Washington County Court Records Search
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Washington County is situated in southeastern Ohio along the Ohio River, with its county seat in Marietta — the oldest permanent settlement in the state. The county’s court system includes the Court of Common Pleas (with General and Probate divisions), the Marietta Municipal Court, and several Mayor’s Courts operating in smaller municipalities. The Washington County Clerk of Courts serves as the official recordkeeper for the Common Pleas Court, maintaining civil, domestic, and felony criminal case files, while the Marietta Municipal Court Clerk handles misdemeanor, traffic, and lower-level civil records independently. The Probate Court maintains its own records covering estates, guardianships, marriage licenses, and vital statistics dating back to 1789.
Ohio provides several paths for searching court case information, from visiting clerk offices in person to using online search portals. The Clerk of Courts maintains a web-based records system, and the Marietta Municipal Court offers its own CaseLook search tool. Those conducting research across multiple Ohio counties may find OhioCourts.us useful for identifying publicly available court case data statewide. Public-access terminals at the courthouse in Marietta and direct contact with the appropriate clerk’s office remain reliable options for obtaining verified records.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Washington County?
The method for finding a case depends on which court handled it. Felony criminal cases, large civil actions, and domestic relations matters are filed in the Court of Common Pleas. Misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and small claims go through the Marietta Municipal Court. Probate, estate, and guardianship matters are managed by the Probate Division.
Online search options:
- Clerk of Courts eServices — The Washington County Clerk of Courts provides an online records portal for searching Common Pleas case docket information, including civil, domestic, and felony criminal filings.
- Marietta Municipal Court CaseLook — The Municipal Court’s Record Search tool allows users to look up misdemeanor criminal, traffic, and civil cases. Note that data may lag 24 hours or more behind real-time court activity.
- Public Records Request (County) — Washington County accepts online public records requests for records held by the Clerk of Courts. All copies are priced at $2.00 per page.
In-person access:
| Court / Office | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clerk of Courts — Legal Division | 205 Putnam St., Marietta, OH 45750 | (740) 373-6623 ext. 2503 | Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| Court of Common Pleas — General Division | 205 Putnam St., Marietta, OH 45750 | (740) 373-6623 ext. 2303 | Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| Marietta Municipal Court | 259 Butler St., Marietta, OH 45750 | (740) 373-4474 | Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| Probate Court | 205 Putnam St., Marietta, OH 45750 | (740) 373-6623 ext. 2413 | Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
By mail: Written requests can be sent to the appropriate clerk. For Common Pleas records, mail to: Clerk of Courts, 205 Putnam St., Marietta, OH 45750. For municipal court records, send to: Marietta Municipal Court, 259 Butler St., Marietta, OH 45750. Include the case number or full party names, the type of record sought, and a daytime phone number or email.
Alternatively, the Washington County Commissioners’ office at (740) 373-6623 can direct record inquiries to the proper department. Mail requests to: Ben Cowdery, Clerk, Washington County Commissioners, 223 Putnam St., Marietta, OH 45750.
Are Court Records Public in Washington County?
Ohio’s public records framework is governed by Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, which establishes that records kept by any public office are presumed open to inspection and copying. Washington County provides access to its public records in accordance with this statute. There is no charge for on-site review of records, and electronic transmission of available records carries no fee.
Records generally open to the public:
- Criminal case files, charges, indictments, and sentencing orders
- Civil complaints, answers, motions, and judgments
- Domestic relations filings (with certain redactions)
- Probate petitions, estate inventories, and guardianship orders
- Marriage licenses and certificates
- Traffic citations and court dockets
- Property records and title documents
Records that are restricted or confidential:
- Adoption records (closed under Ohio law)
- Records pertaining to mental illness proceedings
- Sealed and expunged criminal records
- Juvenile court records
- Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and medical records within filings
- Information from active law-enforcement investigations
- Records prohibited from disclosure by state or federal statute
The Common Pleas Local Rules address records management through specific rules. Rule 40 distinguishes between a “Public File” and a “Family File” in domestic cases — certain sensitive documents are placed in the Family File and are not available for general public inspection.
Requesters do not need to identify themselves or state a reason for requesting public records, though providing contact information helps the county fulfill the request. Reasonable fees apply to copies.
Washington County Criminal Court Records
Criminal jurisdiction in Washington County is split between two courts. Felonies are prosecuted in the Court of Common Pleas — General Division, which is presided over by Judge Nicole Coil (Courtroom A) and Judge John M. Halliday (Courtroom B). Misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and ordinance violations are heard in the Marietta Municipal Court. Several Mayor’s Courts — in Belpre, Beverly, and Matamoras — handle minor offenses within their respective municipalities.
Court contacts for criminal matters:
| Court | Address | Phone | Fax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Pleas — General Division | 205 Putnam St., Marietta, OH 45750 | (740) 373-6623 ext. 2303 | (740) 373-2085 |
| Marietta Municipal Court | 259 Butler St., Marietta, OH 45750 | (740) 373-4474 | (740) 373-2547 |
| Belpre Mayor’s Court | 715 Park Dr., Belpre, OH 45714 | (740) 423-8085 | — |
| Beverly Mayor’s Court | 919 Mitchell Ave., Beverly, OH 45715 | (740) 984-2694 | — |
| Matamoras Mayor’s Court | 802 Grand View Ave., Matamoras, OH 45767 | (740) 865-2124 | — |
Searching criminal records online:
- For felony cases, use the Clerk of Courts eServices portal and search by defendant name or case number.
- For misdemeanor and traffic cases, use the Marietta Municipal Court Record Search. The court also posts a current docket and an active warrants list on its website.
Sheriff’s Office resources:
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest, incident, and jail records. The office is located at 309 Fourth Street, Marietta, OH 45750; Phone: (740) 376-7070. Public records requests can be submitted through the Sheriff’s online public records request form, by phone at (740) 373-6623 ext. 4003, by mail, or in person. Ohio law allows up to 10 business days for response, and the Sheriff’s Office may charge fees for preparing body-worn camera footage (up to $75 per hour, maximum $750 per request under House Bill 315).
Background checks:
The Sheriff’s Office operates as a WebCheck center and processes BCI/FBI fingerprint-based background checks for a fee of $35. Appointments can be scheduled through the Sheriff’s Office online scheduling page. Additional WebCheck locations within the county operate under the oversight of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Restrictions: Sealed and expunged records are not available through any public search tool. Juvenile records are confidential. Active investigation files maintained by the Sheriff’s Office are exempt from disclosure until the investigation concludes.
Washington County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Washington County are divided between the Court of Common Pleas and the Marietta Municipal Court based on the amount in controversy and case type. The Common Pleas General Division handles large civil matters — contract disputes, foreclosures, personal injury suits, and real property cases. The Marietta Municipal Court adjudicates small claims and civil actions within its monetary jurisdiction.
Where to request civil records:
- Common Pleas civil cases: Contact the Clerk of Courts — Legal Division at 205 Putnam St., Marietta, OH 45750; Phone: (740) 373-6623 ext. 2503. Online searches are available through the eServices portal.
- Municipal Court civil and small claims cases: Contact the Marietta Municipal Court at 259 Butler St., Marietta, OH 45750; Phone: (740) 373-4474. Use the Record Search tool for online lookups.
Copy fees:
- Clerk of Courts public records copies: $2.00 per page
- Certified copies: $1.00 per page (per news reports citing the Clerk’s office)
- No charge for on-site inspection of records or electronic transmission (when available)
The Court of Common Pleas publishes its complete Local Rules, including rules governing filing requirements, deposits for costs, and case management. Rule 10 addresses deposit requirements for costs, while Rule 16 covers case management procedures. Mediation services are available for both civil and domestic cases through the Common Pleas Court.
Property records: The County Auditor offers a Property Search tool for looking up parcel information, valuations, and tax histories by owner name, parcel number, or address. The County Recorder maintains an online search tool for deed and property records that can be accessed by guests or registered users.
Washington County Family Court Records
Domestic relations matters — including divorce, dissolution of marriage, child custody, child support, spousal support, and domestic violence — are heard in the Court of Common Pleas General Division. Domestic Magistrate Laura Silwani handles many of these proceedings in a dedicated hearing room on the third floor of the main courthouse.
Searching family court records:
Domestic relations docket information can be searched through the Clerk of Courts eServices portal. Certified copies of divorce decrees and custody orders must be obtained through the Clerk of Courts at 205 Putnam St., Marietta, OH 45750; Phone: (740) 373-6623 ext. 2501.
Domestic relations rules and forms:
The Common Pleas Court has adopted specific local rules for domestic cases. Rule 24 governs domestic relations investigations and in-chambers interviews with minor children. Rule 26 specifies required domestic relation forms, and Rule 27 lists required documents for filing dissolutions, agreed modifications of child support, spousal support, or changes in residential parent designation. Appendix A provides downloadable domestic forms. Policy 3A establishes the Standard Parenting Time Policy.
Access restrictions: Under Local Rule 40, domestic cases maintain a separate “Family File” containing sensitive financial disclosures, investigation reports, and guardian ad litem materials. This file is not open for general public inspection. Adoption records are sealed under Ohio law and require a court order to access.
Marriage licenses:
The Probate Court issues all marriage licenses for Washington County. Both applicants must appear in person together at the Probate Court.
- Hours for marriage license applications: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (closed 12:00–12:30 p.m. for lunch; arrive by 3:30 p.m.)
- License fee: $55.00 (cash or credit/debit card; 3% service charge applies to card payments; personal checks not accepted)
- Marriage license validity: May be used the same day; expires 60 days after issuance
- A Marriage Application Form can be downloaded and completed before visiting the court
Certified copies of marriage records are available from the Probate Court for $2.00 each. Marriage records date back to 1789.
Birth and death records:
Birth and death records from 1867 through 1908 are maintained by the Probate Court. For records after 1908, contact the Washington County Health Department:
Washington County Health Department — Vital Statistics
Address: 340 Muskingum Dr., Suite B, Marietta, OH 45750
Phone: (740) 374-2782 ext. 3306
Email: vitalstats@wcgov.org
- Birth and death certificates through the Health Department: $25.00 each
- Requests can be made in person or online
- A downloadable request form is available for faster in-person service
- Accepted payment: cash, debit/credit cards, checks, and money orders
- An ID is generally not required to obtain a certificate
The Ohio Department of Health maintains a statewide vital records repository. Residents can also order birth or death certificates through the ODH online portal. The in-person or mail fee through ODH is $21.50 per certificate, with mail requests sent to: Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, P.O. Box 15098, Columbus, OH 43215-0098. An Application for Certified Copies form is available on the ODH website. Processing takes four to six weeks by mail.
Under Ohio Revised Code § 3705.23, vital records access is available to any resident, provided the record is not sealed, confidential, or an adoption record. Per Ohio Administrative Code § 3701-5-11, death records older than 50 years and birth records older than 125 years may be transferred to the Ohio History Connection for archival preservation.
Washington County Probate Court Records
The Probate Division of the Court of Common Pleas holds jurisdiction over estates, guardianships, trusts, adoptions, mental commitments, wrongful death cases, minor settlements, and name changes. Judge Timothy A. Williams presides. The court maintains some of the oldest records in the state, with estate, guardianship, and trust documents dating to 1789.
Washington County Probate Court
Address: 205 Putnam St., Marietta, OH 45750
Phone: (740) 373-6623 ext. 2413
Court Administrator: Kathy Thieman — (740) 373-6623 ext. 2402
Fiscal Officer (cost bills/payment schedules): (740) 373-6623 ext. 2403
Probate Court records available to the public:
| Record Type | Years Available |
|---|---|
| Estates, Guardianships, Trusts, Miscellaneous | 1789 to present |
| Marriage records | 1789 to present |
| Birth records | 1867 to 1908 |
| Death records | 1867 to 1908 |
How to obtain probate records:
- In person: Visit the Probate Court on the third floor of the courthouse during business hours (Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.) to inspect records and request copies.
- By mail: Send a written request to the Probate Court at 205 Putnam St., Marietta, OH 45750. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and the applicable fee.
- By phone: Call (740) 373-6623 ext. 2413 to inquire about available records and request procedures. For questions by case type, consult the Clerk Help directory.
Probate Court fees:
| Record | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified birth or death certificate (Probate Court, 1867–1908 records) | $5.00 |
| Certified marriage record | $2.00 |
The Probate Court does not accept personal checks. Payment may be made by cash, credit/debit card, or money order payable to Washington County Probate Court. A 3% customer service charge ($1.00 minimum) applies to all credit and debit card payments.
Closed records: Ohio law restricts public access to records pertaining to mental illness and adoptions maintained by the Probate Court. These files cannot be inspected or copied without a court order.
Probate Court staff are prohibited by law from providing legal advice. The court recommends consulting an attorney for guidance on filing estates, guardianships, or trust matters. For questions about the day-to-day operations of the court, contact Court Administrator Kathy Thieman at (740) 373-6623 ext. 2402.