Monmouth County Court Records

What Is Monmouth County Court Records

Court records in Monmouth County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. Pursuant to New Jersey Court Rule 1:38, court records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by the courts. These documents provide a comprehensive account of legal matters processed through the county's judicial system.

Court records are distinct from other public records such as:

• Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
• Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
• Business records (licenses, permits, incorporations)

In Monmouth County, court records are maintained by several judicial bodies:

• Superior Court of New Jersey, Monmouth Vicinage
• Monmouth County Municipal Courts
• Monmouth County Surrogate's Court (probate matters)
• Monmouth County Family Court

These courts handle a wide range of legal matters including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family disputes, probate cases, and traffic violations. The Monmouth County Clerk's Office maintains historical court records dating back to the 18th century, including affidavits, oaths, and records from various courts that operated in the county's history.

Under the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1 et seq., and the common law right of access, most court records are presumptively open to public inspection, though certain exceptions apply to protect privacy and confidentiality in sensitive cases.

Are Court Records Public In Monmouth County

Court records in Monmouth County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the principles of open government and judicial transparency. The public's right to access court records is established by the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1 et seq.) and further defined by New Jersey Court Rule 1:38, which specifically addresses court records.

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
• Court calendars and hearing schedules
• Property records related to court proceedings

However, certain records are exempt from public access under N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1.1 and Court Rule 1:38-3, including:

• Family court records involving juveniles
• Adoption proceedings
• Mental health commitment records
• Records sealed by court order
• Grand jury proceedings
• Certain domestic violence records
• Pre-sentence investigation reports

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 Monmouth County) are governed by federal rules and accessed through the federal PACER system, not through county or state systems.

The New Jersey Supreme Court has established comprehensive guidelines for public access to court records through its Records Management Office, which oversees the implementation of access policies throughout the state's court system, including Monmouth County.

How To Find Court Records in Monmouth County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Monmouth 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 the specific documents needed.

For Superior Court records (Civil, Criminal, Family, and Probate):

1. Visit the Monmouth County Superior Court in person:

   Monmouth County Superior Court
   71 Monument Street
   Freehold, NJ 07728
   732-677-4300
   New Jersey Courts

   Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

2. Submit a written request using the Records Request Form available on the New Jersey Courts website.

3. Access the New Jersey Judiciary Electronic Filing and Imaging System (JEFIS) for certain civil cases filed after 2000.

4. Use the New Jersey Courts Public Access System to search for case information online.

For Municipal Court records:

1. Contact the specific municipal court where the case was heard. Monmouth County has 53 municipal courts serving its municipalities.

2. Use the Municipal Court Case Search portal for traffic and minor criminal offenses.

For historical court records:

1. Contact the Monmouth County Clerk's Archives Division:

   Monmouth County Clerk's Office
   33 Mechanic Street
   Freehold, NJ 07728
   732-431-7324
   Monmouth County Clerk

   Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

When requesting records, individuals must provide:

• Case number (if known)
• Names of parties involved
• Approximate date of filing
• Type of case
• Specific documents needed

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 22A:2-29, fees apply for copies of court records, with certified copies typically costing $10 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Electronic records may have different fee structures as established by the Administrative Office of the Courts.

How To Look Up Court Records in Monmouth County Online?

Monmouth County residents and interested parties can access various court records through several online portals maintained by the New Jersey Judiciary. These digital resources provide convenient access to case information without requiring an in-person visit to the courthouse.

The primary online resources for court record searches include:

1. New Jersey Courts Public Access System This comprehensive portal allows users to search for case information across multiple divisions:

   • Civil Case Jacket: Search for civil cases filed in the Superior Court, Law Division
   • Criminal Case Jacket: Access information on indictable criminal matters
   • Foreclosure Case Search: Find residential and commercial foreclosure cases
   • Attorney/Firm Search: Locate attorney information and case involvement

   Users can search by party name, case number, or business name. The system provides case status, filing dates, party information, and scheduled events.

2. Municipal Court Case Search Portal The Municipal Court Case Search system allows users to search for:

   • Traffic tickets
   • Local ordinance violations
   • Disorderly persons offenses
   • Petty disorderly persons offenses

   Searches require either a ticket number, case number, or defendant information.

3. Judiciary Electronic Filing System (JEFS) Attorneys and registered users can access documents filed electronically in:

   • Civil cases
   • Special Civil Part cases
   • Foreclosure matters
   • Probate cases

4. Automated Case Management System (ACMS) Public Access This system provides limited information on criminal cases, including:

   • Case status
   • Scheduled court dates
   • Basic defendant information
   • Charges filed

When using these online systems, users should note that:

• Some sensitive case types may not be available online
• Complete case files may require in-person requests
• Older cases (generally pre-2000) may have limited online information
• Document images may not be available for all cases
• Registration may be required for certain search functions

The New Jersey Judiciary continually enhances its online access systems in accordance with Court Rule 1:38-13, which governs electronic access to court records.

How To Search Monmouth 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 N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-5 and Court Rule 1:38-9, the public has the right to inspect accessible court records during regular business hours at no cost.

Free options for accessing Monmouth County court records include:

1. In-Person Inspection Members of the public may visit the Monmouth County Superior Court during regular business hours to view publicly accessible court records without charge. Court staff will assist in locating records, though wait times may vary depending on staffing and demand.

   Monmouth County Superior Court
   71 Monument Street
   Freehold, NJ 07728
   732-677-4300
   New Jersey Courts

   Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

2. Online Case Information The New Jersey Judiciary provides several free online search options:

   • New Jersey Courts Public Access - Offers free basic case information for civil, criminal, and foreclosure cases
   • Municipal Court Case Search - Provides free access to municipal court case information
   • Attorney Ethics System - Allows free searches of attorney disciplinary history

3. Public Access Terminals Computer terminals are available at the Monmouth County Courthouse for public use. These terminals provide more comprehensive access to court records than what is available through the public websites.

4. Law Libraries The Monmouth County Law Library offers free access to legal research tools and assistance in locating court records:

   Monmouth County Law Library
   71 Monument Street, 2nd Floor
   Freehold, NJ 07728
   732-431-7510

   Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

While basic searches and in-person inspection are free, fees apply for:

• Copies of documents ($0.05 per page for standard copies)
• Certified copies ($10 for first page, $1 for each additional page)
• Complex research assistance requiring staff time
• Expedited service requests

The New Jersey Government Records Council oversees compliance with the state's open records laws and can provide guidance on fee disputes related to public records requests.

What's Included in a Monmouth County Court Record?

Court records in Monmouth County contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type, but generally include the following components:

For Civil Cases:

• Complaint and answer documents
• Summonses and returns of service
• Motions and supporting briefs
• Court orders and judgments
• Transcripts of proceedings (when prepared)
• Exhibits admitted into evidence
• Settlement agreements (if not sealed)
• Case management orders
• Jury verdicts
• Financial records (judgments, liens, satisfactions)

For Criminal Cases:

• Indictments or accusations
• Arrest warrants (once executed)
• Bail documentation
• Motions and briefs
• Court orders
• Plea agreements
• Trial transcripts (when prepared)
• Sentencing documents
• Probation terms
• Judgment of conviction
• Pre-sentence investigation reports (restricted access)

For Family Court Cases (with restricted access):

• Divorce complaints and responses
• Child custody and support orders
• Domestic violence restraining orders
• Financial disclosure statements
• Property settlement agreements
• Adoption petitions and decrees
• Paternity determinations
• Juvenile delinquency records (confidential)

For Probate Matters:

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

For Municipal Court Cases:

• Traffic citations
• Local ordinance violation complaints
• Disorderly persons offense documentation
• Court appearance notices
• Disposition records
• Fine and penalty assessments

Each court record also typically contains a docket sheet, which serves as a chronological index of all filings, appearances, and actions taken in the case. This document provides a comprehensive overview of the case history and is often the starting point for researching court records.

Pursuant to Court Rule 1:38-2, certain sensitive information must be redacted from court records before public access is granted, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain personal identifiers.

How Long Does Monmouth County Keep Court Records?

Monmouth County follows the New Jersey Judiciary's records retention schedule, which is established by the Supreme Court of New Jersey pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 2B:34-10. The retention periods vary significantly based on the type of case and document.

Key retention periods include:

For Superior Court, Civil Division:

• General civil litigation files: 15 years after disposition
• Personal injury cases: 10 years after judgment
• Contract disputes: 15 years after judgment
• Property damage cases: 7 years after disposition
• Small claims cases: 3 years after disposition
• Landlord/tenant matters: 3 years after disposition
• Foreclosure cases: 20 years after judgment

For Superior Court, Criminal Division:

• Indictable offense cases resulting in conviction: 50 years after final judgment
• Indictable cases resulting in acquittal: 3 years after disposition
• Dismissed indictments: 3 years after dismissal
• Pretrial intervention cases: 3 years after completion
• Capital cases: Permanent retention

For Family Division:

• Divorce records: 10 years after judgment
• Child custody matters: Until youngest child reaches 18
• Domestic violence cases: 10 years after final judgment
• Juvenile delinquency records: Until age 23, then eligible for expungement
• Adoption records: Permanent retention (sealed)

For Probate Matters:

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

For Municipal Courts:

• Traffic violations: 3 years after disposition
• Parking violations: 3 years after disposition
• Disorderly persons offenses: 5 years after disposition
• DWI cases: 15 years after disposition

The New Jersey Judiciary Records Management Services oversees the implementation of these retention schedules. After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to established procedures, though records of significant historical value may be transferred to the State Archives for permanent preservation.

The Monmouth County Clerk's Archives Division maintains historical court records dating back to the 18th century, preserving the county's legal history beyond standard retention periods.

Types of Courts In Monmouth County

Monmouth County's judicial system consists of several courts operating at different levels of jurisdiction. Each court handles specific types of cases within the framework of New Jersey's unified court system.

Superior Court of New Jersey, Monmouth Vicinage
71 Monument Street
Freehold, NJ 07728
732-677-4300
New Jersey Courts

The Superior Court has several divisions:

• Civil Division: Handles lawsuits involving amounts over $15,000, complex litigation, and chancery matters.

• Criminal Division: Processes indictable offenses (felonies), post-conviction relief applications, and expungements.

• Family Division: Oversees divorce, child custody, domestic violence, juvenile matters, and child support cases.

• Special Civil Part: Manages civil cases involving amounts up to $15,000, landlord-tenant disputes, and small claims (up to $3,000).

Monmouth County Surrogate's Court
Hall of Records
1 East Main Street
Freehold, NJ 07728
732-431-7330
Monmouth County Surrogate

Handles probate matters, estate administration, guardianships, and adoptions.

Municipal Courts (53 courts serving Monmouth County municipalities) Each municipality in Monmouth County operates its own Municipal Court. Examples include:

Freehold Borough Municipal Court
36 Jackson Street
Freehold, NJ 07728
732-462-1410
Freehold Borough Municipal Court

Red Bank Municipal Court
90 Monmouth Street
Red Bank, NJ 07701
732-530-2752
Red Bank Municipal Court

Municipal Courts handle traffic violations, disorderly persons offenses, local ordinance violations, and certain preliminary hearings for indictable offenses.

The court hierarchy in New Jersey follows this structure:

1. Municipal Courts (limited jurisdiction)
2. Superior Court (trial level with general jurisdiction)
3. Appellate Division of Superior Court (intermediate appellate court)
4. Supreme Court of New Jersey (highest state court)

Cases originating in Monmouth County may be appealed from the Municipal Courts to the Superior Court, from the Superior Court to the Appellate Division, and finally to the New Jersey Supreme Court. Federal matters are handled separately through the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.

What Types of Cases Do Monmouth County Courts Hear?

Monmouth County's court system processes a diverse range of legal matters, with each court having specific jurisdictional authority as defined by New Jersey law.

The Superior Court, Monmouth Vicinage handles:

Civil Division:

• Personal injury and negligence claims
• Contract disputes
• Real property litigation
• Consumer fraud cases
• Professional malpractice suits
• Complex commercial litigation
• Foreclosure proceedings
• Civil rights violations
• Name change applications
• Auto accident cases exceeding $15,000

Criminal Division:

• Homicide and manslaughter cases
• Robbery, burglary, and theft charges
• Aggravated assault cases
• Drug distribution and manufacturing
• Sexual assault and related offenses
• Weapons offenses
• White-collar crimes
• Computer crimes
• Expungement applications
• Post-conviction relief petitions

Family Division:

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

Special Civil Part:

• Civil claims up to $15,000
• Landlord-tenant disputes
• Small claims up to $3,000
• Property recovery actions
• Contract disputes under $15,000

The Monmouth County Surrogate's Court handles:

• Probate of wills
• Estate administration
• Guardianships for incapacitated adults
• Guardianships for minors
• Adoptions
• Contested probate matters (referred to Superior Court)

Municipal Courts in Monmouth County process:

• Traffic violations
• Driving while intoxicated (DWI/DUI)
• Minor drug possession
• Disorderly persons offenses
• Petty disorderly persons offenses
• Local ordinance violations
• Fish and game violations
• Preliminary hearings for indictable offenses

The jurisdiction of these courts is established by the New Jersey Court Rules and various statutes, including N.J.S.A. § 2B:4-1 et seq. (Municipal Courts), N.J.S.A. § 2B:2-1 et seq. (Superior Court), and N.J.S.A. § 2B:12-1 et seq. (Surrogate's Court).

How To Find a Court Docket In Monmouth County

Court dockets provide a chronological summary of all proceedings and filings in a case. In Monmouth County, several methods exist for accessing these important records.

Online docket search options include:

1. New Jersey Courts Public Access System The New Jersey Courts website offers searchable docket information for:

   • Civil cases (Law Division and Special Civil Part)
   • Criminal matters
   • Foreclosure proceedings

   Users can search by party name, case number, or business name to retrieve basic docket information.

2. Municipal Court Case Search For municipal court matters, the Municipal Court Case Search portal allows searches by:

   • Ticket number
   • Complaint number
   • Defendant name and date of birth

   This system provides docket information for traffic violations and disorderly persons offenses.

3. ACMS Public Access Terminal For more detailed criminal case docket information, public access terminals are available at:

   Monmouth County Superior Court
   Criminal Division Records Office
   71 Monument Street
   Freehold, NJ 07728

In-person docket search methods include:

1. Visit the appropriate court clerk's office:

   • For Superior Court matters: Records Office at the Monmouth County Courthouse
   • For Municipal Court cases: The specific municipal court where the case was filed
   • For Surrogate matters: Monmouth County Surrogate's Court

2. Submit a written request using the Records Request Form to the appropriate court division.

When searching for docket information, be prepared to provide:

• Case number (if known)
• Full names of parties involved
• Approximate date of filing
• Type of case

For historical docket information (generally pre-2000), contact:

Monmouth County Clerk's Archives Division
125 Symmes Drive
Manalapan, NJ 07726
732-308-3771
Monmouth County Clerk Archives

Pursuant to Court Rule 1:38-7, docket information is generally available to the public, though certain sensitive case types may have restricted access. The docket typically includes case number, party names, attorney information, filing dates, scheduled events, and disposition information.

Which Courts in Monmouth County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the New Jersey judicial system, "courts of record" are those that maintain comprehensive verbatim transcripts of proceedings and whose decisions can establish legal precedent. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 2B:12-1 et seq., Municipal Courts in Monmouth County are classified as "courts not of record" despite maintaining case documentation.

Municipal Courts in Monmouth County that function as courts not of record include:

• Aberdeen Municipal Court
• Allenhurst Municipal Court
• Allentown Municipal Court
• Asbury Park Municipal Court
• Atlantic Highlands Municipal Court
• Avon-by-the-Sea Municipal Court
• Belmar Municipal Court
• Bradley Beach Municipal Court
• Brielle Municipal Court
• Colts Neck Municipal Court
• Deal Municipal Court
• Eatontown Municipal Court
• Englishtown Municipal Court
• Fair Haven Municipal Court
• Farmingdale Municipal Court
• Freehold Borough Municipal Court
• Freehold Township Municipal Court
• Hazlet Municipal Court
• Highlands Municipal Court
• Holmdel Municipal Court
• Howell Municipal Court
• Interlaken Municipal Court
• Keansburg Municipal Court
• Keyport Municipal Court
• Lake Como Municipal Court
• Little Silver Municipal Court
• Loch Arbour Municipal Court
• Long Branch Municipal Court
• Manalapan Municipal Court
• Manasquan Municipal Court
• Marlboro Municipal Court
• Matawan Municipal Court
• Middletown Municipal Court
• Millstone Municipal Court
• Monmouth Beach Municipal Court
• Neptune City Municipal Court
• Neptune Township Municipal Court
• Ocean Township Municipal Court
• Oceanport Municipal Court
• Red Bank Municipal Court
• Roosevelt Municipal Court
• Rumson Municipal Court
• Sea Bright Municipal Court
• Sea Girt Municipal Court
• Shrewsbury Borough Municipal Court
• Shrewsbury Township Municipal Court
• Spring Lake Municipal Court
• Spring Lake Heights Municipal Court
• Tinton Falls Municipal Court
• Union Beach Municipal Court
• Upper Freehold Municipal Court
• Wall Township Municipal Court
• West Long Branch Municipal Court

Key characteristics of these courts not of record include:

1. Proceedings are sound-recorded rather than transcribed by court reporters
2. Transcripts are only produced upon request and payment of fees
3. Appeals from these courts are heard de novo (completely new trial) in Superior Court
4. Judges are appointed by municipal governing bodies, not necessarily attorneys
5. Limited jurisdiction over minor offenses and violations

In contrast, the Superior Court of New Jersey, Monmouth Vicinage (including Civil, Criminal, and Family Divisions) is a court of record as defined by N.J.S.A. § 2B:2-1 et seq. These courts maintain official transcripts of all proceedings through court reporters or sound recording equipment, and their decisions may establish precedent within their jurisdiction.

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is important for understanding appeal rights and procedural requirements when navigating the Monmouth County judicial system.

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