Mahoning County Court Records Search
OhioCourts.us is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA and does not provide consumer reports. All searches conducted on OhioCourts.us are subject to the Terms of Service and Privacy Notice.
Mahoning County, Ohio, is home to a multi-layered court system headquartered at the Mahoning County Courthouse in Youngstown. The county’s judiciary includes a Court of Common Pleas with General, Domestic Relations, Juvenile, and Probate divisions, four County Area Courts, three Municipal Courts, and several Mayor’s Courts. Each court maintains its own records, though the Mahoning County Clerk of Courts serves as the primary custodian of case files for the General and Domestic Relations divisions. Whether researching a felony case, tracing a divorce filing, obtaining a marriage certificate, or reviewing a probate estate, understanding which office holds the records and how to access them is essential.
Ohio residents and the general public can search for court records through a combination of online portals, clerk offices, and in-person visits. OhioCourts.us provides a starting point for identifying court locations, contact information, and procedural resources across the state. In Mahoning County, most Common Pleas records are searchable online through the county’s CourtView system, while the Probate Court and Youngstown Municipal Court each maintain separate electronic dockets. Public access terminals at the courthouse and direct contact with clerk offices offer additional pathways for obtaining case information.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Mahoning County?
Mahoning County provides several methods for searching court records depending on the court and case type.
Online — Court of Common Pleas (General, Domestic Relations, and Appeals)
The Mahoning County Integrated Justice System provides public access to computerized case records for the General Division, Domestic Relations Division, and the 7th District Court of Appeals. After completing a CAPTCHA verification, users can access the CourtView search portal and search by:
- Party name
- Attorney name
- Case number
- Case type (with options for Common Pleas, Austintown, Boardman, Canfield, and Sebring courts)
- Action code
- Date range
Online — Probate Court
The Mahoning County Probate Court offers a separate case search docket for probate records, including estates, guardianships, adoptions, and marriage license filings.
Online — Youngstown Municipal Court
Youngstown Municipal Court case records are accessible through a dedicated CourtView portal for criminal, traffic, civil, and parking matters.
In-Person Requests
Records can be reviewed and copies obtained at the relevant clerk’s office during business hours:
| Office | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clerk of Courts (General & Domestic Relations) | 120 Market St., 2nd Floor, Youngstown, OH 44503 | (330) 740-2104 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Probate Court | 120 Market St., 1st Floor, Youngstown, OH 44503 | (330) 740-2310 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Youngstown Municipal Clerk of Court | 9 W. Front St., Youngstown, OH 44503 | (330) 742-8863 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Mail Requests
Written requests can be mailed to the appropriate clerk’s office. Include the case number (if known), party names, case type, and payment. Address mail requests for Common Pleas records to:
Mahoning County Clerk of Courts
120 Market Street, Second Floor
Youngstown, OH 44503
Fax: (330) 740-2105
Email: courts@mahoningcountyoh.gov
Are Court Records Public in Mahoning County?
Mahoning County court records are generally open to public inspection under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, Ohio’s Public Records Act. This statute requires public offices to make records available for inspection and copying at reasonable times.
However, certain categories of records are exempt from public access:
- Juvenile records — confidential under Ohio law with limited exceptions
- Adoption records — sealed by statute
- Mental health records — protected from public disclosure
- Grand jury records — secret proceedings not subject to public access
- Sealed and expunged records — removed from public view by court order
- Trade secrets — exempt from disclosure
- Active investigation records — confidential law enforcement investigatory records
- Victim information — protected identifying information
- Attorney-client privilege material — exempt from disclosure
- Records protected by specific state or federal statutes
Individuals who believe a public records request has been improperly denied may pursue remedies through the Ohio Court of Claims. The Mahoning County Clerk of Courts maintains a public records request policy accessible through the Clerk’s website.
Mahoning County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Mahoning County are handled at multiple levels. The Court of Common Pleas General Division has jurisdiction over all felony cases, while the Municipal Courts and County Area Courts handle misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and felony preliminary hearings. Mayor’s Courts address minor ordinance violations and certain traffic matters.
Searching Criminal Court Records
- Use the CourtView portal for Common Pleas criminal cases — select “Criminal - Common Pleas” from the case type dropdown and search by name, case number, or date range.
- For Youngstown Municipal Court criminal and traffic cases, use the Municipal Court CourtView.
- Contact individual Area Courts for records from their jurisdictions:
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Area Court 2 — Boardman | 8110 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512 | (330) 726-5546 |
| Area Court 3 — Sebring | 606 E. Ohio Ave., Sebring, OH 44672 | (330) 938-9873 |
| Area Court 4 — Austintown | 6000 Mahoning Ave., Austintown, OH 44515 | (330) 740-2001 |
| Area Court 5 — Canfield | 72 N. Broad St., Canfield, OH 44406 | (330) 533-3643 |
Criminal History Records (Statewide)
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) under the Attorney General’s Office maintains the statewide criminal history database. Criminal history record checks require fingerprints and a $22 processing fee payable to the “Treasurer of the State of Ohio”. Ohio law restricts public access to criminal history information, and authorized purposes and fingerprint verification are required.
Sheriff’s Office Resources
The Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records, incident reports, crash reports, and inmate information. The Sheriff’s Office provides several online search tools accessible through the county’s Record Searches page:
- Public Inmate Information search — search for active or recently active inmates
- Crash reports
- Most wanted fugitives and missing persons
- Sex offender search
- Sheriff sales
For general Sheriff’s Office inquiries, call (330) 480-5000.
Mahoning County Civil Court Records
The General Division of the Court of Common Pleas handles civil cases with no upper limit on damages. Municipal Courts in the county hear civil matters involving $15,000 or less, and small claims disputes fall within the Municipal Courts’ jurisdiction as well.
Searching Civil Records
Civil cases filed in Common Pleas can be searched through the CourtView portal. Select “Civil - Common Pleas” from the case type menu, or choose a specific Area Court location (Austintown, Boardman, Canfield, or Sebring). Searches can be conducted by party name, case number, action code, or date range.
For Youngstown Municipal Court civil cases, use the Municipal Court CourtView system or contact the Clerk of Court’s civil division at (330) 742-8863. Small claims inquiries can be directed to (330) 742-8866.
Youngstown Municipal Court Civil Filing Fees (Selected):
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil complaint | $150 |
| Small claims | $100 (+$10 per additional defendant) |
| Forcible entry and detainer | $150 |
| Counterclaim | $39 |
| Certified copy | $1 |
| Transcript fee | $25 |
| Certificate of judgment | $10 |
A complete fee schedule is available on the Youngstown Municipal Clerk of Court website.
Obtaining Copies
Written requests for copies of Common Pleas civil records should be directed to the Clerk of Courts at 120 Market Street, Second Floor, Youngstown, OH 44503. For assistance, call (330) 740-2104 or Fax: (330) 740-2105 The General Division Local Rules of Court govern civil filing and scheduling procedures.
Mahoning County Family Court Records
The Domestic Relations Division of the Court of Common Pleas adjudicates family law matters in Mahoning County, including divorce, dissolution of marriage, annulment, legal separation, child custody and visitation, child and spousal support, paternity, and domestic violence civil protection orders. The Juvenile Division, housed at the Martin P. Joyce Juvenile Justice Center, handles delinquency, dependency, and other juvenile proceedings.
Searching Family Court Records
Domestic Relations cases are searchable through the CourtView portal. Users can search by party name, case number, or select specific case types such as “Divorce” or “Dissolution of Marriage” from the action code or case type menus.
The Domestic Relations Division has adopted Local Rule 46 governing electronic filing, which became effective November 6, 2023. Court forms for domestic relations matters, including divorce complaints, are available on the Court Forms page. A self-help center is available by appointment — call (330) 740-2208 for information.
Contact Information:
Mahoning County Domestic Relations Division
120 Market St., Youngstown, OH 44503
Phone: (330) 740-2208
Fax: (330) 740-2105
Mahoning County Juvenile Court
Martin P. Joyce Juvenile Justice Center
300 E. Scott St., Youngstown, OH 44505
Phone: (330) 740-2278
Fax: (330) 740-2272
Marriage Records
The Mahoning County Probate Court is the sole authority for issuing marriage licenses in the county. The license fee is $50, payable by cash or credit card (a service fee applies for card transactions). All marriage license applications are conducted by appointment via video conference — call (330) 740-2310 to schedule after submitting required documentation.
Certified copies of previously issued marriage licenses cost $3 each and can be obtained by:
- Mail: Send a written request or the Marriage License Request Form (PDF) with the names of both parties, date of marriage, number of copies requested, and $3 per copy (check or money order payable to “Mahoning County Probate Court”) to: Mahoning County Probate Court, Attn: Marriage License Dept., 120 Market Street, Youngstown, OH 44503.
- In person: Visit the Probate Court at 120 Market Street, 1st Floor. Payment by cash or credit card ($3 per copy).
- Public Library: The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County provides certified copies at $3.50 each (cash only). Call (330) 744-8636 for location details.
Divorce Records
Divorce case records are maintained by the Clerk of Courts and searchable through the CourtView system. Select “Divorce” from the case type dropdown to locate specific filings.
Birth and Death Records
The City of Youngstown Health Department Vital Statistics office registers all birth and death certificates for Mahoning County. Per Ohio Revised Code § 3705.23, birth and death records are confidential documents accessible only to the record subject, immediate family members, legal representatives, authorized government agencies, and individuals conducting genealogical research. Records can also be ordered through the Ohio Department of Health Vital Statistics or by using the online certificate application. The Youngstown City Health Department can be reached at:
Youngstown City Health Department
50 Westchester Drive
Youngstown, OH 44515
Phone: (330) 270-2855
Fax: (330) 270-0625
Mahoning County Probate Court Records
The Probate Court of Mahoning County operates as a division of the Court of Common Pleas and has jurisdiction over the administration of decedent estates, the probate of wills, guardianships of incompetent adults and minors, conservatorships, adoptions, trust matters, marriage licenses, name changes, and mental health commitments.
Searching Probate Records
The Probate Court’s online case search docket allows the public to search case index and docket information. The system supports searches by case number, party name, and case type.
Court Forms and Filing Fees
Probate forms are available from the Mahoning County Probate Court Forms page, which links to Standard Probate Forms approved by the Ohio Supreme Court, local forms, and estate do-it-yourself forms. The Probate Court also operates a Help Desk to assist with simple estate transfers, form review, and procedural questions.
Selected probate filing fees include:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil actions (land sales, complaints to produce wills, will contests, etc.) | $200 |
| Petition for disinterment | $65 |
| Disposal of minor’s estate under $25,000 (without guardianship) | $93 |
| Minor’s settlement without guardianship | $114 |
| Application to inventory safe deposit box | $25 |
| Name change — Adult | $118 |
| Name change — Minor (both parents consent) | $116 |
| Name change — Minor (without consent of both parents) | $128 |
| Name change — Minor (publication upon unknown parent) | $136 |
Requesting Copies
Copies of probate records can be obtained by visiting the Probate Court at 120 Market Street, 1st Floor, Youngstown, OH 44503, or by submitting a written request by mail or fax. When requesting records, include the case type, case number (if known), party names, and approximate filing dates. The local rules of Probate Court detail filing and procedural requirements for all case types.
Probate Court
120 Market St., 1st Floor
Youngstown, OH 44503
Phone: (330) 740-2310
Fax: (330) 740-2325