Scioto County Court Records Search
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Scioto County occupies the southern tip of Ohio along the Ohio River, with Portsmouth serving as the county seat. The county’s judicial system consists of the Scioto County Court of Common Pleas — which operates through its General, Domestic Relations, Juvenile, and Probate divisions — and the Portsmouth Municipal Court. Each court generates case files, docket entries, orders, judgments, and other legal documents that become part of the county’s permanent court record. The Scioto County Clerk of Courts maintains records for all divisions of the Court of Common Pleas, while the Portsmouth Municipal Court manages its own case records through a separate clerk’s office.
Individuals seeking court records in Scioto County can take advantage of both local and statewide tools. Ohio’s judiciary and related resources, accessible through OhioCourts.us, can help users identify relevant courts and find publicly available case information. At the county level, the Clerk of Courts and the Portsmouth Municipal Court each host online case-lookup portals that allow the public to search dockets from any internet-connected device. Records may also be reviewed in person at the clerk’s offices during business hours, or requested by mail with the appropriate fees enclosed. For records that do not appear online, a direct inquiry to the responsible clerk or court division is typically the most reliable path to obtaining copies.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Scioto County?
Locating a case in Scioto County requires knowing which court handled the matter. Felonies, higher-value civil disputes, domestic relations cases, juvenile proceedings, and probate matters are filed with the Court of Common Pleas. Misdemeanors, traffic violations, and civil claims up to $15,000 go through the Portsmouth Municipal Court.
Online search — Court of Common Pleas:
The Clerk of Courts provides an online records portal covering criminal, civil, domestic relations, domestic violence, civil protection orders, state tax liens, judgment liens, and Court of Appeals dockets. Users can search by:
- Party name (individual or business)
- Case number
- Case type or action code
- Attorney name
- Date of birth or filing date range
Results display party information, charge details (including original and amended charges), docket entries, sentencing data, ticket and citation information, case events, and disposition.
The portal provides informational data only. There may be a delay of at least 24 hours between court filings and their appearance online. For verified, time-sensitive information, contact the clerk at (740) 355-8218.
Online search — Portsmouth Municipal Court:
The Portsmouth Municipal Court record search covers criminal, traffic, and civil cases under the court’s jurisdiction. Searches can be performed by defendant name, hearing date, case number, ticket number, or filing date. Results include docket information, defendant and complainant details, hearing schedules, violation descriptions, transaction records, and case dispositions.
In-person searches:
Visit either clerk’s office during business hours. Non-confidential case files may be inspected at no charge; copies are available for a fee.
Mail requests:
Written requests should include the case number or party names, a description of the documents needed, payment by check or money order, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Send requests to the appropriate clerk at the addresses listed below.
Court contacts:
| Court / Division | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Court of Common Pleas, General Division | 602 Seventh St., Portsmouth, OH 45662 | (740) 355-8218 |
| Domestic Relations Division | 602 7th St., Rooms 303–304, Portsmouth, OH 45662 | (740) 355-8316 |
| Juvenile Court | 602 7th St., Room 202, Portsmouth, OH 45662 | (740) 355-8306 |
| Probate Court | 602 7th St., Room 201, Portsmouth, OH 45662 | (740) 355-8360 |
| Portsmouth Municipal Court | 728 Second St., First Floor, Portsmouth, OH 45662 | (740) 353-7367 |
The Clerk of Courts Legal Division is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Probate and Juvenile Courts are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Portsmouth Municipal Court clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Are Court Records Public in Scioto County?
Ohio law establishes a broad presumption that court records are open to the public. Section 149.43 of the Ohio Revised Code — the Ohio Public Records Act — requires that records maintained by public offices, including courts, be available for inspection and copying. The Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio, particularly Rules 44 through 47, further define court records and govern their accessibility.
Rule 44 classifies court records into two categories. Case documents encompass all materials created or collected in connection with a case, including pleadings, motions, exhibits, orders, judgments, witness statements, and evidence. Administrative documents relate to a court’s fiscal operations, personnel matters, internal policies, and management activities. Rule 45 affirms the presumption of public access to both categories, consistent with the statutory framework.
Records generally open to the public include:
- Criminal case dockets, charging documents, sentencing entries, and judgment orders
- Civil complaints, answers, motions, and final judgments
- Domestic relations filings (subject to personal identifier restrictions)
- Probate estate inventories, accountings, and admitted wills
- Property-related filings such as liens and judgments
- Traffic and misdemeanor case records
Records that are restricted or confidential include:
- Medical records
- Personal identification numbers (Social Security, driver’s license, passport numbers)
- Financial account data (bank accounts, credit card numbers)
- Materials prepared for trial or used to draft judicial decisions
- Adoption, child support, and paternity proceeding records
- Juvenile criminal records
- Police investigation materials and law enforcement tactics
- Victim information contained in certain criminal records
- Records sealed or expunged by court order under Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32
The Scioto County Sheriff’s Office public records policy mirrors these standards for law enforcement records. Requests for sheriff’s records do not need to be in writing, and the requester is not obligated to provide identification or state the purpose of the request. Paper copies from the sheriff’s office cost $0.10 per page.
Scioto County Criminal Court Records
Criminal matters in Scioto County are divided between two courts based on severity. The General Division of the Court of Common Pleas handles felony prosecutions and criminal appeals. The Portsmouth Municipal Court adjudicates misdemeanor charges carrying a maximum penalty of one year incarceration and a $1,000 fine. Felony cases may initially appear on the municipal court docket for a probable cause hearing before being bound over to the Common Pleas Court.
Searching criminal case records:
- Use the Clerk of Courts’ online records portal for felony cases and criminal appeals filed in the General Division. The portal shows charges, docket entries, sentencing details, and dispositions.
- Use the Portsmouth Municipal Court record search for misdemeanor and traffic cases. Results include violation descriptions, hearing dates, and disposition information.
- Visit the Clerk of Courts at 602 7th Street, Room 205, Portsmouth, OH 45662, or call (740) 355-8218 for certified copies of criminal case documents.
- Contact the Portsmouth Municipal Court at 728 Second Street, Portsmouth, OH 45662, or call (740) 353-7367 for municipal-level criminal records.
Arrest records and inmate information:
Arrest records are maintained by the law enforcement agency that made the arrest. The Scioto County Sheriff’s Office publishes an updated inmate roster that shows booking dates, inmate identification numbers, personal descriptions, photographs, and charges. The sheriff’s office is located at 1025 16th Street, Portsmouth, OH 45662, and dispatch can be reached at (740) 354-7566.
The Portsmouth Police Department is responsible for arrests within city limits. Its records division can be contacted at (740) 354-1311 or visited at 728 Second Street, Portsmouth, OH 45662.
Background checks:
The Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) under the Ohio Attorney General’s office processes fingerprint-based criminal history checks through the WebCheck system. Applicants submit fingerprints at an authorized WebCheck location, including the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office which offers fingerprinting services. Fees vary by provider but typically run approximately $40 for a BCI (state) check and $40 for an FBI (national) check when processed through WebCheck.
Sealed and expunged records:
Under Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32, eligible individuals may petition the court to seal their criminal records. Once sealed, a case no longer appears in public docket searches and the individual may lawfully deny its existence in most circumstances.
Scioto County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Scioto County is split between the General Division of the Court of Common Pleas and the Portsmouth Municipal Court based on the amount in controversy. The Common Pleas Court has original jurisdiction over all civil matters but primarily handles cases exceeding $15,000, as well as equitable actions such as injunctions and foreclosures. The Portsmouth Municipal Court hears civil cases with claims up to $15,000, including small claims matters up to $6,000 governed by Chapter 1925 of the Ohio Revised Code.
Obtaining civil court records:
- Online: Search the Clerk of Courts’ online records portal for Common Pleas civil cases, or the Portsmouth Municipal Court record search for municipal-level civil matters.
- In person: Visit the Clerk of Courts Legal Division at 602 7th Street, Room 205, Portsmouth, OH 45662. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For municipal court records, visit 728 Second Street, First Floor, Portsmouth, OH 45662, during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday).
- By mail: Send a written request with the case number or party names, a description of documents needed, and payment to the appropriate clerk. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Portsmouth Municipal Court civil filing fees (effective May 1, 2022):
| Action | Cost |
|---|---|
| Complaint (one defendant, certified mail) | $135.00 |
| Each additional defendant (certified mail) | $7.00 |
| Personal service by bailiff | $20.00 |
| Small claims filing | $95.00 |
| Counterclaim / cross-claim / third-party complaint | $35.00 |
| Wage or bank garnishment | $105.00 |
| Judgment debtor examination | $50.00 |
| Certification and authentication of records | $1.00 |
| Computer printout | $0.50 per page |
| eFiling surcharge (effective September 1, 2025) | $30.00 |
Common Pleas Court filing fees are available through the Clerk of Courts’ filing fee schedule. A civil classification form must accompany new civil filings. Local rules of procedure are published in the Scioto County Common Pleas Rules of Procedure.
Property records are maintained separately by the Scioto County Recorder at 602 7th Street, Room 110, Portsmouth, OH 45662, Phone: (740) 355-8304 The recorder’s office handles deeds, mortgages, conveyances, easements, and leases. Property tax records can be searched through the Scioto County Treasurer’s online tool.
Scioto County Family Court Records
Family-related matters in Scioto County are handled by the Domestic Relations Division and the Juvenile Division of the Court of Common Pleas. The Domestic Relations Court processes divorce, dissolution, legal separation, spousal support, child custody, child support, parentage actions, and civil protection orders related to domestic violence.
Domestic Relations Division
602 7th St., Rooms 303–304
Portsmouth, OH 45662
Phone: (740) 355-8316
Juvenile Court
602 7th St., Room 202
Portsmouth, OH 45662
Phone: (740) 355-8306
Email: juvenilecourt@sciotojpc.net
Divorce and dissolution records:
Divorce and dissolution filings are public records and can be searched through the Clerk of Courts’ online records portal by selecting the appropriate case type filter. Docket entries, party names, and disposition details are displayed in search results. Certified copies of divorce decrees can be obtained by contacting the Clerk of Courts at (740) 355-8218. Domestic relations filings must be accompanied by a classification form. Forms for divorce, dissolution, parentage actions, and domestic violence protection orders are available through the Domestic Relations Court website.
Marriage records:
Marriage licenses are issued by the Scioto County Probate Court. Both applicants must appear together at the Probate Court with valid identification. The marriage license filing fee is $78.00, as listed on the Probate Court’s pricing page. Marriage license details can also be searched through the Clerk of Courts’ online records portal by selecting “Scioto County Juvenile/Probate Court” under Sites and “Marriage License” under Case Type. Certified copies of marriage certificates are available from the Probate Court at (740) 355-8360.
Juvenile records:
Juvenile court records are confidential under Ohio law and are not accessible to the general public. They do not appear in online docket searches. Parties to a case, their attorneys, and authorized agencies may request access by contacting the Juvenile Court directly at (740) 355-8306. The Juvenile Court office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Birth and death records:
Vital records are not maintained by the courts. Birth records (from December 20, 1908) and death records (from 1931, for deaths occurring in Scioto County outside Portsmouth city limits) are available from the Scioto County Health Department. Certified copies cost $25.00 each. Requests can be made in person (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:15 p.m.) or by mail using the department’s request form. Mail requests should include the form, payment (money order, cashier’s check, or local check — no cash by mail), a phone number, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Scioto County Health Department
612 6th Street, Suite D
Portsmouth, OH 45662
Phone: (740) 355-8358 (ext. 1)
Statewide birth and death records may also be obtained from the Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics. Online orders can be placed through the department’s web application portal. Certified copies from the state cost $21.50 each.
Scioto County Probate Court Records
The Probate Division of the Scioto County Court of Common Pleas holds jurisdiction over estate administration, will probate, guardianships of minors and incapacitated adults, conservatorships, adoptions, name changes, marriage licenses, mental illness commitments, and other matters outlined in Section 2101.24 of the Ohio Revised Code.
Scioto County Probate Court
602 7th St., Room 201
Portsmouth, OH 45662
Phone: (740) 355-8360
Email: probatecourt@sciotojpc.net
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Searching probate records:
Probate case information can be searched through the Clerk of Courts’ online records portal by selecting the Juvenile/Probate Court site and the relevant case type. The Probate Court’s own website at sciotocountycourt.com also provides links to search old probate records, access forms, and review the fee schedule. For certified copies, contact the Probate Court directly or visit in person.
Probate filing fees (from the court’s pricing schedule):
| Filing Type | Deposit Required |
|---|---|
| New estate / wrongful death | $200.00 |
| Admitting will only | $38.00 |
| Will and tax | $48.00 |
| Guardianship (adult) | $500.00 |
| Minor guardianship | $150.00 |
| Conservatorship | $250.00 |
| Adoption (first child) | $500.00 |
| Adoption (second child) | $250.00 |
| Name change | $150.00 |
| Trust | $150.00 |
| Minor settlement | $50.00 |
| Land sale | $100.00 |
| Civil/complaint | $150.00 |
| Correction of birth | $103.00 |
| Delayed registration | $103.00 |
| Casey’s Law (involuntary treatment) | $138.00 |
| Mental illness | $250.00 |
| Single status certificate | $150.00 |
| Will safekeeping deposit | $25.00 |
| Authenticated copies | $10.00 |
Additional deposits may be required if costs exceed the initial amount. All costs and fees must be paid in full upon completion of proceedings. The court reserves the right to decline motions to reopen cases where original costs remain unpaid.
Forms and self-representation:
The Probate Court provides forms through its website for estate administration, guardianship, adoption, and other proceedings. Individuals who represent themselves are expected to understand and follow the Ohio Revised Code, the Rules of Superintendence, local court rules, and the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure. Court staff cannot provide legal advice. Those needing assistance are encouraged to consult an attorney or contact Southeastern Ohio Legal Services for potential free or low-cost help.
Adoption records:
Adoption proceedings are handled by the Probate Court and result in permanently sealed files. These records cannot be accessed through public docket searches and require a court order for any release of information.