Somerset County Public Records /Somerset County Court Records

Somerset County Court Records

What Is Somerset County Court Records

Somerset County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of court activities as maintained by the Somerset County judiciary in accordance with New Jersey Court Rule 1:38. Court records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing information.

Court records are distinct from other public records maintained by Somerset County, such as:

Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
Tax assessment records
Voter registration information

The New Jersey judiciary maintains court records across multiple levels within Somerset County:

Superior Court (Law Division, Chancery Division, Family Division)
Tax Court
Municipal Courts

These courts handle a wide range of legal matters including civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family disputes, probate proceedings, traffic violations, and small claims. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1.1, court records are defined as "government records" subject to public access with certain exceptions established by statute, court rule, and case law.

The Somerset County court system operates within the Somerset/Hunterdon/Warren Vicinage of the New Jersey Courts, which maintains jurisdiction over legal proceedings within these three counties.

Are Court Records Public In Somerset County

Court records in Somerset County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq.) and the common law right of access. Additionally, the New Jersey Supreme Court has established specific guidelines for court record access through Court Rule 1:38, which declares that court records shall be open to inspection by the public except as otherwise provided.

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

Civil case files (with limited exceptions)
Criminal case files (post-charging)
Judgments and orders
Docket sheets and indices
Hearing schedules and calendars
Property and evidence logs

However, certain records are exempt from public access under Court Rule 1:38-3, including:

Family Division records involving juveniles
Records pertaining to domestic violence proceedings
Certain financial information in family matters
Records sealed by court order
Grand jury proceedings
Records related to child victims of sexual abuse

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (which has jurisdiction over Somerset County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state regulations. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system.

The New Jersey Judiciary's Records Management Office oversees the implementation of record access policies throughout the state court system, including Somerset County.

How To Find Court Records in Somerset County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Somerset County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The New Jersey Judiciary provides multiple pathways for obtaining court records depending on the type of case and information sought.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

Somerset County Courthouse
20 North Bridge Street
Somerville, NJ 08876
908-332-7700
Somerset County Courts

The courthouse is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.

To obtain court records in person:

Proceed to the appropriate division clerk's office (Criminal, Civil, Family, or Probate)
Complete a records request form, providing case information including:
- Case number (if known)
- Names of parties involved
- Approximate date of filing
- Type of case
Present valid photo identification
Pay applicable fees for copies (currently $0.05 per page for standard copies)
For certified copies, additional fees apply ($10-$25 depending on document type)

For remote requests, individuals may:

Submit a written request by mail to the appropriate division at the courthouse address
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return documents
Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees
Provide detailed case information as noted above

For electronic access, the New Jersey Judiciary offers several online portals:

NJ eCourts - For searching civil, criminal, and family dockets
ACMS Public Access - For criminal case information
Judgment Search - For civil judgments

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2B:34-1, the Administrative Office of the Courts maintains these electronic systems for public access to court records.

How To Look Up Court Records in Somerset County Online?

Somerset County residents and interested parties may access various court records through several online portals maintained by the New Jersey Judiciary. Each system provides access to different types of court records and requires specific search parameters.

The primary online resources include:

New Jersey eCourts
NJ eCourts Portal
This comprehensive system allows users to search for:
- Civil cases (Special Civil Part, Law Division, and Chancery)
- Criminal cases (post-indictment)
- Family Division cases (limited information)
Search steps:
- Select case type from the available options
- Enter party name, case number, or business name
- For best results, narrow search by county (Somerset)
- Review search results and select case for additional information
- Note that document images are not available for all case types
Automated Case Management System (ACMS) Public Access
ACMS Public Portal
This system focuses on criminal cases and provides:
- Defendant information
- Charges filed
- Case status
- Scheduled court dates
Search steps:
- Enter defendant name or case number
- Select Somerset County from jurisdiction dropdown
- Review results for case status and upcoming events
Judgment Search
NJ Judgment Search
This database contains civil judgments and allows searches by:
- Debtor name
- Creditor name
- Date range
- County (Somerset)
Search steps:
- Enter search criteria (at least one name field required)
- Select Somerset County
- Specify date range if desired
- Review judgment details in search results
Municipal Court Case Search
NJ Municipal Court Direct
For traffic tickets, minor criminal offenses, and local ordinance violations:
- Requires ticket prefix and number or complaint number
- Provides case status, fines, and payment options

The Superior Court Clerk's Office oversees these electronic systems and provides technical support for users experiencing difficulties with online searches.

How To Search Somerset County Court Records for Free?

New Jersey law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, though fees may apply for copies. Pursuant to Court Rule 1:38-9, "Any person may inspect public court records in the custody of the judiciary at no cost."

Free search options in Somerset County include:

In-Person Inspection
Members of the public may visit the Somerset County Courthouse during regular business hours to view court records at no cost. Computer terminals are available in the various division offices for searching case indices.

Somerset County Courthouse
20 North Bridge Street
Somerville, NJ 08876
908-332-7700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Free Online Search Systems
The New Jersey Judiciary provides several free online search tools:
- NJ eCourts - Free access to basic case information for civil, criminal, and family cases
- ACMS Public Access - Free criminal case searches
- Judgment Search - Free civil judgment searches
- Municipal Court Case Search - Free access to municipal court cases with ticket/complaint number
Public Access Terminals
The Somerset County Law Library provides public access terminals for searching court records at no charge:

Somerset County Law Library
Somerset County Courthouse, 2nd Floor
20 North Bridge Street
Somerville, NJ 08876
908-332-7700 ext. 13250
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

While searching is free, the New Jersey Judiciary does charge for copies of documents pursuant to N.J.S.A. 22A:2-29. Current fees include:

$0.05 per page for standard copies
$0.07 per page for electronic records
$10-$25 for certified copies depending on document type

Fee waivers may be available for indigent individuals upon application to the court.

What's Included in a Somerset County Court Record?

Somerset County court records vary in content depending on the case type and court of origin. Generally, a complete court record contains the following components:

Civil Case Records:

Case information sheet with party names, attorneys, and filing date
Complaint and answer documents
Motions and supporting briefs
Discovery materials (limited)
Court orders and judgments
Hearing and trial transcripts (if prepared)
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Settlement agreements (if not sealed)
Judgment docket entries
Case status information

Criminal Case Records:

Indictment or accusation
Plea documents
Bail/detention information
Motions and court orders
Evidence inventory (not actual evidence)
Pre-sentence investigation reports (restricted access)
Judgment of conviction
Sentencing orders
Probation terms
Appeal information

Family Division Records:

Divorce complaints and responses
Property settlement agreements
Child custody and support orders
Domestic violence temporary and final restraining orders (restricted access)
Financial statements (restricted access)
Case information statements
Judgments of divorce

Probate Records:

Wills and codicils
Letters testamentary or administration
Inventories of estate assets
Claims against estates
Guardianship appointments
Conservatorship documents

Municipal Court Records:

Traffic citations
Local ordinance violations
Disorderly persons complaints
DWI/DUI charges
Payment records for fines and penalties

The Superior Court Clerk's Office maintains these records in accordance with the New Jersey Supreme Court's record-keeping requirements. Certain sensitive information is redacted from public court records pursuant to Court Rule 1:38-7, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and names of minor children in certain cases.

How Long Does Somerset County Keep Court Records?

Somerset County courts retain records according to the New Jersey Judiciary's records retention schedule, which is established pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2B:34-10 and administered by the Administrative Director of the Courts. Retention periods vary by record type and case disposition.

Key retention periods include:

Superior Court - Civil Division:

General civil litigation files: 15 years after disposition
Civil judgments: 20 years from date of entry
Foreclosure files: 10 years after disposition
Small claims cases: 3 years after disposition
Landlord/tenant cases: 3 years after disposition
Civil commitment records: 75 years

Superior Court - Criminal Division:

Indictable criminal cases resulting in conviction: 75 years
Indictable criminal cases resulting in acquittal: 3 years
Dismissed indictments: 3 years
Pretrial intervention completions: 3 years
Expunged records: Removed from public access immediately upon expungement order

Superior Court - Family Division:

Divorce records: Permanent
Child custody and support: Until child reaches age 23
Domestic violence case files: Permanent
Juvenile delinquency records: Until age 38 if adjudicated delinquent
Child welfare cases: 100 years

Probate Division:

Wills: Permanent
Estate administration: 15 years after closing
Guardianship records: 10 years after termination

Municipal Courts:

Traffic violations: 3 years after disposition
Disorderly persons convictions: 5 years
DWI convictions: 15 years
Dismissed municipal complaints: 3 years

The New Jersey Records Management Services oversees the implementation of these retention schedules. After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to established procedures, though some 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. The New Jersey Judiciary has implemented a comprehensive electronic content management system to ensure proper retention and disposition of digital court records.

Types of Courts In Somerset County

Somerset County's judicial system consists of several court types operating within the New Jersey court hierarchy. Each court has specific jurisdiction and handles different categories of cases.

Superior Court of New Jersey - Somerset County
20 North Bridge Street
Somerville, NJ 08876
908-332-7700
Somerset/Hunterdon/Warren Vicinage
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The Superior Court includes several divisions:

Law Division - Civil Part
Somerset County Courthouse, 3rd Floor
20 North Bridge Street
Somerville, NJ 08876
908-332-7700 ext. 13730
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Law Division - Criminal Part
Somerset County Courthouse, 2nd Floor
20 North Bridge Street
Somerville, NJ 08876
908-332-7700 ext. 13720
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Chancery Division - Family Part
Somerset County Courthouse, 1st Floor
20 North Bridge Street
Somerville, NJ 08876
908-332-7700 ext. 13750
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Chancery Division - Probate Part
Somerset County Courthouse, 1st Floor
20 North Bridge Street
Somerville, NJ 08876
908-332-7700 ext. 13290
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Special Civil Part
Somerset County Courthouse, 1st Floor
20 North Bridge Street
Somerville, NJ 08876
908-332-7700 ext. 13740
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Municipal Courts in Somerset County:

Bedminster Municipal Court
One Miller Lane
Bedminster, NJ 07921
908-212-7000 ext. 404
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Bernards Township Municipal Court
1 Collyer Lane
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
908-204-3066
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Bernardsville Municipal Court
166 Mine Brook Road
Bernardsville, NJ 07924
908-766-3000 ext. 110
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Bound Brook Municipal Court
230 Hamilton Street
Bound Brook, NJ 08805
732-356-0833
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Branchburg Municipal Court
1077 US Highway 202 North
Branchburg, NJ 08876
908-526-1300 ext. 171
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The New Jersey court hierarchy follows this structure:

Municipal Courts (lowest level)
Superior Court (trial level with Law, Chancery, and Family Divisions)
Appellate Division of Superior Court
New Jersey Supreme Court (highest state court)

Federal cases involving Somerset County residents are heard in:

United States District Court - District of New Jersey
Clarkson S. Fisher Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse
402 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08608
609-989-2065
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

What Types of Cases Do Somerset County Courts Hear?

Somerset County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions as established by New Jersey law. Each court level handles specific case types as outlined below:

Superior Court - Law Division, Civil Part:

Personal injury claims exceeding $15,000
Contract disputes exceeding $15,000
Real property litigation
Complex commercial litigation
Professional malpractice claims
Product liability cases
Civil rights violations
Employment discrimination
Insurance coverage disputes
Prerogative writ actions (challenges to government actions)

Superior Court - Law Division, Criminal Part:

Indictable criminal offenses (equivalent to felonies)
First-degree crimes (punishable by 10-30 years)
Second-degree crimes (punishable by 5-10 years)
Third-degree crimes (punishable by 3-5 years)
Fourth-degree crimes (punishable by up to 18 months)
Post-conviction relief applications
Expungement petitions
Pretrial detention hearings
Criminal appeals from Municipal Courts

Superior Court - Chancery Division, Family Part:

Divorce proceedings
Child custody and parenting time disputes
Child support establishment and enforcement
Spousal support (alimony)
Domestic violence restraining orders
Juvenile delinquency matters
Child abuse and neglect cases
Termination of parental rights
Adoption proceedings
Family crisis petitions

Superior Court - Chancery Division, Probate Part:

Will contests
Estate administration
Guardianships for incapacitated adults
Conservatorships
Trust disputes
Elder abuse matters
Probate litigation

Superior Court - Special Civil Part:

Civil claims between $3,000 and $15,000
Small claims up to $3,000
Landlord-tenant disputes
Eviction proceedings
Property recovery actions
Contract disputes within jurisdictional limits

Municipal Courts:

Traffic violations
Minor criminal offenses (disorderly persons)
Local ordinance violations
Fish and game violations
Public health violations
First-time DWI/DUI offenses
Simple assault
Shoplifting (under certain value thresholds)
Bad check complaints (under certain value thresholds)
Truancy cases

The jurisdiction of these courts is established by N.J.S.A. 2B:4-1 (Municipal Courts), N.J.S.A. 2B:12-17 (Municipal Court jurisdiction), and N.J.S.A. 2B:6-1 (Superior Court).

Tax matters are heard by the New Jersey Tax Court, which has a statewide jurisdiction rather than county-specific operations.

How To Find a Court Docket In Somerset County

Court dockets in Somerset County provide chronological listings of all filings, proceedings, and actions taken in a case. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods depending on the court and case type.

Online Docket Access:

Superior Court Civil Cases
- Visit the New Jersey eCourts Portal
- Select "Civil Case Jacket Search"
- Enter party name or docket number
- Select Somerset County from jurisdiction dropdown
- Review docket entries showing filings and court actions
Superior Court Criminal Cases
- Access the ACMS Public Portal
- Enter defendant name or indictment/accusation number
- Select Somerset County
- View chronological listing of case events and scheduled proceedings
Municipal Court Cases
- Use NJ Municipal Court Direct
- Enter ticket or complaint number
- Access case status and scheduled court dates

In-Person Docket Access:

Visitors may review docket information at public access terminals located at:

Somerset County Courthouse
20 North Bridge Street
Somerville, NJ 08876
908-332-7700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Procedure for in-person docket review:

Proceed to the appropriate division clerk's office
Complete a records request form
Provide case information (names, approximate dates)
Staff will assist with accessing docket information
Printed docket reports are available for a fee

Telephone Docket Information:

Limited docket information may be obtained by calling the appropriate court division:

Civil Division: 908-332-7700 ext. 13730
Criminal Division: 908-332-7700 ext. 13720
Family Division: 908-332-7700 ext. 13750
Special Civil Part: 908-332-7700 ext. 13740

For upcoming court calendars and hearing schedules, the New Jersey Courts Public Calendar provides searchable information by county, court, and date.

Pursuant to Court Rule 1:38-1, court dockets are public records accessible to any person, with limited exceptions for sealed or confidential cases as specified in Court Rule 1:38-3.

Which Courts in Somerset County Are Not Courts of Record?

In New Jersey's judicial system, including Somerset 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 and related statutes.

A "court of record" maintains formal transcripts of all proceedings, follows strict rules of evidence and procedure, and produces comprehensive written opinions and orders. Conversely, a "court not of record" typically conducts less formal proceedings, may not require verbatim transcripts, and often issues abbreviated decisions.

In Somerset County, the following courts are classified as "courts not of record":

Municipal Courts: All municipal courts in Somerset County are courts not of record, including:

Bedminster Municipal Court
Bernards Township Municipal Court
Bernardsville Municipal Court
Bound Brook Municipal Court
Branchburg Municipal Court
Bridgewater Municipal Court
Far Hills Municipal Court
Franklin Township Municipal Court
Green Brook Municipal Court
Hillsborough Municipal Court
Manville Municipal Court
Millstone Municipal Court
Montgomery Municipal Court
North Plainfield Municipal Court
Peapack-Gladstone Municipal Court
Raritan Municipal Court
Rocky Hill Municipal Court
Somerville Municipal Court
South Bound Brook Municipal Court
Warren Township Municipal Court
Watchung Municipal Court

While municipal courts do maintain records of proceedings, they are considered "courts not of record" because:

Proceedings are typically not recorded verbatim unless specifically requested
Formal transcripts are not automatically produced
Judges are not required to issue written opinions
Simplified procedures are followed for minor offenses
Appeals from municipal courts are heard de novo (completely new trial) in Superior Court

All other courts operating in Somerset County are courts of record, including:

Superior Court - Law Division (Civil and Criminal Parts)
Superior Court - Chancery Division (Family and Probate Parts)
Superior Court - Special Civil Part
Tax Court (for tax-related matters)

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is significant for appeal purposes. When appealing from a court not of record, the Superior Court conducts a new trial rather than reviewing the record of the lower court proceeding. This is established by N.J. Court Rule 3:23-8 regarding appeals from municipal courts.