You’re probably here because you got a summons in the mail or you're trying to track down a record from a decade ago. Maybe you just need to know if the courthouse is open today. Honestly, the legal system in Kingston can be a maze if you don't know which door to walk through.
The Ulster County Court NY system isn't just one room with a judge. It's a sprawling network of jurisdictions. If you show up at the historic stone building on Wall Street for a ticket you got in the Town of Ulster, you’re going to be disappointed. That’s because the "County Court" and the "Town Court" are two very different animals.
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The Layout of the Land in Kingston
Most people think of the Ulster County Courthouse at 285 Wall Street as the center of the universe. It’s beautiful, sure. It’s historic. But it primarily houses the Supreme Court and the County Court.
If you’re dealing with a felony, that’s where you’ll be. Judge Bryan E. Rounds handles many of these heavy-hitting cases. Just recently, in January 2026, his courtroom saw high-profile pleas ranging from serious felony charges to complex criminal matters. It's a busy place.
But wait. If you have a family matter—custody, child support, or neglect—you aren't going to Wall Street. You need to head over to 2 Development Court. That’s where the Family Court lives. It's tucked away, but it’s where judges like Sarah Rakov and Anthony McGinty spend their days.
Where to go for what
- Felonies & Major Civil Suits: 285 Wall Street (The big courthouse).
- Divorce & Estates: The Surrogate’s Court is actually over at 244 Fair Street on the 3rd floor. Judge Sara W. McGinty runs the show there.
- Traffic Tickets: These are handled by the specific town or village court where you were pulled over. If you were speeding on 9W in the Town of Ulster, you go to 1 Town Hall Drive in Lake Katrine, not the city of Kingston.
Finding Records Without Losing Your Mind
Let’s talk about paperwork. Everyone wants to know how to find Ulster County Court NY records online.
Kinda easy, kinda not.
If you want land records—deeds, mortgages, that sort of thing—the Ulster County Clerk’s office has an online portal that's actually pretty robust. You can find stuff dating back to the 1600s if you're a history nerd. But for actual criminal or civil court files? You usually have to put some skin in the game.
Public terminals are available at 244 Fair Street. You walk in, sit down, and search. If you need copies, be ready to pay. It’s not a free-for-all. For criminal history searches, New York State charges a $95 fee for a formal search (CHRS), which is a bit of a sting to the wallet.
Why the "Clerk" matters
The County Clerk, currently Nina Postupack’s office (though always check for the latest election results), is the gatekeeper. They don't just do DMV stuff. They handle the "Judgment and Lien" filings. If someone owes you money and you won a case in a small claims court, you have to file that transcript with the County Clerk to make it "official" against their property.
The "Justice Court" Confusion
This is where most people trip up. There is a "Town of Ulster Justice Court" and then there is the "Ulster County Court."
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The Town Court handles:
- Traffic violations (the bread and butter).
- Small claims (up to $3,000).
- Evictions.
- Arraignments for bigger crimes before they get moved up to the County level.
If you’re looking for Judge Susan Kesick or Kelly Flood-Myers, you’re looking for the Town Court. They aren't at the big courthouse downtown. They’re at the Town Hall. Honestly, the amount of people who drive to the wrong building every Monday morning is staggering.
Recent Shifts in 2025 and 2026
The legal landscape in Ulster has been busy lately. The District Attorney’s office, led by Emmanuel Nneji, has been pushing hard on "Special Victims" cases and major crimes. You’ll see a lot of news about the "IPVI" Task Force—that stands for Intimate Partner Violence Intervention. They are trying to change how domestic violence is handled by bringing cases into a more specialized focus.
Also, keep an eye on the digital shift. While some parts of the NY court system feel like they are stuck in 1985, Ulster has been gradually moving toward more e-filing (NYSCEF). This is great for lawyers, but for the average person, it just means you might see more "virtual" appearance options than you would have five years ago.
Practical Steps If You Have a Court Date
Don't just show up.
First, confirm the address. Look at your paperwork. Does it say "Town," "Village," "City," or "County"?
- Kingston City Court is at 1 Garraghan Drive.
- Ulster Town Court is in Lake Katrine.
- Ulster County Court is on Wall Street.
Dress like you’re going to a job interview. It sounds cliché, but judges in the 3rd Judicial District (which Ulster belongs to) definitely notice. Cell phones are usually allowed in the building but must be off or silent in the courtroom. If your phone goes off while Judge Rounds is talking, you’re going to have a bad time.
Important Contact Numbers
- Supreme/County Court: (845) 481-9375
- Family Court: (845) 481-9430
- Surrogate’s Court: (845) 481-9338
- Jury Commissioner: (845) 481-9384 (If you're trying to get out of jury duty, this is the office to call, though they’ve heard every excuse in the book).
Actionable Insights for Navigating the System
If you’re looking for a specific case, start with the WebCivil or WebCrims portals provided by the NY State Unified Court System. They don't show everything—sealed cases or family matters are private—but they give you the "when and where."
For those looking to file a small claim, remember the $3,000 cap. If your neighbor ruined your $5,000 fence, you can still sue in Town Court, but you waive anything over $3,000. If you want the full five grand, you’re looking at a higher court and probably needing a lawyer.
Lastly, check the calendar. Most of these offices close for an hour at lunch (usually 1 PM to 2 PM) and they are strict about it. If you arrive at 1:05 PM, you’ll be sitting in the hallway until 2:00 PM.
Next Steps:
- Verify your court location: Double-check your summons for the word "Town" or "County."
- Search the portal: Use the NYS Unified Court System's "eCourts" to see if your appearance is listed.
- Prepare your documents: If you're heading to the Clerk’s office at 244 Fair Street for records, bring a photo ID and be prepared for security screening at the entrance.