Middlesex County court records in Connecticut can be accessed through several channels. MiddlesexCourt.us allows you to search for public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records are available through the Connecticut Judicial Branch online portal, directly at the Clerk's Office in Middletown, and through public terminals installed in the courthouse. Below is a practical guide to the county's court system, hearing calendar, obtaining document copies, and fees.
Middlesex Court System & Jurisdictions
Connecticut organizes courts not by counties but by Judicial Districts. The Middlesex Judicial District covers the towns of Middletown, Portland, East Hampton, Durham, Cromwell, Haddam, East Haddam, Chester, Deep River, Essex, Killingworth, Clinton, and Westbrook. The main court complex is located in Middletown.
Here are the courts in operation and what they handle:
- Superior Court (Middlesex Judicial District) — criminal cases involving felonies, civil claims over $2,500, family cases (divorce, custody, alimony), and housing disputes.
- Superior Court — Geographical Area 9 (GA 9) — less serious criminal cases (misdemeanors), traffic violations, minor offenses, and claims up to $5,000 (small claims).
- Probate Court — cases involving estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and name changes. Several probate courts operate in the county, each serving specific towns. Contact information and forms can be found on the Connecticut Probate Courts website.
There is no separate "justice of the peace" or "magistrate court" in Connecticut — all functions are concentrated in the Superior Court and Probate Court.
The State's Attorney's Office for the Middlesex Judicial District provides a list of law enforcement and community resources for the county.
Middlesex Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The schedule of hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week is published through the centralized Connecticut Judicial Branch system. To check the calendar:
- Go to the Judicial Branch Case Look-up portal at jud.ct.gov.
- Select "Court Calendar" or "Daily Lists."
- In the filter, choose the location — Middlesex JD or GA 9.
- Specify the date or date range.
The system shows the case number, party names, type of hearing, and courtroom. Lists are updated daily.
If you are interested in an inmate's status, use the Connecticut Department of Correction's inmate search — it displays the place of detention and scheduled dates.
How to Get a Copy of a Middlesex Court Document
Copies of court documents can be obtained in three ways: online, in person, or by mail.
Online
The Judicial Branch Case Look-up portal provides access to case registers and some documents. To download full-text decisions or certified copies, you usually need to contact the clerk's office.
In Person
Visit the Clerk's Office at the Middletown courthouse. Bring the case number or the full name of a party — this will speed up the search. Non-certified copies are issued immediately, while certified ones may take several business days.
By Mail
Send a written request indicating the case number, party names, document type, and return address. Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount.
Some records have restricted access: juvenile cases, sealed criminal cases, and certain family documents are not issued without a judge's order.
To obtain a copy of a divorce decree, you should contact the court that issued the decree directly — the Vital Records Office does not retain such copies. Historical divorce records (starting from 1786 for Middlesex) are available through the Connecticut Divorce Index.
Information about criminal records is maintained by the Connecticut State Police, not the court. To check a criminal history, contact the Bureau of Identification.
Middlesex Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees are set by the administrative rules of the Connecticut Judicial Branch and may change. Below are the approximate rates effective at the time of preparation.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 |
| Document certification | $2.00 – $25.00 (depending on type) |
| Criminal record search (State Police — state) | $75.00 |
| Federal criminal history check | $13.25 |
| Fingerprinting | $15.00 |
| Copy of Probate Court decision | Depends on the specific court |
The court accepts payment in cash, money order, and (in most cases) credit cards. Personal checks are not always accepted — check with the clerk's office before visiting. Mail requests are payable only by money order or certified check.
Fees for criminal checks are set according to the rates of the State Police Bureau of Identification. Probate courts set their own fees — check at ctprobate.gov.