Fulton County Court Records

Fulton County court records are essential documents that provide detailed information about legal proceedings within the county. These records are used in various legal matters, including background checks, legal research, and verifying case outcomes. Court records are maintained by the Fulton County Clerk of Court and other government offices. They offer a wide range of information about both criminal and civil cases, including case details, the parties involved, verdicts, sentencing, and motions.

Some examples of Fulton County court records include:

• Case files contain petitions, motions, and evidence presented in court.
• Court orders, including judgments, verdicts, and other rulings.
• Arrest records, including Fulton County arrest records, document arrests, charges, and outcomes.
• Transcripts of hearings, trials,s and other court proceedings.
• Probate Records relating to estates, wills, and guardianships.

Are Court Records Public in Fulton County?

Per Ohio Law, most court records in Fulton County are public and accessible to the general public. This is in line with the Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code §149.43), which allows citizens to view and request public records, including court documents. However, there are specific restrictions and limitations for accessing certain types of court records, which include:

• Juvenile records: Per Ohio Revised Code §2151.356, these are confidential and typically sealed from public access. Only authorized parties may access them.
• Expunged Records: Records that have been expunged or sealed by the court are not available for public viewing, per Ohio Revised Code §2953.31-2953.33.
• Certain Family Law Records: In some cases, such as those involving domestic violence, protective orders or child custody, records may be sealed to protect the privacy of individuals (Ohio Revised Code §3111.18).
• Mental Health and Medical Records: Per Ohio Revised Code §5122.31, these records are sealed or redacted to ensure privacy.

While most records are publicly accessible, individuals may need to provide proper identification or legal justification for accessing some of these restricted records.

Fulton County Court Records Search

There are several methods to search for Fulton County court records:

• In-person searches: Per Ohio Revised Code §149.43, Individuals can visit the Fulton County Clerk of Court office to access public records. The office provides assistance in locating specific case files, documents, and other court records.
• Online searches: several third-party platforms and official county websites allow users to search for court records online. These platforms typically require users to enter case numbers, party names,s or other relevant information.
• Written Requests: For more specific records, individuals may submit written requests to the Fulton County Clerk’s office for copies of court documents, per Ohio Revised Code §149.43.

Fulton County Courts

The court system in Fulton County consists of several courts, each handling different types of legal matters. These include:

Fulton County Common Pleas Court
5938 County Road 36,
Wauseon, OH 43567
(419) 337-9260

Per Ohio Revised Code §2307.01, This court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases, probate cases, and domestic relations matters.

Fulton County Municipal Court
590 S Shoop Ave,
Wauseon, OH 43567
(419) 337-9282

Per Ohio Revised Code §1901.01, this court deals with misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and small claims civil matters.

Fulton County Probate Court
5938 County Road 36, Wauseon, OH 43567
(419) 337-9260

Handles matters related to estates, wills, guardianships, and adoptions under Ohio Revised Code §2101.02

Fulton County Criminal and Civil Records

Fulton County criminal records include arrest records, charges, convictions, sentencing details, and case status. The records are maintained by the Fulton County clerk of court and can be obtained by visiting the Fulton County Common Pleas Court or Fulton County Municipal Court, depending on the nature of the case. Per the Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43), criminal records are accessible.

Civil Records in Fulton County document lawsuits, contracts, property disputes, and other civil matters. These records are maintained by both the Common Pleas Court and the municipal Court. Civil cases typically involve amounts less than §25,000 or disputes between individuals, per Ohio Revised Code §1901.20. To obtain Fulton County arrest records or criminal and civil records, individuals can visit the appropriate court or request documents from the clerk's office, per Ohio Revised Code §149.43.

Fulton County Marriage Records

Marriage records are available through the Fulton County Clerk of Court and can include:

• Names of the individuals who were married.
• The date and location of the marriage.
• The officiant's name and any witnesses.

To obtain a Fulton County marriage certificate, you can submit a request to the clerk of court or the County Recorder's office, per Ohio Revised Code §3101.01. Marriage records are typically public, and individuals must provide identification to access them, as stipulated by Ohio Law.

Fulton County Divorce Records

Divorce Records in Fulton County are available through the Fulton County Common Pleas Court. These records provide details about divorce proceedings, including:

• The names of the individuals involved.
• The date of divorce
• Information about any child custody, support, or alimony decisions.

To access Fulton County divorce records, individuals must request them from the Common Pleas court. These records may require a formal request and the payment of a fee for certified copies, per Ohio Revised Code §3105.01.

Fulton Birth Records

Fulton County birth records are maintained by the Fulton County Health Department and the Ohio Department of Health. These records contain:

• The name of the child.
• The date and place of birth
• Parents' names and other vital information.

Birth records are subject to certain restrictions. Only individuals with a direct connection to the record, such as the person named on the record, immediate family members, or authorized agents, can request a Fulton County birth certificate. Per Ohio Revised Code §3705.12, requests can be made in person or through the Ohio Department of Health.

Fulton Death Records

Fulton County death records are available through the Fulton County Health Department and the Ohio Department of Health. These records provide:

• The name of the deceased.
• The date and place of death.
• The cause of death, if available.

These records are also restricted. Per Ohio Revised Code §3705.14, Family members or authorized individuals can request a Fulton County death certificate by visiting the county Health Department or submitting a request to the Ohio Department of Health.

Fulton County Probate Court Records

Probate records in Fulton County are handled by the Fulton County Probate Court. These records pertain to:

• The administration of estates and distribution of assets.
• Wills and guardianship cases.
• Adoption and name change proceedings.

Per Ohio Revised Code §2101.01, to obtain Fulton County Probate court records, individuals can visit the probate court or submit a request for documents.

Fulton County Property Records

Property records in Fulton County are maintained by the Fulton County Auditor and the Clerk of Court. These records include:

• Ownership information for real estate properties.
• Tax assessments and property values.
• Liens and title deeds.

To access Fulton County property records, individuals can visit the county Auditor's office or use online resources provided by the county, per Ohio Revised Code 319.28

Fulton County Court Records Online

Third-party websites, such as Ohio Court Records, provide online access to Fulton County Court Records. These platforms offer an easy way to search for cases, check the status of proceedings, and access certain documents without visiting the courthouse in person. However, these services are not affiliated with official government agencies and may not always have accurate or up-to-date information.