Ocean County Court Records
What Is Ocean County Court Records
Ocean County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by the courts. Court records are distinct from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics, or tax assessments, as they specifically document judicial proceedings and decisions.
In Ocean County, court records are maintained by various courts within the New Jersey judiciary system, including:
- Superior Court (Law Division, Chancery Division, Family Division)
- Municipal Courts
- Tax Court (for tax-related matters)
- Probate matters (handled within the Surrogate's Court)
These records document proceedings across civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters. Pursuant to New Jersey Court Rule 1:38, court records are defined as "any information maintained by a court in any form in connection with a case or judicial proceeding, including but not limited to pleadings, motions, briefs and their attachments, evidentiary exhibits, indices, calendars, and dockets."
The New Jersey Judiciary maintains these records according to established protocols and retention schedules, ensuring their availability for legal reference, historical documentation, and public access as permitted by law.
Are Court Records Public In Ocean County
Court records in Ocean County are generally public pursuant to the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA), N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1, and the common law right of access. Additionally, New Jersey Court Rule 1:38 specifically governs public access to court records, establishing the presumption that court records are open for public inspection and copying.
The following court records are typically available to the public:
- Most civil case files (complaints, answers, motions, orders)
- Criminal case files (post-charging documents)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets and case indices
- Hearing schedules and calendars
- Probate records (wills, estate inventories)
However, certain records may be exempt from public access or subject to redaction, including:
- Records pertaining to juvenile proceedings
- Family court records involving child custody, domestic violence, or adoption
- Grand jury proceedings
- Mental health commitment records
- Records sealed by court order
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 rules and accessed through the federal PACER system, not through Ocean County facilities.
The New Jersey Supreme Court has established comprehensive guidelines for public access to court records through Rule 1:38, which balances the public's right to information with privacy concerns and the efficient administration of justice.
How To Find Court Records in Ocean County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Ocean County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents:
In-Person Requests:
- Identify the appropriate court division that maintains the desired records
- Visit the courthouse during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form at the clerk's office
- Provide case number, party names, or other identifying information
- Pay applicable search and copy fees
Online Access:
- Access the New Jersey Courts Public Access system
- Select the appropriate database based on case type
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, filing date)
- Review available case information
- Request copies of specific documents if needed
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request to the appropriate court division
- Include specific case information and documents needed
- Provide contact information and preferred delivery method
- Include payment for applicable fees
For Superior Court Records:
Ocean County Superior Court
118 Washington Street
Toms River, NJ 08754
732-929-2042
Ocean County Courts
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
For Municipal Court Records: Contact the specific municipal court where the case was filed. Each municipality maintains its own court records for cases heard in that jurisdiction.
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 22A:2-30, fees may apply for searching and copying court records. Currently, the fee structure includes $10 for record searches and $0.75 per page for copies of court documents.
How To Look Up Court Records in Ocean County Online?
Ocean County residents and interested parties may access court records through several online portals maintained by the New Jersey Judiciary. Each system contains different types of records and requires specific search parameters:
New Jersey Courts Public Access:
- Navigate to the New Jersey Courts Public Access portal
- Select from available databases:
- Civil Case Jacket (civil dockets and documents)
- Criminal Case Jacket (criminal case information)
- Judgment Processing (civil judgments)
- Foreclosure Docket (foreclosure cases)
- Attorney Disciplinary Records
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, filing date)
- Review results and available documents
- Create an account if requesting copies of documents
Municipal Court Case Search:
- Access the Municipal Court Case Search system
- Enter ticket number or complaint information
- Provide required verification information
- View case status, scheduled court dates, and payment information
ACMS Public Access:
- Visit the Automated Case Management System portal
- Search by defendant name or case number
- Access criminal case information for Superior Court matters
- View case status, charges, and scheduled events
Judiciary Electronic Filing System (JEFS):
- Access the New Jersey Courts portal
- Create user account (attorneys must use Bar ID)
- Search for cases where electronic filing is available
- View documents filed electronically in eligible cases
The Superior Court Clerk's Office oversees many of these electronic systems and can provide assistance with online access issues. Note that while basic case information is typically available online, complete case files and certain document types may require in-person requests or formal document orders.
How To Search Ocean County Court Records for Free?
New Jersey law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, pursuant to Court Rule 1:38-9, which states that "any records required by law to be made, maintained or kept on file by any court, office, or agency of the judiciary may be inspected by any person, except as otherwise provided in these rules or as otherwise provided by law."
The following free options are available for searching Ocean County court records:
Free In-Person Inspection:
- Visit the appropriate courthouse during business hours
- Request to inspect specific case files at public access terminals
- No fee is charged for viewing records on-site
- Only copying and certification fees apply
Free Online Search Options:
- New Jersey Courts Public Access - Basic case information is available without charge
- Municipal Court Case Search - Free access to ticket and complaint status
- Attorney Search - Free verification of attorney credentials and status
Public Library Access:
- Many Ocean County public libraries offer free internet access
- Library staff can assist with navigating court websites
- Public computers can be used to access online court records
While searching is free, fees may apply for obtaining copies of documents. Currently, the fee structure includes $0.75 per page for standard copies and $5.00 per document for certified copies, as established by N.J.S.A. § 22A:2-29.
What's Included in a Ocean County Court Record?
Ocean County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but typically include:
Civil Case Records:
- Complaint and summons
- Answer and counterclaims
- Motions and supporting briefs
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Court orders and judgments
- Transcripts of hearings (if ordered)
- Settlement agreements (if filed)
- Case docket showing chronological entries
Criminal Case Records:
- Indictment or accusation
- Plea documents
- Bail/detention information
- Motions and briefs
- Evidence lists
- Pre-sentence investigation reports (restricted access)
- Sentencing orders
- Judgment of conviction
- Probation terms
- Appeal notices
Family Court Records:
- Divorce complaints and responses
- Child custody and support orders
- Domestic violence complaints and restraining orders
- Financial disclosure statements
- Parenting time schedules
- Property settlement agreements
Probate Records:
- Wills and codicils
- Letters testamentary or administration
- Inventories of estate assets
- Claims against estates
- Guardianship appointments
- Accounting reports
Municipal Court Records:
- Traffic citations
- Local ordinance violations
- Minor criminal complaints
- Disposition information
- Payment records
Each court record also contains a docket sheet that serves as an index to the case, listing all parties, attorneys, filings, and court actions in chronological order. The Superior Court Clerk's Office maintains these records according to established standards for completeness and accuracy.
How Long Does Ocean County Keep Court Records?
Ocean County courts retain records according to the New Jersey Judiciary Records Retention Schedule, which is established pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 2B:34-10 and Supreme Court directives. Retention periods vary by record type and case disposition:
Superior Court - Civil Division:
- General civil litigation: 15 years after disposition
- Judgments: 20 years from date of entry (judgments may be renewed)
- Foreclosure cases: 10 years after disposition
- Small claims: 3 years after disposition
- Landlord/tenant: 3 years after disposition
Superior Court - Criminal Division:
- Indictable offenses resulting in conviction: 70 years from disposition
- Indictable offenses resulting in acquittal: 3 years from disposition
- Dismissed indictments: 3 years from disposition
- Pretrial intervention completions: 3 years from completion
Family Division:
- Divorce records: Permanent
- Child custody orders: Until child reaches age 23
- Domestic violence: Permanent for final restraining orders
- Juvenile delinquency: Until age 23, then expunged if eligible
Municipal Courts:
- Traffic violations: 3 years after disposition
- Parking violations: 3 years after disposition
- Local ordinance violations: 3 years after disposition
- Minor criminal matters: 3 years after disposition
Probate Records:
- Wills: Permanent
- Estate administration: 15 years after closing
- Guardianship: 10 years after termination
The Administrative Office of the Courts oversees the implementation of these retention schedules. After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to established procedures, though records of historical significance may be preserved permanently. Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records.
Types of Courts In Ocean County
Ocean County's court system operates as part of New Jersey's unified court structure, with several levels of courts serving different jurisdictions and case types:
Ocean County Superior Court
118 Washington Street
Toms River, NJ 08754
732-929-2042
Ocean County Courts
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The Superior Court includes three divisions:
- Law Division - Handles civil litigation, personal injury, contract disputes, and criminal matters
- Chancery Division - Includes General Equity (injunctions, foreclosures) and Probate matters
- Family Division - Handles divorce, child custody, support, domestic violence, and juvenile matters
Ocean County Surrogate's Court
118 Washington Street, Room 117
Toms River, NJ 08754
732-929-2011
Ocean County Surrogate
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The Surrogate's Court handles probate matters, estate administration, guardianships, and adoptions.
Municipal Courts (each municipality operates its own court):
Toms River Municipal Court
255 Oak Avenue
Toms River, NJ 08753
732-341-1000 ext. 8300
Toms River Municipal Court
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Brick Township Municipal Court
401 Chambers Bridge Road
Brick, NJ 08723
732-262-1234
Brick Township Municipal Court
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The court hierarchy in New Jersey progresses from Municipal Courts to Superior Court, then to the Appellate Division of Superior Court, and finally to the New Jersey Supreme Court. Federal cases are heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, with appeals to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals and ultimately the U.S. Supreme Court.
What Types of Cases Do Ocean County Courts Hear?
Ocean County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their jurisdictional authority:
Superior Court - Law Division (Civil Part):
- Personal injury claims exceeding $15,000
- Contract disputes exceeding $15,000
- Property damage claims exceeding $15,000
- Professional malpractice
- Complex commercial litigation
- Civil rights violations
- Prerogative writ actions (challenges to government actions)
Superior Court - Law Division (Criminal Part):
- Indictable offenses (equivalent to felonies)
- First, second, third, and fourth-degree crimes
- Weapons offenses
- Drug distribution and possession
- Robbery, burglary, and theft
- Aggravated assault
- Homicide and manslaughter
- Sexual assault
Superior Court - Chancery Division (General Equity):
- Foreclosure proceedings
- Injunctive relief
- Specific performance of contracts
- Complex business disputes
- Quiet title actions
- Partition actions
Superior Court - Chancery Division (Family Part):
- Divorce and dissolution of civil unions
- Child custody and parenting time
- Child support and alimony
- Domestic violence restraining orders
- Juvenile delinquency
- Child abuse and neglect
- Termination of parental rights
- Adoption
Surrogate's Court:
- Probate of wills
- Estate administration
- Guardianships of incapacitated adults
- Guardianships of minors' property
- Adoptions
Municipal Courts:
- Traffic violations
- Parking offenses
- Local ordinance violations
- Disorderly persons offenses
- Petty disorderly persons offenses
- Minor drug possession
- Simple assault
- Shoplifting under $200
- Bad checks under $200
- First-time DWI/DUI offenses
Cases may be transferred between courts based on jurisdictional requirements or consolidated for efficiency. The Ocean County Courts operate within the Ocean Vicinage, which is the administrative unit of the New Jersey Judiciary serving Ocean County.
How To Find a Court Docket In Ocean County
Court dockets in Ocean County can be accessed through several methods, providing information about scheduled hearings, filed documents, and case status:
Online Docket Search:
- Visit the New Jersey Courts Public Access portal
- Select the appropriate case type (Civil, Criminal, Family, etc.)
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
- Review docket entries showing chronological case activity
- Note that some sensitive case types may have limited online access
In-Person Docket Review:
- Visit the appropriate division of the Ocean County Superior Court
- Request docket information at the records department
- Provide case number or party names
- Review docket information on public access terminals
- Request printed copies if needed (fees apply)
Municipal Court Dockets:
- Access the Municipal Court Case Search
- Enter ticket number or complaint information
- View scheduled court dates and case status
- Contact the specific municipal court for more detailed information
Attorney Access: Attorneys registered with the New Jersey courts can access more comprehensive docket information through:
- eCourts system for civil, family, and criminal cases
- JEFIS for certain civil matters
- eDATA for criminal matters
Court Calendar Information:
- Visit the Ocean County Courts website
- Select "Calendar" to view scheduled hearings by judge or division
- Note that calendars are typically published one week in advance
For cases filed before electronic docketing was implemented, older dockets may need to be requested from the Superior Court Clerk's Office, which maintains archived case information.
Which Courts in Ocean County Are Not Courts of Record?
In the New Jersey judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court where proceedings are recorded verbatim, judgments are formally entered, and the court has the authority to punish for contempt. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 2B:12-1, which establishes the jurisdiction and authority of municipal courts, the following courts in Ocean County are not courts of record:
Municipal Courts: All municipal courts in Ocean County, including:
- Toms River Municipal Court
- Brick Township Municipal Court
- Lakewood Municipal Court
- Point Pleasant Municipal Court
- Jackson Township Municipal Court
- And all other municipal courts within Ocean County
While municipal courts maintain case files and dockets, they do not automatically create verbatim transcripts of all proceedings. If a transcript is needed for appeal or other purposes, a request must be made in advance to have a court reporter or recording system document the proceedings.
Key characteristics of courts not of record in Ocean County:
- Proceedings are not automatically transcribed
- Appeals from these courts are heard de novo (new trial) in Superior Court
- Limited contempt powers
- Jurisdiction limited to disorderly persons offenses, traffic violations, and municipal ordinance violations
By contrast, the Ocean County Superior Court and its divisions (Law, Chancery, Family) are courts of record, with proceedings recorded and formal judgments entered. The New Jersey Supreme Court and Appellate Division are also courts of record.
Lookup Court Records in Ocean County
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