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Burlington County Court Records

What Is Burlington County Court Records

Burlington County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by the courts. Pursuant to New Jersey Court Rule 1:38, court records are defined as any information maintained by a court in any form in connection with a judicial proceeding.

Court records differ from other public records such as:

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

The Burlington County court system maintains records for various courts, including:

  • Superior Court (Civil, Criminal, Family, Probate Divisions)
  • Municipal Courts
  • Tax Court
  • Special Civil Part (Small Claims)

These courts handle a wide range of matters including civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family disputes, probate proceedings, traffic violations, and small claims. The Superior Court Clerk's Office serves as the central repository for many of these records, managing court records, foreclosures, judgment liens, and other official documentation.

Are Court Records Public In Burlington County

Court records in Burlington County are generally accessible to the public under New Jersey's Open Public Records Act (N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1) and the common law right of access. Additionally, Rule 1:38 of the New Jersey Court Rules specifically addresses public access to court records, establishing the presumption that court records are open for public inspection and copying.

The following court records are typically available to the public:

  • Most civil case files
  • Criminal case files (post-charging)
  • Judgments and orders
  • Docket sheets
  • Hearing schedules
  • Property records
  • Probate records

However, certain records may be restricted or sealed by court order or statute. According to Rule 1:38-3, records that are not accessible to the public include:

  • Family court records involving juveniles
  • Records pertaining to domestic violence
  • Certain adoption proceedings
  • Grand jury records
  • Records sealed by court order
  • Records containing confidential personal identifiers

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey are governed by federal rules and accessed through the federal PACER system, not through Burlington County offices.

How To Find Court Records in Burlington County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Burlington County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents:

In-Person Requests:

  1. Identify the appropriate court division that maintains the desired records
  2. Visit the court clerk's office during regular business hours
  3. Complete a records request form, providing case number, party names, and filing dates
  4. Present valid photo identification
  5. Pay applicable search and copy fees

Burlington County Superior Court
49 Rancocas Road
Mount Holly, NJ 08060
609-288-9500
Burlington County Courts

Mail Requests:

  1. Download and complete the records request form from the New Jersey Courts website
  2. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
  3. Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees
  4. Mail to the appropriate court division

Online Access:

  1. Visit the New Jersey Courts public access portal
  2. Select the appropriate case type (civil, criminal, municipal)
  3. Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
  4. Review available case information
  5. Request copies of specific documents if needed

For certified copies of court records, requestors must submit a written request to the Superior Court Clerk's Office specifying the documents needed and providing the appropriate fee payment.

How To Look Up Court Records in Burlington County Online?

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

Civil Case Records:

  1. Access the New Jersey Automated Case Management System
  2. Search by party name, case number, or attorney
  3. Available records include: complaints, motions, orders, judgments in Special Civil Part, Law Division, and Chancery Division cases
  4. Records date back to approximately 2000, with older cases requiring in-person requests

Criminal Case Records:

  1. Visit the PROMIS/Gavel Public Access portal
  2. Search by defendant name or case number
  3. View case status, charges, next court date, and disposition information
  4. Note that certain records may be restricted pursuant to court rules

Municipal Court Records:

  1. Access the Municipal Court Case Search system
  2. Search by name, case number, or ticket number
  3. View traffic violations, local ordinance violations, and disorderly persons offenses
  4. Records typically include case status, scheduled court dates, and fine information

Judgment Records:

  1. Visit the Judgment Search portal
  2. Search by debtor or creditor name
  3. Access civil judgments, including Special Civil Part judgments
  4. Records include judgment amount, filing date, and satisfaction status

Users should note that while basic case information is generally available online, complete case files and documents often require formal requests through the appropriate court office. Additionally, pursuant to Rule 1:38-7, certain confidential personal identifiers are redacted from publicly accessible records.

How To Search Burlington County Court Records for Free?

New Jersey law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge. According to N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5, while copying fees may apply, examination of records shall be permitted at no cost. Burlington County residents may access court records without payment through several methods:

Free In-Person Inspection:

  1. Visit the appropriate court facility during regular business hours
  2. Request to view specific case files at public access terminals
  3. No fee is charged for viewing records, though identification may be required
  4. Take notes on case information without incurring costs

Burlington County Superior Court
49 Rancocas Road
Mount Holly, NJ 08060
609-288-9500
Burlington County Courts

Free Online Search Systems:

  1. New Jersey Courts Public Access - Basic case information for civil, criminal, and municipal matters
  2. PROMIS/Gavel Public Access - Criminal case information
  3. Municipal Court Case Search - Traffic and local ordinance violations
  4. Judgment Search - Civil judgment records

Public Library Access:

  1. Burlington County Library System provides free computer access
  2. Library staff can assist with navigating court record systems
  3. No fees for using library computers to access public records

While inspection of records is free, fees apply for copies of documents. Current copy fees are $0.05 per page for standard copies and $5.00 for certified copies, as established by the New Jersey Supreme Court.

What's Included in a Burlington County Court Record?

Burlington County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type. Typical components include:

Civil Case Records:

  • Complaint and answer
  • Summons and service documentation
  • Motions and supporting briefs
  • Discovery-related documents (when filed)
  • Orders and judgments
  • Trial exhibits (when admitted)
  • Transcripts (when prepared)
  • Settlement agreements (unless sealed)
  • Case management orders
  • Judgment docket information

Criminal Case Records:

  • Indictment or accusation
  • Plea forms
  • Bail/detention documents
  • Motions and briefs
  • Evidence inventory
  • Court orders
  • Sentencing documents
  • Judgment of conviction
  • Pre-sentence investigation reports (restricted access)
  • Probation records (restricted access)

Family Division Records:

  • Divorce complaints and responses
  • Child custody and support orders
  • Domestic violence restraining orders
  • Financial disclosure forms
  • Property settlement agreements
  • Judgments of divorce
  • Name change petitions
  • Adoption records (restricted access)

Probate Records:

  • Wills and codicils
  • Letters testamentary/administration
  • Inventories of estate assets
  • Claims against estates
  • Guardianship appointments
  • Accountings
  • Distribution orders

According to the Superior Court Clerk's Office, court records may be provided in various formats, including standard copies, certified copies (bearing the court seal), and exemplified copies (for use in other jurisdictions).

How Long Does Burlington County Keep Court Records?

Burlington County follows the New Jersey Judiciary's records retention schedule as established by the Supreme Court Records Management Policy. Retention periods vary by record type and are governed by Directive #15-05 and subsequent amendments.

Civil Case Records:

  • General civil litigation: 15 years after disposition
  • Judgments: 20 years from date of entry (may be renewed)
  • Small claims: 3 years after disposition
  • Landlord/tenant: 3 years after disposition
  • Foreclosure: 10 years after disposition

Criminal Case Records:

  • Indictable offenses: 75 years after disposition
  • Disorderly persons: 5 years after disposition
  • Municipal ordinance violations: 3 years after disposition
  • Dismissed charges: 3 years after dismissal
  • Expunged records: Removed from public access immediately upon expungement order

Family Division Records:

  • Divorce cases: 10 years after judgment
  • Child support: Until child reaches age 23, then archived
  • Domestic violence: Permanent for final restraining orders
  • Juvenile delinquency: Until age 21, then sealed
  • Adoption: Permanent (sealed by statute)

Probate Records:

  • Wills: Permanent
  • Estate administration: 10 years after closing
  • Guardianships: 10 years after termination

Historical court records dating prior to established retention periods may be transferred to the New Jersey State Archives, which maintains permanent collections of court records with historical significance. The State Archives currently houses Burlington County court records dating back to the colonial period, including Burlington County Clerk's Office records containing court proceedings, certificates, and other legal documents.

Types of Courts In Burlington County

Burlington County's court system operates within New Jersey's unified court structure, with several levels of courts serving different jurisdictions:

Superior Court of New Jersey, Burlington Vicinage
49 Rancocas Road
Mount Holly, NJ 08060
609-288-9500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Burlington County Courts

The Superior Court includes several divisions:

Civil Division
49 Rancocas Road
Mount Holly, NJ 08060
609-288-9500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Criminal Division
49 Rancocas Road
Mount Holly, NJ 08060
609-288-9500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Family Division
49 Rancocas Road
Mount Holly, NJ 08060
609-288-9500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Special Civil Part
49 Rancocas Road
Mount Holly, NJ 08060
609-288-9500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Municipal Courts (23 municipal courts serving Burlington County's municipalities) Examples include:

Burlington Township Municipal Court
851 Old York Road
Burlington, NJ 08016
609-239-5850
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Mount Holly Municipal Court
23 Washington Street
Mount Holly, NJ 08060
609-845-1195
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The court hierarchy in New Jersey proceeds from Municipal Courts to Superior Court (Trial Division), to the Appellate Division of Superior Court, and finally to the New Jersey Supreme Court. Federal cases are heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, with appeals to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals and ultimately the U.S. Supreme Court.

What Types of Cases Do Burlington County Courts Hear?

Burlington County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their jurisdictional authority:

Superior Court - Civil Division:

  • Personal injury claims
  • Contract disputes
  • Property litigation
  • Professional malpractice
  • Product liability
  • Civil rights violations
  • Complex commercial litigation
  • Prerogative writ actions
  • Foreclosure proceedings
  • General equity matters

Superior Court - Criminal Division:

  • Indictable offenses (equivalent to felonies)
  • First-degree crimes (most serious offenses)
  • Second-degree crimes
  • Third-degree crimes
  • Fourth-degree crimes
  • Post-conviction relief applications
  • Expungement petitions
  • Bail and pretrial detention hearings

Superior Court - Family Division:

  • Divorce proceedings
  • Child custody and visitation
  • Child support and alimony
  • Domestic violence restraining orders
  • Juvenile delinquency
  • Child abuse and neglect (DCPP cases)
  • Adoption
  • Name changes
  • Guardianships

Superior Court - Special Civil Part:

  • Civil claims up to $15,000
  • Landlord-tenant disputes
  • Small claims (up to $3,000)
  • Property recovery actions
  • Contract disputes below jurisdictional limit

Municipal Courts:

  • Traffic violations
  • Disorderly persons offenses
  • Petty disorderly persons offenses
  • Municipal ordinance violations
  • Fish and game violations
  • Minor drug possession
  • First-time DWI offenses
  • Preliminary hearings for indictable offenses

The Burlington County court system processes thousands of cases annually across these various divisions, with the Superior Court handling more complex and serious matters while Municipal Courts address less severe offenses and violations.

How To Find a Court Docket In Burlington County

Court dockets in Burlington County provide chronological listings of all filings, proceedings, and actions in a case. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

  1. Visit the New Jersey Courts case search portal
  2. Select the appropriate case type (Civil, Criminal, Municipal)
  3. Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
  4. Review docket entries showing filings, hearings, and court actions
  5. Note that complete documents may not be viewable online

Specific Online Docket Systems:

In-Person Docket Access:

  1. Visit the appropriate court division at the Burlington County Court Facility
  2. Request docket information at the clerk's counter
  3. Provide case number or party names
  4. Review docket information on public access terminals
  5. Request copies of specific documents if needed

Burlington County Superior Court
49 Rancocas Road
Mount Holly, NJ 08060
609-288-9500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Telephone Inquiries:

  1. Contact the appropriate court division
  2. Provide case number and basic identifying information
  3. Request basic docket status information
  4. Note that detailed information may require in-person or written requests

For historical court dockets predating current electronic systems, researchers may need to contact the New Jersey State Archives, which maintains collections of historical court records including docket books, indexes, and case files from Burlington County courts.

Which Courts in Burlington County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the New Jersey judicial system, "courts of record" are those required by law to create and maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings and comprehensive case documentation. According to N.J.S.A. 2B:12-1, Municipal Courts are statutorily designated as courts of limited jurisdiction and are not courts of record in the traditional sense.

Municipal Courts in Burlington County:

  • While Municipal Courts maintain case files and basic records, they do not automatically create verbatim transcripts of all proceedings
  • Transcripts are only produced upon specific request and payment of applicable fees
  • Appeals from Municipal Courts are heard de novo (new trial) in Superior Court
  • Municipal Courts handle minor matters including traffic violations, disorderly persons offenses, and local ordinance violations

Burlington County has 23 Municipal Courts serving its various municipalities, including:

Burlington Township Municipal Court
851 Old York Road
Burlington, NJ 08016
609-239-5850

Mount Holly Municipal Court
23 Washington Street
Mount Holly, NJ 08060
609-845-1195

Evesham Township Municipal Court
984 Tuckerton Road
Marlton, NJ 08053
856-983-2925

All other courts in Burlington County, including all divisions of the Superior Court (Civil, Criminal, Family, Special Civil Part), are courts of record that maintain comprehensive documentation and verbatim transcripts of proceedings. These courts follow formal rules of evidence and procedure as established by the New Jersey Supreme Court.

Lookup Court Records in Burlington County

Find a case in the New Jersey court system

Search municipal court cases for traffic tickets and local ordinance violations

Access Burlington County court information including locations and contact details

Search criminal cases through the PROMIS/Gavel Public Access system

View historical Burlington County Clerk's Office records at the State Archives

Request copies of court records from the Superior Court Clerk's Office

Learn about the Superior Court Clerk's Office functions and services

Search New Jersey State Archives collections for historical court records

Visit the New Jersey State Archives for historical court documents

Access Prerogative Court records for historical wills and estate matters

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