Court records in Bergen County, New Jersey can be searched through several channels. BergenCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also search through official New Jersey Judiciary online tools, visit the court clerks' offices in person, or use public access terminals at the courthouse. The Bergen County Clerk's office maintains land and other recorded documents, while the Superior Court Clerk's Office handles court case files.
Bergen Court System & Jurisdictions
New Jersey uses a unified court system, so Bergen County does not have separate district or magistrate courts. Instead, cases are heard through the Superior Court of New Jersey — Bergen Vicinage and through local municipal courts across the county's 70 municipalities.
Superior Court of New Jersey — Bergen Vicinage
The Superior Court sits at the Bergen County Justice Center in Hackensack and is divided into three divisions:
- Criminal Division — indictable offenses (felony-level crimes), grand jury matters, and post-conviction proceedings. Search criminal case information through the PROMIS/Gavel Public Access system.
- Civil Division — contract disputes, personal injury, foreclosures, landlord-tenant appeals, and civil matters where the amount in controversy exceeds the Small Claims limit. The Special Civil Part handles claims of $20,000 or less (Small Claims caps at $3,000 for most individuals). Use the NJ Courts Find a Case portal to look up civil filings.
- Family Division — divorce, custody, child support, domestic violence restraining orders, juvenile delinquency, adoption, and child protection (DCPP) cases. Many Family Division records are confidential by statute or court rule.
Chancery Division — Probate Part
The Bergen County Surrogate's Office handles probate of wills, appointment of administrators, and guardianship matters. Contact the Surrogate's Office at 201-336-6700 for probate record inquiries.
Municipal Courts
Each municipality in Bergen County operates its own municipal court, which handles:
- Traffic and parking violations
- Disorderly persons offenses (misdemeanor-level)
- Petty disorderly persons offenses
- Municipal ordinance violations
Search municipal court cases statewide through the Municipal Court Case Search portal.
Bergen Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars in Bergen County are managed through the New Jersey Judiciary's systems. Here is how to find scheduled hearings:
- NJ Courts website — Visit the Find a Case page to search for case details, which may include upcoming hearing dates for Superior Court matters.
- Call the courthouse — For same-day or next-day calendar information for the Bergen Vicinage, contact the Criminal Division or Civil Division at the Bergen County Justice Center directly.
- Municipal courts — Each municipality posts its own court schedule. Contact the specific municipal court where your ticket or complaint was filed for hearing dates. The Municipal Court Case Search may also show scheduled court dates.
- Public terminals — Self-service kiosks at the Bergen County Justice Center allow visitors to look up case information and hearing schedules during business hours.
Court calendars can change due to adjournments or judicial reassignment. Confirm your hearing date by checking the day before your scheduled appearance.
How to Get a Copy of a Bergen Court Document
Online & By Mail
The NJ Judiciary provides a Records Request Form for obtaining copies of Superior Court documents. Complete the form and indicate the Bergen Vicinage and the appropriate division (Criminal, Civil, or Family). You can submit the form by mail or follow the instructions on the Copies of Court Records page.
Mail requests for Superior Court records to:
In Person
Visit the Civil or Criminal Division clerk's window at the Justice Center during business hours. Bring the case number or party names to help staff locate the file.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies — standard photocopies of court documents, suitable for personal reference.
- Certified copies — bear the court seal and clerk's signature; typically required for legal proceedings, real estate transactions, or filings with other agencies.
Restricted Records
Certain records are not publicly available, including:
- Sealed or expunged criminal records
- Juvenile delinquency files
- Certain Family Division matters (adoption, child abuse/neglect)
- Grand jury proceedings
Divorce documents are released only to a party in the case or the attorney of record. Certified copies of divorce decrees can also be requested through the Superior Court Records Center.
Land Records & OPRA Requests
For recorded land documents such as deeds, mortgages, and liens, use the Bergen County Clerk's Land Record Services. For other public records held by Bergen County government offices, submit an OPRA request through the county's online portal.
Bergen Court Records Fees & Payment
The New Jersey Judiciary and Bergen County Clerk set fees for copies, searches, and certifications. Below are commonly applicable fees based on published NJ Courts and county schedules:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.75 |
| Certified copy of a court document | $15.00 |
| Certification / Exemplification | $15.00 |
| Case record search (per name) | $15.00 |
| Land record copy (Bergen County Clerk, per page) | $1.00–$2.00 |
| Land record certification (Bergen County Clerk) | Varies; contact clerk |
Source: NJ Courts fee schedule and Bergen County Clerk's office. Fees are subject to change; confirm current amounts before submitting payment.
Payment methods accepted at the Bergen County Justice Center typically include money orders and attorney trust account checks. Personal checks and cash policies vary by division — ask the clerk's office before your visit. The Bergen County Clerk's office may accept additional payment methods for land record services.
For general Bergen County contact information, including the Prosecutor's Office (201-646-2300), Sheriff's Office (201-336-3500), and County Clerk, visit the county contact page.