Richland County, Ohio court records are accessible through several channels. RichlandCourt.us allows you to search for public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through official online portals of county courts, directly at the Clerk of Courts offices, or via public terminals installed in court buildings. Below is a practical guide to navigating the county's court system.
Richland Court System & Jurisdictions
Several courts operate in Richland County, each handling specific categories of cases. Knowing which court is handling your case is the first step in finding the necessary file.
Court of Common Pleas, General Division is the primary court of first instance. It handles civil lawsuits for large sums, serious criminal cases (felonies), and appeals from lower courts. As noted by the county prosecutor's criminal division, adult felonies are handled here, with cases distributed between two judges.
Domestic Relations Court is a division of Common Pleas that deals with divorces, marriage dissolutions, legal separations, annulments, and civil domestic violence cases. After a decision is made, parties may return to court for issues of alimony or parental rights distribution.
Inheritance, guardianship, adoption, and name change cases are handled by the Probate Court. Online record searches for this court are available through the CaseLook system — note that the data reflects only the current status and may not include the entire case history.
Richland County Municipal Court (in Mansfield) serves most of the county. This court handles:
- Misdemeanors (less serious offenses)
- Traffic violations and infractions
- Civil claims up to a certain amount
- Small claims cases
- Preliminary hearings in criminal cases
Additionally, the county has the Shelby Municipal Court, which serves the city of Shelby and surrounding areas. A full list of county courts and their local rules can be viewed on the Ohio Supreme Court website.
Richland Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out the schedule of court sessions for today, tomorrow, or the current week, contact the Clerk's office of the respective court directly. Ohio does not have a centralized portal for all county-level court calendars — each court publishes its schedule separately.
Here's what you can do:
- Call the Clerk of Courts office for the Common Pleas or Municipal Court and ask for the schedule on a specific date.
- Check the online case search system of the respective court — some of them display scheduled hearing dates in the case card.
- For Probate Court, use the online record search, where the case details usually indicate the next hearing date.
- Domestic Relations Court can provide information about scheduled hearings by phone or in person.
If you need to appear in court, check the summons — it specifies the exact date, time, and courtroom. In case of any doubts, a phone call to the Clerk's office remains the most reliable way.
How to Get a Copy of a Richland Court Document
Copies of court documents come in two types: certified and uncertified. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the clerk's signature, confirming its authenticity — this is the type of document typically required by other institutions, employers, or attorneys. An uncertified copy is a regular photocopy for informational purposes.
How to obtain a copy:
- In person — visit the Clerk of Courts office in the courthouse. You will need the case number or the names of the parties. Copies are usually made within a few minutes.
- By mail — send a written request specifying the case number, type of document (certified or uncertified copy), and return address. Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount.
- Online — for Probate Court, an online search is available, where you can view basic case information. To obtain official copies from other courts, you generally need to request them in person or by mail.
Mailing address for requests to Clerk of Courts (Common Pleas):
For sheriff's records — criminal reports, accident reports, summons — contact the sheriff's office records department. This department provides copies of reports to the public, media, insurance companies, and other law enforcement agencies upon request.
Note: Computerized criminal history records maintained by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) at the Ohio Attorney General's office are not public records. To request your own criminal history, you must contact BCI directly.
Richland Court Records Fees & Payment
The cost of copies and services depends on the specific court and type of document. Below are approximate rates applied in Ohio's general jurisdiction courts according to the Ohio Revised Code and local rules. We recommend confirming exact amounts directly with the Clerk's office of the respective court.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Regular copy (per page) | $0.05–$0.25 |
| Certified copy (certification fee) | $1.00–$5.00 per document |
| Docket search | Free when done in person; a fee may be charged for a written request |
| Copy of police report (Sheriff's Office) | Depends on the document's volume |
| Criminal history check via BCI | $22.00 (WebCheck) + possible fingerprinting fee |
For a criminal history check via BCI, fingerprints must be taken at a certified WebCheck location. This service is often required by employers, educational institutions, and medical facilities.
Payment methods:
- Cash and checks are accepted at most Clerk's offices
- Money orders — for mail requests
- Some courts accept credit and debit cards — confirm in advance
Checks are usually made payable to "Richland County Clerk of Courts." For sheriff's records — payable to "Richland County Sheriff's Office." Always call ahead to confirm current rates and acceptable forms of payment.