Franklin County Public Records
Franklin County public records are managed by the County Clerk and various state agencies that serve the North Country region of New York. The county seat is Malone, where the Clerk's office handles court records, land filings, and other recorded documents. You can search many Franklin County records online through the state court system, or visit the Clerk in person for records that are not yet digitized. State databases from the Unified Court System cover civil and criminal cases from every county, including Franklin.
Franklin County Public Records Overview
Franklin County Clerk Office
The Franklin County Clerk serves as the keeper of court records and land documents for the county. This office is the local source for Supreme and County Court filings, deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded instruments. The Clerk also handles pistol permits and notary public commissions. If you need a copy of any recorded document, the Clerk's office is the place to start.
| Office | Franklin County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 355 West Main Street, Malone, NY 12953 |
| Phone | (518) 481-1681 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Copy Fee | $0.50 per page |
| Certified Copies | $5.00 plus page fees |
Land records at the Franklin County Clerk's office go back many decades. Each deed, mortgage, and lien gets indexed by the names of the grantor and grantee. This makes it possible to trace ownership of any parcel through the years. Title searches are a common reason people visit or call the Clerk, and the office can help you find what you need if you provide enough detail about the property or parties involved.
Court records held by the Clerk include case files from Supreme Court civil actions and County Court criminal cases. These files contain all papers filed during the case, including complaints, answers, motions, orders, and judgments. To get a copy of a court record, you can visit in person or call the office and ask about mail-in request procedures. Fees for copies follow the standard schedule set by state law.
How to Search Franklin County Public Records
The state eCourts system is the best free tool for searching court records. The WebCivil Supreme portal lets you look up civil Supreme Court cases from Franklin County by name, index number, or attorney. Results show case details, filing dates, and docket entries. The system is free and works around the clock.
For criminal records, the Criminal History Record Search covers all 62 counties. It costs $95 and uses an exact match on name and date of birth. Results include open cases and convictions from every court level. Sealed records do not show up. This is a statewide tool, so it picks up cases from Franklin County along with any other county where the person has a record.
Vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates come from two sources. The New York State Department of Health keeps records for the entire state outside of New York City. Local town clerks in Franklin County can also issue copies of vital records for events that happened in their town. The state charges $30 for a certified copy. Processing takes 8 to 10 weeks for standard requests.
Property records require a visit or call to the Clerk's office. If you are searching for a specific deed or mortgage, have the names of the parties and an approximate date ready. The more detail you give, the faster the search goes. Some neighboring counties have online land record portals, but Franklin County may require in-person research for older or less common documents.
Types of Public Records in Franklin County
Franklin County maintains a wide range of public records through the Clerk's office and other local agencies. Court records are the most requested type. These include civil lawsuits, criminal cases, and special proceedings in Supreme and County Court. Family Court records are handled separately and have their own access rules, with many family matters kept confidential by state law.
Land records form the backbone of the Clerk's filing system. Every time property changes hands or someone takes out a mortgage, the documents get filed with the Clerk. Over time, this creates a complete history of each parcel. Liens and judgments also get recorded here, which means creditors and buyers can check for claims against a property before a sale closes. The recording system protects both buyers and lenders by making these records public and searchable.
Other types of records you can find include voter registration data through the county Board of Elections, business filings through the state Department of State, and various agency records available through FOIL requests. The State Board of Elections oversees the voter file, while county boards handle day-to-day registration and election administration.
FOIL Requests in Franklin County
New York's Freedom of Information Law lets you request records from any state or local agency. This includes all county offices in Franklin County. To make a FOIL request, write to the Records Access Officer at the agency that has the records. Be specific about what you need. The agency must respond within five business days.
The Department of State FOIL page has sample request letters and a full explanation of the process. Agencies can charge up to 50 cents per page for copies. If your request is denied, you have 30 days to appeal. The Committee on Open Government can provide guidance on your rights under FOIL and has issued advisory opinions on many common questions about public access to records.
Some records are exempt from FOIL. These include records that would invade personal privacy, interfere with law enforcement investigations, or reveal trade secrets. Sealed court records under Criminal Procedure Law Section 160.50 are also off limits. But most government records are public, and the default under New York law is disclosure. If an agency denies your request, they must give you a written reason citing the specific legal basis for the denial.
Legal Resources for Franklin County
Legal Aid of Northeastern New York provides free civil legal services to low-income residents of Franklin County. They handle cases involving housing, family law, public benefits, and consumer issues. The North Country Pro Bono Project may also connect residents with volunteer attorneys for civil matters.
The New York State Courts website has self-help resources for people who need to file court papers without a lawyer. Forms for common actions like small claims, name changes, and uncontested divorces are available online. The Franklin County Courthouse in Malone may have additional resources at the clerk's window. For questions about your rights to access public records, call the Committee on Open Government at (518) 474-2518.
Nearby Counties
Franklin County is in the northern part of New York near the Canadian border. These are the neighboring counties where you can also search public records.