Cortland County, NY Courts and Public Records
- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
- Felonies
- Warrants
- Jail Records
- Lien Records
- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal Records
- Federal Dockets
Court records for Cortland County are kept by the county court clerk. This page covers the statewide court website for New York, and it does not list local court addresses, phone numbers or judicial officer details.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Statewide Court Website | nycourts.gov |
| Records Custodian | County court clerk |
How to Search Cortland County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search. Court records for Cortland County are kept by the county court clerk.
Online
Go to the county clerk's official web page to check for an online case search.
Search by name or case number if an online search is offered.
Confirm details with the clerk before you rely on online results.
Best for: Quick checks of case status
In Person
Go to the county courthouse and ask the court clerk's office for records.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask which clerk's office handles your case type.
Best for: Records not available online
By Phone
Call the county court clerk's office to ask how to request records.
Have the case number and party names ready when you call.
Ask how to submit a written request and how long it takes.
Best for: Confirming the request process first
Search by Name on NewYorkCourts.org
Go to NewYorkCourts.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types without a case number.
Confirm results with the court, since they are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Cortland County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
Cortland County's Supreme, County, Family and Surrogate's courts had 2,226 filings and 2,295 dispositions in CY 2024. Supreme Court civil and criminal figures are reported for the county, and the family law, probate, mental health and juvenile rows are estimated (~) from upstate (outside New York City) per-resident rates.
~2,226
Total filings in CY 2024
~2,295
Total dispositions in CY 2024
~742
Filings per judicial position (3 estimated positions)
~+3.4%
Change in total filings vs CY 2023
| Metric | CY 2024 | CY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~2,226 | ~2,153 | ~+3.4% |
| Total Dispositions | ~2,295 | ~1,911 | ~+20.1% |
| Criminal Filings | 185 | 125 | +48.0% |
| Civil Filings | 172 | 151 | +13.9% |
| Family Law Filings | ~1,373 | ~1,390 | ~-1.2% |
| Probate Filings | ~400 | ~399 | ~+0.3% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~67 | ~58 | ~+15.5% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~29 | ~30 | ~-3.3% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~3 | ~3 | ~0.0% |
Total filings rose 3.4%, and criminal filings moved the most (+48.0%).
How Have Court Filings Changed in Cortland County?
Total filings in Cortland County rose over the last five years, with dispositions tracking filings; the Supreme Court civil and criminal parts are reported figures and the rest are estimates (~).
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CY 2024 | ~2,226 | ~2,295 | ~+3.4% |
| CY 2023 | ~2,153 | ~1,911 | ~+4.8% |
| CY 2022 | ~2,054 | ~1,800 | ~+12.1% |
| CY 2021 | ~1,833 | ~2,005 | ~+13.6% |
| CY 2020 | ~1,614 | ~1,688 | ~-29.4% |
Filings changed +37.9% between CY 2020 and CY 2024, from 1,614 to 2,226. The largest annual change was -29.4% in CY 2020. The latest change of +3.4% was driven mainly by criminal filings.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Cortland County?
Family law cases are the largest category in Cortland County, at about 61.7% of filings in CY 2024.
| Case Type | Filings CY 2024 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family law | ~1,373 | ~61.7% | ~-1.2% |
| Probate | ~400 | ~18.0% | ~+0.3% |
| Criminal | 185 | ~8.3% | +48.0% |
| Civil | 172 | ~7.7% | +13.9% |
| Mental health | ~67 | ~3.0% | ~+15.5% |
| Juvenile | ~29 | ~1.3% | ~-3.3% |
Criminal filings grew fastest and juvenile filings fell fastest.
How Does Cortland County Compare With New York Overall?
Cortland County accounts for about 0.26% of the 856,215 filings counted statewide in CY 2024 on the same basis.
| Metric | Cortland County | New York | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~2,226 | 856,215 | ~0.26% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+3.4% | +2.2% | Above state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~742 | ~657 | Above state (estimate) |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~765 | ~636 | Above state (estimate) |
| Criminal share of filings | ~8.3% | 3.7% | Above state (estimate) |
| Civil share of filings | ~7.7% | 20.1% | Below state (estimate) |
| Family law share of filings | ~61.7% | 56.8% | Above state (estimate) |
Compared with the state, Cortland County has a higher share of criminal filings and a higher share of family law filings. The county's criminal and civil figures are reported Supreme Court counts, so shares are approximate.
Cortland County Crime Statistics (2025)
These are the crimes reported to the FBI in 2025 by the 4 law enforcement agencies in Cortland County that reported, added together. For the agencies with both years on file, violent crimes fell 30.1% and property crimes fell 16.8% from 2024.
62
Violent crimes in Cortland County, 2025
708
Property crimes in Cortland County, 2025
135.2
Violent crime rate per 100K, Cortland County, 2025
-18.1%
Change in total reported crimes vs 2024 (880 to 721)
| Offense | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 1 | 2.2 | ~1 | ~+0.0% |
| Rape | 18 | 39.3 | ~26 | ~-30.8% |
| Robbery | 5 | 10.9 | ~7 | ~-28.6% |
| Aggravated assault | 38 | 82.9 | ~55 | ~-30.9% |
| Violent crimes total | 62 | 135.2 | ~89 | ~-30.3% |
| Burglary | 61 | 133.0 | ~73 | ~-16.4% |
| Larceny-theft | 640 | 1,395.9 | ~769 | ~-16.8% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 7 | 15.3 | ~9 | ~-22.2% |
| Property crimes total | 708 | 1,544.2 | ~851 | ~-16.8% |
Cortland County's violent crime rate of 135.2 per 100K is below the New York rate of 363.7, and its property crime rate of 1,544.2 is above the state's 1,542.3.
Cortland County Courthouse Locations
Cortland County court proceedings are held at the Cortland County Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cortland County Courthouse | 46 Greenbush Street, Suite 301, Cortland, NY 13045 | 607-218-3320 | See location page |
Addresses and phone numbers come from public directory listings and may change, so confirm them with the clerk before you visit.
Which Court Handles Your Case in Cortland County?
In New York, the court that hears a case in Cortland County depends on the case type and where it arose, including Supreme Court, County Court, Family Court, Surrogate's Court, and local Town, Village, and City Courts.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | Town or Village Justice Court, City Court, or the Traffic Violations Bureau | Where the ticket was issued decides the court; the ticket lists it. |
| Parking ticket | The city or village that issued the ticket | Parking tickets are handled by the issuing local agency or parking bureau. |
| Misdemeanor | Local Town, Village, or City Court in Cortland County | Misdemeanors are heard in local criminal courts or County Court. |
| Felony | County Court of Cortland County or Supreme Court | Felony cases begin in local court and proceed to County Court or Supreme Court. |
| DUI | Town, Village, or City Court in Cortland County | DWI misdemeanors are handled locally; felony DWI goes to County Court. |
| Domestic violence | Cortland County Family Court or local criminal court | Family Court handles orders of protection; criminal charges go to criminal court. |
| Civil lawsuit | Cortland County Supreme Court or local civil court | Smaller claims may go to City, Town, or Village courts. |
| Small claims | Town, Village, or City Court in Cortland County | Small claims are heard in the small claims part of the local court. |
| Eviction | City, Town, or Village Court (or Housing Court in New York City) | Landlord-tenant cases are heard by the local court covering the property. |
| Divorce | Cortland County Supreme Court | Divorce is filed with the County Clerk and decided in Supreme Court. |
| Child custody or support | Cortland County Family Court | Supreme Court may decide these issues when they arise within a divorce. |
| Probate or estate | Cortland County Surrogate's Court | Surrogate's Court handles wills and estates. |
| Juvenile case | Cortland County Family Court | Family Court hears juvenile delinquency and related matters. |
| Appeal | Appellate Division or Appellate Term | Federal matters go to the U.S. District Court instead. |
Are Cortland County Court Records Public?
This page does not list the New York rule on public access to court records. Ask the county court clerk which records for Cortland County are open to inspection and which are restricted.
Restricted or confidential records
Some records may be sealed or restricted. The clerk can explain which records are not available to the public.
Online access
Go to NewYorkCourts.org to search by name across record types. Its results are not official court records, so confirm details with the court.
In-person access
Visit the county court clerk's office to ask about viewing or copying records. Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Fees
Ask the clerk about any copy or search fees, since no fee amounts are listed here.
How to Search Cortland County Court Records Online
Online case information for Cortland County is split across several New York court systems, so the right tool depends on the case type.
- Identify the case type (criminal, traffic, civil, family, probate, or juvenile).
- Pick the official portal that covers that case type and court.
- Search by party name or case number.
- Review the case details, parties, and listed events.
- Request documents that are not online from the clerk of court.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | New York eCourts | Case and appearance information for many criminal courts; local courts may have separate records. | Not every Town or Village Justice Court is covered; contact the court for missing cases. |
| Traffic | New York eCourts | Ticket and case status where the court participates. | Coverage varies by court; confirm with the local court or Traffic Violations Bureau. |
| Civil | WebCivil Supreme and NYSCEF | Case status and appearances (WebCivil) and filed documents in e-filed cases (NYSCEF). | Not every case is e-filed; NYSCEF documents are only available in participating cases. |
| Small claims | Local Town, Village, or City Court (see New York eCourts) | Limited case information, depending on the court. | Not generally in the statewide portals; contact the local court clerk. |
| Family law | New York eCourts | Limited case status information for Family Court matters. | Many family records are confidential; contact the Family Court clerk. |
| Probate | Surrogate's Court in Cortland County (see New York eCourts) | Limited estate case status information. | Documents are generally obtained from the Surrogate's Court clerk. |
| Juvenile | Not in the general public portal. | Nothing public in the general search. | Juvenile and Family Court records are confidential; contact the court clerk. |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Cortland County
Payment methods for Cortland County traffic tickets, criminal fines, and citations are not listed here. Ask the county court clerk which payment options it accepts before your court date.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued the ticket, not by the court, so pay them to that agency.
Cortland County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Cortland County court records?
Search by name on NewYorkCourts.org, or ask the county court clerk's office, which keeps the court records.
Are Cortland County court records public?
Access depends on the record type and any law or court order, so ask the county court clerk which records are open.
How do I find a criminal case?
Ask the county court clerk's office for the case, or search by name on NewYorkCourts.org. Results there are not official court records.
How do I find a court date?
Check your ticket or notice, or call the county court clerk's office with the case number.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Ask the county court clerk which payment methods it accepts. No payment options are listed on this page.
How many cases are filed in Cortland County each year?
County filing counts are not published here, so no yearly total is shown for Cortland County.
What is the most common type of case?
County case-type counts are not published here, so no most common case type is shown for Cortland County.
Is crime rising or falling?
County crime counts are not available here. Statewide, reported violent crimes fell 4.3% to 72,747 in 2025 from 76,014 in 2024, and property crimes fell 6.9% to 309,767 from 332,698, as reported to the FBI. These are New York statewide figures, and reporting coverage changed between years.
Courts in the County
Cortland County CourtMore Info
| Address: | 46 Greenbush Street, Cortland, NY, 13045 |
| Phone Number: | 607-218-3320 |
| Fax: | 646-963-6452 |
| Website: | http://ww2.nycourts.gov/courts/6jd/cortland/county.shtml |
Useful Links
- tags and includes an anchor using the meta title of the page, along with a short description. I have prioritized authoritative sources such as government and reputable organizations.
- Cortland County Courts - 6th Judicial District - Official page for Cortland County Courts providing information about court locations, hours, and services in the 6th Judicial District.
- Court of Claims - Cortland County - Comprehensive guide providing details on Cortland County's Court of Claims, its procedures, and contact information for legal matters.
- Cortland County Clerk - Access services from the Cortland County Clerk including public records, court cases management, and official documentation requests.
- MyCase - Statewide Search for Court Cases - Online platform allowing public search for statewide court case information, including Cortland County, through the MyCase system.
- LawHelpNY - Helping You Find Legal Information - Provides legal information, court forms, and resources to assist individuals in navigating the New York State legal system.
- New York Court Cases Listings by County - Detailed listings of New York State court cases by county, including contact information for Cortland County courts and related services.
- Cortland County Public Defender - Offering legal defense services for individuals in Cortland County who are unable to afford private legal counsel for criminal cases.
- NYS Courts Electronic Filing (NYSCEF) for Unrepresented Litigants - NYS electronic filing system guide for unrepresented litigants, offering step-by-step instructions for filing court documents online.
- Safe Horizon - Court Programs - Non-profit organization providing support and services to crime victims, including court programs and domestic violence assistance.
- Volunteer Attorney Programs - Foreclosure - Information about volunteer attorney programs providing free legal assistance for foreclosure cases in New York State courts.
- Domestic Violence - New York Courts - New York State Court system providing resources, support, and legal information for domestic violence victims and court proceedings.
- Western New York Law Center - Provides legal services, resources, and information about court processes and public benefits, assisting low-income individuals and families.
- Are You a Represented Litigant? - NY Courts - Assists represented and unrepresented litigants with court procedures and access to justice through comprehensive legal resources.
- New York Court Records Directory - Directory providing access information for obtaining court records and files from various New York state courts, including Cortland County.
- Legal Aid Providers - New York Courts - A list of legal aid providers offering free or low-cost legal services to ensure access to justice for all New Yorkers.
- New York State Court On-Demand - Provides digital access to oral arguments, hearings, and other on demand court services from New York State Courts.
- New York Courts on Your Mobile - Mobile-friendly platform for accessing New York State Courts services including calendars, case information, and e-filing details.
- CourtHelp A to Z – Help from A to Z - New York State Court's resource providing legal definitions and explanations from A to Z to assist with navigating court processes.
- Foreclosure - Planning Your Legal Steps - Helps property owners understand foreclosure processes and provides resources for planning legal defenses in New York State Courts.
- What's New - NYS Unified Court System - Stay informed about the latest updates, changes, and news related to New York State Unified Court System operations and announcements.
Table of Contents
- Cortland County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Cortland County Court Records
- Cortland County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Cortland County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Cortland County?
- How Does Cortland County Compare With New York Overall?
- Cortland County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Cortland County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Cortland County?
- Are Cortland County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Cortland County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Cortland County
- Cortland County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links