Search Cortland County Family Court Records
Cortland County family court records are on file at the courthouse on Greenbush Street in the City of Cortland. This court is part of the Sixth Judicial District and handles a range of family law matters each year. You can look up a case by going to the clerk's office, calling the main line, or emailing the court. Cortland County sees filings for custody, support, family offense, and child protective cases on a regular basis. The court staff can walk you through how to get copies of family court records in Cortland County.
Cortland County Overview
Cortland County Family Court Office
The Cortland County Family Court is at 46 Greenbush Street, Suite 301, Cortland, NY 13045-2765. The main phone is 607-218-3325. The fax is 646-963-6452. You can also reach the court by email at CortlandFamily@nycourts.gov. The court is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Two judges serve on the Cortland County Family Court bench. Hon. Julie A. Campbell has Court Attorney BreAnna Avery and Secretary Kimberly Reakes in her chambers. You can reach Judge Campbell's office at 607-218-3343, with a fax at 212-520-6829. Hon. Randolph V. Kruman has Court Attorney David C. Alexander and Secretary Patricia Romer. Judge Kruman's fax is 607-218-3367. Both judges hear custody, support, juvenile delinquency, child protective proceedings, and other family law matters filed in Cortland County.
All visitors must pass through a magnetometer when they enter the court building. Plan to arrive a bit early so the security check does not make you late for your case. Under FCA Section 216-a, the clerk is responsible for all records and must keep them in proper order.
| Court | Cortland County Family Court |
|---|---|
| Address |
46 Greenbush Street, Suite 301 Cortland, NY 13045 |
| Phone | 607-218-3325 |
| Fax | 646-963-6452 |
| CortlandFamily@nycourts.gov | |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
How to Get Cortland County Family Court Records
Visit the courthouse at 46 Greenbush Street to search for family court records. Bring your ID. The clerk's office can look up cases by name or case number. You can get plain copies or certified copies. Certified copies cost more but you need them when you have to submit proof to another court or government agency. You can also call 607-218-3325 to ask about a case or find out what forms you need to file a request.
The New York State court system has online search tools such as WebCivil Supreme for some case types. Family Court records have more limits on what you can see online. Under FCA Section 166, family court proceedings are not open to the general public the same way other courts are. Child protective cases and adoption files are confidential. Custody and support records are more available, but the court still has the power to restrict access. The rules spelled out in 22 NYCRR Section 205.5 explain how the court handles public access to family court records in Cortland County and across the state.
Cortland County Family Court also accepts e-filed documents for some case types through the NYSCEF system. Check with the clerk to see if your case requires e-filing in the Sixth Judicial District.
Cortland County Court Records Resources
The Cortland County Family Court page on the NYS Navigator site has contact info, court hours, and directions for family court records in Cortland County.
This resource confirms the court address, phone, fax, and email. It also notes that the court handles all matters involving children and families within Cortland County. If you can't find what you need online, the clerk's office is the best place to call or visit in person.
Sixth Judicial District Family Court Records
Cortland County is one of ten counties in the Sixth Judicial District. The others are Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Delaware, Madison, Otsego, Schuyler, Tioga, and Tompkins. These courts share some forms and follow similar procedures. If you have a family court case in one county of the 6th JD but need records from another, the process will look much the same.
The County Court at the same Greenbush Street address handles felony cases and civil matters up to $25,000. The phone for County Court inquiries is 607-218-3320, and that office is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The County Court also acts as an appellate court for civil and criminal appeals from town and village courts. If you need divorce records, those are filed with the Supreme Court, not the Family Court. Family court records in Cortland County only cover matters under the Family Court Act.
Note: The County Court's phone for inquiries is only staffed from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., so call during that window for the best response.
Case Types at Cortland County Family Court
The Cortland County Family Court hears cases that affect children and families. It does not handle divorce. Only the Supreme Court can grant a divorce. But the Family Court covers most other family law issues in the county. This includes custody and visitation, child support, family offenses, orders of protection, child protective proceedings, adoption, guardianship, juvenile delinquency, and PINS cases.
Each filing creates records that the clerk keeps on site. Under FCA Section 166, access rules vary by case type. Abuse and neglect records are confidential. Adoption files are sealed. Custody and support files are generally available to the parties and their lawyers. The public can get basic case information in many instances, but the court can limit access where it sees fit. Two judges and a support magistrate share the Cortland County family court caseload, which keeps the court moving even during busy periods.
Legal Help for Cortland County Family Court
If you need help with a family court case in Cortland County but do not have a lawyer, there are options. The NYS Court Help Centers offer free information to people who represent themselves. You can get help filling out forms and learn about the steps for filing family court records. Legal Aid may also serve Cortland County residents who qualify based on income.
Court forms are free. You can get them from the NYS Courts website or at the clerk's office at 46 Greenbush Street. The clerk staff can tell you which forms you need for your case type. Whether you are filing for custody, support, or a protection order, the forms are the same across the Sixth Judicial District.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Cortland County or sit close by. Make sure you file in the right county to avoid delays.