Atlantic County Court Records
What Is Atlantic County Court Records
Court records in Atlantic County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of legal actions, decisions, and related documentation maintained by various courts operating within Atlantic County, New Jersey.
Court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
- Docket sheets chronicling case events and filings
- Court orders and judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Exhibits entered into evidence
- Sentencing records in criminal matters
- Settlement agreements in civil cases
- Jury verdicts and judicial opinions
These judicial records are distinct from other public records such as property deeds, vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates), and tax records, which are typically maintained by county administrative offices rather than the courts. According to New Jersey Court Rule 1:38, court records are defined as "any information maintained by a court in any form in connection with a case or judicial proceeding."
In Atlantic County, court records are maintained by several judicial bodies:
- New Jersey Superior Court (Atlantic County Vicinage)
- Atlantic County Municipal Courts
- Atlantic County Surrogate's Court (handling probate matters)
- Federal District Court (for federal cases in the district)
These records document proceedings across various case types including civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family matters, probate proceedings, traffic violations, and small claims disputes.
Are Court Records Public In Atlantic County
Court records in Atlantic County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to both constitutional principles and specific statutory provisions. The New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq., establishes the fundamental right of citizens to access government records, including court records, with certain exceptions.
Additionally, New Jersey Court Rule 1:38-1 specifically addresses court records, stating that "court records and administrative records are open to inspection and copying by any person" except as otherwise provided by the rules. This presumption of openness reflects both the common law right of access and First Amendment principles.
Records typically available to the public include:
- Civil case files (with limited redactions for sensitive information)
- Criminal case files (post-charging, with certain exceptions)
- Court orders, judgments, and opinions
- Docket sheets and case indices
- Hearing schedules and calendars
- Property records related to judgments and liens
However, certain categories of records may be subject to restrictions or sealing under § 1:38-3, including:
- Family court records involving juveniles
- Records pertaining to domestic violence matters
- Grand jury proceedings
- Certain confidential personal identifiers
- Records sealed by court order
It's important to note that access procedures may differ between state and federal courts in Atlantic County. Federal court records, while generally public, are governed by federal rules and accessed through the federal PACER system rather than state or county platforms.
How To Find Court Records in Atlantic County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Atlantic County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining court records:
In-Person Requests:
- Identify the appropriate court that maintains the desired records
- Visit the court clerk's office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form specifying the case number or party names
- Present valid identification
- Pay applicable search or copying fees
- Review records on-site or request copies
Online Access:
- Navigate to the New Jersey Courts website
- Select the appropriate case search database based on case type
- Enter required search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
- Review available case information
- Request copies of specific documents if needed
Written Requests:
- Prepare a written request including case information and specific documents needed
- Include contact information and preferred delivery method
- Enclose applicable fees (check or money order)
- Mail request to the appropriate court clerk's office
For Superior Court records, requests may be directed to:
Atlantic County Superior Court
1201 Bacharach Boulevard
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 402-0100
New Jersey Courts
For municipal court records, contact the specific municipal court where the case was filed. Requests for federal court records should be submitted through the PACER system or directly to the federal courthouse.
How To Look Up Court Records in Atlantic County Online?
Atlantic County residents and interested parties can access various court records through several online portals maintained by the New Jersey Judiciary. Each system provides access to different types of court records:
New Jersey eCourts:
- Visit the New Jersey Courts case search portal
- Select the appropriate case type (Civil, Criminal, Family, etc.)
- Enter search criteria such as party name, case number, or business name
- Review case summary information
- Note that while basic case information is available, complete documents often require in-person requests
Municipal Court Case Search:
- Access the Municipal Court Case Search portal
- Enter ticket number, complaint number, or defendant information
- Select the appropriate court location
- Review available case status, scheduled court dates, and payment information
ACMS Public Access:
- Navigate to the Automated Case Management System
- Register for an account if first-time user
- Search by defendant name, case number, or indictment number
- Access criminal case information for Superior Court matters
Judiciary Electronic Filing System (JEFS):
- Access through the New Jersey Courts website
- Note that full access requires attorney registration
- Public users can view limited case information
For federal cases involving Atlantic County residents or entities:
- Create an account on PACER
- Select the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date
- Pay applicable fees for document access ($0.10 per page)
Online access to certain document types may be restricted due to confidentiality rules under New Jersey Court Rule 1:38-3, requiring in-person requests for complete records.
How To Search Atlantic County Court Records for Free?
New Jersey law provides for public inspection of court records at minimal cost, with several options available for free or low-cost access in Atlantic County:
Free In-Person Inspection: Pursuant to New Jersey Court Rule 1:38-9, members of the public may inspect accessible court records without charge at the courthouse during regular business hours. This right of inspection is guaranteed by both court rules and the Open Public Records Act.
Free Online Resources:
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The New Jersey Courts public portal provides free access to basic case information including:
- Case status and type
- Party names
- Scheduled court dates
- Judgment information
- Docket entries
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The Municipal Court Case Search allows free searches for traffic and minor criminal matters in Atlantic County municipal courts.
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The New Jersey Judiciary's Attorney/Firm Search provides free verification of attorney status and contact information.
Public Access Terminals: Free public access terminals are available at:
Atlantic County Law Library
1201 Bacharach Boulevard, Room 240
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 402-0100
New Jersey Courts
These terminals provide more comprehensive access to court records than is available through the public websites, though printing fees may apply.
While basic case information is available without charge, fees may apply for:
- Document copies ($0.05-$0.15 per page)
- Certified copies ($5-$10 per document)
- Record searches requiring staff assistance ($10-$50 depending on complexity)
What's Included in a Atlantic County Court Record?
Court records in Atlantic County contain various documents and information depending on the case type and court of jurisdiction. A comprehensive court record typically includes:
Case Initiation Documents:
- Complaints, petitions, or indictments
- Summonses or warrants
- Case information statements
- Filing fee receipts
Procedural Documents:
- Proof of service
- Notices of appearance by attorneys
- Motions and supporting certifications
- Opposition briefs and replies
- Court orders and decisions
- Scheduling notices and adjournment requests
Evidentiary Materials:
- Affidavits and certifications
- Exhibits admitted during proceedings
- Expert reports
- Deposition transcripts (when filed)
- Evidence logs
Disposition Documents:
- Settlement agreements (when filed)
- Jury verdicts
- Judgments
- Sentencing orders in criminal cases
- Probation terms and conditions
- Dismissal orders
Financial Information:
- Fee assessments
- Payment records
- Restitution orders
- Fine and penalty impositions
- Judgment satisfaction records
Appeal-Related Documents:
- Notices of appeal
- Transcripts
- Appellate briefs (when filed with trial court)
- Remand orders
In accordance with New Jersey Court Rule 1:38-7, certain personal identifiers are redacted from publicly accessible versions of court records, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Home addresses in certain cases
- Names of minor children in specific case types
The completeness of court records may vary based on case type, with certain family, juvenile, and domestic violence matters subject to heightened confidentiality protections.
How Long Does Atlantic County Keep Court Records?
Atlantic County courts maintain records according to retention schedules established by the New Jersey Supreme Court pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 2B:34-10, which authorizes the Supreme Court to "promulgate rules and regulations regarding record retention by the courts of this State." These schedules vary by case type and document category:
Criminal Case Records:
- Indictable offenses (felonies): Permanent retention for cases resulting in conviction
- Dismissed indictable cases: 3 years after disposition
- Disorderly persons offenses (misdemeanors): 15 years after disposition
- Municipal court criminal matters: 15 years after disposition
Civil Case Records:
- General civil litigation: 15 years after disposition
- Small claims matters: 5 years after disposition
- Landlord-tenant cases: 7 years after disposition
- Civil judgments: 20 years (renewable)
- Special Civil Part matters: 7 years after disposition
Family Court Records:
- Divorce cases: 10 years after judgment
- Child custody matters: Until youngest child reaches 18
- Domestic violence cases: Permanent for final restraining orders
- Juvenile delinquency: Until age 23 for most offenses; longer for serious crimes
Probate Records:
- Wills and estate administration: Permanent
- Guardianship matters: 10 years after termination of guardianship
- Adoption records: Permanent (with restricted access)
Court Administrative Records:
- Court calendars and schedules: 3 years
- Financial records: 7 years
- Administrative orders: Permanent
The New Jersey Judiciary Records Management program oversees the implementation of these retention schedules. After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to established procedures, though records of historical significance may be transferred to the New Jersey State Archives for permanent preservation.
Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records, though the storage medium may differ. The transition to electronic case management systems has facilitated longer retention of basic case information even after physical documents may have been destroyed.
Types of Courts In Atlantic County
Atlantic County's judicial system comprises several courts at different levels of jurisdiction, each handling specific types of cases:
New Jersey Superior Court - Atlantic Vicinage
1201 Bacharach Boulevard
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 402-0100
New Jersey Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
The Superior Court includes several divisions:
- Civil Division (personal injury, contract disputes, property matters)
- Criminal Division (indictable offenses/felonies)
- Family Division (divorce, custody, domestic violence, juvenile matters)
- Chancery Division (equity matters, foreclosures, complex business litigation)
- Special Civil Part (small claims, landlord-tenant, civil matters under $15,000)
Atlantic County Surrogate's Court
5901 Main Street
Mays Landing, NJ 08330
(609) 625-7000
Atlantic County Surrogate
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Municipal Courts (handling disorderly persons offenses, traffic violations, and local ordinance violations):
Atlantic City Municipal Court
2715 Atlantic Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 347-5340
Atlantic City Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Egg Harbor Township Municipal Court
3515 Bargaintown Road
Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
(609) 926-4051
Egg Harbor Township Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Federal Courts:
United States District Court for the District of New Jersey - Camden Vicinage
Mitchell H. Cohen Building & U.S. Courthouse
4th & Cooper Streets
Camden, NJ 08101
(856) 757-5021
District of New Jersey
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
The court hierarchy in New Jersey follows this structure:
- Municipal Courts (limited jurisdiction)
- Superior Court (trial court of general jurisdiction)
- Appellate Division of Superior Court
- New Jersey Supreme Court
Federal cases follow a separate hierarchy through the U.S. District Court, Third Circuit Court of Appeals, and ultimately the U.S. Supreme Court.
What Types of Cases Do Atlantic County Courts Hear?
Atlantic County's various courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their jurisdictional authority:
Superior Court - Civil Division:
- Personal injury and negligence claims
- Contract disputes and business litigation
- Property disputes and real estate matters
- Civil rights violations
- Professional malpractice claims
- Product liability cases
- Complex civil litigation
- Civil matters exceeding $15,000
Superior Court - Criminal Division:
- Indictable offenses (equivalent to felonies)
- First, second, third, and fourth-degree crimes
- Drug trafficking and distribution charges
- Robbery, burglary, and theft offenses
- Assault and violent crimes
- Homicide and manslaughter cases
- Sexual offenses
- White-collar crimes
Superior Court - Family Division:
- Divorce and dissolution proceedings
- Child custody and parenting time disputes
- Child support and alimony matters
- Domestic violence restraining orders
- Juvenile delinquency cases
- Child abuse and neglect proceedings
- Adoption and termination of parental rights
- Family crisis interventions
Superior Court - Chancery Division:
- Foreclosure proceedings
- Complex business litigation
- Probate contests
- Guardianship matters
- Injunctive relief
- Specific performance actions
- Partnership and corporate disputes
Superior Court - Special Civil Part:
- Small claims (up to $3,000)
- Landlord-tenant disputes and evictions
- Civil matters between $3,000 and $15,000
- Property recovery actions
Atlantic County Surrogate's Court:
- Probate of wills
- Estate administration
- Guardianships of incapacitated adults
- Adoptions
- Contested probate matters (referred to Chancery Division)
Municipal Courts:
- Disorderly persons offenses (misdemeanors)
- Petty disorderly persons offenses
- Traffic violations and DWI/DUI cases
- Municipal ordinance violations
- Fish and game violations
- Minor assault and harassment charges
- Preliminary hearings for indictable offenses
U.S. District Court (for Atlantic County cases in federal jurisdiction):
- Federal criminal prosecutions
- Civil cases involving federal questions
- Diversity jurisdiction cases (parties from different states with claims exceeding $75,000)
- Bankruptcy proceedings
- Patent, trademark, and copyright disputes
- Civil rights actions under federal law
- Maritime cases
Case assignment follows jurisdictional rules established by New Jersey Court Rules and statutes, with matters sometimes transferred between divisions or courts as appropriate.
How To Find a Court Docket In Atlantic County
Court dockets in Atlantic County provide chronological listings of all filings, proceedings, and actions in a case. Members of the public may access these dockets through several methods:
Online Docket Access:
-
For Superior Court cases (Civil, Criminal, Family):
- Visit the New Jersey Courts case search portal
- Select the appropriate case type
- Enter party name, case number, or business name
- Review docket entries showing filings and court actions
-
For Municipal Court matters:
- Access the Municipal Court Case Search
- Enter ticket number, complaint number, or defendant information
- View case events, scheduled appearances, and disposition information
-
For Federal cases involving Atlantic County:
- Register for an account on the PACER system
- Search for cases in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey
- Access docket sheets showing comprehensive case chronology
In-Person Docket Access:
Dockets may be reviewed in person at the respective court clerk's offices:
-
Visit the appropriate court division:
- Civil cases: Civil Division Manager's Office
- Criminal cases: Criminal Division Manager's Office
- Family cases: Family Division Manager's Office
-
Provide case information to the clerk
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Request to view the docket sheet
-
Review on public access terminals or request printed copies (fees may apply)
Telephone Requests:
Limited docket information may be available by telephone:
- Contact the appropriate court division
- Provide case number or party names
- Request specific docket information
According to New Jersey Court Rule 1:38-1, court dockets are considered public records and are generally accessible without restriction, though certain case types (such as family matters involving minors) may have limited public access.
For complex docket searches or historical records, the Atlantic County Law Library provides research assistance and access to additional resources.
Which Courts in Atlantic County Are Not Courts of Record?
In the New Jersey judicial system, including Atlantic County, courts are classified as either "courts of record" or "courts not of record" based on their procedural requirements and record-keeping practices. This distinction is established by N.J.S.A. § 2B:12-1 et seq. and related statutes.
Municipal Courts are the primary courts not of record in Atlantic County. These include:
- Atlantic City Municipal Court
- Egg Harbor Township Municipal Court
- Galloway Township Municipal Court
- Pleasantville Municipal Court
- And other municipal courts throughout Atlantic County's 23 municipalities
As courts not of record, municipal courts have the following characteristics:
- Proceedings are not automatically transcribed by a court reporter
- Audio recordings are maintained instead of verbatim transcripts
- Appeals from these courts proceed as trials de novo (new trials) rather than reviews of existing records
- Limited jurisdiction covering disorderly persons offenses, traffic violations, and municipal ordinance infractions
According to N.J.S.A. § 2B:12-17, "Municipal courts shall not be courts of record, but a record shall be made of all proceedings in municipal courts." This means that while audio recordings are maintained, they are not considered official court transcripts unless specifically requested and transcribed.
In contrast, the following Atlantic County courts are courts of record:
- New Jersey Superior Court (all divisions)
- Atlantic County Surrogate's Court
- Federal District Court
These courts maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings through court reporters or digital recording systems, and appeals from these courts involve review of the existing record rather than new trials.
The distinction affects how cases proceed on appeal and the formality of proceedings, with courts of record generally handling more serious matters with stricter procedural requirements.
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