Cape May County Public Records /Cape May County Court Records

Cape May County Court Records

What Is Cape May County Court Records

Court records in Cape May County encompass all official documentation generated during judicial proceedings within the county's court system. Pursuant to New Jersey Court Rule 1:38, court records include comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings maintained by the judiciary. These records consist of:

• Case files containing pleadings, motions, and supporting documentation • Court dockets that chronologically track case events • Judicial orders and final judgments • Hearing and trial transcripts • Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings • Sentencing records in criminal matters • Financial records related to court fees, fines, and restitution

Court records are distinct from other public records maintained by Cape May County, such as property records, vital statistics, and tax documents. While these other records are typically maintained by county administrative offices, court records are specifically generated through judicial processes and maintained by the court system.

The New Jersey Judiciary maintains records across various courts operating within Cape May County, including:

• New Jersey Superior Court (Civil, Criminal, Family, and Chancery Divisions) • Cape May County Surrogate's Court • Municipal Courts serving individual municipalities

These courts generate records for civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, traffic violations, and small claims cases. The New Jersey Court Records Management Program establishes standards for the creation, maintenance, and disposition of these records in accordance with N.J.S.A. § 2B:34-1 through 2B:34-9, which authorizes the Supreme Court to establish record retention schedules.

Are Court Records Public In Cape May County

Court records in Cape May County are presumptively open to public inspection under both the common law right of access and New Jersey's Open Public Records Act (OPRA). According to N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-1, "government records shall be readily accessible for inspection, copying, or examination by the citizens of this State, with certain exceptions, for the protection of the public interest."

The New Jersey Supreme Court has further defined public access to court records through Court Rule 1:38, which establishes that court records are open for public inspection except for specific exemptions. Records generally available to the public include:

• Civil case files (with limited redactions for sensitive information) • Criminal case files after formal charges have been filed • Court orders and judgments • Docket sheets and case indices • Court calendars and hearing schedules

However, certain records are exempt from public disclosure, including:

• Family court records involving juveniles • Records sealed by court order • Grand jury proceedings • Certain domestic violence records • Records containing confidential personal identifiers

It is important to note that access to federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (which has jurisdiction over Cape May County) is governed by federal rules rather than state law. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system rather than county or state repositories.

The New Jersey Judiciary's commitment to transparency is balanced with privacy concerns as outlined in Administrative Directive #08-21, which provides guidance on redacting confidential personal identifiers from court records before public access is granted.

How To Find Court Records in Cape May County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Cape May County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining court records:

Online Access: • Visit the New Jersey Courts Public Access portal to search for case information • Access the Cape May County Clerk's public records search system for recorded documents • Use the New Jersey Judiciary's eCourts system for case searches by name or docket number

In-Person Requests: • Visit the appropriate courthouse where the case was filed • Complete a records request form available at the records office • Present valid identification when requesting records • Pay applicable copy fees ($0.05 per page for standard copies)

Cape May County Superior Court records may be requested at:

New Jersey Superior Court - Cape May County
4 Moore Road
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
(609) 463-6500
New Jersey Courts

For Municipal Court records, contact the specific municipal court where the case was heard. The Cape May County Municipal Courts include:

Cape May County Municipal Courts Administration
4 Moore Road
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
(609) 463-6600
Cape May County Municipal Courts

When requesting records, be prepared to provide: • Case number (if known) • Names of parties involved • Approximate date of filing • Case type • Specific documents needed

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 22A:2-29, fees apply for copies of court records. Current fees are $0.05 per page for standard copies, with certified copies available for an additional fee. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters upon submission of appropriate documentation.

How To Look Up Court Records in Cape May County Online?

Cape May County residents and interested parties can access various court records through several online portals maintained by state and county agencies. Each system provides access to different types of court records:

New Jersey Judiciary Electronic Filing and Public Access System:

Navigate to the New Jersey Courts Public Access portal
Select the appropriate case type (Civil, Criminal, Family, etc.)
Enter search criteria (name, case number, business name)
Review search results and select the desired case
View publicly available case information and documents

This system provides access to Superior Court records, including Civil, Criminal, Family, and Chancery Division cases.

Cape May County Clerk's Public Search System:

Visit the Cape May County Clerk's Public Search portal
Select the desired search type (name, document type, date range)
Enter search parameters
Review results and select documents to view
Pay applicable fees for document copies if needed

This system primarily contains land records, business filings, and other documents recorded with the County Clerk.

Municipal Court Records:

Access the NJ Municipal Court Case Search
Select Cape May County and the specific municipal court
Enter the required search information
Review case status, scheduled court dates, and payment information

The online systems provide varying levels of detail: • Case indices and docket information are generally available without fees • Full document images may require payment of statutory fees • Some sensitive documents may only be available for in-person inspection • Certain case types (juvenile, sealed cases) are not available online

Users should note that pursuant to Court Rule 1:38-7, certain personal identifiers are redacted from publicly accessible court records, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and driver's license numbers.

How To Search Cape May County Court Records for Free?

New Jersey law provides for free public inspection of court records, with fees typically applying only to copies or certified documents. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 47:1A-5, "the custodian shall permit the record to be inspected, examined, and copied by any person during regular business hours."

Free Online Search Options: • The New Jersey Courts Public Access portal offers free case searches with basic case information available at no cost • The Cape May County Consolidated Records Search provides free index searches of county records • Municipal court case status information is available without charge through the NJ Municipal Court Direct portal

Free In-Person Inspection: • Visit the Records Room at the Cape May County Superior Court during public hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM) • Request to inspect specific records without requesting copies • Use public access terminals available in the courthouse to search case indices

New Jersey Superior Court - Cape May County
4 Moore Road
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
(609) 463-6500
New Jersey Courts

While basic searches and record inspection are free, users should be aware of the following limitations: • Document copies incur statutory fees ($0.05 per page) • Certified copies have additional certification fees • Complex searches requiring staff assistance may incur research fees • Some online systems may charge for document downloads or detailed reports

For those unable to afford statutory fees, the courts provide fee waiver applications based on financial hardship. These waivers are available at all court locations and must be submitted with proof of financial status as outlined in Directive #14-03 from the Administrative Office of the Courts.

What's Included in a Cape May County Court Record?

Court records in Cape May County contain comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings, with contents varying by case type. Typical components include:

Civil Case Records: • Complaint and initial pleadings • Summons and proof of service • Answers and counterclaims • Motions and supporting briefs • Discovery documents (when filed with the court) • Exhibits admitted into evidence • Transcripts of hearings and trials • Orders and judgments • Financial information regarding court costs and fees

Criminal Case Records: • Indictment or accusation • Arrest warrant or summons • Bail documentation • Motions and briefs • Evidence logs • Plea agreements • Trial transcripts • Sentencing orders • Probation reports (with redactions) • Restitution and fine information

Family Court Records: • Divorce complaints and responses • Child custody and support orders • Domestic violence complaints and temporary restraining orders • Financial disclosure statements (with redactions) • Parenting time schedules • Adoption proceedings (often sealed) • Name change petitions

Probate Records: • Wills and codicils • Letters testamentary or administration • Inventories of estate assets • Claims against estates • Guardianship appointments • Conservatorship documents

Each court record also contains a docket sheet that serves as a chronological index of all filings, hearings, and actions taken in the case. This docket typically includes: • Case number and filing date • Party names and attorney information • Chronological listing of all documents filed • Hearing dates and outcomes • Judgment information • Case status

Pursuant to Court Rule 1:38-7, certain personal identifiers are redacted from publicly accessible versions of these records, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and driver's license numbers.

How Long Does Cape May County Keep Court Records?

Cape May County courts maintain records according to retention schedules established by the New Jersey Supreme Court under the authority of N.J.S.A. § 2B:34-1 through 2B:34-9. These schedules vary by record type and case category:

Criminal Records: • Indictable offense case files: 15 years after case conclusion for most cases • Homicide cases: Permanent retention • Sexual offense cases: 70 years after case conclusion • Dismissed cases: 3 years after dismissal • Expunged records: Removed from public access upon court order

Civil Records: • General civil litigation: 15 years after case conclusion • Small claims cases: 5 years after disposition • Landlord/tenant matters: 3 years after case conclusion • Civil judgments: 20 years (renewable) • Foreclosure cases: 10 years after final judgment

Family Court Records: • Divorce cases: 10 years after judgment • Child custody and support: Until youngest child reaches 23 years of age • Domestic violence: 10 years after final disposition • Adoption records: Permanent (but sealed)

Probate Records: • Wills and estate administration: 25 years after estate closing • Guardianship: 10 years after termination of guardianship • Conservatorship: 10 years after termination

Municipal Court Records: • Traffic violations: 3 years after disposition • Disorderly persons offenses: 5 years after disposition • Parking violations: 3 years after payment

The New Jersey Judiciary Records Management Services oversees compliance with these retention schedules. After the retention period expires, records may be: • Transferred to the State Archives for historical cases • Microfilmed or digitized for permanent storage • Destroyed according to secure destruction protocols

Certain records of historical significance may be preserved beyond the standard retention period. Additionally, the Administrative Director of the Courts may issue special directives to preserve records involved in ongoing litigation or investigations.

Types of Courts In Cape May County

Cape May County's judicial system consists of several courts operating within the New Jersey court hierarchy. Each court has specific jurisdiction and handles different types of cases:

New Jersey Superior Court - Cape May County
4 Moore Road
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
(609) 463-6500
New Jersey Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The Superior Court has several divisions:

Civil Division
4 Moore Road
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
(609) 463-6515
New Jersey Courts Civil Division
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Criminal Division
4 Moore Road
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
(609) 463-6550
New Jersey Courts Criminal Division
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Family Division
4 Moore Road
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
(609) 463-6600
New Jersey Courts Family Division
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Cape May County Surrogate's Court
7 North Main Street
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
(609) 463-6690
Cape May County Surrogate
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Municipal Courts (16 separate courts serving individual municipalities):

Cape May City Municipal Court
643 Washington Street
Cape May, NJ 08204
(609) 884-9520
Cape May City Municipal Court
Hours: Varies by court session

Wildwood Municipal Court
4400 New Jersey Avenue
Wildwood, NJ 08260
(609) 522-2444
Wildwood Municipal Court
Hours: Varies by court session

The court hierarchy in New Jersey proceeds from Municipal Courts (handling minor offenses) to the Superior Court (trial court of general jurisdiction), then to the Appellate Division of Superior Court, and finally to the New Jersey Supreme Court. Federal cases from Cape May County are heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, located in Camden.

What Types of Cases Do Cape May County Courts Hear?

Cape May County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their jurisdictional authority. Each court within the county handles specific case types:

Superior Court - Civil Division: • General civil litigation with claims exceeding $15,000 • Contract disputes and business litigation • Personal injury and property damage cases • Medical malpractice and product liability claims • Civil rights violations • Complex commercial litigation • Foreclosure proceedings • Landlord/tenant disputes • Name change petitions

Superior Court - Criminal Division: • Indictable offenses (equivalent to felonies) • First, second, third, and fourth-degree crimes • Drug trafficking and distribution charges • Robbery, burglary, and theft offenses • Assault and homicide cases • Sexual offenses • White-collar crimes • Appeals from Municipal Court decisions

Superior Court - Family Division: • Divorce and dissolution proceedings • Child custody and parenting time disputes • Child support establishment and enforcement • Spousal support (alimony) matters • Domestic violence restraining orders • Juvenile delinquency cases • Child abuse and neglect proceedings • Adoption cases • Family crisis interventions

Cape May County Surrogate's Court: • Probate of wills • Estate administration • Guardianship appointments for incapacitated adults • Guardianship of minors' property • Conservatorships • Contested probate matters (transferred to Superior Court)

Municipal Courts: • Disorderly persons and petty disorderly persons offenses • Municipal ordinance violations • Traffic violations and DWI/DUI cases • Minor assault and harassment charges • Shoplifting (under certain value thresholds) • Fish and game violations • Public disturbance complaints • Parking violations

Case assignment is determined by the nature of the offense, the amount in controversy for civil matters, and the specific subject matter of the case. The Administrative Office of the Courts oversees case assignment through the New Jersey Judiciary Case Management system to ensure proper jurisdiction and efficient processing.

How To Find a Court Docket In Cape May County

Court dockets in Cape May County provide chronological summaries of all filings and proceedings in a case. Members of the public may access these dockets through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

Visit the New Jersey Courts Public Access portal
Select the appropriate case type (Civil, Criminal, Family, etc.)
Enter search criteria (party name, case number, business name)
Review search results and select the desired case
View the docket information showing all case events and filings

In-Person Docket Access:

Visit the appropriate court division where the case is filed
Complete a records request form at the records office
Provide the case number or party names
Request to view the docket sheet
Review the docket at public access terminals or in the records room

Superior Court - Cape May County Records Office
4 Moore Road
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
(609) 463-6500
New Jersey Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

For Municipal Court Dockets:

Access the NJ Municipal Court Case Search
Select Cape May County and the specific municipal court
Enter citation number, complaint number, or name
View case status and scheduled court dates

When searching for dockets, the following information is helpful: • Complete case number (format varies by division) • Full names of parties involved • Filing date (approximate) • Case type or nature of action

Court dockets typically contain: • Case caption and number • Party and attorney information • Chronological listing of all documents filed • Hearing dates and outcomes • Scheduled future events • Judgment information

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 22A:2-29, fees may apply for printed copies of docket sheets, though viewing dockets on public access terminals is generally available without charge.

Which Courts in Cape May County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the New Jersey judicial system, "courts of record" are those required by law to create and maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings and comprehensive case files. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 2B:12-1 through 2B:12-31, Municipal Courts in Cape May County are classified as "courts not of record" for certain proceedings.

Municipal Courts throughout Cape May County, including:

Cape May City Municipal Court
643 Washington Street
Cape May, NJ 08204
(609) 884-9520
Cape May City Municipal Court

Wildwood Municipal Court
4400 New Jersey Avenue
Wildwood, NJ 08260
(609) 522-2444
Wildwood Municipal Court

These courts are considered "not of record" in the following circumstances: • Initial appearances and arraignments • Certain procedural matters • Cases resolved without trial • Matters where no verbatim recording is required by court rule

However, it is important to note that Municipal Courts do function as courts of record during: • Trials of disorderly persons offenses • DWI/DUI proceedings • Any matter where a jail sentence may be imposed • Cases where a verbatim record is requested by a party

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record affects: • Appeal procedures (appeals from Municipal Courts are heard de novo in Superior Court) • Record-keeping requirements • Availability of transcripts • Evidentiary standards on appeal

All other courts in Cape May County, including all divisions of the Superior Court and the Surrogate's Court, are courts of record for all proceedings. These courts maintain complete verbatim records through audio recording or court reporters as required by New Jersey Court Rule 1:2-2.