Clermont County Court Records Search
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Clermont County, Ohio, seated in Batavia, operates a multi-court system that generates thousands of case records each year across criminal, civil, domestic, juvenile, and probate matters. The county’s judicial structure includes the Court of Common Pleas (with separate General and Domestic Relations divisions), the Municipal Court, the Probate Court, the Juvenile Court, and several Mayor’s Courts spread throughout its villages. Each of these courts produces records that the public may need to access for legal, personal, or research purposes. Understanding which office holds the records you need and how to retrieve them is the first step toward an efficient search.
Ohio residents and members of the public can locate Clermont County court case information through several channels, including the clerk of courts offices, in-person public access terminals, and online case search portals. The state judiciary maintains resources at OhioCourts.us that may assist individuals in locating court-related information statewide. Within Clermont County specifically, the Clerk of Courts operates a case management system that provides free online access to case indexes across the Common Pleas General Division, Domestic Relations Division, Municipal Court, and Probate Court. Records that predate the electronic databases may require a manual search at the relevant clerk’s office.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Clermont County?
Clermont County offers both online and in-person methods for looking up court cases. The approach depends on the type of case and which court handled it.
Online Case Search Portals
The county maintains separate electronic portals for each division:
- Common Pleas General Division Public Access — covers civil lawsuits, foreclosures, and felony criminal cases. Records in this system date back to 1988.
- Domestic Relations Public Access — covers divorce, dissolution, custody, support, and domestic violence protection orders.
- Municipal Court Public Access — covers misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic offenses, civil disputes of $15,000 or less, small claims, and evictions. Records date back to May 1996.
- Probate Court Case Access — covers estates, guardianships, adoptions, name changes, marriage records, and trusts. Includes document images.
Each portal allows searching by party name (first, last, and middle), case number, or case type. Business entity names can also be used as search criteria. Users can narrow results further by entering a date of birth or a filing date range.
In-Person Searches
Individuals may visit the appropriate clerk’s office to search records or request copies during business hours:
| Office | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Pleas Clerk – General Division | 270 East Main Street, Batavia, OH 45103 | (513) 732-7560 (Civil) / (513) 732-7339 (Criminal) | Mon–Fri, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Common Pleas Clerk – Domestic Relations | 2340 Clermont Center Drive, Batavia, OH 45103 | (513) 732-7832 | Mon–Fri, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Municipal Clerk – Civil Division | 4430 State Route 222, Batavia, OH 45103 | (513) 732-7292 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Municipal Clerk – Criminal/Traffic | 4430 State Route 222, Batavia, OH 45103 | (513) 732-7290 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Probate Court Clerk | 2379 Clermont Center Drive, Suite 100, Batavia, OH 45103 | (513) 732-7243 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed 12:00–1:00 PM) |
Copy Fees
Standard photocopies across all clerk offices cost $0.10 per page. Certified copies from the Common Pleas Clerk cost $2.00. The Municipal Court Clerk charges $4.00 for a certified copy of a document plus $0.10 per page. The Domestic Relations Clerk charges $1.00 per page for pleadings and $3.00 per page for orders and decisions. Payment methods vary by office: the Common Pleas General Division currently accepts only cash and money order, while the Municipal Court Civil Division accepts credit cards, checks, cash, and money orders.
Are Court Records Public in Clermont County?
Clermont County court records are presumed to be public under the Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code Section 149.43). Any person may request access to public court records without explaining their purpose, and the custodial office must provide records within a reasonable time. The Superintendence Rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Ohio further govern public access to court records specifically, distinguishing them from other government records.
The right of access is not absolute. Ohio law exempts or restricts the following categories of court records from public disclosure:
- Sealed records, including those sealed by court order under expungement or sealing statutes
- Juvenile court proceedings and records
- Adoption records
- Trial preparation documents and attorney work product
- Confidential law enforcement investigatory records
- Records containing personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and driver’s license numbers
- Mental health proceedings
- Certain family law matters involving children, domestic violence victims, and protected parties
- Documents that could endanger the safety of witnesses, law enforcement personnel, or other individuals
- Records protected by specific state or federal statutes
Under ORC Section 2303.10, court records encompass all materials filed or generated during case adjudication, including transcripts, motions, dockets, pleadings, indictments, warrants, and exhibits. Administrative records of the court itself are distinct and not included in this definition.
When records contain both public and exempt information, the exempt portions may be redacted before the record is released to the requester.
Clermont County Criminal Court Records
Criminal matters in Clermont County are divided between two courts based on the severity of the charge. The Court of Common Pleas General Division handles all felony cases resulting from grand jury indictments, while the Clermont County Municipal Court handles misdemeanor offenses including thefts, assaults, domestic violence charges, OVI cases, drug offenses charged as misdemeanors, and traffic violations.
Searching Criminal Case Records
To search for felony case records, use the Common Pleas General Division portal. For misdemeanor and traffic cases, use the Municipal Court portal. Both portals accept party name, case number, and case type searches at no charge.
In-person criminal record requests can be directed to:
- Common Pleas Criminal Division: 270 East Main Street, Batavia, OH 45103 — Phone: (513) 732-7339
- Municipal Clerk – Criminal/Traffic: 4430 State Route 222, Batavia, OH 45103 — Phone: (513) 732-7290; Fax: (513) 732-7831
Criminal Background Checks
The Clermont County Sheriff’s Office operates a WebCheck station for fingerprint-based criminal background checks through the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification (BCI&I). Walk-ins are accepted Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. The fee structure is:
- BCI (State of Ohio): $30.00
- FBI (National): $36.25
- BCI and FBI combined: $56.25
Applicants must bring a completed WebCheck form, valid photo identification, and payment in cash or money order (exact amount), or credit/debit card (processing fee applies). FBI-level checks are limited to official purposes such as licensing and government operations.
The Sheriff’s Office does not conduct local record checks itself. For local Clermont County criminal history, the Sheriff’s website directs users to the Municipal Clerk and Common Pleas Clerk online case access portals, which contain records dating back to 1988 and 1996, respectively.
Inked fingerprint cards can be obtained at the jail facility adjacent to the Municipal Court building at 4430 State Route 222 for $10.00 per card (cash only), available 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, seven days a week.
Arrest and Inmate Records
The Clermont County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest reports and jail records. Inmate information can be searched through the Sheriff’s jail inmate search page. Public records requests to the Sheriff’s Office should be submitted using the Public Record Request Form and can be sent in person, by email to sheriffpublicrecords@clermontcountyohio.gov, or by phone at (513) 732-7500. The Sheriff’s Office is located at 4470 State Route 222, Batavia, Ohio 45103-9777.
Clermont County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Clermont County are split between the Court of Common Pleas General Division and the Municipal Court based on the amount in dispute. The Common Pleas Court has jurisdiction over civil matters exceeding $15,000, including foreclosures, personal injury lawsuits, and administrative appeals. The Municipal Court handles civil cases involving $15,000 or less, including evictions (forcible entry and detainer), BMV appeals, rent escrow, and civil trusteeship cases. Small claims cases, with a threshold of $6,000 or less, are also filed in the Municipal Court’s civil division.
Filing Fees — Common Pleas General Division
| Filing Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| New Civil Case | $250.00 |
| Foreclosure | $850.00 |
| Garnishment | $150.00 |
| Execution | $150.00 |
| Writ of Possession | $250.00 |
| Judgment Debtor Examination | $125.00 |
| Cross Complaint | $75.00 |
| Order of Sale | $370.00 |
| Foreign Certificate of Judgment | $75.00 |
| Jury Trial Deposit | $300.00 |
| Appeal to Twelfth District Court of Appeals | $225.00 |
| Expungement | $50.00 |
Payment at the General Division accepts only cash and money order, payable to Common Pleas Clerk of Courts.
Filing Fees — Municipal Court Civil Division (selected)
| Filing Type | Cost (1 Defendant) |
|---|---|
| Civil Complaint (including certified mail) | $290.50 |
| Small Claims (including certified mail) | $132.00 |
| Forcible Entry and Detainer (including service) | $355.50–$370.50 |
| Counter Claim on Small Claims | $15.00 |
| Garnishment (personal earnings, certified mail) | $90.00 |
| Appeal to Twelfth District Court of Appeals (deposit) | $225.00 |
Costs increase with each additional defendant. The Municipal Court Civil Division accepts credit cards, checks, cash, and money orders payable to Clerk Clermont County Municipal Court. A full fee schedule is published on the Municipal Clerk’s website. Municipal civil court forms are also available online.
Pleadings that do not require a filing fee may be transmitted by fax, but the sender must contact the clerk to verify receipt. Filings requiring a deposit must be submitted in person or by mail.
Clermont County Family Court Records
The Domestic Relations Division of the Court of Common Pleas serves as Clermont County’s family court. It has jurisdiction over divorce, dissolution of marriage, legal separation, annulment, all non-criminal domestic violence matters, child custody, visitation, and child and spousal support.
Filing Fee Deposits — Domestic Relations Division
| Case Type | Deposit |
|---|---|
| Divorce, Legal Separation, or Annulment with Children | $400.00 |
| Divorce, Legal Separation, or Annulment without Children | $325.00 |
| Dissolution with Children | $350.00 |
| Dissolution without Children | $300.00 |
| Complaint for Custody | $215.00 |
| Complaint for Support | $215.00 |
| Post Decree Motion | $165.00 |
| Counter Claim | $50.00 |
| Parental Investigation | $250.00 |
| Notice of Publication | $550.00 |
| Registration of Foreign Decree | $50.00 |
| Registration of Foreign Decree with Enforcement/Modification | $215.00 |
| Garnishment | $50.00 |
These amounts are deposits only; final court costs are calculated at the conclusion of the proceeding, and any balance exceeding the deposit must be paid before a final decree is filed. The Domestic Relations Clerk currently accepts cash, checks, and money orders (no credit cards). Local rules require court approval before filing a dissolution petition.
Requesting Family Court Records
Divorce and dissolution decrees can be requested by emailing domesticclerkofcourts@clermontcountyohio.gov or calling (513) 732-7832. Copy and certification fees must be paid upon receipt. Online searches for family court cases are available through the Domestic Relations Public Access portal.
Domestic Relations Clerk of Courts
Address: 2340 Clermont Center Drive, Batavia, OH 45103
Phone: (513) 732-7832
Domestic Violence
Non-criminal domestic violence protection orders are handled by the Domestic Relations Division. Assistance with completing petitions for civil protection orders is available from the clerk’s staff. Criminal domestic violence charges (misdemeanors) are adjudicated in Municipal Court.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses are issued by the Clermont County Probate Court. The application fee is $50.00, payable in cash or by credit or debit card (convenience fees apply for card payments). Both applicants must appear together in person. Marriage records dating from 1800 to the present are maintained by the Probate Court and can be requested by mail. Mail requests should include the full names of both applicants, the marriage date, $3.00 per certified copy (cash or money order only), and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Requests can also be searched through the Probate Case Access portal.
Birth and Death Certificates
Although not court records, birth and death certificates are frequently sought alongside family law matters. The Clermont County Public Health office issues certified copies of Ohio birth certificates (1908 to present) and death certificates (1971 to present). Birth certificates can be ordered online, in person, or by mail. Death certificates must be ordered in person or by mail. The office is at 2275 Bauer Road, Suite 300, Batavia, Ohio 45103; Phone: (513) 732-7499
Clermont County Probate Court Records
The Clermont County Probate Court adjudicates a broad range of matters beyond estate administration, including guardianships, adoptions, name changes, conservatorships, involuntary commitment for alcohol and drug treatment, land sales, and trust administration. Judge James A. Shriver presides over the court.
Clermont County Probate Court
Address: 2379 Clermont Center Drive, Suite 100, Batavia, OH 45103
Phone: (513) 732-7243
Fax: (513) 732-8183
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed 12:00–1:00 PM for lunch)
Probate Cost Deposits
| Matter | Deposit |
|---|---|
| Full Estate Administration | $235.00 |
| Regular Release from Administration | $145.00 |
| Summary Release (estate up to $1,000) | $45.00 |
| Summary Release (estate over $1,000) | $85.00 |
| Sole Asset Estate | $95.00 |
| Will for Record Only | $15.00 |
| Application to Admit Will to Probate | $25.00 |
| Adult Guardianship | $290.00 |
| Minor Guardianship | $235.00 |
| Limited Guardian of the Estate | $35.00 |
| Minor Adoption | $150.00 |
| Foreign Adoption | $90.00 |
| Adult Adoption | $115.00 |
| Conservator | $80.00 |
| Testamentary Trust | $235.00 |
| Adult Name Change | $130.00 |
| Deposit of Will | $25.00 |
| Re-Open Estate | $35.00 |
| Transcripts (plus $1.00 per page) | $20.00 |
Guardians appointed for adult wards must complete a six-hour education course mandated by Supreme Court of Ohio Rule 66. Course options include live sessions, broadcasts at the Clermont County Probate Court, and online education through the Ohio Judicial College. Fingerprinting is required for all applicants seeking appointment as guardian of an adult and for adult name change petitioners; fingerprinting is done on-site at the Probate Court from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM on court business days.
Searching Probate Records
The Probate Court Case Access portal provides free online access to case indexes and document images for probate matters, including estate administrations, guardianships, and marriage licenses. Searches can be conducted by party name, case number, or case type. In-person requests for copies of probate documents can be made at the Probate Court Clerk’s Office during business hours.
Court forms for all probate case types are available on the court’s website, organized by category: estate administration, guardianship, adoption, conservatorship, name change, birth registration and correction, deposit of will, minor settlement, testamentary trust, wrongful death trusts, land sale, paternity declaration, disinterment, and involuntary treatment. The court also publishes local rules and cost deposit schedules online. Information about court procedures and legal matters in general can also be researched at the Clermont County Law Library, located on the second floor of the Courthouse at 270 East Main Street.
In addition to the courts listed above, Clermont County has several Mayor’s Courts in its villages, including Amelia, Bethel, Felicity, Loveland, Milford, New Richmond, Owensville, and Williamsburg. These courts handle minor misdemeanors and traffic offenses within their respective municipal boundaries. Records from Mayor’s Courts are maintained by each village individually and are not included in the county’s online case management system.