Windham County Civil Records Search

Civil court records in Windham County are handled by the Windham Judicial District, which operates from three different locations across the county. You can find case files from civil lawsuits, contract disputes, and other legal matters through the statewide online lookup system or by visiting one of the courthouse locations in Putnam, Willimantic, or Danielson. All civil records are public unless sealed by court order. The online search tool is free to use and provides access to case information throughout Windham County.

Windham Judicial District Courts

The Windham Judicial District serves all of Windham County through multiple courthouse locations. Civil and family cases are handled primarily at the Putnam courthouse at 155 Church Street, Putnam, CT 06260. The Chief Clerk's Office can be reached at 860-928-7749. This court is the main location for filing new civil cases and accessing records in Windham County.

A second courthouse operates in Willimantic at 108 Valley Street, Willimantic, CT 06226. This location also handles court business for the district. The town of Windham merged with the city of Willimantic in 1983, so both names refer to the same place. The county seat is technically Willimantic.

The Danielson courthouse is at 120 School Street, Danielson, CT 06239. This site functions as Geographical Area No. 11 court. The clerk's office there can be reached at 860-779-8480. All three locations are part of the same judicial district and share case information across Windham County.

The district serves these towns: Ashford, Brooklyn, Canterbury, Chaplin, Eastford, Hampton, Killingly, Plainfield, Pomfret, Putnam, Scotland, Sterling, Thompson, Windham, and Woodstock. Court hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with doors opening at 8:30 a.m.

How to Search Civil Cases

Connecticut's statewide online system lets you search civil cases from Windham County. Visit the Case Look-up Portal on the Judicial Branch website. Select the civil case search option. You can look up cases by party name, case number, or attorney name.

The search returns results from all three Windham County courthouse locations. You will see the filing date, case type, and current status. Docket numbers are listed for each case. Use the docket number to request full file copies if you need them.

For older or disposed cases, contact the Superior Court Records Center directly. Send an email to SuperiorCourtRecordsCenter@jud.ct.gov with the case name and docket number. You can also call the Centralized Services Unit at 860-263-2750. Files should be ready in one or two business days. They can send small files by email at no charge.

Note: Housing case information is available online only for matters filed on or after January 1, 2017, in Windham County.

Civil Case Categories

Windham County courts hear a wide range of civil matters. Contract cases are one common type. These involve disputes over agreements, unpaid bills, or broken business deals. The court decides who owes what.

Property disputes come before the civil courts too. Land boundaries, easements, and real estate conflicts all fall in this group. Personal injury claims seek money for harm done to someone. These might stem from car wrecks, falls, or other incidents that cause injury in Windham County.

Small claims court handles cases under $5,000 in value. The limit goes up to $15,000 for home improvement contract disputes or security deposit returns in landlord-tenant cases. Small claims use simpler procedures than regular civil court. Filing fees are lower as well.

Housing session deals with evictions and landlord-tenant issues. Family court handles divorce, child custody, and support matters. Each case type follows specific rules. The court forms page has documents for each category of civil case in Connecticut.

Court Forms and Filing

Official forms for civil cases are on the Judicial Branch website. Go to jud.ct.gov/webforms to download them. Forms are sorted by type. Civil forms are in one section. Family forms are in another. All forms are free to download.

You can fill out forms on your computer before you print them. Or print blank forms and write in the information. Either way works. Some forms can be filed online through the e-filing system. This saves you a trip to the courthouse in Putnam, Willimantic, or Danielson.

E-filing is available for most civil cases. You set up an account through the Judicial Branch E-Services portal. Then you can submit documents any time, day or night. The system confirms when your filing is received. E-filing is optional, not required, but it makes the process faster in Windham County.

Obtaining Record Copies

To get copies of civil court records, start by finding the docket number. Use the online case lookup tool to find it. Once you have the docket number, you can request the file from the court.

For active cases, visit the clerk's office at the Putnam courthouse. Staff can make copies for you while you wait. The cost is $1.00 per page for court documents. Administrative records are $0.25 per page. Certified copies cost more. Bring cash or a check since not all locations take cards.

For closed or disposed cases, email your request to the Superior Court Records Center. Include the full case name and docket number. The email address is SuperiorCourtRecordsCenter@jud.ct.gov. Staff will retrieve the file and contact you. Pick up is available at any courthouse in Connecticut. Or they can email the file if it is not too large.

Some files may need proof of ID before the clerk can give you copies. This applies to certain sensitive case types. Ask the clerk if you are not sure what ID to bring to the courthouse in Windham County.

Note: Copy fees are set by Connecticut statute at CGS 1-212.

Court Service Resources

Court Service Centers help people who do not have lawyers. These centers are at most major courthouses in Connecticut. They provide access to computers, printers, and legal forms. Staff can answer basic questions about court procedures. They cannot give you legal advice or tell you what to do in your case.

Hours are typically 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. The centers are closed on legal holidays. You can use computers to research your case or fill out forms. Printers and copiers are available. Notary services are offered at no charge. Some centers have bilingual staff to help non-English speakers.

For questions about Court Service Centers, email Court.ServiceCenter@jud.ct.gov or call the manager at 203-965-5288. These resources are free to use for all Windham County residents.

Public Access to Records

Most civil court records are open to the public in Connecticut. The Freedom of Information Act governs access to these files. CGS 1-210 says public records must be available for inspection. This includes court files.

You do not need a reason to look at civil case files. Anyone can request them. Some records are sealed by court order. Juvenile cases are closed. Certain family court matters may be confidential. But most civil cases involving contracts, property, or personal injury are fully public in Windham County.

When you request records, the court has four business days to respond. If they deny your request, they must do so in writing. You can appeal a denial to the Freedom of Information Commission. The appeal must be filed within 30 days. More information is at portal.ct.gov/foi.

Finding Legal Help

Statewide Legal Services provides free legal help to low-income residents. They handle civil cases like housing disputes, family law, and consumer issues. Call to see if you qualify based on your income. The Connecticut Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. They can connect you with an attorney who practices in Windham County.

Self-help guides are on the Judicial Branch website. These explain how to file common types of civil cases. You can read about what forms to use and what steps to follow. The guides do not replace legal advice from a lawyer, but they give you a starting point.

Court staff can point you to resources but cannot help you with legal strategy. If you need specific advice about your case, talk to a lawyer. Many attorneys offer free or low-cost initial consultations in Windham County.

Nearby Counties

Browse civil court records in counties near Windham County: