Wayne County Court Records Search
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Wayne County is situated in the Finger Lakes region of western New York, with its county seat in the Village of Lyons. The county belongs to the 7th Judicial District and operates a Supreme Court, a County Court, a Family Court, a Surrogate’s Court, and more than a dozen Town and Village Courts. The Wayne County Clerk serves as the filing officer for Supreme and County Court matters and maintains land records, judgments, and various other public documents. Court-specific clerks handle filings for Family Court and Surrogate’s Court proceedings independently.
For those seeking New York court records, several official channels are available. Clerk offices at the county courthouse accept walk-in and mail requests during business hours, and public-access terminals in those offices allow on-site docket reviews. The state judiciary operates multiple online search tools — including WebCivil Supreme, the eCourts portal, and the NYSCEF case search — that cover e-filed Supreme Court documents statewide. NewYorkCourts.us may also help locate publicly available court case information for Wayne County and other New York jurisdictions.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Wayne County?
Wayne County court cases can be located online, in person, or by mail. The approach depends on the court that handled the matter and the type of record needed.
Online Search Tools
- Wayne County Clerk Records Search — The County Clerk maintains a digital records search portal covering deeds (1981–present), mortgages (1983–present), judgments (1984–present), maps (1899–present), UCCs, DBAs (1983–present), and corporations (1988–present). Indexes not available online can be reviewed in hard-copy format at the Clerk’s office.
- WebCivil Supreme — The state’s WebCivil Supreme system provides free access to civil case information filed in Supreme Court across all 62 counties, searchable by index number, party name, or attorney.
- NYSCEF — For cases that are electronically filed, the NYSCEF case search allows the public to view documents without an e-filing account.
- Criminal History Record Search (CHRS) — The Office of Court Administration provides a statewide criminal history search for $95.00 per name, available through its online Direct Access program or by mailing a completed application.
In-Person Requests
Walk-in requests are accepted at both the County Clerk’s office and the courthouse during regular hours.
Wayne County Clerk’s Office
Address: 9 Pearl Street, Lyons, NY 14489
Mailing: P.O. Box 608, Lyons, NY 14489
Phone: (315) 946-7470
Fax: (315) 946-5978
Email: waynecountyclerk@waynecountyny.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (phone hours 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM; recordings accepted until 4:30 PM)
Wayne County Courthouse (Supreme, County, Family, and Surrogate’s Courts)
Address: 54 Broad Street, Lyons, NY 14489
Mail Requests
Written requests should be addressed to the appropriate clerk’s office. Include the full names of the parties, the case or index number (if known), a description of the documents needed, and a check or money order payable to the “Wayne County Clerk” covering applicable fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery.
Key Fees — Wayne County Clerk
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Search and certify each name (court records) — CPLR 8020(g) | $5.00 |
| Search and certify each name (non-court records) — CPLR 8021(d) | $5.00 |
| Photocopy per page — CPLR 8019(f)(1) | $0.65 (minimum $1.30) |
| Certify a prepared copy per page — CPLR 8019(f)(2) | $0.65 (minimum $5.20) |
| Prepare and certify per page — CPLR 8019(f)(3) | $1.25 (minimum $5.00) |
| Maximum copy fee per record — CPLR 8019(f) | $30.00 |
| Exemplified copy (exclusive of certification) — CPLR 8020(f)(2) | $10.00 |
Are Court Records Public in Wayne County?
New York’s Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Public Officers Law §§ 84–90, establishes the general right of the public to inspect and copy government records, including those maintained by courts. In addition, Judiciary Law § 255 requires court clerks to search files and provide copies upon request and payment of the applicable fees.
Most civil, criminal, and probate case filings in Wayne County are accessible to the public. Court dockets, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, and similar documents can be inspected at the relevant clerk’s office or searched through the online tools described above.
Certain categories of records are restricted or confidential under state law:
- Sealed criminal records — When a criminal action terminates in favor of the accused, the record is sealed under CPL § 160.50. Records sealed under CPL § 160.59 (covering eligible individuals with limited conviction histories) are likewise not disclosed.
- Youthful offender adjudications — Sealed under CPL § 720.35 and not reported in CHRS results.
- Grand jury proceedings — Secret under CPL § 190.25.
- Family Court records — Largely confidential under Family Court Act §§ 166 and 375.1; access is limited to parties, attorneys of record, court-appointed advocates, and authorized agencies.
- Adoption records — Sealed upon finalization under Domestic Relations Law § 114.
- Mental health proceedings — Restricted under Mental Hygiene Law Article 9.
- Surrogate’s Court sealed materials — Adoption files, certain guardianship documents, death certificates on file, tax returns, documents containing Social Security numbers, and firearms inventories may be restricted from public view under court rules.
Any person denied access to records may appeal under FOIL procedures or bring an Article 78 proceeding.
Wayne County Criminal Court Records
Criminal prosecutions in Wayne County are divided between the County Court (felonies) and the various Town and Village Courts (misdemeanors, violations, and vehicle-and-traffic offenses). The Supreme Court exercises appellate jurisdiction over lower-court criminal matters and handles certain indictable offenses.
County Court
Address: 54 Broad Street, Lyons, NY 14489
Phone: (315) 665-8117
Fax: (315) 665-8111
Email: WayneSC@NYCourts.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The County Clerk’s office maintains criminal case files for County and Supreme Court proceedings. The felony name index for Wayne County is not a public index — searches must be requested and paid for at the rate of $5.00 per name for each two-year period covered (e.g., a seven-year search costs $20.00 per name).
Statewide Criminal History Search
The OCA Criminal History Record Search covers open, pending, and conviction records from all 62 counties. The search is based on an exact match of name and date of birth. The fee is $95.00 per search, payable by check or money order (made to “NYS Office of Court Administration”) for mail-in applications, or by credit card for online Direct Access submissions. Mail applications should be sent to NYS Office of Court Administration, Criminal History Record Search Unit, 25 Beaver Street, Room 940, New York, NY 10004. Results are typically returned the next business day.
Limitations of the CHRS report include the exclusion of Family Court and federal court data, non-criminal offenses (violations, infractions), sealed records, youthful-offender cases, convictions covered by the Misdemeanor Redemption Policy (single misdemeanor older than ten years), and limited Town/Village Court disposition data for 1991–2007.
Sheriff’s Office
The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and an online inmate search.
Wayne County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 7376 Route 31, Suite 1000, Lyons, NY 14489
Phone: (315) 946-9711
Fax: (315) 946-5811
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fingerprint-based criminal history checks through the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) are handled separately and require submission of an FD-258 fingerprint card with the appropriate agency fee.
Wayne County Civil Court Records
Civil matters in Wayne County — including contract disputes, personal injury litigation, commercial cases, mortgage foreclosures, and equity actions — are heard by the Supreme Court. The County Court also has concurrent civil jurisdiction over cases within its statutory monetary limits. Small-claims matters and landlord-tenant disputes are handled by the Town and Village Courts.
Searching Civil Records
Civil Supreme Court cases can be searched at no cost on WebCivil Supreme by selecting Wayne County / 7th Judicial District. The search returns party names, index numbers, case types, filing dates, and assigned judges. Documents in electronically filed cases are viewable through NYSCEF.
The County Clerk’s online records search covers judgments (1984–present), which is useful for locating civil judgment filings, satisfaction records, and transcripts of judgment from other courts.
Filing Fees — Civil and Matrimonial Actions
| Action | Fee |
|---|---|
| Index number (new action or proceeding) — CPLR 8018(a)(2) | $210.00 |
| Index number (foreclosure proceeding) | $400.00 |
| Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI) | $95.00 |
| Note of Issue (with RJI) | $30.00 |
| Note of Issue (without RJI, with Demand) | $125.00 |
| Demand for Jury Trial — CPLR 8020©(2) | $65.00 |
| Motion or Cross-Motion | $45.00 |
| Notice of Appeal to Appellate Division — CPLR 8022(a) | $65.00 |
| Stipulation of Settlement or Voluntary Discontinuance | $35.00 |
In-person copy and certification fees follow the standard schedule listed in the fee table above. For civil filings requiring service, the County Clerk’s office can provide guidance on the appropriate filing cover sheets and procedures.
Town and Village Courts
Wayne County has numerous Town and Village Courts that handle small claims, traffic offenses, and minor civil matters. Several of the most frequently used courts include:
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Arcadia Town Court | 100 East Miller St., Newark, NY 14513 | (315) 331-7666 |
| Ontario Town Court | 1846 Ridge Rd., P.O. Box 580, Ontario, NY 14519 | (315) 524-6511 ext. 7 |
| Palmyra Town Court | 144 East Main St., Palmyra, NY 14522 | (315) 597-6757 |
| Sodus Town Court | 14-16 Mill St., Sodus, NY 14551 | (315) 483-6807 |
| Macedon Town Court | 32 Main St., Macedon, NY 14502 | (315) 986-5932 ext. 208 |
| Williamson Town Court | 6380 Route 21, Suite 2, Williamson, NY 14589 | (315) 589-8250 |
Records from Town and Village Courts are maintained by the individual court clerks. Requests should be directed to the court where the case was filed.
Wayne County Family Court Records
The Wayne County Family Court exercises exclusive original jurisdiction over family-related proceedings, including child custody, child support, visitation, paternity, adoption, guardianship, foster care, juvenile delinquency, persons in need of supervision (PINS), family offense (domestic violence) petitions, and child abuse and neglect cases.
Wayne County Family Court
Address: 54 Broad Street, Lyons, NY 14489
Phone: (315) 665-8115
Fax: (315) 665-8106
Email: waynefamilycourt@nycourts.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Family Court records carry heightened confidentiality protections. Under Family Court Act § 166, the records of proceedings are not open to indiscriminate public inspection. Access is generally limited to the parties named in the case, their attorneys, law guardians, court-appointed special advocates, and authorized government agencies. Individuals seeking copies of Family Court orders or filings must present valid identification and, in many situations, demonstrate their standing as a party or authorized representative.
Certain limited Family Court case information may appear on the state’s eCourts system (WebFamily), but access to documents and detailed docket entries remains restricted.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses and certificates in Wayne County are issued and maintained by the Town Clerk in the municipality where the license was obtained. The County Clerk’s office holds historical marriage records from 1908 through 1934, with certified copies available for $5.00 under CPLR 8021©(8). For current-year and recent licenses, contact the appropriate Town Clerk directly. A Town Clerk contact list is published by the county with phone numbers for all fifteen municipalities.
New York State did not require vital statistics registration before 1881. For records outside Wayne County’s holdings, contact the NYS Department of Health Vital Records section toll-free at (855) 322-1022.
Divorce Records
Divorce decrees and related court filings are maintained by the County Clerk as part of the Supreme Court record. A Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage is available for $5.00 under CPLR 8021(b)(1). Separation agreements or memoranda are filed at $5.00 under Domestic Relations Law § 235 and CPLR 8021(b)(1). Copies of the full divorce file can be obtained at the standard per-page copy rates.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates are maintained by the Town Clerks throughout Wayne County and by the Wayne County Public Health Department.
Wayne County Public Health
Address: 1519 Nye Road, Suite 200, Lyons, NY 14489
Phone: (315) 946-5749
Fax: (315) 946-5762
Requesters should contact the Town Clerk where the birth or death occurred for locally held records, or the NYS Department of Health for statewide searches. Eligibility to obtain certified birth certificates is restricted to the person named on the certificate (if 18 or older), parents, legal guardians, spouses, and certain other family members or authorized individuals. Proof of identity and relationship is required.
Wayne County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Wayne County — including the probate of wills, estate administration, accounting proceedings, appointment of guardians, conservatorships, and certain trust proceedings — are handled by the Surrogate’s Court.
Wayne County Surrogate’s Court
Address: 54 Broad Street, Lyons, NY 14489
Phone: (315) 665-8119
Fax: (315) 665-8110
Clerks/Staff Consultation: (315) 665-8129
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
E-Filing in Surrogate’s Court
Since February 2013, e-filing through NYSCEF has been mandatory for probate, administration, and voluntary administration proceedings in Wayne County Surrogate’s Court. Adoption proceedings and guardianships are currently exempt from the e-filing requirement. Unrepresented litigants may opt out of e-filing but are encouraged to participate.
Key e-filing requirements include submitting a NYSCEF Request for Surrogate’s Court Action as the first uploaded document with each filing, mailing original wills to the court after scanning, and submitting original death certificates in hard copy for voluntary administration cases. Fees can be paid at the court or by credit card through NYSCEF (Visa and MasterCard accepted; a 2.99% transaction fee applies to electronic payments).
Surrogate’s Court Fee Schedule
Filing fees are calculated based on the gross value of the estate, as set forth in SCPA § 2402:
| Estate Value | Fee |
|---|---|
| Less than $10,000 | $45.00 |
| $10,000 but under $20,000 | $75.00 |
| $20,000 but under $50,000 | $215.00 |
| $50,000 but under $100,000 | $280.00 |
| $100,000 but under $250,000 | $420.00 |
| $250,000 but under $500,000 | $625.00 |
| $500,000 and over | $1,250.00 |
Additional fees include $150.00 for filing objections to probate or a demand for jury trial, $45.00 for a note of issue, $75.00 for objections or answers in non-probate proceedings, and $45.00 for filing a will for safekeeping. Searching and certifying a Surrogate’s Court record costs $30.00 for records under 25 years old and $90.00 for records over 25 years old. Certified copies of filed papers are $6.00 per page, with authentication available for an additional $20.00.
Requesting Probate Records
In-person requests can be made at the Surrogate’s Court during business hours. Mail requests should be addressed to the Wayne County Surrogate’s Court at 54 Broad Street, Lyons, NY 14489, and should include the decedent’s full name, approximate date of death, the file or case number if known, a description of the documents sought, and payment for search and copy fees. Include a pre-paid self-addressed envelope for return mailing. The court will keep self-addressed envelopes on file for expedited returns on subsequent requests.
The County Clerk’s office at 9 Pearl Street also maintains certain probate-related filings and can assist with locating older records. Decedent records in the Surrogate’s Court date back to the early years of the county’s existence.