Court records in Genesee County, New York, can be searched through several channels. GeneseeNYCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases in the county. Additional access points include the New York State Unified Court System's online tools, the Genesee County Clerk's office, and public terminals available at courthouse locations. Which method works best depends on the type of case and how far back the records go.
Genesee Court System & Jurisdictions
Genesee County is part of the New York State Unified Court System and falls within the 8th Judicial District. Several courts operate in the county, each handling distinct case types:
- Genesee County Supreme Court — Handles major civil matters, felony criminal cases, and matrimonial actions. Supreme Court has unlimited original jurisdiction in civil cases.
- Genesee County Court — Hears felony prosecutions, civil cases up to $25,000, and appeals from lower courts within the county.
- Genesee County Surrogate's Court — Manages probate proceedings, estate administration, guardianship matters, and adoption cases.
- Genesee County Family Court — Handles custody, visitation, child support, family offense petitions, juvenile delinquency, and persons in need of supervision (PINS) cases.
- City Court of Batavia — Handles misdemeanors, violations, small claims (up to $5,000), civil matters up to $15,000, and vehicle and traffic offenses within the City of Batavia.
- Town and Village Justice Courts — Local courts across Genesee County's towns and villages hear traffic tickets, minor criminal offenses (misdemeanors and violations), small claims up to $3,000, and civil cases up to $3,000.
If you are unsure which court handled a particular case, start by contacting the Genesee County Clerk's office, which maintains records for Supreme Court and County Court matters. Family Court and Surrogate's Court each maintain their own records separately.
Genesee Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars in Genesee County can be checked through the New York State Unified Court System's website. The statewide eCourts portal allows users to search for future court appearances by party name, attorney name, or index number for Supreme and County Court civil cases.
To find upcoming hearings:
- Visit the New York State Courts Electronic Filing (NYSCEF) system or the eCourts portal.
- Select the 8th Judicial District and Genesee County.
- Search by case index number or party name to view scheduled appearances.
For criminal case calendars, contact the Genesee County Court Clerk's office directly. Family Court and Surrogate's Court schedules are typically available by calling those courts. Town and Village Justice Court calendars are managed individually by each local court — check with the specific justice court for scheduling information.
Note that certain case types, especially Family Court matters and sealed criminal cases, may not appear on public calendar systems. If you need confirmation of a hearing date, call the relevant court clerk.
How to Get a Copy of a Genesee Court Document
The process for obtaining court documents depends on the court that handled the case and whether you need a certified or uncertified copy.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies carry an official court seal and clerk's signature. These are typically required for legal proceedings, background checks, or official filings.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions without the court's seal. They work for personal reference or informal use.
How to Request
- In person: Visit the Genesee County Clerk's office for Supreme Court and County Court records. Bring the case index number or enough identifying information (party names, approximate filing date) to help staff locate the file.
- By mail: Send a written request to the County Clerk with the case details, the specific documents needed, and a check or money order for applicable fees.
- Online: Some Supreme Court civil case documents filed through NYSCEF may be viewable and downloadable online. Not all Genesee County cases are e-filed, so older or certain case types may require an in-person or mail request.
For Family Court, Surrogate's Court, or local justice court records, contact those courts directly — each maintains its own files.
Keep in mind that certain records are restricted from public access. Sealed criminal records in New York will not appear in search results and cannot be released to the general public. Family Court records are generally confidential under New York law. Juvenile delinquency and adoption records also carry strict access limitations.
For criminal history record checks, the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) maintains the official statewide repository. Individuals can request their own criminal history record through DCJS. Employers and agencies that need background checks may need to follow specific statutory procedures, including fingerprint-based searches through the Justice Center's Criminal Background Check process.
To locate someone currently incarcerated in a New York State prison, use the DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup tool. For individuals held at the Genesee County Jail, contact the facility directly at (585) 343-0838. The State Commission of Correction also provides incarcerated individual locators for county jails and state prisons.
Genesee Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court records in Genesee County follow schedules set by New York State statute and the Office of Court Administration. The Genesee County Clerk charges fees consistent with CPLR § 8019 and County Law § 525. Below are common fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of a document (per document) | $1.25 per page (minimum $5.00) |
| Certification or re-certification | $5.00 |
| County Clerk record search (per two-year period searched) | $5.00 |
| Exemplified copy | $10.00 plus copy fees |
| Filing an index number (civil action, Supreme Court) | $210.00 |
Fees may vary for Surrogate's Court, Family Court, and local justice courts. Contact the specific court for its current fee schedule.
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, or money order payable to the Genesee County Clerk.
- By mail: Check or money order only. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want documents mailed back.
- Online: If documents are available through NYSCEF, some may be downloaded at no charge. Certified copies still require payment through the clerk's office.
Fee amounts are subject to change. Confirm current fees with the County Clerk's office before submitting payment, especially for large or complex document requests. Tax warrant records can be searched separately through the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance at no cost.