Huron County Court Records

The Ohio R. Superi. Ct. Rule 44 defines Huron County court records as both:

• Case documents: These are papers and information, such as motions, pleadings, indices, journals, orders, exhibits, judgments, and dockets, filed with or prepared by a court or clerk in a legal proceeding.
• Administrative documents: These refer to papers and information created, received, or maintained by a court to record the court's activities.

Information typically accessible to the public in a court record are the case number, the case party's name, date of birth and address, the attorney's name, hearing type, time, and date, and filing, release, and judgment dates. Court records also contain the judge's name, disposition information, cause of action, conviction and arraignment date, sentence, incarceration, fines and costs, financial transactions, probation and arrest date, and charges.

The Huron County Court of Common Pleas and Municipal Courts makes their records available to the public to promote transparency and accountability. This open access allows members of the public to see how the judicial system operates and ensure legal proceedings are conducted fairly. Public access to Huron County court records helps ensure the rights of case parties are upheld because it allows people to observe how justice is applied in cases relating to human rights, civil liberties, and public interest issues.

Are Court Records Public in Huron County?

Yes. The Ohio Public Records Act and Superintendence for the Courts Rule 45 presumes court records open to public access. This gives members of the public the right to inspect and copy most records filed with the Huron County Courts. However, access to some court records is limited because of their sensitivity. Such records are deemed confidential and only open to a selected few. Below are some examples of confidential court records in Huron County:

• Medical records
• Adoption records
• Juvenile proceedings
• Trial preparation documents
• Protected health information
• DNA records available in the DNA database
• Confidential law enforcement investigatory records
• Records in the custody of the Department of Job and Family Services
• Personal information such as state identification number, debit card number, social security number, state or federal tax identification number, driver's license number, checking account number, savings account number, and credit card number
• Printed or digital images that reveal:
  • An offense victim whose disclosure affects the person's bodily privacy and integrity.
  • The victim of a sexually oriented offense at the actual occurrence of that offense.

Huron County Court Records Search

Huron County residents can conveniently conduct court records searches using the following means:

• Electronically via the CourtView portal
• Electronically using the Case Search portal
• In person at the city court where the case was heard
• Online through third-party websites like ohiocourtrecords.us
• In-person at the Huron County Clerk of Court's office during business hours

Huron County Courts

The judicial system in Huron County includes the Court of Common Pleas and Municipal Courts. The Court of Common Pleas comprises the General & Domestic Relations, Juvenile, and Probate Divisions. Below are the addresses of Huron County Courts:

Huron County Court of Common Pleas
2 East Main Street,
Norwalk, OH 44857
General Division: (419) 668-6162 and (419) 663-4048
Juvenile Division: (419) 668-1616
Probate Division: (419) 668-4383

Huron Municipal Court
417 Main Street
Huron, OH 44839
Phone: (419) 433-5430
Fax: (419) 433-3272
Email: municourt@huronohio.us

Norwalk Municipal Court
45 N. Linwood Avenue
Norwalk, OH 44857
Phone: (419) 663-6750
Fax: (419) 663-6749

Huron County Criminal Records

The Sheriff's Office issues Huron County criminal records to individuals by appointment. Requesters can call the Civil Office by phone at (419) 668-6912 (press 3) to schedule an appointment. The office charges $35 each for BCI and FBI criminal records, but those requesting both records can pay $65. Applicants can use debit and credit cards, cash, or personal checks to pay the fees. Individuals in need of Huron County arrest records can use the Jail Roster available on the Sheriff's Office website to retrieve such information. Alternatively, they can visit the office to submit a request. The staff will require the arrestee's name, arrest date, or arrest location to locate the desired record. The Huron County Sheriff's Office is located at:

Huron County Sheriff's Office
255 Shady Lane Drive
Norwalk, OH 44854
Email: acawrse@huroncountysheriff.org

Get Huron County Civil Court Records

The Huron County Common Pleas Court hears all civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $15,000. Individuals interested in obtaining civil court records should visit the courthouse during business hours and request them in writing from the Clerk of the Court. The Clerk will provide a request form that the applicant should complete. The information provided in the form will be used to process the request. The fee per copy will be calculated and should be paid after the document is found.

Alternatively, requesters can access civil court records online. The Clerk of Court has a Case Search portal that can be used to view records for free. The search parameters are name/company, hearing date, case number, or file date. Users can filter the search by scrolling to the Case Type area and checking the Civil box to view only civil court cases.

Huron County Marriage Records

The Probate Court provides certified copies of Huron County marriage records to residents in person, by phone, and by mail. Those submitting requests by mail should use the Request for Certified Copy of Marriage Record form. Huron County marriage certificates cost $3 each and are payable by cash, money orders, or personal checks. Credit card payments are acceptable for phone orders but attract an additional processing fee.

Huron County Divorce Records

The General & Domestic Relations Division of the Court of Common Pleas hears all divorce cases in Huron County. Record seekers can visit the courthouse to obtain copies of divorce records or use the Case Search portal to view them. Online requesters should enter a name/company or case number in the appropriate search box to locate the desired record. Go to the Case Type area and check the Domestic Relations box to view only divorce cases.

Huron County Birth and Death Records

The Huron County Public Health (HCPH) assists members of the public in obtaining certified copies of birth and death records. Depending on the request options, these records cost $25.00 per copy, payable by cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards. Credit and debit card orders attract additional convenience fees. Huron County vital records can be ordered through the following ways:

• Online: Individuals can visit the HCPH's website and scan the QR code below the certificate they seek or click on the link beneath the code to access the online portal. An approved third-party vendor handles these orders and may attract additional fees.
• Mail-in request: Download and fill out an Application for a Certified Birth/Death Certificate (English or Spanish) and send it to the office. The mail package should include the appropriate fees. The HCPH charges an additional $5.55 to mail the certificate back to the customer.
• Walk-in/same-day service: Individuals can walk into the office's counter and request copies of birth or death certificates. Requests are handled on Mondays, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and from Tuesday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The desired record will be available in a matter of minutes. The HCPH is located at:

Huron County Public Health
28 Executive Drive
Norwalk, OH 44857
Phone: (419) 668-1652 ext. 241

Huron County Probate Court Records

The Huron County Probate Court hears several cases like adoptions, birth registrations, estates, guardianships, name changes, marriage licenses, and birth corrections. Records of these cases are easily accessible online through the Probate Records Search portal. The search parameters are name, advanced case number, or case type. Probate court records unavailable on the portal can be copied at the courthouse from Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The staff will need a name or case number to process the request and make the records available for a fee.

Huron County Property Records

The Huron County Recorder and Auditor maintains property documents such as mortgages, lien agreements, finance statements, lease assignments of rents, power of attorney, taxes, and waivers of priority. Inquirers can copy these documents in person at any custodian office from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They should provide basic information about the property to facilitate the search. Also, a copy of property records attracts a small fee that will be required upon request.

The Huron County Recorder also handles document requests over the phone at (419) 668-1916, by email at Recorder@huroncounty-oh.gov, and online. Online requests can be made using the Public Access portal. The search criteria are name, advanced/legal, or instrument.

The Huron County Auditor has a Real Estate Search portal and a Map that can be used to view property records without charges. To locate a record, users need the owner's name, address, parcel number, legal description, or intersection.

Huron County Court Records Online

Several reputable third-party platforms, like ohiocourtrecords.us, allow record seekers to find Huron County court records online. Users can filter their searches using a name or case number. Some third-party vendors provide basic searches for free, but most charge a fee for detailed reports. Court records obtained from third-party platforms may not always be accurate. Cross-referencing findings from such sites with official government sites is essential to ensure accuracy.