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Westchester Public Records
Westchester County in New York dates back to its inception in 1683. Its namesake is Chester, England. This historic county offers a myriad of records available to the public. Part of Westchester County public records are civil and criminal court records maintained by the County Clerk. Court records, including divorce records, can be looked up online to obtain the case number.
Public records in Westchester County also include birth, death, marriage and divorce records, although these are restricted. Authorized recipients may order these vital records through the New York State Department of Health. To access statewide criminal records, requests should be made to the New York Unified Court System in person or by mail. Historic Westchester County cemetery records, vital and military records are stored at the Westchester County Archives. Some of these records can be searched through online indexes.
About Westchester County Public Records
Most records in New York are readily available and open to public inspection. Vital records are the major exception, however, due to privacy laws. After 75 years, Westchester County birth records are released, and after 50 years death, marriage and divorce records become public record. This makes researching New York public records for genealogical purposes much easier. Also, these public records in Westchester County can be released to the person of record, family members or legal representatives.
Search Public Records Online in Westchester County
The County Clerk is responsible for maintaining a vast amount of records, including those for the Supreme and County Courts in Westchester. Although there is an online access tool to look up case information, this is mostly to provide case numbers. To search public records online in Westchester County means making note of identifying information to make any request for copies easier on court staff.
Free Public Records in Westchester County
For those interested in genealogy, the Westchester County Archives is an important research tool. Here, they house a collection of Westchester County military records, cemetery and vital records available to the public. Free public records in Westchester County are mostly limited to these historic records. It is completely free to view the records, and there is just a small fee to make copies.
