Court records of Ulster County, New York, are maintained at the County Clerk's office and are accessible through online tools, official court portals, and directly at the office. UlsterCourt.us will help find publicly available information about the court records of this county. Additional sources include the Ulster County Clerk's court records page, the New York State Unified Court System portal, and the clerk's office in person.
Ulster Court System Overview
Ulster County is part of the Third Judicial District of New York, which also includes Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Schoharie, and Sullivan counties. The county's court system includes the Supreme Court (court of general jurisdiction), County Court for felony-level criminal cases, Surrogate's Court for probate matters, and Family Court for family issues. Additionally, local Town and Village Courts operate in the county's towns and villages, handling minor offenses and traffic violations. The Ulster County Clerk's office serves as the clerk for the Supreme Court and County Court, maintaining civil and criminal case files.
Courts Serving Ulster
Residents of Ulster County are served by several state and federal courts:
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Ulster County Supreme Court | 285 Wall Street, Kingston, NY 12401 | (845) 340-3377 |
| Ulster County Court | 285 Wall Street, Kingston, NY 12401 | (845) 340-3377 |
| Ulster County Family Court | 16 Lucas Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401 | (845) 481-9320 |
| Ulster County Surrogate's Court | 240 Fair Street, Kingston, NY 12401 | (845) 340-3348 |
| City Court of Kingston | 1 Garraghan Drive, Kingston, NY 12401 | (845) 338-2974 |
| U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York | James T. Foley U.S. Courthouse, 445 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207 | (518) 257-1800 |
Additionally, each town and village in the county has local courts — Town and Village Justice Courts — which handle minor criminal cases, traffic violations, and small civil claims.
What Types of Cases Ulster Courts Hear
Ulster County courts hear a wide range of cases. Here are the main categories:
- Felonies and serious criminal offenses
- Misdemeanors and infractions
- Civil claims of various amounts
- Small claims
- Family law: divorce, custody, child support
- Probate matters, guardianship, trust management
- Juvenile and child protection cases
- Traffic violations
District Court Cases in Ulster
In the New York State system, the role of "district court" in the traditional sense is performed by the Supreme Court and County Court. The County Court in Ulster handles all felonies arising within the county, from grand jury indictments to sentencing and post-conviction motions. The Supreme Court has unlimited civil jurisdiction and hears claims of any amount, as well as appeals from local courts.
Cases reach the County Court after an indictment or following a preliminary hearing in a local court. The county prosecutor — Ulster County District Attorney's office — prosecutes the cases. Judges are administratively appointed within the Third Judicial District.
Magistrate Court Cases in Ulster
Local Town and Village Justice Courts in the county perform functions similar to magistrate courts. They handle:
- Misdemeanors and violations
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases (felony arraignments)
- Civil claims up to $3,000 (small claims) — the limit for small claims in New York State is $5,000 in City Courts and $3,000 in Justice Courts
- Traffic violations and DUI cases at the arrest and initial hearing stage
The City Court of Kingston has broader jurisdiction: small claims up to $5,000, misdemeanors, and preliminary hearings in felonies. If a case requires consideration at the County Court level, the local judge refers it higher.
Family Law, Probate, and Juvenile Matters in Ulster
Family Law. The Ulster County Family Court hears cases about custody, child support, paternity, protective orders, and termination of parental rights. Divorce cases are filed with the Supreme Court; divorce records are available only to the parties involved or their attorneys.
Probate Matters. The Surrogate's Court handles wills, estate administration, guardianship of incapacitated persons, and trust management. This court is located on Fair Street in Kingston.
Juvenile Matters. The Family Court also handles juvenile delinquency proceedings and child protective cases. Juvenile records are confidential under New York State law.
How Cases Move Through the Ulster Court System
- Case Initiation: a criminal complaint, civil lawsuit, or petition is filed with the appropriate court.
- Judge Assignment: the case is assigned to a judge within the Third Judicial District.
- Initial Hearing: in criminal cases — arraignment (charges are presented and bail is set); in civil cases — preliminary conference.
- Pre-Trial Phase: motions, discovery, plea negotiations.
- Trial: jury or bench trial, plea agreement, settlement, or default judgment.
- Post-Judgment: sentencing, appeal to the Appellate Division (Third Department), or enforcement of the court's decision.
Court Administration, Local Rules, and Public Access in Ulster
The courts of the Third Judicial District are administered under the leadership of the Administrative Judge, appointed by the Chief Administrative Judge of New York State. Local court rules are published on the NYCourts.gov website for the Third Judicial District.
Regarding public access — most civil and criminal records of the Supreme Court and County Court are publicly accessible. However, some criminal records may be sealed under the Criminal Procedure Law, Civil Rights Law, or other applicable state laws. Divorce and juvenile records have restricted access.
To obtain copies of court records, contact the clerk's office at (845) 340-3288 — phone inquiries provide only informational assistance. Document copies are ordered through the Search IQS system or in person. Hearings are generally open to the public. Some proceedings may be held remotely — check with the specific court's office.
Court Records and Related Court Resources in Ulster
- Court Records Search: The Ulster County Clerk's office maintains all civil and criminal records of the Supreme Court and County Court. Requests for copies — through Search IQS or in person.
- Court Forms and Self-Help Resources: The clerk's resources page offers document packages for uncontested divorce, affidavits, and other forms.
- Judgments and Liens: Court judgments, mechanic's liens, UCC documents, and tax warrants are kept at the clerk's office.
- Land Records: Deeds, mortgages, powers of attorney and other real estate documents are recorded by the same office.
- Parcel Viewing: The Ulster County Parcel Viewer combines tax data with mapping information.
- State Inmate Lookup: The DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup allows finding information about individuals in New York correctional facilities.
- Sex Offender Registry: The official New York State registry contains data on level 2 and 3 offenders.
- Criminal Statistics and Records: The Division of Criminal Justice Services publishes crime statistics and provides access to criminal history checks.
- Sheriff's Office: The Ulster County Sheriff's office provides law enforcement, detention, and civil enforcement.
- Historical Court Records: The Historical Society of the New York Courts preserves archival materials from Ulster County courts.