Wood County Court Records Search
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Wood County, Ohio, with its county seat in Bowling Green, operates a multi-tiered court system that handles everything from serious felonies to small claims disputes. The county’s judicial structure centers on the Court of Common Pleas — which includes a General Division, Domestic Relations Division, Probate Division, and Juvenile Division — along with two Municipal Courts serving different geographic areas of the county. Multiple Mayor’s Courts also operate locally but do not maintain formal court records. The Wood County Clerk of Courts, currently Douglas F. Cubberley, serves as the official custodian of records for the Common Pleas Court and the 6th District Court of Appeals, making that office the primary point of contact for most record inquiries.
For residents and researchers working with Ohio court records, searching can begin through several channels. Official clerk offices maintain both physical and digital records, and public-access terminals are available at the courthouse during business hours. Ohio’s statewide judicial resources, accessible through OhioCourts.us, may assist users in locating publicly available court case information across the state. Additionally, individual courts in Wood County maintain their own online docket systems for case lookups.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Wood County?
Wood County provides multiple methods for searching court records, including online portals, in-person visits, and written requests.
Online Docket Search
The most efficient starting point for Common Pleas cases is the online docket maintained by the Wood County Clerk of Courts. This system covers the General, Domestic Relations, and Criminal divisions. To search:
- Visit the docket page and review the terms of use, then click “Continue”.
- Select the “Name” tab to search by party name or “Case Number” to search by case number.
- Enter the full name of a party (typically the defendant) or a known case number.
- Click “Search” to view results.
Search results display basic details at a glance — case number, case type, filing date, parties involved, and case status. Clicking on a case number reveals additional docket entries and filings.
For Bowling Green Municipal Court cases, the court offers a separate search through its GovRec portal, where users can look up traffic tickets and criminal cases by name and date of birth or by ticket number. The court’s main website at bgcourt.org also provides links to case and record searches.
The Perrysburg Municipal Court operates its own court records search, with a disclaimer noting that posted data may lag filings by at least 24 hours. Verified information requires a written request or an in-person visit.
The Wood County Probate Court maintains a separate online records search where users can search by case number, name, or other criteria. Records prior to 1994 may be incomplete in this system.
In-Person Access
Visitors can search records at the following offices during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, except legal holidays):
| Office | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Wood County Clerk of Courts (Legal Office) | One Courthouse Square, 2nd Floor, Bowling Green, OH 43402 | (419) 354-9280 |
| Bowling Green Municipal Court | 711 S. Dunbridge Road, Bowling Green, OH 43402 | (419) 352-5263 |
| Perrysburg Municipal Court | 300 Walnut Street, Perrysburg, OH 43551 | (419) 872-7900 |
| Wood County Probate Court | One Courthouse Square, 2nd Floor (GPS: 200 E. Court St.), Bowling Green, OH 43402 | (419) 354-9230 |
Mail and Email Requests
The Clerk of Courts accepts written record requests by mail. A Public Records Request Form is available for download. Requests should include the case number or party names, a description of the documents sought, and payment for copy fees. Mail requests to:
Wood County Clerk of Courts
One Courthouse Square, Second Floor
Bowling Green, OH 43402
Email: clerkofcourts@woodcountyohio.gov
Fax: (419) 354-9241
The Clerk’s Legal Office accepts payment by cash, personal or certified check, money order, and credit card (2.5% convenience fee, $2.00 minimum). Credit card payments can also be made through the online payment portal. Bond payments do not accept credit cards.
Are Court Records Public in Wood County?
Under the Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43), court records in Wood County are presumptively open to public inspection. Any person, whether a resident of Ohio or not, may request to view or obtain copies of public court records. The Clerk of Courts is required by the Ohio Revised Code to provide access to legal records filed and maintained in the office.
There are, however, significant exceptions. Records containing sensitive personal information or records that fall within specific statutory exemptions are not available for general public access. The following types of records are restricted or confidential in Wood County:
- Sealed records — Cases sealed by court order, including certain expunged criminal records under R.C. §§ 2953.32 and 2953.33
- Juvenile records — Proceedings in the Juvenile Division are generally not publicly accessible
- Adoption records — Files maintained by the Probate Court
- Mental illness case records — Files ordered sealed by the Probate Court
- Grand jury proceedings — Not available to the public
- Victim identity information — Protected from disclosure
- Personal identifiers — Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data
Ohio Rules of Superintendence, Rule 45(D), places responsibility on the filing party to redact protected personal identifiers before submitting documents to the Clerk’s Office. The Clerk separately collects dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and financial account information on a confidential form that is maintained within the case management system and accessible only by the court.
Individuals seeking access to sealed records must obtain a court order. Even when access is granted, the custodian retains discretion to redact information that could violate privacy, compromise safety, or reveal proprietary information.
Copy Fees (Common Pleas Court)
- Standard copies: $0.06 per page (civil cases, per Local Rule 3.03)
- Copy fee per page (criminal division): $0.10
Probate Court Copy Fees
- Marriage records — Certified: $2.00; Uncertified: $0.10 per page
- Case records (estates, guardianships, wills) — Certified: $1.00 per page; Uncertified: $0.10 per page
- Birth/death records (1867–1908) — Certified: $4.50 per certificate; Uncertified: $0.10 per page
Wood County Criminal Court Records
Felony criminal cases in Wood County originate through grand jury indictment or bind-over from a lower court and are handled by the General Division of the Court of Common Pleas. The Criminal Division of the Clerk of Courts is responsible for processing all motions, pleadings, and judgment entries in these cases, as well as issuing writs, warrants, and summons.
Criminal case records can be searched through the Clerk’s online docket or by visiting the Clerk’s office at One Courthouse Square, Second Floor, Bowling Green, OH 43402. The office phone number is (419) 354-9280.
Misdemeanor criminal cases and traffic offenses are handled by the two Municipal Courts:
Bowling Green Municipal Court
Address: 711 S. Dunbridge Road, Bowling Green, OH 43402
Phone: (419) 352-5263
Fax: (419) 352-9407
Perrysburg Municipal Court
Address: 300 Walnut Street, Perrysburg, OH 43551
Phone: (419) 872-7900
Fax: (419) 872-7905
Key Criminal Filing Fees (Common Pleas, per Local Rule 3.03)
- Sealing of criminal conviction (R.C. § 2953.32): $100.00
- Sealing of dismissed records (R.C. § 2953.33): $100.00
- Expungement of criminal conviction: $175.00
- Copy fee: $0.10 per page
- Service of summons on non-resident defendant: $20.00
Forms for criminal matters are available on the Clerk’s website, including:
- Application for Sealing – Conviction (R.C. § 2953.32)
- Application for Sealing – Dismissal (R.C. § 2953.33)
- Financial Disclosure Form
Sheriff’s Office Background Checks
The Wood County Sheriff’s Office provides local background checks free of charge at the Wood County Jail, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM. These checks cover activity with the Sheriff’s agency only and do not include statewide (BCI) or nationwide (FBI) records or court dispositions. Requestors can expedite their visit by downloading the Records Check Form in advance. Requests may also be faxed to (419) 354-9139.
- Contact: Deputy Angie Miesmer
- Phone: (419) 354-7744
- Email: amiesmer@woodcountyohio.gov
- Address: 1960 E. Gypsy Lane Road, Bowling Green, OH 43402
For statewide criminal history checks through the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), fingerprinting appointments can be scheduled through the Sheriff’s Office WebCheck service. A valid state-issued photo ID and a cash payment of $32.00 are required. This service is available only to the record subject or authorized individuals.
Wood County Civil Court Records
The Civil Division of the Clerk of Courts handles filings for a wide range of civil actions in the General Division of the Common Pleas Court, including product liability, professional malpractice, personal injury, worker’s compensation, foreclosures, administrative appeals, and other civil matters. Post-judgment proceedings such as garnishments, debtor examinations, executions, foreign judgments, and judgment liens are also processed through this division.
Civil records are searchable through the online docket or in person at the Clerk’s Office. E-filing is available through the Clerk’s e-Filing portal, though original complaints for new civil actions must be filed in person or by mail — not electronically — unless payment is submitted in advance through the Clerk’s website.
Civil Filing Deposits (Common Pleas, per Local Rule 3.03)
| Action | Deposit |
|---|---|
| Civil suit (excluding foreclosure) | $300.00 (includes $50 special project fee per R.C. § 2303.201(E)(1)) |
| Real estate foreclosure | $400.00 (plus $725 additional when Praecipe for Order of Sale is filed) |
| Administrative appeal | $180.00 |
| Counterclaim, cross-complaint, or third-party complaint | $150.00 |
| Motion to vacate, revive, or modify judgment | $100.00 |
| Foreign judgment | $50.00 |
| Judgment lien | $35.00 |
| Service by publication (additional) | $500.00 |
| Jury deposit | $300.00 |
| Writ of possession or execution | $200.00 |
| Copy fee | $0.06 per page |
Deposits may be waived if a party is declared indigent by the court. An Affidavit of Indigency form (R.C. § 2323.311) is available for download.
The Perrysburg Municipal Court handles civil claims up to $15,000 and small claims up to $6,000. Key civil filing costs at Perrysburg include $95.00 for a standard civil complaint (up to two defendants), $55.00 for small claims, and $105.00–$115.00 for eviction actions. Civil Division forms, including the Complaint in Forcible Detention and Notice to Leave Premises, are downloadable from the court’s website.
Additional civil forms from the Clerk’s Office include:
- Case Designation Form
- Property Description Approval Form
- Wood County Common Pleas Subpoena
- Praecipe for Certificate of Judgment
The full schedule of deposits is published on the Clerk’s fee schedule page. Local court rules governing all Common Pleas proceedings are available through the Wood County Law Library.
Wood County Family Court Records
Domestic relations matters in Wood County are adjudicated by the Domestic Relations Division of the Court of Common Pleas, which has jurisdiction over divorce, dissolution of marriage, legal separation, annulment, child custody, child support, and civil protection orders related to domestic violence, stalking, and dating violence. The Domestic Relations division of the Clerk’s Office processes all filings, motions, and judgment entries in these cases.
Two magistrates appointed by the judges of the Common Pleas Court hear most domestic relations matters, including dissolutions, divorces, legal separations, post-decree motions, and civil protection orders. The Domestic Relations Court shares jurisdiction with the Municipal Courts and the Common Pleas Criminal Division over domestic violence cases — the criminal aspects are handled in Criminal Division or Municipal Court, while the civil protection order aspect remains with Domestic Relations.
Domestic Relations Filing Deposits (per Local Rule 3.03)
| Action | Deposit |
|---|---|
| Divorce or legal separation | $350.00 |
| Dissolution of marriage | $300.00 |
| Reopened domestic relations case | $200.00 |
| Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) | $75.00 |
| Consent judgment entry | $50.00 |
| Filing of notice pursuant to final judgment | $40.00 |
| Court-appointed attorney application fee | $25.00 |
Parties who cannot afford filing deposits may file a motion to proceed in forma pauperis with supporting documentation. Individuals seeking a court-appointed attorney must complete an application and pay $25.00. Additional self-representation resources are available through Ohio Legal Help and Legal Aid of Western Ohio.
Many domestic relations forms required by the Ohio Supreme Court are available through the Clerk of Courts forms page, including financial schedules that must accompany any complaint for divorce, legal separation, or petition for dissolution. The Wood County Child Support Enforcement Agency handles support enforcement matters.
Marriage and Divorce Records
Marriage records are maintained by the Probate Court. Interested persons can search for marriage information through the Probate Court’s online records search or by submitting a records request application. Certified copies of marriage records cost $2.00; uncertified copies are $0.10 per page. Requests by mail should be sent to:
Wood County Probate Court
Records Request
One Courthouse Square
Bowling Green, Ohio 43402
Divorce records (decrees and related filings) are maintained by the Clerk of Courts. To request divorce records by mail, complete the Public Records Request Form and submit it with payment to the Clerk’s address. In-person requests and online docket searches are also available. Standard dissolution copy fees are $0.10 per page.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death records from 1908 onward are maintained by the Wood County Health Department. Each certified copy costs $25.00. Requests can be made in person or by mail using the vital record application form, accompanied by a certified check or money order and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Wood County Health Department
Address: 1840 East Gypsy Lane Road, Bowling Green, OH 43402
Phone: (419) 352-8402
Historical birth and death records from 1867 to 1908 are available through the Probate Court at the fees noted above.
Wood County Probate Court Records
The Wood County Probate Court handles matters related to the estates of deceased residents, wills, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, adoptions, and adult protective services. The court is located on the second floor of the Wood County Courthouse and is presided over by Judge David Woessner.
Wood County Probate Court
Address: One Courthouse Square (GPS: 200 E. Court St.), 2nd Floor, Bowling Green, OH 43402
Phone: (419) 354-9230
Fax: (419) 354-9357
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (except legal holidays)
Searching Probate Records
The Probate Court maintains a Public Records Area on the second floor of the courthouse, equipped with paper and electronic docket indexes, a public computer terminal, a microfilm reader and printer, and staff available to answer questions. Most public records can be inspected at any time during business hours. A Public Records Request Form is available for mail requests. Requestors do not need to identify themselves when making a records request.
Some older records are stored off-site at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center and the Center for Archival Collections at Bowling Green State University. Original off-site records are available upon request; microfilm copies can be accessed at the courthouse.
Probate Court Filing Fees
| Matter | Fee |
|---|---|
| Estate — Full administration | Varies (deposit required) |
| Deposit of will | $25.00 |
| Adoption — Adult | $85.00 |
| Adoption — Agency | $88.00 |
| Adoption — Foreign | $45.00 ($70.00 if final decree requested) |
| Adoption — Private | $518.00 |
| Publication fee (estimated) | $100.00 |
| Civil adversary | $100.00 |
| Guardianship/Conservatorship | Varies |
A complete filing fee schedule is published on the Probate Court’s website. Court forms for probate matters — including estate administration, guardianship, conservatorship, and adoption forms — are available for download. Statewide standard probate forms are also available through the Ohio Supreme Court forms page.
Adoption records and mental illness case records are confidential and not accessible to the general public. All other probate records — including wills, estate inventories, guardianship filings, and related proceedings — are open for public inspection during business hours, subject to any specific sealing orders issued by the court.
Mail requests for probate records should include the case number or full names of the parties involved, a description of the requested documents, and a check or money order payable to “Wood County Probate Court”. It is advisable to call the court at (419) 354-9230 to verify costs before sending payment, as incorrect amounts will result in the return of the check and a delay in processing.