1.What are Connecticut rules about public records?
The Connecticut Freedom of Information Act, signed into law in 1975, defines public records and the rights of the people to inspect and make copies of them. Except as otherwise provided by any federal law or state statute, all records maintained or kept on file by any public agency, whether or not such records are required by any law or by any rule or regulation, shall be public records. Exceptions include law enforcement investigative files, personnel and medical files, pending claims and litigation strategy records, trade secrets, personal financial data, student records, adoption records, and records that could compromise public safety or personal privacy.
2.What are considered public records in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, public records are considered recorded data relating to the business of the public, prepared, owned, used, received or retained by a public agency, or to which a public agency is entitled to receive a copy by law or contract, whether such data or information be handwritten, typed, tape-recorded, printed, photographed or recorded by any other method.
3.What are the most popular public record databases available in Connecticut?
The most popular statewide Connecticut databases are: Company and corporation searches; Court records; Unclaimed property; Inmates; Uniform Commercial Code filings; Attorney case lists; Registered sex offenders; Home values; and U.S. District Court Bankruptcy filings. FYI: the database links on our site are organized alphabetically, but you may find records faster by clicking on <Popularity> where it says Sort by Alphabetical | Popularity.
4.What is important to know about the Connecticut court system?
Connecticut has a unified court system with three levels. At the first level is the Superior Court, which has 15 judicial districts, 22 geographical areas, and 14 juvenile districts. The Connecticut Superior Court is the sole trial court of general jurisdiction and is comprised of civil, criminal, housing, and family divisions. At the second level is the Appellate Court, which reviews Superior Court decisions. At the third and highest level is the Connecticut Supreme Court, which reviews decisions made by both lower courts. Connecticut also has a Probate Court to oversee matters concerning estates, trusts, adoptions, conservators, guardians, and commitment of the mentally ill.
5.How do I find court records in Connecticut?
Use the <Connecticut by Category> menu on the left and select <Court Records> to access our links to U.S. District court records; Supreme & Appellate Court opinions; and Connecticut statewide civil, criminal, traffic, family, housing, and small claims court records.
6.What is important to know about criminal records in Connecticut?
Most misdemeanors, felonies, violations, and infractions are handled by the Criminal Division of the Superior Court. Exceptions include juvenile delinquency cases, which are handled by the Family Division of the Superior Court.
7.How do I find criminal records in Connecticut?
Use the <Connecticut by Category> menu and select <Criminal Records>. You will find links to the State Police Bureau of Identification for ordering criminal histories; Dept of Corrections inmate databases; Federal PACER criminal court records; Federal Bureau of Prisons inmates; statewide sex offenders; statewide criminal & traffic dockets; and available city arrest databases. Click on <CT Criminal Background Searches> and use our Premium service to search statewide felony & misdemeanor convictions; Dept of Corrections inmates; and statewide sex offenders, all at once for $9.95.
8.How do I find property records in Connecticut?
Use the <Connecticut by Category> menu on the left and select <Property Records> to access over 200 property databases from cities and towns in Connecticut. Use the <Connecticut by Category> menu and select <Recorded Documents> to access deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, lis pendens, and many other types of official and land records.
9.How do I search birth, death, divorce and marriage records in Connecticut?
Use the <Connecticut by Category> menu on the left and select births, deaths, marriages, or divorces. The <Birth Records> page has links to current and historical birth indexes from many towns and counties. The <Death Records> page has links to the Social Security Death Index for Connecticut, statewide deaths & burials from 1772 to 1934, and available city & county databases for deaths, burials, and cemeteries. The <Marriage Records> page has links to statewide historical marriages, and available city & county marriage databases. The <Divorce Records> page has links to family court divorce records, dockets and calendars.
10.How do I order copies of vital records in Connecticut?
Birth, death, and marriage certificates are provided by: Health Dept Vital Records, 410 Capitol Ave., 1st Floor, Hartford, CT 06134, (860) 509-7700. Divorce certificates are available from the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the divorce was granted. For more information about vital records in Connecticut, use the <Connecticut by Category> menu at left to navigate to our <Connecticut Vital Records> page.