Access Manchester Civil Records
Civil court records for Manchester are managed at the Hartford Judicial District Superior Court. Manchester has a population of nearly 60,000 and is in Hartford County. The town uses the state court system for all civil filings. You can search cases online through the state database or visit the Hartford courthouse to view complete files and get certified copies of court documents.
Manchester Quick Facts
Where to File Civil Cases
Manchester residents file civil cases at the Hartford Judicial District Superior Court. The main courthouse is on Washington Street in Hartford. This location handles civil, family, criminal, and motor vehicle cases for Manchester and other towns in the judicial district. There is also a geographical area court in Manchester on Center Street that handles criminal and motor vehicle matters, but civil cases go to Hartford.
| Court | Hartford Judicial District Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 95 Washington Street Hartford, CT 06106 |
| Chief Clerk | (860) 548-2700 |
| Court Service Center | (860) 706-5064 |
| Fax | (860) 548-2711 |
| Hours | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday |
| Website | jud.ct.gov |
The courthouse doors open at 8:30 AM. Clerk office hours start at 9:00 AM. Most services close by 5:00 PM on weekdays. The court is closed on state holidays. Parking is available near the courthouse in downtown Hartford. Public transit serves the area. Bring a valid photo ID when you visit to access civil court records in Manchester.
The Court Service Center at the Hartford courthouse helps with forms, filing procedures, and general questions about civil court records in Manchester. Staff cannot give legal advice, but they can explain court processes. Call (860) 706-5064 or email Court.ServiceCenter@jud.ct.gov for assistance.
Search Civil Records Online
Connecticut provides a free online case lookup system for civil court records. Manchester residents can use this tool to find case information without going to the courthouse. The database includes civil, family, housing, and small claims matters. You search by party name, case number, or attorney name.
The civil case lookup is at civilinquiry.jud.ct.gov. This database covers all civil cases filed in Connecticut, including Manchester cases. You do not need to pay a fee to search. Results show the parties, filing date, docket number, case status, and upcoming court dates. The system updates regularly with new filings.
If you need copies of documents, the online system does not provide full images. You can request files by email or phone after you find the docket number. The Superior Court Records Center handles disposed cases. Email them at SuperiorCourtRecordsCenter@jud.ct.gov or call (860) 263-2750. Include the case name and docket number in your request. Files are usually ready in one or two business days for civil court records in Manchester.
The Court Service Center at the Hartford courthouse can also help with searches and record requests. Their phone number is (860) 706-5064. You can ask about fees, forms, and how to get certified copies. Staff are available during regular courthouse hours to assist with civil court records in Manchester.
Filing a Civil Case in Manchester
Manchester residents file civil cases at the Hartford Superior Court. The filing fee for a standard civil case is $355. Small claims cases have a lower fee. You submit the complaint and summons to the clerk office, then pay the fee by cash, check, or money order. Some payment systems accept credit cards.
Court forms are available online at jud.ct.gov. The site has forms for civil cases, family matters, housing cases, and small claims. Download the forms, fill them out, and bring them to the courthouse or use the e-filing system. E-filing lets you submit documents online and pay the fee with a credit card.
Connecticut E-Services is the e-filing portal for civil cases. Go to jud.ct.gov to create an account and upload your forms. This saves a trip to the courthouse. E-filing is available for most civil case types in Manchester. You get email notifications when documents are filed or when the court issues orders.
After you file, you must serve the other party with the summons and complaint. Service can be done by a sheriff, a state marshal, or another authorized person. Proof of service must be filed with the court. The clerk can explain the service rules when you file your case. This step is required before the case moves forward in Manchester.
If you need help with forms or procedures, contact the Court Service Center at (860) 706-5064. They can guide you through the process of filing civil court records in Manchester. Legal aid organizations can also help if you qualify for free services based on income.
Types of Civil Cases Filed
The Hartford Superior Court handles many kinds of civil cases for Manchester residents. Civil cases are disputes between people or businesses. They do not involve criminal charges. The court resolves these disputes and issues orders to settle the matter.
Common civil case types filed in Manchester include:
- Contract disputes and breach of contract claims
- Personal injury lawsuits from car accidents or other incidents
- Property disputes and boundary issues
- Landlord and tenant matters
- Small claims for amounts up to $5,000
- Debt collection actions
- Foreclosure cases
- Business disputes
Family cases like divorce and custody are also filed at the Hartford courthouse but are handled by the family division. Housing cases have a separate session. Small claims use a simplified process with lower fees. Each type of case has different rules and forms. Check with the clerk or the Court Service Center to find out what applies to your situation in Manchester.
Small claims in Manchester allow you to sue for money damages up to $5,000. The limit is $15,000 for home improvement contract disputes. Small claims filing fees are lower than regular civil cases. The process is designed for people without lawyers. More information is at jud.ct.gov.
Note: Small claims cases filed after September 1, 2017 use a different lookup system than older cases.
Fees for Civil Court in Manchester
Filing fees in Connecticut are set by state law. Manchester residents pay the same rates as other towns. The standard civil filing fee is $355. Other actions and services have different fees. You pay when you submit your documents to the clerk.
Copy fees are $1.00 per page for court records and documents. Administrative records cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies have an extra charge. Transcript fees depend on the type of request and how fast you need the copy. Call the Hartford clerk office at (860) 548-2700 to ask about current fees for civil court records in Manchester.
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may request a fee waiver. Connecticut law allows courts to waive fees for people who qualify based on income. You file a form that explains your financial situation. The court reviews your request and decides if you can proceed without paying. Fee waiver forms are available at jud.ct.gov or from the Court Service Center in Manchester.
Legal Resources for Manchester Residents
Several organizations provide legal help to Manchester residents. Some offer free services for people with low income. Others provide referrals to private attorneys. These resources can assist with civil cases, family matters, housing issues, and other legal needs.
Connecticut Legal Services offers free legal help to people who meet income guidelines. They serve Manchester and the rest of Hartford County. Their office handles civil cases involving housing, family law, consumer issues, and public benefits. Call (860) 344-0380 to ask about services in Manchester. Their website is ctlegal.org.
Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut also provides assistance. Their toll-free number is (800) 453-3320. They can direct you to the right office or program. Spanish language services are available. For domestic violence legal help, call the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence at (888) 774-2900.
The Connecticut Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. Call (860) 223-4400 or visit ctbar.org to find an attorney in your area. The referral service can match you with a lawyer who handles civil cases. Some attorneys offer reduced rates for the first consultation.
The Court Service Center at the Hartford courthouse can help with forms, filing procedures, and general questions. Staff cannot give legal advice, but they can explain court processes. Call (860) 706-5064 or email Court.ServiceCenter@jud.ct.gov for help with civil court records in Manchester.
Public Access to Civil Records
Connecticut court records are generally open to the public under state law. Civil case files can be viewed by anyone unless a court order seals the records. You do not need to be a party to the case to request copies. This rule applies to civil court records in Manchester filed at the Hartford Superior Court.
The Connecticut Freedom of Information Act governs public access to records. Under Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 14, you have the right to inspect public records during regular business hours. You can also request copies for a fee. Court records are part of the public record system in Connecticut.
Some records are confidential by law. Juvenile cases, certain family matters, and sealed files are not available to the public. If a record is closed, the clerk will explain why you cannot access it. Most civil court records in Manchester are open and can be searched or copied without restrictions.
If you need records from a closed case, contact the Superior Court Records Center. They retrieve files from storage and make them available for review or copying. The process takes one or two business days. Email SuperiorCourtRecordsCenter@jud.ct.gov with the case name and docket number to start the request for civil court records in Manchester.
Note: Court files may include personal information such as addresses and Social Security numbers, so use caution when sharing copies.
Hartford County Civil Court Records
Manchester is in Hartford County. All civil filings for the town go through the Hartford Judicial District Superior Court. The county court handles cases for Manchester and surrounding towns. For more on the court system, filing procedures, and other resources, visit the Hartford County civil court records page.