Court records in Cattaraugus County, New York can be searched through several channels. CattaraugusCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through the New York State Courts Electronic Filing system (eCourts), the Cattaraugus County Clerk's Office, and public terminals located at the courthouse in Little Valley.
Cattaraugus Court System & Jurisdictions
The Cattaraugus County court system includes several New York State trial courts, each handling different case types. Knowing which court has jurisdiction over a matter determines where to search for docket information.
- County Court — Handles felony criminal cases and civil matters where the amount in dispute exceeds the jurisdiction of lower courts. Also hears appeals from town and village courts.
- Supreme Court — Has broad jurisdiction over civil cases, including matrimonial actions (divorce), complex commercial disputes, and cases involving higher dollar amounts. Supreme Court in New York is a trial-level court, not an appellate court.
- Family Court — Handles custody, visitation, child support, family offense (orders of protection), juvenile delinquency, persons in need of supervision (PINS), and adoption proceedings. Many Family Court records are sealed or restricted under New York law.
- Surrogate's Court — Manages probate of wills, estate administration, guardianship of the property of minors and incapacitated persons, and related matters. Surrogate's Court files and records are located at the County Center in Little Valley.
- City Court (Olean) — Handles misdemeanor criminal cases, small claims (up to $5,000), civil cases up to $15,000, landlord-tenant disputes, and traffic violations within the City of Olean.
- Town and Village Justice Courts — Cattaraugus County has numerous local justice courts that handle vehicle and traffic offenses, violations, misdemeanors, small claims, and minor civil matters within their respective municipalities.
Cattaraugus Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars for Cattaraugus County courts are managed through the New York State Unified Court System. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's scheduled hearings:
- Visit the New York State eCourts portal and search by county, court type, or case index number for Supreme and County Court civil matters.
- For criminal case calendars, contact the Cattaraugus County Court Clerk's office directly, as criminal calendars are not always published online.
- Family Court and Surrogate's Court calendars are typically available by contacting those courts' clerks. Family Court schedules may be restricted due to confidentiality rules.
- Town and village justice court schedules vary by municipality. Contact the individual justice court for hearing dates.
You can also check the Cattaraugus County courts page for contact information for each court to confirm scheduled appearances.
Cattaraugus County Courthouse
How to Get a Copy of a Cattaraugus Court Document
The process for obtaining court documents depends on whether you need a certified or uncertified copy and which court holds the record.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies bear an official court seal and clerk signature. These are typically required for legal proceedings, real estate transactions, or filings with other agencies.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions without the court seal. They are generally sufficient for personal reference or informal use.
How to Request
- In person — Visit the Cattaraugus County Clerk's Office at the courthouse in Little Valley. You will need the case name, index number, or enough identifying details for staff to locate the file.
- By mail — Send a written request to the Clerk's Office with the case details, the specific documents needed, and a check or money order for applicable fees.
- Online — The Cattaraugus County Clerk's Office has made some records available online. For Supreme and County Court civil cases, the eCourts system may provide case summaries and some documents electronically.
- FOIL request — If a record is not readily available, you can submit a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request. Cattaraugus County provides a FOIL request form that can be submitted online, by mail, or in person.
Mailing Address for Document Requests
Records That May Be Restricted
- Family Court records (sealed under NY Family Court Act)
- Youthful offender adjudications (sealed under NY Criminal Procedure Law § 720.35)
- Sealed criminal records (per CPL § 160.50 or § 160.55)
- Grand jury proceedings
- Adoption records
Cattaraugus Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court document copies and searches in New York State are set by statute and court rules. The following table reflects standard fees established under New York CPLR § 8019 and County Clerk fee schedules. Contact the Clerk's Office to confirm current amounts, as fees may be updated.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of a document (per document) | $1.25 per page (minimum $5.00 certification fee) |
| Uncertified photocopy | $0.65 per page |
| County Clerk record search (per two-year period searched) | $5.00 |
| Certification / exemplification of a document | $5.00 |
| Filing of a notice of pendency (lis pendens) | $30.00 |
| FOIL request copies | $0.25 per page (per NY Public Officers Law § 87) |
Payment Methods
- In person — Cash, check, or money order payable to "Cattaraugus County Clerk"
- By mail — Check or money order only
- Contact the Clerk's Office at 716-938-2599 to ask about any additional accepted payment methods
Commonly requested court forms and resources are available through the Cattaraugus County Clerk's website, including links to New York State court forms for Family Court and Supreme Court filings.