Richland County Court Records
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Richland County sits in north-central Ohio, with Mansfield serving as the county seat. The court system here includes the Richland County Court of Common Pleas — which operates General, Domestic Relations, Juvenile, and Probate divisions — along with the Mansfield Municipal Court and several Mayors Courts in smaller municipalities. These courts collectively generate case files, docket entries, judgments, orders, and other records that document the full range of legal proceedings across the county.
If you're looking for Richland County court records, start with the Clerk of Courts, which maintains civil and criminal case files for the Court of Common Pleas and handles public inquiries. Ohio's judicial system also offers electronic tools for locating case information, and OhioCourts.us can help you identify publicly available court case data across the state. Beyond the online tools, you can access records in person at the relevant clerk's office, through public-access terminals at the courthouse, or by submitting a written request by mail.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Richland County?
The right approach depends on the type of case and which court handled it. Here are your main options.
Online Searches
The Richland County Clerk of Courts offers an online case search portal where you can look up civil and criminal cases filed in the Court of Common Pleas, General Division. Search by party name, case number, or attorney name to see docket entries, filing dates, and current case status — all at no charge.
The Clerk's office also maintains a separate Domestic Relations case search tool for family law matters. The Juvenile Division case search is available online as well, though records involving minors are subject to restrictions.
The Mansfield Municipal Court has its own case search system covering misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and civil matters within its jurisdiction.
At the state level, the Ohio Supreme Court case information portal gives you access to appellate decisions and certain trial-court data submitted to the state system.
In-Person Access
You can search records at the Richland County Clerk of Courts office during regular business hours. Public-access computer terminals are available at the courthouse, and staff can help you locate specific case files — though they cannot give legal advice.
Mail Requests
Send a written request to the appropriate clerk's office. Include the full names of the parties, the case number if you have it, and the type of record you need. Attach a self-addressed stamped envelope and any applicable fees.
Key Office Locations
| Office | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Clerk of Courts (General Division) | 50 Park Avenue East, Mansfield, OH 44902 | (419) 774-5510 |
| Domestic Relations Division | 50 Park Avenue East, 2nd Floor, Mansfield, OH 44902 | (419) 774-5535 |
| Juvenile Division | 411 South Diamond Street, Mansfield, OH 44902 | (419) 774-5585 |
| Probate Court | 50 Park Avenue East, 2nd Floor, Mansfield, OH 44902 | (419) 774-5570 |
| Mansfield Municipal Court | 30 North Diamond Street, Mansfield, OH 44902 | (419) 755-9624 |
The Clerk of Courts and Probate Court are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Are Court Records Public in Richland County?
Ohio has a strong tradition of open government records. The Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code Section 149.43) establishes that all records kept by public offices — including courts — are presumptively open for inspection and copying. Anyone can request public records, and the records custodian must provide them within a reasonable time. You don't have to explain why you're asking.
The Ohio Supreme Court has also adopted the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio, which include specific provisions on public access to court records. Rules 44 through 47 define what counts as a court record, establish the presumption of public access, and spell out what categories of information must be restricted or redacted before release.
Information That Must Be Restricted or Redacted
Under Superintendence Rules 44 and 45, certain types of information are not publicly available or must be removed before a record is released:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers (bank accounts, credit cards)
- Tax identification numbers
- Employer identification numbers
- DNA records and genetic information
- Protected health information under HIPAA
- Records of juvenile proceedings (with limited exceptions)
- Adoption records
- Grand jury records and proceedings
- Mental health and intellectual disability commitment records
- Domestic violence victim addresses and identifying details when ordered sealed
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information sealed by court order
- Records sealed or expunged under Ohio Revised Code sections 2953.31–2953.61
Courts also have discretion to seal records on a case-by-case basis when a compelling privacy or safety interest outweighs the presumption of openness. Any motion to seal must show that specific, identifiable harm would result from public disclosure.
Obtaining Copies
Certified copies of court records from the Clerk of Courts cost $1.00 per page, plus a certification fee. You can request copies in person at the clerk's window or by mail. The Probate Court, Domestic Relations Division, and Juvenile Division each set their own fee schedules, though standard copy charges are generally consistent across divisions.
Richland County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Richland County move through two main levels. Felonies are tried in the Richland County Court of Common Pleas, General Division. Misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and ordinance violations go to the Mansfield Municipal Court or to Mayors Courts in smaller communities such as Shelby, Lexington, Ontario, and Bellville.
Searching Criminal Records
The Clerk of Courts online case search covers felony and some misdemeanor cases filed in the General Division. Search by defendant name or case number to view charges, hearing dates, dispositions, and sentencing information for cases that haven't been sealed or expunged.
For misdemeanor and traffic matters handled by the Mansfield Municipal Court, use the Municipal Court's online search tool.
Sealed and Expunged Records
Ohio law allows individuals to apply for sealing or expungement of certain criminal records under ORC 2953.31 through 2953.61. Once a record is sealed, it disappears from public databases and is accessible only to law enforcement and certain authorized agencies — it won't show up in a standard clerk search.
Criminal Background Checks
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) runs the state's fingerprint-based criminal background check system, called WebCheck. A BCI-only check costs $22; a combined BCI and FBI check costs $44. These checks are conducted at authorized WebCheck locations, not through the Clerk of Courts.
For non-fingerprint-based searches, Ohio's statewide court records are accessible through the courts' online systems. Employers, landlords, and individuals can also request certified copies of specific case dispositions directly from the Clerk of Courts or the Mansfield Municipal Court Clerk.
Richland County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office can provide limited information about arrests, bookings, and current inmates. Contact:
Richland County Sheriff's Office
597 Park Avenue East, Mansfield, OH 44905
Phone: (419) 524-2412
The Sheriff's Office also maintains an online inmate search tool on its website, which lets the public look up individuals currently held at the Richland County Jail.
Richland County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Richland County are divided among several courts based on the amount in controversy and the nature of the claim. The Court of Common Pleas, General Division has unlimited monetary jurisdiction and handles contract disputes, personal injury actions, real property matters, foreclosures, and injunctive relief. The Mansfield Municipal Court takes civil cases where the amount at stake does not exceed $15,000, plus small claims up to $6,000.
Accessing Civil Records
General Division civil case files can be searched through the Clerk of Courts online portal by case number, party name, or attorney. Mansfield Municipal Court civil records are searchable through the Municipal Court website.
If you need copies or certified documents, visit or write to:
Richland County Clerk of Courts
50 Park Avenue East
Mansfield, OH 44902
Phone: (419) 774-5510
Filing Fees
Civil filing fees in the Court of Common Pleas follow Ohio statute and local court rules. Representative charges include:
- Civil complaint filing: $250 (includes a deposit toward service costs)
- Counterclaim or cross-claim: $50
- Small claims filing (Municipal Court): varies by amount claimed
- Certified copy: $1.00 per page plus certification fee
- Exemplification of a document: additional charges may apply
Fees can change, so confirm current amounts directly with the clerk's office or through the Richland County Clerk of Courts website. Payment methods generally include cash, check, money order, and in some cases credit or debit cards.
Property and Judgment Records
The Clerk of Courts records and indexes all judgments, liens, and other encumbrances affecting real and personal property in Richland County. For judgment lien searches and title-related inquiries, contact the Clerk's office. Deeds, mortgages, and other land records are maintained by the Richland County Recorder's Office:
Richland County Recorder
50 Park Avenue East, Mansfield, OH 44902
Phone: (419) 774-5540
Richland County Family Court Records
Family law matters are split between two divisions of the Court of Common Pleas. The Domestic Relations Division handles divorce, dissolution of marriage, legal separation, spousal support, child custody, child support, and civil protection orders related to domestic violence. The Juvenile Division covers cases involving delinquent, unruly, and dependent children, along with paternity actions, custody matters that arise outside of a divorce, and certain guardianship cases involving minors.
Domestic Relations Division
Richland County Domestic Relations Court
50 Park Avenue East, 2nd Floor
Mansfield, OH 44902
Phone: (419) 774-5535
The division's case search tool lets you search online by party name or case number. Docket information, hearing schedules, and filing histories are available for public cases. That said, financial affidavits, child-related psychological evaluations, and guardian ad litem reports are typically restricted and not available to the general public.
Juvenile Division
Richland County Juvenile Court
411 South Diamond Street
Mansfield, OH 44902
Phone: (419) 774-5585
The Juvenile Division's case search offers limited public access to case information. Under Ohio law, juvenile court proceedings are generally not open to the public, and most records involving minors are confidential. Exceptions exist for certain serious offenses and for cases transferred to adult court. Accessing confidential juvenile records requires a court order.
Domestic Violence Protection Orders
Civil protection orders issued by the Domestic Relations Division are a matter of public record, though petitioners' residential addresses may be redacted for safety. Copies of protection orders can be obtained at the Domestic Relations clerk's window.
Marriage and Divorce Records
Marriage licenses in Richland County are issued by the Probate Court, not the Domestic Relations Division. The cost is set by Ohio statute and is typically around $50, though county surcharges may apply — call the Probate Court at (419) 774-5570 for current fees and requirements.
Certified copies of divorce decrees and dissolution entries come from the Domestic Relations Division of the Clerk of Courts. Include the full names of both parties and the approximate filing date when submitting your request.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates are maintained by the Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics — not by the courts. Locally, certified copies can be obtained from Richland Public Health in Mansfield. The state fee for a certified birth certificate is $21.50, and a certified death certificate is also $21.50. Requests can be submitted online, in person, or by mail.
Richland County Probate Court Records
The Richland County Probate Court oversees a wide range of matters: the administration of decedent estates, the probate of wills, appointments of executors and administrators, guardianships of minors and incompetent adults, conservatorships, adoptions, marriage licenses, name changes, and mental illness commitment proceedings.
Probate Court Contact
Richland County Probate Court
50 Park Avenue East, 2nd Floor
Mansfield, OH 44902
Phone: (419) 774-5570
Fax: (419) 774-5579
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Searching Probate Records
The Probate Court keeps its own case files separate from the General Division Clerk of Courts. You can search probate records in person at the court during business hours, and staff can help you locate estate files and guardianship cases. Adoption records are sealed. Some probate case information may be available through the county's online systems — contact the court directly to confirm current online availability.
Common Probate Proceedings and Approximate Fees
Filing fees in Probate Court follow Ohio statute and local rules. The figures below are representative — always confirm current amounts with the court before filing:
- Application to probate a will: approximately $100–$175 depending on estate value
- Application for authority to administer an estate: similar range
- Guardianship application: approximately $150–$200
- Marriage license: approximately $50 (county surcharge may apply)
- Name change petition: approximately $100
- Certified copies: $1.00 per page plus certification
The Probate Court generally accepts cash, check, and money order. Contact the court to confirm whether credit or debit cards are accepted.
Adoptions and Sealed Records
Adoption records in Ohio are permanently sealed and can only be accessed by court order or through the specific procedures outlined in ORC Chapter 3107. The Ohio Department of Health maintains an adoption registry that may facilitate release of non-identifying information under certain conditions.
Guardianship Records
Guardianship files — including the application, guardian's reports, inventories, and accountings — are generally open to the public unless a court order restricts access. The Probate Court actively monitors open guardianships and requires annual reports from guardians covering the welfare and finances of the ward.
Estate Administration
When a Richland County resident dies, an estate can be opened by filing the appropriate application with the Probate Court. If the decedent left a will, it must be submitted to the court for probate. The court then appoints an executor (if one is named in the will) or an administrator to manage the estate. All inventories, accountings, and distributions are filed with the court and become part of the public record unless sealed. Creditor claims, disputes among heirs, and will contests are all resolved through the Probate Division. Filings can be submitted in person or, in some cases, electronically — contact the Probate Court to confirm current e-filing options.