Access New London County Civil Records

Civil court records for New London County are filed in two Superior Court locations. The New London Judicial District serves eastern towns. The Norwich Judicial District covers the western side. Both courts keep case files that include contracts, personal injury lawsuits, property claims, and other civil matters. You can search these records through Connecticut's statewide system. The online portal is free and shows current and past cases. Records go back many years and get updated each business day.

New London County Courthouses

Two judicial districts handle civil cases for this county. The New London Judicial District is at 70 Huntington Street, New London, CT 06320. The Chief Clerk's Office can be reached at 860-443-5363. Note that the Huntington Street entrance is closed. You must use the rear entrance off of Cottage Street to enter this courthouse. This location serves twenty towns in the county.

Towns served by New London JD include Bozrah, Colchester, East Lyme, Franklin, Griswold, Groton, Lebanon, Ledyard, Lisbon, Lyme, Montville, New London, North Stonington, Norwich, Old Lyme, Preston, Salem, Sprague, Stonington, Voluntown, and Waterford. The court also has a Geographical Area office at 112 Broad Street, New London, CT 06320. That phone number is 860-443-8343.

The Norwich Judicial District sits at 1 Courthouse Square, Norwich, CT 06360. The Chief Clerk's Office number is 860-887-3515. This facility handles cases from towns in its service area. A Geographical Area court operates at the same address. Both districts use the online system at civilinquiry.jud.ct.gov for case searches. Court hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. every business day.

All clerk offices maintain the same schedule. They open at nine and close at five. Legal holidays affect these hours. Call ahead if you plan to visit on a day near a holiday. Staff at both locations can help you find case files and request copies of court documents in New London County.

How to Look Up Cases

Connecticut provides a central database for civil case lookup. Visit the Case Look-up Portal to start. Choose the civil case option. You can search by last name, first name, or business name. The system also accepts docket numbers. Results show which court has the file and what the current status is.

Each entry shows basic facts about the case. You will see the filing date and case type. Party names appear in the results. Attorney info may be listed too. This data comes from court clerks who enter it into the system. Updates happen regularly but there may be a short delay between court action and online posting.

If the case you need is disposed, contact the Superior Court Records Center. Send an email to SuperiorCourtRecordsCenter@jud.ct.gov with the case name and docket number. You can also call 860-263-2750 during business hours. Files are pulled within one to two days. Small files can be emailed at no charge. Larger files need to be picked up at a courthouse in New London County or at the central unit in Hartford.

Types of Civil Cases Filed

New London County courts hear contract cases. These involve broken agreements. A business might sue for unpaid bills. A contractor might file over disputed work. Tort cases are also common. These cover personal injury from car accidents, falls, or other harm. Medical malpractice claims are a type of tort case.

Property disputes get filed when neighbors disagree over land lines or easements. Some cases involve zoning or land use. Real estate transactions can lead to civil suits if deals go bad. Foreclosures are civil cases that start when a mortgage goes unpaid. Landlord-tenant matters are heard in housing court, which is part of the civil system.

Small claims court takes cases under five thousand dollars. Filing costs less than regular civil court. Home improvement contract disputes can go up to fifteen thousand in small claims. The process is simpler and faster. Many people represent themselves in small claims. Family court handles divorce and custody matters, which are also civil in nature.

Connecticut law says most court records are public. CGS 1-210 covers access to public documents. This statute applies to civil case files unless a judge seals the record. Sealed cases are rare. They happen when privacy concerns outweigh public interest. Most filings are open to anyone who wants to see them.

Filing Documents in Court

All court forms are on the Judicial Branch site. Go to jud.ct.gov/webforms and pick the civil category. Forms are in PDF format. Some can be filled out on your computer before you print them. Others must be printed blank and filled by hand. There is no cost to download forms.

E-filing is available for most civil cases in New London County. Create an account through the E-Services portal. Once approved, you can file documents online at any time. This saves trips to the courthouse. Fees are paid by credit card through the e-filing system. Confirmations arrive by email after you submit a filing.

Filing fees vary based on case type. Most civil cases require a fee of several hundred dollars when you file the initial paperwork. Small claims fees are lower. If you have low income, you can apply for a fee waiver. The court reviews your application and decides if you qualify. Proof of income is required in New London County.

Obtaining Record Copies

You can get copies of court documents in person or by request. For active cases, visit the clerk's office at the courthouse where the case is filed. Staff will locate the file and make copies. Court records cost $1.00 per page. Administrative documents are $0.25 per page. Certified copies cost more than plain copies.

To request copies by mail or email, contact the Superior Court Records Center. Include the full case name and docket number in your request. The unit retrieves the file from storage. They will email it to you if it is small enough. Otherwise, you must pick it up in person. Processing usually takes one or two business days in New London County.

Some case files may require identification before the clerk releases them. This protects sensitive information. Bring a valid ID if you are picking up records in person. For more details, visit the How to Obtain Court Records page on the Judicial Branch website.

Help for Self-Represented Parties

Court Service Centers assist people who do not have lawyers. These centers are in major courthouses across the state. While New London and Norwich may not have dedicated centers, you can contact the statewide Court Service Center system at Court.ServiceCenter@jud.ct.gov or call the manager at 203-965-5288. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays.

Centers provide access to computers and printers. You can use the internet to look up legal information. Court forms are available in print and online. Staff can explain court procedures but cannot give legal advice. If you need a notary, staff can notarize documents at no charge. Some locations have bilingual staff available to help non-English speakers.

These services are free. No appointment is needed. Just visit during regular hours. If you have questions about filing a case or responding to one, a Court Service Center is a good resource. They can point you to the right forms and explain the steps you need to take in New London County.

Legal Help and Resources

Statewide Legal Services offers free legal help to qualifying residents. They handle civil cases involving housing, family law, and consumer issues. Income limits apply. Call to see if you qualify for their services. The Connecticut Bar Association runs a lawyer referral program that connects you with local attorneys who handle civil cases.

Law libraries at courthouses are open to the public. You can research Connecticut statutes and case law there. Court staff can show you where materials are located but cannot interpret the law for you. Self-help guides on the Judicial Branch website explain common civil procedures. These are written in plain language to help people who represent themselves.

For specific legal advice, you need to consult a lawyer. Most attorneys offer initial consultations for a low fee or no charge. This lets you discuss your case and decide if you need to hire someone. Legal aid organizations serve low-income residents. Private attorneys handle cases for paying clients in New London County.

Cities in New London County

Several cities in New London County exceed the population threshold for detailed coverage. Click below to find courthouse information and civil case resources for each city.

Nearby Counties

Browse civil court records in counties near New London County: