Court records in Chemung County, New York, can be searched through several channels. ChemungCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through the New York State Unified Court System's online tools, the Chemung County Clerk's Office, and public terminals available at local courthouses. In-person visits to the clerk's office remain an option for records not available online.
Chemung Court System & Jurisdictions
Chemung County is part of New York's Sixth Judicial District within the Unified Court System. Several courts operate in the county, each handling specific case types:
- Supreme Court — Handles major civil matters (claims over $25,000), felony criminal cases, and matrimonial actions including divorce. The Chemung County Clerk serves as clerk of the Supreme Court. Divorce file requests require a specific Divorce File/Document Request Form, and access may require a Supreme Court order.
- County Court — Has jurisdiction over felonies and some civil cases. Also hears appeals from lower courts within the county.
- Family Court — Manages custody, visitation, child support, family offense (orders of protection), juvenile delinquency, and adoption proceedings. Family Court records are generally confidential under New York law.
- Surrogate's Court — Handles probate of wills, estate administration, and guardianship matters. Most Surrogate's Court filings are public unless sealed by court order.
- City Court (Elmira) — Processes misdemeanors, violations, small claims (up to $5,000), and civil cases up to $15,000 arising within the City of Elmira. The City of Elmira also publishes daily activity logs.
- Town and Village Courts — Local justice courts throughout Chemung County handle traffic infractions, vehicle and traffic law violations, small claims, minor civil disputes, and misdemeanors occurring in their jurisdictions.
If you are unsure which court holds the record you need, start by contacting the Chemung County Clerk's Office or searching the New York State Courts Electronic Filing system (NYSCEF), which the County Clerk's office uses for e-filing.
Chemung Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars for Chemung County courts are managed through the New York State Unified Court System. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's scheduled hearings:
- Visit the New York State Courts eCourts portal at iapps.courts.state.ny.us.
- Select "Court Calendars" and choose the Sixth Judicial District or Chemung County.
- Filter by court type (Supreme, County, Family, Surrogate's) and date.
For Town and Village Justice Courts, calendars are typically posted at the individual court or available by calling the court clerk directly. The Elmira City Court maintains its own schedule, which can be obtained by contacting the court.
For criminal matters, the Chemung County Sheriff's Office warrants page lists active warrants, which may indicate upcoming court appearances. The Public Records & Information office can also direct you to the appropriate court calendar resource.
How to Get a Copy of a Chemung Court Document
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies bear the County Clerk's official seal and signature, confirming the document is a true copy of the original on file. These are typically required for legal proceedings, real estate transactions, and official filings.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions without the official seal. They are suitable for personal reference or informal use.
How to Request Documents
Online: The County Clerk offers an Online Records Search through the Landex system. Searching is free, but viewing and printing documents incurs fees. Note: sealed records, divorces, and psychiatric guardianships are not available through this system.
In Person: Visit the Chemung County Clerk's Office:
By Mail: Send a written request to the address above. Include the case name or index number, the type of document needed, whether you need a certified or uncertified copy, and a check or money order for the applicable fees payable to "Chemung County Clerk."
For divorce records specifically, you must complete the Divorce File/Document Request Form. Non-parties may need a Supreme Court order authorizing the Clerk's Office to release the file.
Records Not Held by the County Clerk
- Family Court records — Contact Family Court directly; these are generally confidential.
- Criminal history records — Formal criminal background checks are processed through the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).
- Incarcerated individual information — For individuals in the Chemung County Jail, use the county's incarcerated individual lookup. For state prison inmates, use the DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup.
Chemung Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court documents in Chemung County are set by New York State statute (CPLR § 8019; County Law § 525). The following table reflects standard County Clerk fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of a filed document (first page) | $5.00 |
| Certified copy (each additional page) | $1.25 |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.65 |
| Certification or re-certification of a document | $5.00 |
| County Clerk record search (per two-year period searched) | $5.00 |
| Online search via Landex (browsing time) | $0.15 per minute |
| Online search via Landex (per page loaded/printed) | $0.10 per page |
| Filing an index number (Supreme/County Court civil action) | $210.00 |
Payment methods: In person, the Clerk's Office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders. For mail requests, send a check or money order payable to "Chemung County Clerk." Online Landex searches require a credit card or prepaid account.
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current amounts by calling (607) 737-2920 or visiting the County Clerk's website before submitting your request.