Find Simsbury Civil Court Records
Civil court records for Simsbury are maintained at the Hartford Judicial District courthouse. Simsbury is in Hartford County and has a population of around 25,000. All civil cases that involve Simsbury residents or property in Simsbury are filed at the Hartford Superior Court. You can search civil records online or visit the courthouse to view full case files and get copies of documents.
Simsbury Quick Facts
Courthouse Serving Simsbury
Simsbury residents file civil court cases at the Hartford Judicial District courthouse. The main location is at 95 Washington Street in Hartford. This courthouse handles civil cases from towns across Hartford County including Simsbury. All types of civil cases go here. That includes contract disputes, injury claims, property issues, and more. The clerk office keeps all case files and can make copies for you.
| Court | Hartford Judicial District |
|---|---|
| Address | 95 Washington Street Hartford, CT 06106 |
| Chief Clerk | (860) 548-2700 |
| Court Service Center | (860) 706-5064 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Doors open at 8:30 AM) |
| Website | jud.ct.gov |
The drive from Simsbury to the Hartford courthouse takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Hartford is about 12 miles east of Simsbury. Most people drive and park in one of the nearby garages or use street parking with meters. CT Transit buses serve downtown Hartford if you prefer public transit. The courthouse complex has several buildings, so check signs when you arrive to find the civil clerk office.
The Court Service Center at the Hartford courthouse helps people who are filing cases without a lawyer. The center has computers, printers, and staff who can answer questions about court forms and procedures. They do not give legal advice, but they can show you what forms you need and how to fill them out. The Court Service Center is free to use and open during courthouse hours.
Search for Civil Records in Simsbury
Simsbury civil court records can be searched online or at the courthouse. The Connecticut Judicial Branch has a free online case lookup tool that covers all Superior Court civil cases in the state. This includes every civil case filed in Simsbury. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney. The online system shows case info like filing dates, case type, and current status.
The online case lookup is at civilinquiry.jud.ct.gov. No fee or account is needed. Just enter a name or case number and the system returns matching records. Click on a case to see more detail like the judge, next court date, and parties. The online system does not show full documents, but it does show a list of what has been filed in each case.
When you search Simsbury civil records online, have this info ready:
- Full name of at least one party in the case
- Case number if you know it
- Year the case was filed if possible
To get copies of documents, you need to contact the clerk or visit the courthouse. The online system only shows what has been filed, not the actual documents. Call the Hartford clerk at (860) 548-2700 to ask how to get copies. Copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost more. For disposed cases, you can email a request to SuperiorCourtRecordsCenter@jud.ct.gov with the case name and docket number. Files are usually ready in one or two days.
How to File a Civil Case in Simsbury
Filing a civil case in Simsbury follows Connecticut state law. You must file at the right courthouse, which is the Hartford Judicial District for Simsbury. The filing process starts with a complaint. The complaint tells the court what happened and what you want the court to do. You pay a filing fee when you file. Then you serve the other party so they know about the case. All steps create records that go in the case file.
Start by figuring out what kind of case you have. Civil cases include breach of contract, personal injury, property damage, landlord-tenant, and collection cases. Each type may need different forms. Visit jud.ct.gov to find and download the forms you need. Fill them out before you go to the courthouse.
Next, file the complaint at the clerk office at 95 Washington Street in Hartford. The filing fee depends on your case type. Most civil cases cost $300 to $400 to file. Small claims cases cost less. Ask the clerk about the fee for your case. If you cannot pay, you can file a fee waiver form. A judge will review your income and decide if you qualify.
After filing, you must serve the defendant with a copy of the complaint and summons. Service must follow Connecticut law. You can use a sheriff, a process server, or certified mail in some cases. Proof of service gets filed with the court. The defendant has time to respond after they are served. If they do not respond, you may ask for a default judgment in your Simsbury case.
Civil cases take time. Some settle quickly. Others go to trial and take a year or more. The court sets deadlines for each step. Miss a deadline and your case could be dismissed. If you need help, contact the Court Service Center at the Hartford courthouse. They can guide you through the process for a civil case in Simsbury.
Note: Connecticut has statutes of limitations for civil claims, usually two to six years depending on the type of claim.
Access to Civil Court Records in Simsbury
Most civil court records in Simsbury are open to the public under Connecticut law. The Connecticut Freedom of Information Act requires public agencies, including courts, to allow access to records unless a law says they should be confidential. You can find this law in Chapter 14 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Under CGS 1-210, the public has the right to inspect and copy public records. For civil court records, you can view files at the courthouse or ask for copies. Copies of court records cost $1.00 per page. Administrative records cost 25 cents per page. Certified copies have an additional fee. Call the Hartford clerk at (860) 548-2700 to confirm fees and what you need to bring.
Some records are not public. Sealed files need a court order to view. Juvenile cases are confidential. Records with sensitive personal info may be redacted. Most civil cases in Simsbury are public, and you do not need to give a reason to view them.
If the clerk denies your request, they must tell you why in writing within four business days under CGS 1-206. You can appeal to the Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission within 30 days. The commission is at 165 Capitol Avenue in Hartford. Their phone is (860) 566-5682. They review appeals and can order release of records if the denial was improper.
Legal Help for Simsbury Residents
Simsbury residents can use several resources for help with civil cases. Some offer free legal aid if you meet income requirements. Others give a low-cost first meeting with a lawyer. These groups can help you understand your case, fill out forms, or find an attorney who handles civil law in Simsbury.
Connecticut Legal Services provides free legal help to people who qualify based on income. They handle housing, consumer, and public benefits cases. Not all cases are accepted, so call to ask if they can help you. The Hartford office serves Simsbury. Call (860) 344-0380 or visit ctlegal.org for info on services and eligibility.
The Connecticut Bar Association has a lawyer referral service. Call 1-800-392-5660 to be connected with a lawyer who handles your type of case. The first meeting costs $50 for 30 minutes. The lawyer will review your situation and tell you what it would cost to hire them. This is a good way to get advice without spending a lot upfront in Simsbury.
The Court Service Center at the Hartford courthouse is open to anyone filing without a lawyer. Staff can give you forms, answer questions about procedures, and point you to other resources. They cannot give legal advice, but they can help you understand the steps. Call (860) 706-5064 to reach the Court Service Center at Hartford.
Electronic Filing for Simsbury Cases
Connecticut courts allow e-filing for most civil case types. E-filing lets you submit documents online instead of going to the courthouse. You can file anytime. The Connecticut Judicial Branch runs the E-Services system for e-filing. Most Simsbury civil cases can be filed electronically.
To e-file, you need to create an account on the E-Services portal. Go to the Connecticut Judicial Branch website and find the E-Services link. You will need your name, address, and email. Once set up, you can log in and file documents. Each filing gets a confirmation number. The court receives it right away and adds it to the case file.
E-filing costs the same as paper filing. The fee is the same no matter how you file. You pay by credit card or e-check when filing online. You can also view your case status and documents online once you have an account. This makes it easy to track your Simsbury civil case without calling the clerk.
Not every case is eligible for e-filing. Small claims and housing cases may have different rules. Check with the Court Service Center if you are not sure your case can be e-filed. If you do not have internet or prefer paper, you can still file in person at the Hartford courthouse during regular hours.
Additional Resources for Simsbury
Simsbury residents have many state and local resources for civil court matters. The Connecticut Judicial Branch website at jud.ct.gov has info on court rules, forms, and procedures. You can find FAQs, videos, and guides for people representing themselves. The site is a good starting point if you are new to the civil court system in Simsbury.
The Connecticut Law Library is located in Hartford at the Supreme Court building. They have legal books, case law, and research tools. The library is open to the public. Call (860) 757-2130 or visit jud.ct.gov for hours and details. Some courthouses also have smaller law libraries available during courthouse hours.
For questions about forms or procedures, the Court Service Center is the best place to start. They have staff trained to help people filing without a lawyer. They can give you forms, explain how to fill them out, and tell you what to do next. They cannot give legal advice or tell you what to do in your case, but they can help you understand the steps in a Simsbury civil case.
Hartford County Civil Court Records
Simsbury is in Hartford County, and civil cases go through the Hartford Judicial District. The county court serves many towns in the area. For more on how the county court works, fee details, and related resources, visit the Hartford County civil court records page.