Gloucester County Public Records /Gloucester County Court Records

Gloucester County Court Records

What Is Gloucester County Court Records

Court records in Gloucester County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute a comprehensive archive of judicial activities and decisions maintained by various courts operating within Gloucester County, New Jersey. Pursuant to New Jersey Court Rule 1:38, court records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.

Court records are distinct from other public records such as:

Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
Tax records
Business licenses

The following courts in Gloucester County maintain official court records:

Superior Court (Civil, Criminal, Family, Probate Divisions)
Municipal Courts
Tax Court (for property tax appeals)

These records document proceedings across various case types including:

Civil litigation (contracts, personal injury, property disputes)
Criminal prosecutions
Family matters (divorce, custody, domestic violence)
Probate proceedings (wills, estates, guardianships)
Traffic and municipal ordinance violations

The New Jersey Judiciary maintains these records in accordance with N.J.S.A. 2B:1-4, which establishes the court system's responsibility for record creation, maintenance, and public access.

Are Court Records Public In Gloucester County

Court records in Gloucester County are generally accessible to the public under New Jersey's open courts doctrine and the Open Public Records Act (OPRA). According to N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1, the public has a right to access government records, including court records, with certain exceptions. The New Jersey Supreme Court has further defined public access to court records through Court Rule 1:38, which establishes that court records shall be available for public inspection and copying except for specific excluded categories.

The following court records are typically available to the public:

Civil case files (with limited exceptions)
Criminal case files (post-charging)
Judgments and orders
Docket sheets
Hearing schedules
Court calendars

However, certain records are restricted from public access, including:

Family court records involving juveniles
Sealed records pursuant to court order
Records containing confidential personal identifiers
Grand jury proceedings
Certain domestic violence records

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey are governed by federal access rules, which differ from state court access provisions. The New Jersey Judiciary's Records Management Services oversees the implementation of record access policies in accordance with the New Jersey Supreme Court's directives.

How To Find Court Records in Gloucester County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Gloucester County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The New Jersey Judiciary provides multiple pathways for record retrieval, depending on the type of record sought and its age.

For in-person requests:

Identify the appropriate court division that maintains the desired records
Visit the court clerk's office during regular business hours
Complete a records request form, providing case number, party names, and filing dates if known
Present valid photo identification
Pay applicable search and copy fees

For Superior Court records, visit:

Gloucester County Superior Court
1 North Broad Street
Woodbury, NJ 08096
856-686-7500
New Jersey Courts

For online requests:

Access the New Jersey Judiciary's electronic records portal
Register for an account if required
Select the appropriate search option (case type, court division)
Enter known case information (names, dates, case numbers)
Review search results and select desired records
Pay applicable fees for copies if required

For written requests:

Prepare a written request specifying the records sought
Include contact information and preferred delivery method
Mail the request to the appropriate court clerk's office
Include payment for applicable fees

For certified copies or records requiring authentication:

Submit a specific request for certified copies
Pay the enhanced certification fee
For international use, request an apostille through the Superior Court Clerk's Office

How To Look Up Court Records in Gloucester County Online?

The New Jersey Judiciary provides comprehensive online access to court records through several digital portals. These systems allow users to search and retrieve various court documents without visiting physical court locations.

The primary online resources include:

New Jersey Courts Public Access System
- Access via the Find a Case portal
- Search for civil, criminal, and family cases
- View case summaries, docket entries, and scheduled events
- Search by party name, case number, or business name
- Create an account to save searches and receive notifications
ACMS Public Access
- Access criminal case information
- Search by defendant name or case number
- View case status, charges, and upcoming court dates
- Note: detailed criminal case documents require in-person requests
Municipal Court Case Search
- Search for traffic tickets, local ordinance violations, and minor criminal matters
- Requires ticket number or defendant information
- View case status and payment options
Judgment Search
- Search for civil judgments filed in Gloucester County
- Results include judgment amount, parties, and filing date
- Available through the County Clerk's Office portal

To conduct an online search:

Select the appropriate portal based on case type
Enter required search criteria (names, dates, case numbers)
Review search results for matching records
Note that some documents may only be summarized online, with full documents requiring additional requests
Follow on-screen instructions for requesting copies of available documents

How To Search Gloucester County Court Records for Free?

New Jersey law provides for free public inspection of most court records, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5, the public has the right to inspect records without charge, while reasonable fees may be assessed for reproduction.

Free access options include:

In-Person Inspection
- Visit the appropriate courthouse during business hours
- Request to view specific case files at public terminals
- No fee for viewing records on-site
- Bring case information to expedite the search process

Gloucester County Superior Court
1 North Broad Street
Woodbury, NJ 08096
856-686-7500
New Jersey Courts

Online Case Information
- Basic case information is available without charge through the New Jersey Courts website
- Free access includes case summaries, party information, and scheduling data
- Document images may require fees or in-person requests
Public Access Terminals
- Computer terminals at courthouses provide free access to electronic records
- Available during regular business hours
- May offer more comprehensive access than remote online searches
Law Libraries
- The Gloucester County Law Library provides free access to legal research tools
- Located within the courthouse complex
- Includes access to case law databases and court rules

While inspection is free, the following services typically incur fees:

Printed copies (per page charges)
Certified copies
Record searches requiring staff assistance
Expedited processing
Electronic delivery of document images

What's Included in a Gloucester County Court Record?

Court records in Gloucester County contain various documents depending on the case type and stage of proceedings. These records provide a comprehensive account of the judicial process from initiation through resolution.

Civil case records typically include:

Complaint and answer
Summons and proof of service
Motions and supporting briefs
Discovery-related documents (in some cases)
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Transcripts of proceedings
Orders and judgments
Settlement agreements (if not sealed)
Appeals documentation

Criminal case records generally contain:

Indictment or accusation
Bail and detention documents
Motions and briefs
Evidence inventory lists
Plea agreements
Sentencing documents
Probation reports (with redactions)
Appeal filings

Family court records may include:

Divorce complaints and responses
Child custody and support orders
Domestic violence complaints and restraining orders
Financial disclosure statements (often restricted)
Parenting time schedules
Adoption records (typically sealed)

Probate records typically contain:

Wills and codicils
Letters testamentary or administration
Inventories of estate assets
Claims against estates
Guardian appointments
Conservatorship documents

Each court record also includes a docket sheet, which serves as an index of all filings and proceedings in chronological order. This document provides case numbers, filing dates, party names, attorney information, and a brief description of each document or court event.

How Long Does Gloucester County Keep Court Records?

Gloucester County courts maintain records according to the New Jersey Judiciary's records retention schedule, which is established pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2B:34-1. This comprehensive schedule specifies retention periods based on case type, disposition, and historical significance.

Key retention periods include:

Criminal Records

Indictable offenses (felonies): Permanent retention
Dismissed indictable charges: 3 years after dismissal
Non-indictable offenses (misdemeanors): 15 years after disposition
Municipal court records: 15 years for most violations

Civil Records

General civil litigation: 15 years after disposition
Small claims: 7 years after disposition
Landlord-tenant: 7 years after disposition
Civil judgments: 20 years (renewable)
Special Civil Part: 7 years after disposition

Family Records

Divorce decrees: Permanent retention
Child custody orders: Until child reaches age 23
Domestic violence: 10 years after expiration of final restraining order
Juvenile delinquency: Until age 23, then expunged if eligible

Probate Records

Wills: Permanent retention
Estate administration: 15 years after closing
Guardianships: 10 years after termination

Records of historical significance may be transferred to the New Jersey State Archives for permanent preservation rather than destruction. Additionally, certain records may be microfilmed or digitized for long-term storage while original paper documents are destroyed according to schedule.

The retention schedule is periodically reviewed and updated by the Administrative Office of the Courts. Individuals seeking older records should inquire whether they have been transferred to archival storage or destroyed in accordance with retention policies.

Types of Courts In Gloucester County

Gloucester County's court system operates as part of New Jersey's unified judiciary, with several court types serving different jurisdictional functions. Each court handles specific case types according to state law.

Gloucester County Superior Court
1 North Broad Street
Woodbury, NJ 08096
856-686-7500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
New Jersey Courts

The Superior Court includes several divisions:

Civil Division (personal injury, contract disputes, property matters)
Criminal Division (indictable offenses, felonies)
Family Division (divorce, custody, domestic violence, juvenile matters)
Probate Division (wills, estates, guardianships)
Special Civil Part (small claims, landlord-tenant, civil matters under $15,000)

Gloucester County Municipal Courts
Each municipality operates its own court:

Woodbury Municipal Court
33 Delaware Street
Woodbury, NJ 08096
856-845-1300 ext. 129
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Woodbury Municipal Court

Deptford Township Municipal Court
1011 Cooper Street
Deptford, NJ 08096
856-845-5300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Deptford Township Municipal Court

The court hierarchy in New Jersey proceeds as follows:

Municipal Courts (lowest level)
Superior Court (trial level)
Appellate Division of Superior Court
New Jersey Supreme Court (highest state court)

Federal cases involving Gloucester County residents are heard in:

U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey
Mitchell H. Cohen Building & U.S. Courthouse
4th & Cooper Streets
Camden, NJ 08101
856-757-5021
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
U.S. District Court, District of NJ

What Types of Cases Do Gloucester County Courts Hear?

Gloucester County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their jurisdictional authority as established by New Jersey law. Each court type is designated to handle specific categories of cases.

Superior Court - Civil Division

Personal injury claims
Contract disputes
Property litigation
Professional malpractice
Civil rights violations
Complex commercial litigation
Consumer fraud cases
Construction disputes
Insurance claims
Civil appeals from Municipal Courts

Superior Court - Criminal Division

Indictable offenses (equivalent to felonies)
First, second, third, and fourth-degree crimes
Drug trafficking cases
Violent crimes
White-collar crimes
Weapons offenses
Criminal appeals from Municipal Courts
Post-conviction relief applications

Superior Court - Family Division

Divorce proceedings
Child custody and support
Alimony determinations
Domestic violence restraining orders
Juvenile delinquency
Child abuse and neglect
Adoption
Termination of parental rights
Family crisis interventions
Paternity cases

Superior Court - Probate Division

Will contests
Estate administration
Guardianships for incapacitated adults
Conservatorships
Trust administration disputes
Elder abuse cases
Probate litigation

Municipal Courts

Traffic violations
Driving while intoxicated (DWI/DUI)
Disorderly persons offenses (misdemeanors)
Local ordinance violations
Minor drug possession
Simple assault
Shoplifting under $200
Bad checks under $200
Health code violations
Parking tickets

Tax Court (Special Part of Superior Court)

Property tax appeals
State tax disputes
Local tax assessments

Cases that exceed the jurisdiction of New Jersey state courts, such as federal crimes, bankruptcy, patent disputes, and certain interstate matters, are heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.

How To Find a Court Docket In Gloucester County

Court dockets in Gloucester County provide chronological listings of all filings, appearances, and judicial actions in a case. These essential records help track case progress and identify scheduled proceedings. Several methods exist for accessing docket information.

For online docket searches:

Visit the New Jersey Courts case search portal
Select the appropriate case type (Civil, Criminal, Family, Municipal)
Enter search criteria (case number, party name, business name)
Review results for matching cases
Select a case to view docket entries
Note that some docket information may be limited for confidential or restricted cases

For in-person docket searches:

Visit the appropriate court clerk's office
Request docket information for specific cases
Provide case number or party names
Review docket sheets at public terminals or request printed copies
Pay applicable fees for printed docket sheets

Gloucester County Superior Court
1 North Broad Street
Woodbury, NJ 08096
856-686-7500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
New Jersey Courts

For upcoming court calendars:

Access the New Jersey Courts website
Navigate to the court calendar section
Select Gloucester County and the appropriate court division
View scheduled hearings by date, judge, or case type
Note that calendars are typically published one week in advance

For case notifications:

Register for the Judiciary Electronic Filing and Information System (JEFIS)
Subscribe to notifications for specific cases
Receive email alerts when new docket entries are added
Monitor case status and upcoming events

Attorneys registered with the court's electronic filing system have enhanced access to docket information through secure portals. Self-represented litigants can request similar access through the appropriate court division.

Which Courts in Gloucester County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the New Jersey judicial system, courts not of record are tribunals where proceedings are not transcribed verbatim and where formal records of testimony are not maintained. According to N.J.S.A. 2B:12-1, Municipal Courts are classified as courts not of record, though they do maintain case files and disposition information.

The following courts in Gloucester County are not courts of record:

Municipal Courts

All 24 municipal courts within Gloucester County townships and boroughs
Joint municipal courts serving multiple municipalities

In these courts:

Proceedings are typically audio-recorded rather than transcribed by court reporters
Verbatim transcripts are only created upon specific request and payment of fees
Appeals from these courts are heard de novo (new trial) in Superior Court
The official record consists primarily of complaint forms, disposition sheets, and judgment orders
Evidence is not preserved as part of an official record unless specifically ordered

By contrast, courts of record in Gloucester County include:

Superior Court (all divisions)
Tax Court
Appellate Division
New Jersey Supreme Court

These courts maintain comprehensive records including:

Verbatim transcripts of proceedings
Evidence logs and exhibits
Detailed findings of fact and conclusions of law
Complete documentation of all motions and rulings

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is significant for appeal purposes. When appealing from a court not of record, the Superior Court conducts a new hearing rather than reviewing a transcript of the original proceeding.