You're standing in the middle of Mount Holly, looking at the impressive facade of the Burlington County Courthouse on Rancocas Road, and you need a document. Maybe it’s a property deed from 1982. Maybe it’s a messy divorce decree or a "disorderly persons" offense that’s been haunting a background check.
Most people think "public record" means "Google-able." It doesn't.
Finding Burlington County New Jersey court records is actually a fragmented, often annoying process that spans three different levels of government. If you go to the wrong window, you'll walk away empty-handed. Trust me, the Clerk’s office is not the Superior Court, and the Surrogate’s office doesn't handle your speeding tickets.
The Three Pillars of Burlington Records
Honestly, the biggest mistake is walking into the main county building and asking for "records." You have to be specific.
First, you've got the County Clerk. They handle land. If you want to see a mortgage, a deed, or a business trade name, they are your people. They run a system called PRESS (Public Records Electronic Search System). You can actually use this from your couch.
Then there’s the Superior Court. This is the big leagues. We’re talking criminal indictments, civil lawsuits over $20,000, and family matters. They don't use the Clerk's website. They use the statewide NJ Judiciary systems like PROMIS/Gavel or ACMS.
Finally, the Surrogate’s Court. This is strictly for the dead and the young. Wills, estates, and adoptions. It’s a separate office entirely, located at 50 Rancocas Road, just a stone's throw from the main courthouse.
Why You Can’t Find That Divorce Decree Online
Everyone searches for "Burlington County divorce records" and hits a brick wall. There's a reason for that. While New Jersey is big on transparency, the Family Division is a vault.
You cannot simply download a divorce decree.
To get a certified copy of a divorce judgment, you basically have to be one of the people involved or their lawyer. If you aren't, you need a court order. Even then, the state keeps these in the Superior Court of New Jersey Records Center in Trenton, not just sitting in a file cabinet in Mount Holly. If you’re a party to the case, you’ll need to submit a specific Records Request Form (often called a 10200 form) and provide a photo ID.
It’s a bit of a gatekept system. Keeps the nosy neighbors out, I guess.
Searching Criminal Records Without Getting a Headache
If you're looking for criminal history, you're likely dealing with the PROMIS/Gavel system. It’s the public access portal for the New Jersey Judiciary.
It feels like using the internet in 1998.
You have to solve a CAPTCHA every eight searches. If you stay idle for seven minutes, it kicks you out. But it works. You can search by a defendant’s name or a docket number. Keep in mind, this only shows "indictable" offenses—the serious stuff like felonies.
What about that "public drunk" charge from Evesham or Pemberton?
That stays in the Municipal Court. There are 39 municipal courts in Burlington County. If the crime happened in Bordentown, the record is in Bordentown. Most of these aren't in the big central database. You have to use NJMCDirect to find traffic tickets or local complaints, and you’ll usually need the specific ticket number or complaint number to see anything useful.
The OPRA Loophole (And Why It Fails)
People love to scream "OPRA!" whenever they want a document. The Open Public Records Act is a powerful tool for getting government spending reports or emails from the Mayor.
It is almost useless for court records.
Courts in New Jersey are governed by Rule 1:38. The judiciary decided long ago that they get to make their own rules for access, separate from the executive branch. If you send an OPRA request to a court clerk, they’ll politely (or not so politely) tell you that OPRA doesn't apply to the judiciary and hand you a different form.
Real Costs: It’s Not Always Free
Sure, looking is free. Printing? That’s where they get you.
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- Standard copies: 5 cents per page for letter size.
- Legal size: 7 cents per page.
- Certified copies: Usually $15 or more depending on the seal.
- Transcripts: This is the real wallet-drainer. If you want a word-for-word record of what a judge said, you have to pay a court reporter to type it up. You’ll be asked for a deposit upfront, often hundreds of dollars.
What's Actually "Off-Limits"?
Not everything in a folder is for your eyes. New Jersey is very strict about redacting:
- Social Security Numbers (always).
- Driver’s license numbers.
- Names of juvenile victims.
- Information about victims of sexual abuse.
- Expunged records (obviously).
If a case was expunged, it’s like it never happened. If you call the court and ask about an expunged record, they are legally required to tell you "no record exists," even if the clerk is looking right at the old file.
Where to Go Right Now
If you’re serious about digging, start with the Burlington County Clerk's PRESS system for anything land-related. It's the easiest win.
For anything involving a lawsuit or a crime, head to the NJ Courts Public Access portal.
If you are looking for historical records—we’re talking 1700s or 1800s—don't bother with the courthouse. The New Jersey State Archives in Trenton holds the old Burlington County "Common Pleas" papers and slave case records from the 18th century.
Next Steps for You:
Check the Public Records Electronic Search System (PRESS) first if you are looking for property or business links. If you need a specific case file from a lawsuit, download the NJ Judiciary Records Request Form (10200), fill out Part C with the docket number, and email it directly to the Burlington Vicinage team at the Mount Holly courthouse. Always include a phone number; they often call to clarify what you're looking for before they start charging you for copies.