Pickaway County Court Records Search
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Pickaway County, located in south-central Ohio with its county seat in Circleville, operates a multi-tiered court system that generates records across criminal, civil, domestic relations, probate, and juvenile matters. Under Ohio law, a court record encompasses any document filed with a clerk or submitted to a court in connection with a legal proceeding, including dockets, journals, indexes, pleadings, motions, orders, and judgments, as defined in Ohio Revised Code Section 2303.901.
Individuals seeking court records in Ohio can access them through several channels, including local clerk offices, courthouse public access terminals, and electronic search portals. The Ohio court system maintains resources that may assist in locating publicly available case information, and OhioCourts.us can serve as an additional reference point for navigating court records across the state. In Pickaway County specifically, the Clerk of Courts, the Probate and Juvenile Court, and the Circleville Municipal Court each maintain their own records and offer distinct methods for searching and obtaining copies.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Pickaway County?
The method for finding a court case in Pickaway County depends on which court handled the matter. Three primary search tools are available.
Common Pleas Court Cases (Civil, Criminal, Domestic Relations)
The Pickaway County Clerk of Courts operates a Case Inquiry Search portal for Common Pleas cases. To use the system:
- Navigate to the search portal.
- Enter a party name in the designated field.
- Select the appropriate case type from the drop-down menu (Civil, Criminal, Divorce, etc.).
- Choose a case status and party type if desired.
- Click “Search” to retrieve matching results.
Circleville Municipal Court Cases
The Circleville Municipal Court provides its own online record search system. Users may search by name, case number, or ticket number. The municipal court has countywide jurisdiction over misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and civil disputes within its monetary threshold.
In-Person and Written Requests
For any court in the county, records can also be requested directly from the appropriate clerk’s office. The Pickaway County Clerk of Courts accepts requests through the following channels:
- Email: ClerkRecords@pickawaycountyohio.gov
- U.S. Mail: Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
- In person: During office hours, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday
Each request should include the case number, party name, title of the pleading, file date, and a return method (SASE or fax number). Responses are typically prepared within three to five business days.
Clerk of Courts Contact Information
| Office | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Department | 207 South Court Street, 2nd Floor, P.O. Box 280, Circleville, OH 43113 | (740) 474-5231 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Title Department | 141 W. Main Street, Circleville, OH 43113 | (740) 474-2723 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Sat, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
The Clerk of Courts is Grant L. Davis. General inquiries can be directed to gdavis@pickawaycountyohio.gov.
Are Court Records Public in Pickaway County?
Ohio law establishes a strong presumption of public access to court records. Rule 45 of the Ohio Rules of Superintendence requires a court clerk to make court records available to any person requesting them within a reasonable period of time. The requester does not need to disclose their identity or explain the intended use of the information.
However, certain categories of records are exempt from public inspection under Rule 45 and related statutes. Records that are restricted or confidential in Pickaway County courts include:
- Documents or information prohibited from public view by state, federal, or common law
- Notes, drafts, recommendations, advice, and research of judicial officers and court staff
- Health care records
- Child custody evaluations and reports, including collateral source documents
- Drug and alcohol use assessments and pre-disposition treatment facility reports
- Attorney-client privileged information and trial preparation records
- Social Security numbers
- Records of ongoing investigations
- Medical records
- Bureau of Motor Vehicles records
- Records sealed by court order under Ohio Revised Code statutes
- Grand jury records
- Information pertaining to public servants’ residential or familial details
When a record contains both public and exempt information, the exempt portions must be redacted and the remainder released. Each redaction must be accompanied by a supporting explanation from the clerk’s office.
Copy Fees for Public Records
The Pickaway County Clerk of Courts charges the following fees for record copies:
- In person: $0.10 per page (minimum charge of $2.00)
- U.S. Mail: $0.10 per page (minimum charge of $2.00), plus a self-addressed stamped envelope with sufficient postage
- Email: No charge for emailed records
Pickaway County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Pickaway County are handled by two courts. Felony cases and serious criminal matters are prosecuted in the General Division of the Pickaway County Court of Common Pleas. Misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and OVI cases fall under the jurisdiction of the Circleville Municipal Court, which exercises countywide criminal jurisdiction.
Pickaway County Court of Common Pleas – General Division
Address: 207 South Court Street, P.O. Box 280, Circleville, OH 43113
Phone: (740) 474-5231
Fax: (740) 477-3976
Circleville Municipal Court
Address: 151 East Franklin Street, P.O. Box 128, Circleville, OH 43113
Phone: (740) 474-3171
Fax: (740) 420-3041
Criminal case information from the Common Pleas Court can be searched through the Case Inquiry Search portal by selecting “Criminal” as the case type. Municipal court criminal and traffic records are available through the Circleville Municipal Court record search.
Several smaller courts also handle limited criminal or traffic matters. Ashville Mayor’s Court is located at 200 East Station Street, Ashville, OH 43103, Phone: (740) 983-7131 Commercial Point Mayor’s Court operates from the Commercial Point Municipal Building at 10 West Scioto Street, P.O. Box 56, Commercial Point, OH 43116, Phone: (614) 877-9248 ext. 6. South Bloomfield Magistrate Court is at 5023 South Union Street, South Bloomfield, OH 43103, Phone: (740) 983-2541
Arrest Records and Criminal Background Checks
Arrest and incident records may be obtained from the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office:
Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 600 Island Road, Circleville, OH 43113
Phone: (740) 477-6000 or (800) 472-6033
Fax: (740) 474-1798
Website: pickawaysheriff.gov
For a formal Ohio criminal background check, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) processes fingerprint-based searches. Requestors must visit a WebCheck location for electronic fingerprinting. BCI background check fees are approximately $37.70 for an Ohio (BCI) check, $39.70 for an FBI (national) check, or $61.70 for a combined BCI and FBI check. To request a copy of a previously completed background check within 30 days, use the Request for Copy of Ohio Background Check form at no charge. After 30 days, the copy fee is $8. The BCI can be reached at (855) 224-6446, at 1560 State Route 56 Southwest, P.O. Box 365, London, OH 43140.
Expungement filings in the Common Pleas Court cost $50.00 when there is no prior conviction. If a criminal conviction was entered, the filing fee is $200.00.
Pickaway County Civil Court Records
Civil matters are split among three levels of court based on the amount in controversy. The General Division of the Court of Common Pleas handles civil cases where the amount in dispute exceeds $15,000, including class actions, tort claims, breach-of-contract actions, real property disputes, and foreclosures. The Circleville Municipal Court hears civil cases with claims of $15,000 or less. Small claims actions are also filed in the Municipal Court.
Online Civil Case Search
Civil records from the Common Pleas Court are searchable through the Case Inquiry Search portal. Select “Civil” from the case type menu, enter the party name, and review the results. The Circleville Municipal Court’s online docket search covers its own civil filings.
Filing Fees for Common Pleas Civil Cases
The Pickaway County Clerk of Courts fee schedule establishes the following civil filing costs:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil Action | $250.00 |
| Jury Demand | $550.00 |
| Counter Claim / Cross Claim / Third-Party Claim | $150.00 |
| Reinstatement | $100.00 |
| Foreclosure (initial filing) | $450.00 |
| Foreclosure Online Auction Fee (paid with filing) | $505.00 |
| Foreclosure Order of Sale | $200.00 |
| Execution upon a Foreign Judgment | $100.00 |
| Garnishments and Debtor’s Exams | $100.00 |
| Cognovit Note | $250.00 |
| Miscellaneous Filings | $25.00 |
| Certificate of Judgment – Filing | $36.00 |
| Certificate of Judgment – Release | $5.00 |
Record copies from the Clerk of Courts are $0.10 per page with a $2.00 minimum for in-person and mail requests. Email transmissions of case documents carry no charge.
Property Records
For property-related records such as deeds, mortgages, and liens, the Pickaway County Recorder’s Office maintains an online search portal through CountyFusion. The Recorder’s Office is at 110 Island Road, Suite G, Circleville, OH 43113, Phone: (740) 474-5826 The Pickaway County Auditor also provides an online property search and GIS Parcel Viewer at 110 Island Road, Suite F, Circleville, OH 43113, Phone: (740) 474-4765
Pickaway County Family Court Records
The Domestic Relations Division of the Pickaway County Court of Common Pleas handles divorce, dissolution, legal separation, annulment, custody, and support matters. The Pickaway County Juvenile and Probate Court addresses juvenile delinquency, dependency, and custody issues involving minors.
Divorce and Dissolution Records
Divorce, dissolution, and annulment records are maintained by the Pickaway County Clerk of Courts. Requests can be submitted by email at ClerkRecords@pickawaycountyohio.gov, by fax at (740) 477-3976, by mail, or in person. Include the case number, party name, pleading title, file date, and a return fax number or self-addressed stamped envelope. Domestic relations records can also be searched online using the Case Inquiry Search by selecting “Divorce” as the case type.
Domestic relations filing fees at the Clerk of Courts are as follows:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage: $250.00
- Divorce, Legal Separation, or Annulment: $250.00
- Counterclaim in Domestic Cases: $250.00
- Filing of Agreed Entry: $125.00
- Post-Decree Motions: $150.00
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses are issued exclusively by the Pickaway County Probate Court. Both applicants must appear in person together at the courthouse, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. At least one applicant must be a Pickaway County resident, and the marriage must take place in Ohio. Both parties must be at least 18 years old to apply without parental consent. A valid photo ID is required, along with proof of residency for Ohio residents. Previously married applicants must present a final divorce decree, dissolution judgment, or death certificate for a deceased former spouse.
The license costs $60.00, payable by cash, debit, or credit card (Visa or MasterCard). The license is valid for 60 days and may be used anywhere in Ohio. Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $2.00. Contact the Probate Court at (740) 474-3950.
Birth and Death Records
The Pickaway County Public Health Agency issues certified copies of birth and death certificates for events recorded from December 20, 1908, to the present. Requests may be submitted using the Birth Certificate Request Form or the Death Certificate Request Form. In-person requests can be made at:
Pickaway County Service Center
Address: 110 Island Road, Suite C, Circleville, OH 43113
Birth certificate requests require the subject’s full name, city of birth, parents’ names, date of birth, and requestor’s name and address. Death certificate requests require the subject’s full name and date of death. The fee is $30.00 per certified copy from the local office. Alternatively, the Ohio Bureau of Vital Statistics issues certified copies for $21.50 each, which can be ordered online or by mail using the Application for Certified Copies, sent to: Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, P.O. Box 15098, Columbus, Ohio 43215-0098.
Pickaway County Probate Court Records
The Pickaway County Probate and Juvenile Court has jurisdiction over estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, trusts, adoptions, name changes, and marriage license issuance. The court is located at:
Pickaway County Probate and Juvenile Court
Address: 207 South Court Street, Circleville, Ohio 43113
Probate Phone: (740) 474-3950
Probate Fax: (740) 477-3852
Juvenile Phone: (740) 474-3117
Juvenile Fax: (740) 474-8451
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
In-person record searches at the Probate Court can be conducted from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. The court staff cannot provide legal advice but can assist with determining whether forms are appropriate for filing.
Probate Filing Fees
The Probate Court fee schedule covers a wide range of filings. Accepted payment methods include credit card, debit card, cash, or money order; personal checks are not accepted (business checks from counsel only).
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Full Estate with Will | $200.00 |
| Full Estate without Will | $200.00 |
| No Administration with Will | $150.00 |
| No Administration without Will | $150.00 |
| Summary Release with Will | $100.00 |
| Summary Release without Will | $100.00 |
| Application/Entry to Release Assets under $200 | $50.00 |
| Will for Record Only | $50.00 |
| Will for Deposit Only | $25.00 |
| Wrongful Death | $175.00 |
| Guardianship – Incompetent | $275.00 |
| Guardianship – Emergency | $275.00 |
| Guardianship – Minor | $175.00 |
| Investigator Fee | $150.00 |
| Conservatorship | $175.00 |
| Trust | $100.00 |
| Name Change (Adult or Minor) | $100.00 |
| Adoption – Independent or Agency | $200.00 |
| Adoption – Step-Parent (includes Home Study) | $475.00 |
| Marriage Application | $60.00 |
Copy fees at the Probate Court are $1.00 per page for standard copies. Certified copies cost $2.00 for certification plus $1.00 per page. An authenticated record (application/entry) costs $15.00, and computer research is $3.00 per search.
Probate records covering estate proceedings, guardianship filings, trust matters, and adoption files are maintained at the courthouse. While estate and guardianship records are generally accessible to the public, adoption files and certain guardianship records involving protected individuals may be sealed or restricted. Individuals who need access to restricted probate records should contact the court to determine eligibility requirements and any applicable procedures for requesting sealed information.