Cattaraugus County Civil Court Records
Cattaraugus County civil court records are on file at the County Clerk's office in Little Valley. The clerk handles Supreme Court and County Court records along with land documents dating back to 1808. You can search records online through the SearchIQS portal or use the state WebCivil Supreme tool for Supreme Court civil cases. The 8th Judicial District covers this county, and the courthouse sits at 303 Court Street. For anyone looking to find a civil filing, check case status, or get copies of court papers in Cattaraugus County, multiple search options are available.
Cattaraugus County Overview
Cattaraugus County Clerk and Records
The Cattaraugus County Clerk maintains civil court records at the County Center in Little Valley. The office keeps land records from 1808 to the present, court filings for Supreme and County Courts, business certificates, and notary filings. The clerk also offers passport services and DMV services at the same location.
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Call (716) 938-9115 for general questions. The courthouse address is 303 Court Street, Little Valley, NY 14755. When you visit in person, the staff can search civil court records by name or case number. You can view files and order copies on the spot. Cattaraugus County is a rural area in western New York, so the court volume is lower than in cities, which can mean faster service when you need records pulled.
| Office | Cattaraugus County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address |
303 Court Street Little Valley, NY 14755 |
| Phone | (716) 938-9115 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Search Cattaraugus County Civil Cases
The Cattaraugus County Records Search portal offers online access to indexed records. Documents go back to 1808. You can search by name for deeds, mortgages, and court records. Guest access is free for basic searches. The system provides document images for many records, so you can sometimes view the actual filings online.
For Supreme Court cases, WebCivil Supreme covers Cattaraugus County along with every other county in the state. Search by party name, index number, or attorney. The tool shows active and disposed cases with docket entries and case status. Under Judiciary Law Section 255, the clerk must make records available when someone asks and pays the proper fees.
The 8th Judicial District page for Cattaraugus County lists court contacts. The Supreme and County Court Chief Clerk is at (716) 938-9126. Family Court: (716) 938-9123. These phone numbers can help if you need to ask about a specific case or find out what records are available before making a trip to Little Valley.
Note: Cattaraugus County civil court records can be viewed for free in person, but copies and certifications carry fees set by CPLR Section 8019(f).
Cattaraugus County Court Records Portal
The NYS Unified Court System records page explains how to request civil court records from any county, including Cattaraugus County.
This page covers the rules under Judiciary Law Section 255 and outlines fees for copies and certifications across all New York courts.
Cattaraugus County Court Record Fees
Copy fees at the Cattaraugus County Clerk follow state law. Under CPLR Section 8019(f), copies run 50 cents per page. The minimum is one dollar. Certified copies add 50 cents per page with a four-dollar minimum. A search certification under CPLR Section 8020(g) costs five dollars for a two-year period.
Court transcripts cost more. Under 22 NYCRR Section 108, rates go from $2.50 per page for regular delivery to $6.50 per page for same-day rush orders. The cost depends on who is paying and how fast you need it. Private parties pay more than cases funded by public money.
Cattaraugus County Civil Case Access Rules
Most civil court records in Cattaraugus County are open to the public. Docket books stay open during business hours under Judiciary Law Section 255-b. Anyone can view them. Some record types have limits though. Matrimonial case files are sealed for 100 years under Domestic Relations Law Section 235, and only parties or their lawyers can access them.
The Cattaraugus County Surrogate's Court sits at 303 Court Street in Little Valley. Phone: (716) 938-9191. This court handles probate, estate administration, guardianships, and adoptions. Probate records from the county's formation are maintained here. Adoption files are sealed under Domestic Relations Law Section 114. Family Court records are confidential under Family Court Act Section 166.
E-filing through NYSCEF applies to many civil case types in Cattaraugus County. Under 22 NYCRR Sections 202.5-b and 202.5-bb, cases filed electronically can be searched online through the NYSCEF guest access feature. The Cattaraugus County contact page has general office details for reaching the clerk.
Getting Cattaraugus County Civil Record Copies
The Cattaraugus County Clerk can provide copies of civil court records in person at 303 Court Street in Little Valley. Walk in during business hours. Ask at the counter for the records you need. Staff will search and pull files. Copies cost 50 cents per page. Certified copies cost more. Payment by cash, check, or money order is accepted.
Mail requests are another option. Send a letter to the Cattaraugus County Clerk at 303 Court Street, Little Valley, NY 14755. Include the party names, case number if known, and a description of the records you want. Add payment by certified check or money order. The clerk will process the request and mail copies to you. This typically takes a week or more depending on volume. For e-filed cases, NYSCEF gives you free online viewing of documents, but certified copies require a trip to the clerk's office or a mailed request.
Nearby Counties
Cattaraugus County sits in the southwestern part of New York. These neighboring counties may have the records you need if the case was filed elsewhere.