Court records in Burlington County, New Jersey can be searched through several channels. BurlingtonCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also access records through the New Jersey Judiciary's online portals, the Burlington County Superior Court clerk's office, and public access terminals located inside the courthouse. The method you use will depend on the case type and whether the record is still active or has been closed and archived.
Burlington Court System & Jurisdictions
New Jersey uses a unified court system, so Burlington County does not have separate district or magistrate courts the way some other states do. All trial-level matters flow through the Superior Court of New Jersey — Burlington Vicinage, which is organized into three divisions:
- Civil Division — handles lawsuits, contract disputes, landlord-tenant matters, foreclosures, and small claims (called "Special Civil Part" in New Jersey). Small claims cases involve disputes up to $3,000; Special Civil Part cases cover amounts up to $20,000.
- Criminal Division — handles indictable offenses (felony-level crimes), as well as certain appeals from municipal courts.
- Family Division — covers divorce, custody, child support, domestic violence restraining orders, juvenile delinquency, adoption, and guardianship matters.
In addition, each municipality within Burlington County operates its own Municipal Court. These courts handle:
- Traffic and parking violations
- Disorderly persons offenses (misdemeanor-level)
- Petty disorderly persons offenses
- Municipal ordinance violations
Probate matters — including wills, estates, and incapacitated-person guardianships — are handled by the Burlington County Surrogate's Office, not the Superior Court. Historical probate records may also be available through the New Jersey State Archives.
Burlington Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find scheduled hearings for today, tomorrow, or later in the week, you have several options depending on the case type:
- Superior Court cases (civil, criminal, family): Contact the Burlington County Superior Court directly at 609-288-9500. Court calendars for specific divisions are typically posted at the courthouse and may be available by calling the appropriate division clerk.
- Criminal case lookups: Use the PROMIS/Gavel Public Access system to search criminal case information, including scheduled court dates for indictable offenses.
- Municipal Court cases: Use the Municipal Court Case Search to look up ticket or complaint information. For specific hearing dates, contact the municipal court in the town where the case was filed.
Court calendars can change on short notice. If you have an upcoming appearance, confirm the date and time with the clerk's office the business day before.
How to Get a Copy of a Burlington Court Document
The process for obtaining court documents depends on whether the case is open or closed, and whether you need a plain copy or a certified copy.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Plain (uncertified) copy: A standard photocopy of a court document. Useful for personal reference.
- Certified copy: A plain copy with an official stamp and the Superior Court Clerk or Deputy Clerk's signature. Required for most legal proceedings, government filings, and official use.
How to Request Records
- Online/By mail: Complete the Records Request Form and submit it to the Superior Court Clerk's Office. Specify the county (Burlington), case type, docket number if known, and party names. Mail the form with the applicable fee to the Records Center.
- In person: Visit the Burlington County Court Facility in Mount Holly. Bring as much identifying information as possible — party names, case number, and approximate filing date.
Restricted Records
Not all records are publicly available. The following are generally restricted:
- Juvenile delinquency records
- Sealed or expunged criminal records
- Certain Family Division records (adoption, child abuse/neglect)
- Divorce and name-change records — available only to the parties involved and their attorneys of record at the time of filing
For divorce decrees, certified copies are available through the Superior Court Records Center, not the NJ Office of Vital Statistics.
Historical and Archived Records
Older Burlington County court records, including historical case files and proceedings, may be held by the Burlington County Clerk's Office collection at the New Jersey State Archives.
Burlington Court Records Fees & Payment
The New Jersey Judiciary sets fees for court record copies and certifications statewide. The following schedule reflects standard fees established under New Jersey court administrative directives:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.75 |
| Certification (per document) | $15.00 |
| Exemplified copy (per document) | $25.00 |
| Record search (per name/case) | $15.00 |
Payment methods: Check or money order made payable to the "Treasurer, State of New Jersey" is typically accepted for mail requests. In-person payments may also be accepted by cash or credit card at the courthouse, though accepted methods can vary — confirm with the clerk before visiting.
When submitting a mail request, include the completed records request form, the applicable fee, and a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want documents mailed back. Processing times vary based on the age and complexity of the case file.