Hartford County Civil Records Search

Hartford County civil court records are maintained by two Superior Court judicial districts. The Hartford Judicial District and the New Britain Judicial District handle all civil case filings in the county. You can search records online through the state system or visit a courthouse to view files in person. Civil cases include contract disputes, personal injury claims, property matters, and housing cases. The online lookup tool provides free access to case info from both Hartford County judicial districts.

Superior Court Locations

Two judicial districts serve Hartford County residents. The Hartford Judicial District operates from 95 Washington Street, Hartford, CT 06106. The Chief Clerk's Office can be reached at 860-548-2700. This court serves Hartford, West Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, Bloomfield, Windsor, and many other towns. Additional locations operate at 80 Washington Street for small claims and housing matters. Family court is at 90 Washington Street.

The Hartford district includes three geographical area courts as well. G.A. 14 is at 101 Lafayette Street in Hartford. Call 860-566-1630 to reach that clerk. G.A. 12 sits at 410 Center Street in Manchester with a clerk at 860-647-1091. G.A. 13 is at 111 Phoenix Avenue in Enfield. You can call 860-741-3727 for info.

The New Britain Judicial District is at 20 Franklin Square, New Britain, CT 06051. Call the Chief Clerk's Office at 860-515-5180. This district covers New Britain, Bristol, Berlin, Southington, and several other towns in Hartford County. G.A. 15 shares the same address as the main New Britain court. G.A. 17 is in Bristol at 131 N. Main Street with a clerk's office at 860-582-8111.

All courthouses open at 9:00 a.m. Doors open half an hour earlier. Clerks work until 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. Each courthouse maintains its own case files but you can search all Hartford County records online at civilinquiry.jud.ct.gov. This system connects to both judicial districts in the county.

How to Look Up Cases

The state offers a free lookup system. Visit the Case Look-up Portal and pick civil cases. Enter a name, docket number, or attorney name. The system pulls results from Hartford and New Britain courts. You can see the filing date, case type, and current status. Court location is shown for each case.

Old cases require a different process. Email the Superior Court Records Center at SuperiorCourtRecordsCenter@jud.ct.gov. Give them the case name and docket number. Files are ready in one or two days. You can pick up copies at any Hartford County courthouse or get them by email for free. Larger files may need to be picked up. Court records cost $1.00 per page to copy.

Phone requests work too. Call the Centralized Services Unit at 860-263-2750 to ask about a disposed case. They can tell you when a file will be ready. Some records need ID before release. CGS 1-206 requires agencies to respond to record requests within four business days.

Civil Case Categories

Hartford County courts handle a wide range of civil matters. Contract cases are filed when one party claims another broke an agreement. These involve business deals, debts, and service contracts. Property disputes cover land issues, boundary lines, and real estate claims. Personal injury lawsuits seek damages for harm caused by crashes, falls, or negligence.

Housing cases go to a special housing session. Evictions and landlord-tenant fights fall under this category. Small claims handles disputes under $5,000. Home improvement contract cases can reach $15,000 in small claims court. Family matters like divorce and custody are heard in family court. Each type has specific forms and procedures in Hartford County.

Most civil court records are public under CGS 1-210. You can request copies of filings, motions, and court orders. Judges can seal files in rare cases. Personal info may be redacted from some documents. Juvenile records and certain family court files are confidential by law.

Forms and Filing Options

Official forms are free on the Judicial Branch site. Go to jud.ct.gov/webforms to find civil case forms. The page groups forms by type. You can fill them out on your computer before printing. E-filing lets you submit documents online from home. This service is available for most civil cases in Hartford County.

E-filing works day and night. You need an account to get started. Court Service Centers at Hartford and New Britain can show you how to use the system. This saves trips to the courthouse. Files go straight to the clerk when you submit them online.

Filing fees depend on case type. Most civil cases require a payment when filed. Fee waivers are available for low-income filers. You must fill out an application and provide proof of income. The court reviews each request and decides if you qualify.

Record Copy Procedures

Several ways exist to get court record copies in Hartford County. For active cases, visit the clerk's office where the case was filed. Staff make copies on request. Court records cost $1.00 per page. Administrative records are $0.25 per page under CGS 1-212. Certified copies cost more than plain copies.

For closed cases, send an email to SuperiorCourtRecordsCenter@jud.ct.gov with the case name and docket number. The staff retrieves the file from storage. Small files can be emailed at no charge. Big files must be picked up at a courthouse. The process takes one to two business days in most situations.

You can call any Hartford County clerk's office to ask about a case. Numbers are on the Courthouse Directory page. Some files need proof of ID before release. Court staff can tell you what documents are in a file over the phone if the info is on their computer screen.

Help for Self-Represented Parties

Court Service Centers in Hartford County offer help to people without lawyers. Centers are at the Hartford and New Britain courthouses. They open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. Staff answer questions about court rules and forms. They do not give legal advice.

You can use computers, printers, and copiers at these centers for free. Internet access lets you research laws and look up case info. Staff show you how to find docket sheets and case details. Notary services are available at no cost. Some centers have staff who speak multiple languages.

The Court Service Center manager can be reached at 203-965-5288. You can also email Court.ServiceCenter@jud.ct.gov with questions. These centers give self-represented parties the resources they need to file or respond to civil cases in Hartford County. Walk in during business hours to get started.

Legal Help and Resources

Free legal help is available to low-income residents through Statewide Legal Services. They handle housing, family, and consumer cases. The Connecticut Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. Call them to connect with an attorney who practices in Hartford County.

Law libraries are open to the public at Hartford and New Britain courthouses. You can research Connecticut statutes and case law there. Librarians can point you to helpful materials but cannot give legal advice. For specific guidance on your case, talk to a lawyer.

Self-help guides are on the Judicial Branch website at jud.ct.gov/publications. These explain how to file different types of civil cases. You can learn what forms you need and how procedures work. Court Service Centers also stock printed guides and info sheets in Hartford County.

Major Cities in Hartford County

Hartford County includes several large cities and towns. All use the Superior Court system for civil cases. Click a city below for local courthouse information and civil case resources.

Nearby Counties

Browse civil court records in counties near Hartford County: