Cape May County, NJ Courts and Public Records
- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
- Felonies
- Warrants
- Jail Records
- Lien Records
- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal Records
- Federal Dockets
The Atlantic/Cape May Vicinage of the Superior Court of New Jersey is the trial court for Cape May County, hearing trial-level matters through its trial divisions. Court records for the county are kept by the Superior Court Clerk's Office.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Superior Court of New Jersey, Atlantic/Cape May Vicinage |
| Website | njcourts.gov |
| Handles | Trial-level matters in the Superior Court trial divisions |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for New Jersey) and matters in the Municipal Courts |
| Online Case Search | Find a Case on njcourts.gov |
| Copies of Court Records | Copies of court records on njcourts.gov |
How to Search Cape May County Court Records
Have the full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search. Records for Cape May County are kept by the Superior Court Clerk's Office.
Online
Go to Find a Case to search cases by name or case number.
Use the eCourts portals linked from the eCourts page for the case types they cover.
Review case details online before you request copies.
Best for: Quick lookups of case status
In Person
Visit the Superior Court Clerk's Office for Cape May County.
Confirm the office address on njcourts.gov before you go.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Best for: Records not available online
By Mail or Email
Contact the Superior Court Clerk's Office using the details on njcourts.gov.
Include the case number and party names in your written request.
Confirm response times with the clerk before you send a request.
Best for: Requests when you cannot visit in person
Search by Name on NewJerseyCourts.org
Go to NewJerseyCourts.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types without a case number.
Confirm results with the court, since they are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Cape May County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
Cape May County courts handled an estimated 57,308 new cases in CY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 58,296. The estimate scales New Jersey statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~57,308
Total filings in CY 2024
~58,296
Total dispositions in CY 2024
~14,327
Filings per judicial position (4 estimated positions)
~-4.9%
Change in total filings vs CY 2023
| Metric | CY 2024 | CY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~57,308 | ~60,272 | ~-4.9% |
| Total Dispositions | ~58,296 | ~59,284 | ~-1.7% |
| Criminal Filings | ~42,487 | ~45,451 | ~-6.5% |
| Civil Filings | ~6,126 | ~5,928 | ~+3.3% |
| Family Law Filings | ~3,261 | ~3,211 | ~+1.6% |
| Probate Filings | ~247 | ~242 | ~+2.1% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~198 | ~193 | ~+2.6% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~138 | ~133 | ~+3.8% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~4 | ~4 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: New Jersey statewide figures scaled by Cape May County's 0.99% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Cape May County?
Estimated total filings in Cape May County moved up over the last five years; dispositions are estimated at a similar level.
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CY 2024 | ~57,308 | ~58,296 | ~-4.9% |
| CY 2023 | ~60,272 | ~59,284 | ~+7.0% |
| CY 2022 | ~56,320 | ~54,344 | ~+23.9% |
| CY 2021 | ~45,451 | ~44,463 | ~+7.0% |
| CY 2020 | ~42,487 | ~41,499 | ~+7.0% |
Estimated filings changed +34.9% between CY 2020 and CY 2024, from 42,487 to 57,308. The largest annual change was +23.9% in CY 2022. The latest change of -4.9% reflects statewide New Jersey trends. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: New Jersey statewide figures scaled by Cape May County's 0.99% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Cape May County?
Criminal cases are estimated to be the largest category in Cape May County, at about 74.1% of filings in CY 2024.
| Case Type | Filings CY 2024 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | ~42,487 | ~74.1% | ~-6.5% |
| Civil | ~6,126 | ~10.7% | ~+3.3% |
| Family law | ~3,261 | ~5.7% | ~+1.6% |
| Probate | ~247 | ~0.4% | ~+2.1% |
| Mental health | ~198 | ~0.3% | ~+2.6% |
| Juvenile | ~138 | ~0.2% | ~+3.8% |
Juvenile cases are estimated as the fastest-growing category and criminal cases as the fastest-falling. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: New Jersey statewide figures scaled by Cape May County's 0.99% share of the state population.
How Does Cape May County Compare With New Jersey Overall?
Cape May County is estimated to account for about 0.99% of the 5,800,000 cases filed in New Jersey courts in CY 2024.
| Metric | Cape May County | New Jersey | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~57,308 | 5,800,000 | ~0.99% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~-4.9% | -4.9% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~14,327 | 13,182 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~14,574 | 13,409 | Estimated at the state level |
| Criminal share of filings | ~74.1% | 74.1% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Civil share of filings | ~10.7% | 10.7% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Family law share of filings | ~5.7% | 5.7% | Same as state (estimate) |
These county values are estimates built from statewide New Jersey figures, so they track the state mix by design. Actual county dockets may differ. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: New Jersey statewide figures scaled by Cape May County's 0.99% share of the state population.
Cape May County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are New Jersey statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Cape May County. Agency reporting may be incomplete, and county crime counts are not available here. Statewide violent and property crimes combined fell 10.9% from 2024 to 2025. In 2025, reporting agencies covered about 97.8% of New Jersey's population, so year-over-year changes can partly reflect which agencies reported.
18,509
Violent crimes, New Jersey statewide, 2025
118,178
Property crimes, New Jersey statewide, 2025 (includes arson)
193.8
Violent crime rate per 100K, New Jersey statewide, 2025 (population 9,548,215)
-10.9%
Change in total violent plus property crimes, New Jersey statewide, 2025 vs 2024 (136,687 vs 153,450)
| Offense | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 182 | 1.9 | 232 | -21.6% |
| Rape | 1,575 | 16.5 | 1,680 | -6.2% |
| Robbery | 3,584 | 37.5 | 4,652 | -23.0% |
| Aggravated assault | 13,168 | 137.9 | 13,998 | -5.9% |
| Violent crimes total | 18,509 | 193.8 | 20,562 | -10.0% |
| Burglary | 11,169 | 117.0 | 13,562 | -17.6% |
| Larceny-theft | 92,885 | 972.8 | 103,689 | -10.4% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 13,829 | 144.8 | 15,272 | -9.4% |
| Property crimes total | 118,178 | 1237.7 | 132,888 | -11.1% |
Rates use the New Jersey 2025 population of 9,548,215. County-level rates are not published, so this section does not compare Cape May County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Cape May County Courthouse Locations
Cape May County court proceedings are held at the Cape May County Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape May County Courthouse | 9 North Main Street, Cape May Courthouse, NJ 08210 | 609-402-0100 | See location page |
Addresses and phone numbers come from public directory listings and may change, so confirm them with the clerk before you visit.
Which Court Handles Your Case in Cape May County?
Cape May County cases are heard in the New Jersey Superior Court vicinage serving the county, or in a local municipal court for minor offenses and ordinance violations. Federal matters go to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | Municipal Court where the ticket was issued | Traffic tickets in New Jersey are handled by the municipal court of the town where the violation happened. |
| Parking ticket | Municipal Court of the issuing municipality | Parking tickets are issued by the town or agency named on the ticket and handled by its municipal court. |
| Misdemeanor | Municipal Court or Superior Court, Criminal Part, Cape May County | Disorderly persons offenses go to municipal court, while indictable crimes go to the Superior Court. |
| Felony | Superior Court, Law Division, Criminal Part, Cape May County | New Jersey calls serious offenses indictable crimes, and they are heard in the Superior Court. |
| DUI | Municipal Court where the arrest occurred | DUI charges in New Jersey are generally handled in municipal court. |
| Domestic violence | Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part, Cape May County | Restraining orders and related family matters are handled by the Family Part. |
| Civil lawsuit | Superior Court, Law Division, Civil Part, Cape May County | Larger civil claims are filed in the Civil Part of the Superior Court. |
| Small claims | Superior Court, Law Division, Special Civil Part, Cape May County | The Special Civil Part has a small claims section for lower dollar disputes. |
| Eviction | Superior Court, Special Civil Part, Landlord/Tenant, Cape May County | Eviction cases are heard in the Special Civil Part. |
| Divorce | Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part, Cape May County | Divorce cases are filed in the Family Part. |
| Child custody or support | Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part, Cape May County | Custody and support matters are handled by the Family Part. |
| Probate or estate | Cape May County Surrogate's Court and Superior Court, Chancery Division, Probate Part | The Surrogate handles most estate filings, and contested matters go to the Probate Part. |
| Juvenile case | Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part, Cape May County | Juvenile delinquency cases are heard in the Family Part. |
| Appeal | Superior Court, Appellate Division, or the New Jersey Supreme Court | Appeals are not heard locally and go to the state appellate courts. |
Are Cape May County Court Records Public?
Access to Cape May County court records is governed by New Jersey court rules, and the New Jersey courts publish guidance on copies and electronic access.
Copies and electronic access
Copies of court records are described at copies of court records. Electronic access is described at electronic access.
In-person access
Visit the Superior Court Clerk's Office for Cape May County to ask about viewing or requesting records. Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
How to Search Cape May County Court Records Online
Use the official New Jersey Judiciary resources to look up public case information for Cape May County matters.
- Identify the case type and which court is handling it.
- Choose the official New Jersey Judiciary resource for that case type.
- Search by party name, ticket number, or docket number.
- Review the case details, hearing dates, and status shown.
- Contact the Cape May County court clerk for documents that are not available online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | New Jersey Judiciary public access resources | Case information varies by case type; municipal court matters may be handled through the municipal court or its listed system. | Coverage differs by court and case type; some records are not public online. |
| Traffic | Municipal Court, or NJ MCDirect where available | Ticket status and payment options for eligible municipal court matters. | Not every ticket or municipal case is eligible, and court documents usually require a request to the court. |
| Civil | New Jersey Judiciary civil case resources | Civil case information and docket details where made public. | Documents and some filings may require a request to the clerk. |
| Small claims | New Jersey Judiciary, Special Civil Part | Small claims case information through the Special Civil Part. | Not every small claims record is available online. |
| Family law | Family Part, New Jersey Judiciary | Limited public information about family matters. | Many family law records are confidential and are not shown online. |
| Probate | Cape May County Surrogate's Court | Estate filing information through the Surrogate's office. | Probate documents generally require a request to the Surrogate. |
| Juvenile | Family Part, New Jersey Judiciary | Little to none. | Juvenile records are generally confidential and not available through public online search. |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Cape May County
Fine information for Cape May County is published on the New Jersey courts website, but payment methods are not listed on this page.
- Fine information: Review the Adult Probation fines page at njcourts.gov.
- Clerk's Office: Contact the Superior Court Clerk's Office to confirm the payment methods available for your case.
For a parking ticket, contact the agency or municipality that issued it.
Cape May County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Cape May County court records?
Use Find a Case or the eCourts portals linked from the eCourts page to look up cases by name or case number.
Are court records public?
Access to Cape May County court records is governed by New Jersey court rules, and copies and electronic access are described at njcourts.gov.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search the eCourts Criminal portal linked from the eCourts page, or contact the Superior Court Clerk's Office for help.
How do I find a court date?
Check your ticket or notice first, then contact the Superior Court Clerk's Office for the scheduled date.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Review the fine information at the Adult Probation fines page and confirm payment methods with the Superior Court Clerk's Office.
How many cases are filed in Cape May County each year?
Court filing counts for Cape May County are not published on this page. The county had 93,390 residents in 2025, -0.7% from 2024.
What is the most common type of case?
Case type counts for Cape May County are not published on this page, so no most common case type is shown.
Is crime rising or falling?
County crime counts are not available here. Statewide, reported violent crimes fell 10.0% to 18,509 in 2025 from 20,562 in 2024, and property crimes fell 11.1% to 118,178 from 132,888, as reported to the FBI. These are New Jersey statewide figures, and reporting coverage changed between years.
Courts in the County
Lower Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 401 Breakwater Road, Erma, NJ, 8204 |
| Phone Number: | 609-886-6040 |
| Fax: | 609-886-6636 |
| Website: | https://lowertownshipcourt.org |
Middle Township Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 2 South Boyd Street, Middle, NJ, 8210 |
| Phone Number: | 609-465-8729 |
| Website: | https://middletownship.com/departments/courts/ |
Upper Township Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 2100 Tuckahoe Road, Petersburg, NJ, 8270 |
| Phone Number: | 609-628-2011 |
| Fax: | 609-628-2091 |
| Website: | http://uppertownship.com/departments/municipal-court/ |
Ocean City Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 821 Central Avenue, 3rd Floor, Ocean City, NJ, 8226 |
| Phone Number: | 609-525-9386 |
| Fax: | 609-399-9391 |
| Website: | https://www.ocnj.us/municipal-court |
Cape May County CourtMore Info
| Address: | 9 N. Main St., Cape May Court House, NJ, 8210 |
| Phone Number: | 609-402-0100 |
| Website: | https://www.njcourts.gov/courts/vicinages/atlcm.html |
Useful Links
- Civil Court Overview - New Jersey Courts: Provides comprehensive information on civil court procedures and resources available in the New Jersey court system.
- Family Court Overview - New Jersey Courts: Offers guidance on family court matters, including divorce, child custody, and other related issues.
- Criminal Court Overview - New Jersey Courts: Contains resources and information regarding criminal court proceedings and legal processes.
- Superior Court - Cape May County, NJ: Local Cape May County link for accessing services and information from the Superior Court.
- Public Records - Cape May County, NJ: Information on obtaining public records including birth, marriage, and death certificates in Cape May County.
- Find a New Jersey Court Facility - Judiciary State of New Jersey: Directory to locate court facilities across New Jersey, including Cape May County.
- Self-Help Resources - New Jersey Courts: Offers legal information and self-help resources for individuals navigating the New Jersey court system.
- Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) - New Jersey Courts: Guide for accessing public electronic court records and information about obtaining PACER credentials.
- Legal Services of New Jersey: A non-profit organization providing free legal services to low-income individuals in New Jersey, including court representation.
- American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey (ACLU-NJ): Works to protect civil liberties and provides resources related to court cases and legal rights in New Jersey.
- Office of the Attorney General: Litigation - State of New Jersey: Information about legal cases and court proceedings managed by the Attorney General's office.
- State of NJ Certification and Public Information - Department of Treasury: Access to public records and business certifications through New Jersey's Department of Treasury.
- Attorney Disciplinary System - New Jersey Courts: Detailed information about the process for addressing attorney misconduct and related court proceedings.
- NJ Child Support Services: Offers information and assistance with child support cases, including court procedures and obligations.
- Cape May County, New Jersey Court Directory - Court Reference: A directory listing of courts and related contact information in Cape May County.
- Office Overview - New Jersey Office of the Attorney General: Overview and contact information for various divisions and legal services offered by the Attorney General's Office.
- Cape May County, New Jersey Judicial Elections - Ballotpedia: Information about judicial elections and courts in Cape May County, NJ.
- Office of the Sheriff & County Jail - Cape May County, NJ: Learn about law enforcement services and operations of the County Jail in Cape May.
- Appellate Court Overview - New Jersey Courts: Details on appellate court procedures and guidelines for filing appeals in New Jersey.
- New Jersey Division of Elections: Comprehensive state election information, including voter registration and election outcomes impacting judicial appointments.
Table of Contents
- Cape May County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Cape May County Court Records
- Cape May County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Cape May County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Cape May County?
- How Does Cape May County Compare With New Jersey Overall?
- Cape May County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Cape May County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Cape May County?
- Are Cape May County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Cape May County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Cape May County
- Cape May County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links