
$0.07 per page for complex copies requiring significant redaction
$5.00 per document for certified copies

Fee waivers may be available for indigent individuals upon application to the court pursuant to Rule 1:13-2.

What's Included in a Passaic County Court Record?

Passaic County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but typically include:

Civil Case Records:

Complaint and answer
Motions and supporting briefs
Discovery-related documents (if filed with the court)
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Transcripts of proceedings
Orders and judgments
Settlement agreements (if filed)
Financial records of judgments and payments

Criminal Case Records:

Indictment or accusation
Plea documents
Motions and briefs
Evidence inventory (not the evidence itself)
Pre-trial intervention applications
Court orders
Judgment of conviction
Sentencing documents
Probation terms
Appeal notices

Family Division Records:

Divorce complaints and responses
Child custody and support orders
Domestic violence complaints and restraining orders
Adoption petitions and decrees
Name change applications
Financial disclosure forms

Probate Records:

Wills and codicils
Letters testamentary or administration
Inventories of estate assets
Guardianship applications and orders
Conservatorship documents
Estate accounting reports

Special Civil Part Records:

Small claims complaints
Landlord-tenant filings
Wage garnishment orders
Special civil part judgments
Warrants of removal

Court records also include docket sheets that chronologically list all events and filings in a case, providing a roadmap of the proceedings. Case management information, including scheduling notices, appearance records, and administrative orders, is also maintained as part of the official record.

How Long Does Passaic County Keep Court Records?

Passaic County courts retain records according to the New Jersey Judiciary Records Retention Schedule established pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2B:34-10. Retention periods vary based on case type and document importance:

Criminal Records:

Indictable offenses (felonies): Permanent retention
Dismissed indictments: 3 years after dismissal
Expunged records: Removed from public access upon expungement order
Pre-trial intervention records: 3 years after completion

Civil Records:

General civil litigation: 15 years after disposition
Personal injury cases: 10 years after judgment
Contract disputes: 10 years after judgment
Property disputes: 15 years after judgment
Civil judgments: 20 years (renewable)

Family Division Records:

Divorce decrees: Permanent retention
Child custody and support orders: Until youngest child reaches 23
Domestic violence case files: 10 years after final disposition
Adoption records: Permanent retention (sealed)

Probate Records:

Wills: Permanent retention
Estate administration: 15 years after closing
Guardianship: 10 years after termination

Municipal Court Records:

Traffic violations: 10 years after disposition
Local ordinance violations: 5 years after disposition
DWI cases: 15 years after disposition

Records scheduled for destruction may be preserved if they have historical or research value. The Administrative Office of the Courts may designate certain records for archival preservation at the New Jersey State Archives.

Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records. The Judiciary maintains electronic backups of digital records to ensure long-term preservation and accessibility.

Types of Courts In Passaic County

Passaic County's court system operates within New Jersey's unified judiciary structure, with several court types serving different jurisdictional functions:

Passaic County Superior Court
77 Hamilton Street
Paterson, NJ 07505
(973) 247-8600
Passaic Vicinage
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The Superior Court includes multiple divisions:

Civil Division
77 Hamilton Street, 3rd Floor
Paterson, NJ 07505
(973) 247-8336
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Handles civil lawsuits exceeding $15,000, complex litigation, and appeals from Special Civil Part

Criminal Division
77 Hamilton Street, 2nd Floor
Paterson, NJ 07505
(973) 247-8977
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Processes indictable offenses (felonies) and criminal appeals from Municipal Courts

Family Division
77 Hamilton Street, 4th Floor
Paterson, NJ 07505
(973) 247-8600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Handles divorce, child custody, support, domestic violence, juvenile matters, and adoptions

Special Civil Part
77 Hamilton Street, 1st Floor
Paterson, NJ 07505
(973) 247-8336
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Processes small claims (up to $3,000), landlord-tenant disputes, and civil cases up to $15,000

Passaic County Municipal Courts
Each municipality in Passaic County operates its own Municipal Court:

Paterson Municipal Court
111 Broadway
Paterson, NJ 07505
(973) 321-1516
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Clifton Municipal Court
900 Clifton Avenue
Clifton, NJ 07013
(973) 470-5808
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Passaic Municipal Court
330 Passaic Street
Passaic, NJ 07055
(973) 365-5656
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The court hierarchy in New Jersey progresses from Municipal Courts to Superior Court, then to the Appellate Division of Superior Court, and finally to the New Jersey Supreme Court, the state's highest judicial authority.

What Types of Cases Do Passaic County Courts Hear?

Passaic County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their jurisdictional authority:

Superior Court - Civil Division:

Personal injury lawsuits
Contract disputes
Property litigation
Professional malpractice claims
Complex commercial litigation
Civil rights violations
Employment disputes
Product liability cases
Appeals from Special Civil Part
Prerogative writ actions (challenges to government actions)

Superior Court - Criminal Division:

Indictable offenses (equivalent to felonies)
First-degree crimes (murder, aggravated sexual assault)
Second-degree crimes (robbery, aggravated assault)
Third-degree crimes (burglary, possession with intent to distribute)
Fourth-degree crimes (stalking, forgery)
Criminal appeals from Municipal Courts
Post-conviction relief applications
Expungement petitions

Superior Court - Family Division:

Divorce proceedings
Child custody and parenting time disputes
Child support establishment and enforcement
Spousal support (alimony)
Domestic violence restraining orders
Juvenile delinquency matters
Child abuse and neglect cases
Adoption proceedings
Termination of parental rights
Name changes

Superior Court - Special Civil Part:

Small claims (up to $3,000)
Landlord-tenant disputes (evictions)
Civil lawsuits up to $15,000
Property recovery actions
Contract disputes under $15,000
Consumer fraud cases under jurisdictional limit
Wage garnishment proceedings
Debt collection matters

Municipal Courts:

Traffic violations
Driving while intoxicated (DWI/DUI)
Minor criminal offenses (disorderly persons)
Local ordinance violations
Fish and game violations
Public health violations
Parking tickets
Housing code violations
Preliminary hearings for indictable offenses

Case assignment follows jurisdictional guidelines established by the New Jersey Court Rules and state statutes. Complex cases may involve multiple divisions or be consolidated for efficient adjudication.

How To Find a Court Docket In Passaic County

Court dockets in Passaic County provide chronological listings of all events and filings in court cases. Members of the public can access docket information through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

Visit the New Jersey Courts Public Access portal
Select the appropriate case type (Civil, Criminal, Municipal)
Enter search criteria (party name, docket number, or business name)
Select Passaic County from venue options
Review docket entries showing filings, hearings, and court actions

For Criminal Case Dockets:

Access the PROMIS/Gavel Public Access system
Accept terms and conditions
Enter defendant name or case number
Select Passaic County
View chronological listing of case events and status

For Municipal Court Dockets:

Use the Municipal Court Case Search
Enter ticket number, complaint number, or defendant information
Select the appropriate municipal court
View case events, scheduled appearances, and disposition information

In-Person Docket Access:

Visit the Records Room at the Passaic County Courthouse
Complete a records request form specifying the case
Present identification to court staff
Access docket information via public terminals or request printed docket sheets

By Telephone: Limited docket information may be available by calling the appropriate court division:

Civil Division: (973) 247-8336
Criminal Division: (973) 247-8977
Family Division: (973) 247-8600
Special Civil Part: (973) 247-8336

When requesting docket information, be prepared to provide:

Case docket number (preferred)
Party names (plaintiff/defendant or petitioner/respondent)
Approximate filing date
Case type

Docket sheets typically include case caption, party information, attorney representation, filing dates, document titles, hearing dates, and judicial actions. Pursuant to Rule 1:38-7, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly accessible docket entries.

Which Courts in Passaic County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the New Jersey judicial system, "courts of record" are those required by law to create and maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings. According to N.J.S.A. 2B:12-1, Municipal Courts are classified as courts of limited jurisdiction and are not courts of record in the traditional sense.

Municipal Courts in Passaic County:

Paterson Municipal Court
Clifton Municipal Court
Passaic Municipal Court
Wayne Municipal Court
Bloomingdale Municipal Court
Haledon Municipal Court
Hawthorne Municipal Court
Little Falls Municipal Court
North Haledon Municipal Court
Pompton Lakes Municipal Court
Prospect Park Municipal Court
Ringwood Municipal Court
Totowa Municipal Court
Wanaque Municipal Court
West Milford Municipal Court
Woodland Park Municipal Court

While Municipal Courts do maintain records of proceedings, they typically do not create verbatim transcripts of all proceedings automatically. Instead, audio recordings are made of all proceedings, from which transcripts can be produced upon request and payment of applicable fees.

In contrast, all divisions of the Superior Court (Civil, Criminal, Family, and Special Civil Part) are courts of record. These courts routinely create and maintain verbatim records of proceedings through court reporters or audio recording systems as required by Rule 1:2-2.

The distinction affects appellate procedures. Appeals from Municipal Courts to the Superior Court are heard de novo (anew) rather than based solely on the record below. Appeals from Superior Court decisions to the Appellate Division are based on the trial record and legal arguments regarding alleged errors.