Stratford Civil Court Records
Civil court records for Stratford are kept at the Bridgeport Judicial District Superior Court in Bridgeport. Stratford has a population of about 53,600 and sits in Fairfield County. The town uses the state court system for all civil filings. You can search cases online using the state database or visit the Bridgeport courthouse to view files and obtain certified copies of court documents for cases filed in Stratford.
Stratford Quick Facts
Where Stratford Residents File
Stratford residents file civil cases at the Bridgeport Judicial District Superior Court on Main Street in Bridgeport. This court serves six towns in Fairfield County including Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford, and Trumbull. The building handles civil, family, criminal, and motor vehicle cases. There is also a geographical area court on Golden Hill Street in Bridgeport that handles criminal and motor vehicle matters, but civil cases go to the Main Street location.
| Court | Bridgeport Judicial District Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 1061 Main Street Bridgeport, CT 06604 |
| Chief Clerk | (203) 579-6527 |
| Court Service Center | (203) 579-7210 |
| Law Library | (203) 579-7244 |
| Fax | (203) 382-8406 |
| 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 Bridgeport. Public transit serves the area. Bring a valid photo ID when you visit to access civil court records in Stratford.
The Court Service Center at the Bridgeport courthouse helps with forms, filing procedures, and general questions about civil court records in Stratford. Staff cannot give legal advice, but they can explain court processes. Call (203) 579-7210 for assistance. A law library is also available at the courthouse for legal research.
Search Stratford Civil Records Online
Connecticut provides a free online case lookup system for civil court records. Stratford residents can use this tool to find case information without going to the courthouse in Bridgeport. 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 Stratford 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 and dispositions.
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 Stratford.
The Court Service Center at the Bridgeport courthouse can also help with searches and record requests. Their phone number is (203) 579-7210. 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 Stratford.
Note: Information on the computer screen may be given over the phone, but other material must be viewed at the clerk office.
Filing Civil Cases in Stratford
Stratford residents file civil cases at the Bridgeport Superior Court on Main Street. 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 in Bridgeport. E-filing is available for most civil case types in Stratford. 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 Stratford.
Types of Civil Cases
The Bridgeport Superior Court handles many kinds of civil cases for Stratford 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 Stratford 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 Bridgeport 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 Stratford.
Small claims in Stratford 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.
Fees for Civil Court
Filing fees in Connecticut are set by state law. Stratford 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 Bridgeport clerk office at (203) 579-6527 to ask about current fees for civil court records in Stratford.
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 Stratford.
Legal Help for Stratford Residents
Several organizations provide legal help to Stratford 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 Stratford and the rest of Fairfield County. Their office handles civil cases involving housing, family law, consumer issues, and public benefits. Call (860) 344-0380 to ask about services in Stratford. 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 Bridgeport courthouse can help with forms, filing procedures, and general questions. Staff cannot give legal advice, but they can explain court processes. Call (203) 579-7210 or email Court.ServiceCenter@jud.ct.gov for help with civil court records in Stratford.
The law library at the Bridgeport courthouse has legal research materials and self-help resources. Call (203) 579-7244 for information about library hours and services. Library staff can help you find statutes, court rules, and other legal references for civil court records in Stratford.
Access to Court 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 Stratford filed at the Bridgeport 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 Stratford 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 Stratford.
Note: Docket sheets are open unless the proceedings are confidential, and they are available at the close of the day's court business.
Fairfield County Civil Court Records
Stratford is in Fairfield County. All civil filings for the town go through the Bridgeport Judicial District Superior Court. The county court handles cases for Stratford and surrounding towns. For more on the court system, filing procedures, and other resources, visit the Fairfield County civil court records page.