Clermont County Public Records /Clermont County Court Records

Clermont County Court Records

What Is Clermont County Court Records

Court records in Clermont County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, these records constitute public information that documents the administration of justice within the county.

Court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
Docket sheets chronicling case events and filings
Court orders and judgments
Hearing and trial transcripts
Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
Sentencing and disposition records
Court calendars and scheduling information

These records differ from other public records maintained by Clermont County, such as property records (deeds, mortgages, liens), vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates), and tax records. Court records specifically document judicial proceedings and decisions.

The Clermont County court system maintains records for various courts operating within its jurisdiction, including:

Common Pleas Court (General, Domestic Relations, Probate, and Juvenile Divisions)
Municipal Court
Area Courts

These courts handle a wide range of matters including civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law cases, probate proceedings, juvenile matters, and traffic violations. Each court maintains its own record-keeping system in accordance with Ohio Supreme Court rules and state statutes.

The Supreme Court of Ohio has established standards for court record management through Superintendence Rule 26, which provides guidelines for record retention, access, and management across all Ohio courts.

Are Court Records Public In Clermont County

Court records in Clermont County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Ohio's Public Records Act, commonly known as the "Sunshine Law," codified in Ohio Revised Code § 149.43. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including court records, are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.

Additionally, the Ohio Supreme Court has implemented Rules of Superintendence 44-47, which specifically govern public access to court records throughout Ohio. These rules define court records and establish procedures for accessing them while balancing transparency with privacy concerns.

Publicly accessible court records in Clermont County typically include:

Civil case files (with certain personal information redacted)
Criminal case files (post-charging)
Court orders and judgments
Docket sheets and case indices
Hearing schedules and court calendars
Property records related to judgments and liens

However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:

Records sealed by court order
Adoption proceedings
Juvenile records (with exceptions)
Mental health commitment proceedings
Records containing sensitive personal identifiers
Grand jury proceedings
Search warrants prior to return

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio are governed by federal rules rather than state law, though they generally follow similar principles of public access.

How To Find Court Records in Clermont County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Clermont County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently provides multiple avenues for record retrieval:

In-Person Requests:

Identify the specific court that maintains the desired records
Visit the appropriate clerk's office during regular business hours
Complete a records request form, providing case number, party names, or other identifying information
Pay applicable copy fees if requesting physical copies
Review records on-site or wait for copies to be produced

Online Access:

Navigate to the appropriate court's website
Access the online records portal or case management system
Create an account if required
Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
View available documents or docket information
Download or print documents if permitted (fees may apply)

Written Requests:

Prepare a written request specifying the records sought
Include contact information and preferred delivery method
Mail, email, or fax the request to the appropriate clerk's office
Include payment for any applicable fees
Allow processing time as specified by the court

Telephone Inquiries:

Contact the clerk's office for the appropriate court
Provide case information to the clerk
Inquire about record availability and access procedures
Follow up with written request or in-person visit as directed

For certified copies of court records, requestors must typically appear in person or submit a written request with appropriate fees. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2303.20, clerks may charge statutory fees for copies and certification of court documents.

How To Look Up Court Records in Clermont County Online?

Clermont County provides several online portals for accessing court records electronically. These systems allow users to search for cases and view certain documents without visiting the courthouse. The available online resources include:

Clermont County Common Pleas Court:

Visit the Clermont County Clerk of Courts website
Select "Case Search" from the navigation menu
Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
Review search results and select desired case
View docket entries and available documents
Download or print accessible documents

Clermont County Municipal Court:

Access the Municipal Court online portal
Navigate to "Case Information" or "Records Search"
Enter search parameters (case number, citation number, party name)
Review case information and docket entries
Access available documents if permitted

Clermont County Probate/Juvenile Court:

Visit the Probate/Juvenile Court website
Select "Case Search" or "Records Access"
Enter required search information
Review available case information
Note that juvenile records have restricted access under Ohio law

Clermont County Recorder's Office:

Navigate to the County Recorder's online system
Access the "CountyFusion" search portal
Search for property records, liens, judgments, and related documents
View document images if available
Print or save accessible documents

Users should be aware that online access may be limited compared to in-person inspection. Some documents may be available only at the courthouse due to confidentiality restrictions, technical limitations, or statutory requirements. Additionally, certain older records may not be digitized and remain accessible only in physical format.

How To Search Clermont County Court Records for Free?

Ohio law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, as established in Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1). While fees may apply for copies or certified documents, viewing public records is generally available at no cost. Clermont County offers several free options for accessing court records:

Free In-Person Inspection:

Visit the appropriate clerk's office during regular business hours
Request to view specific case files or docket information
Examine records on-site at no charge
Take notes or photographs where permitted (policies vary by court)

Free Online Search Options:

Clermont County Municipal Court provides free basic case information searches
Clermont County Clerk of Courts offers free docket searches
Probate/Juvenile Court provides limited free online access to certain records
Clermont County Government website links to various free court record resources

Public Access Terminals:

Computer terminals available at courthouse locations
Provide more comprehensive access than remote online systems
Available during regular business hours
No charge for searching or viewing records
Printing fees may apply

Public Libraries:

Some Clermont County public libraries offer assistance with court record searches
Library staff can help navigate free online resources
Internet access available for searching court websites
Reference materials about the court system available

While basic searches are free, users should be aware that fees may apply for:

Printed copies (typically $0.10-$1.00 per page)
Certified copies (additional certification fee)
Complete case files or extensive document requests
Specialized searches requiring staff assistance
Subscription-based features of certain online systems

What's Included in a Clermont County Court Record?

Court records in Clermont County contain various documents and information depending on the case type and court of jurisdiction. A comprehensive court record typically includes:

Case Initiation Documents:

Complaints or petitions
Summonses or subpoenas
Service of process documentation
Initial appearances or arraignments
Filing fee receipts

Procedural Documents:

Motions and supporting memoranda
Responses and replies to motions
Court orders and rulings
Scheduling notices and continuances
Discovery-related filings
Pretrial conference summaries

Evidentiary Materials:

Witness lists and statements
Exhibit lists and admitted exhibits
Expert reports and qualifications
Deposition transcripts (if filed)
Affidavits and declarations

Disposition Documents:

Trial transcripts
Jury instructions and verdict forms
Judgments and decrees
Settlement agreements (if filed)
Dismissal orders
Sentencing information (criminal cases)

Post-Judgment Documents:

Appeals and notices of appeal
Post-trial motions
Satisfaction of judgment filings
Enforcement proceedings
Probation/parole reports (in criminal matters)

Administrative Records:

Case docket or register of actions
Judge and attorney assignments
Court reporter information
Filing date stamps and certification
Fee assessments and payment records

In accordance with Ohio Supreme Court Superintendence Rule 44(C), certain sensitive information may be redacted or filed under seal, including social security numbers, financial account numbers, and information about minors.

How Long Does Clermont County Keep Court Records?

Clermont County courts retain records according to schedules established by the Supreme Court of Ohio through Superintendence Rule 26, which mandates minimum retention periods for various court documents. These retention periods vary based on case type and document importance:

Criminal Case Records:

Capital offense cases: Permanently retained
Felony cases: 50 years after final order
Misdemeanor cases: 5 years after final order
Traffic cases: 5 years after final order
Search warrants: 5 years after return

Civil Case Records:

General civil cases: 5 years after final order
Domestic relations cases: 25 years after final order
Personal injury/property damage: 5 years after final order
Small claims: 2 years after final order
Evictions: 1 year after final order

Probate Records:

Estate administration: 12 years after final account
Guardianships: 5 years after termination
Adoptions: Permanently retained
Birth and death records: Permanently retained
Marriage licenses: Permanently retained

Juvenile Records:

Delinquency cases: Until child's 21st birthday or 2 years after final order, whichever is later
Dependency, neglect, abuse: 2 years after child reaches majority
Permanent custody: Permanently retained
Traffic cases: 5 years after final order

Administrative Records:

Dockets and journals: Permanently retained
Judge's notes: Retained at judge's discretion
Exhibits: Until appeal time expires or 60 days after final order
Transcripts: Until appeal time expires

The Clermont County Records Commission, in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.38, oversees the implementation of these retention schedules and may establish longer retention periods for certain records. After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to proper procedures, transferred to archives, or preserved through microfilming or digital conversion.

Types of Courts In Clermont County

Clermont County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and responsibilities:

Clermont County Common Pleas Court - General Division
270 East Main Street
Batavia, OH 45103
(513) 732-7108
Common Pleas Court

Clermont County Common Pleas Court - Domestic Relations Division
2340 Clermont Center Drive, Suite 200
Batavia, OH 45103
(513) 732-7327
Domestic Relations Court

Clermont County Common Pleas Court - Probate/Juvenile Division
2340 Clermont Center Drive, Suite 100
Batavia, OH 45103
(513) 732-7750
Probate/Juvenile Court

Clermont County Municipal Court
4430 State Route 222
Batavia, OH 45103
(513) 732-8100
Municipal Court

The court hierarchy in Clermont County follows the standard Ohio judicial structure:

Municipal Court - Handles misdemeanors, traffic cases, small claims (up to $6,000), and civil cases up to $15,000
Common Pleas Court - Adjudicates felonies, civil cases exceeding $15,000, domestic relations matters, probate issues, and juvenile cases
Ohio Court of Appeals (12th District) - Reviews appeals from Clermont County courts
Ohio Supreme Court - Final appellate authority for state law matters

Each court maintains its own clerk's office, which is responsible for receiving filings, maintaining records, collecting fees, and providing public access to court documents in accordance with Ohio law.

What Types of Cases Do Clermont County Courts Hear?

Clermont County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters, with each court having specific jurisdictional authority:

Common Pleas Court - General Division:

Felony criminal prosecutions
Civil lawsuits with claims exceeding $15,000
Administrative appeals
Real property disputes
Complex commercial litigation
Post-conviction relief petitions
Certificate of qualification for employment
Specialized dockets (Drug Court, Veterans Court)

Common Pleas Court - Domestic Relations Division:

Divorce and dissolution proceedings
Legal separation cases
Child custody determinations
Child support establishment and enforcement
Spousal support (alimony) matters
Domestic violence civil protection orders
Parentage (paternity) determinations
Modification of prior domestic relations orders

Common Pleas Court - Probate Division:

Estate administration
Will contests
Guardianships for minors and incompetent adults
Conservatorships
Adoptions
Name changes
Marriage licenses
Mental health commitments

Common Pleas Court - Juvenile Division:

Delinquency cases
Unruly child matters
Juvenile traffic offenses
Dependency, neglect, and abuse cases
Permanent custody proceedings
Juvenile protection orders
Child support matters involving unmarried parents

Municipal Court:

Misdemeanor criminal cases
Traffic violations
Operating vehicle under influence (OVI/DUI)
Civil disputes up to $15,000
Small claims (up to $6,000)
Landlord-tenant disputes and evictions
Preliminary hearings for felony cases
Criminal and civil protection orders

The jurisdiction of these courts is established by the Ohio Revised Code and may be subject to change through legislative action. In some instances, jurisdiction may overlap between courts, and proper venue is determined by statutory provisions and case law.

How To Find a Court Docket In Clermont County

Court dockets in Clermont County provide chronological listings of all actions taken in a case, including filings, hearings, and judicial decisions. Members of the public can access docket information through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

Visit the Clermont County Clerk of Courts website for Common Pleas cases
Access the Municipal Court website for misdemeanor and traffic cases
Navigate to the case search or docket search function
Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date range)
Review docket entries chronologically
Access linked documents if available

In-Person Docket Review:

Visit the clerk's office for the appropriate court during business hours
Request docket information for specific cases
Provide case number or party names to the clerk
Review printed docket sheets or access public terminals
Request copies of specific docket entries if needed

Daily Court Calendars:

Check the Clermont County courts' websites for daily hearing schedules
Visit the courthouse to view posted daily dockets
Contact the clerk's office for information about upcoming hearings
Review case assignment lists for specific judges

Remote Telephone Inquiries:

Contact the appropriate clerk's office by phone
Provide case information to the clerk
Request basic docket information
Follow up with written requests for detailed information if needed

For specialized dockets such as foreclosure lists, probate inventories, or grand jury proceedings, specific procedures may apply. The Supreme Court of Ohio also maintains a public docket for cases appealed to the state's highest court.

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2303.12, clerks of court are required to maintain accurate docket records that are accessible to the public, with certain exceptions for sealed or confidential cases.

Which Courts in Clermont County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Ohio's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court that creates and maintains a complete, verbatim record of all proceedings, typically through court reporters or electronic recording systems. These records can be used for appeals and serve as official documentation of court actions. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 1901.01, all municipal courts are designated as courts of record.

In Clermont County, all currently operating courts are courts of record, including:

Common Pleas Court (General Division)
Domestic Relations Court
Probate Court
Juvenile Court
Municipal Court

Historically, Ohio had mayor's courts and justice of the peace courts that were not courts of record. While mayor's courts still exist in some Ohio municipalities, they are not considered courts of record under Ohio law. Mayor's courts handle minor violations of local ordinances and certain traffic offenses.

Key distinctions of courts not of record include:

No verbatim transcript of proceedings is created
Limited appeal rights (appeals are typically de novo, meaning the case is heard anew)
Presiding officers are not required to be attorneys
Simplified procedures with less formal rules

In Clermont County, any mayor's courts operating within municipal jurisdictions would be considered courts not of record. Cases from these courts can be transferred to the Clermont County Municipal Court, which is a court of record, upon request.

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is important for determining appeal procedures and the weight given to prior proceedings in subsequent litigation. This classification is established by Ohio Revised Code § 2301.01 for common pleas courts and related statutes for other court types.