Morrow County Court Records

Morrow County's courts produce and maintain various official legal documents, collectively known as court records. These records provide a comprehensive account of judicial proceedings, including complaints, motions, pleadings, orders, judgments, and exhibits. They are vital resources for verifying case outcomes, understanding legal processes, and researching precedent. From civil disputes and criminal trials to probate matters and family law cases, court records help ensure transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the judicial system of Morrow County, Ohio.

Are Court Records Public in Morrow County?

Yes. Under Ohio law, most court records are considered public documents. The Ohio Rules of Superintendence, specifically Sup.R. 44 through Sup.R. 47, generally govern access to court records and presume openness. Ohio's Public Records Act, codified at Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, also supports broad public access to governmental records, including many maintained by the courts.

However, not all Morrow County court records are freely accessible. Certain records are exempt from public disclosure to protect individual privacy and sensitive information. Examples of restricted records include:

• Juvenile records (per Ohio Revised Code § 2151.355)
• Adoption proceedings
• Social Security numbers, detailed medical histories, and confidential financial details
• Records from active investigations or pending cases

Morrow County Court Records Search

Members of the public can access Morrow County court records through one of the following avenues:

Clerk of Courts Office:

The Morrow County Clerk of Courts maintains records pertaining to Common Pleas and appellate proceedings. The Clerk's office can assist with in-person requests and may provide certain documents online or by mail. Requests may be addressed to:

Morrow County Clerk of Courts
48 East High Street, Room 2
Mount Gilead, OH 43338
Phone: (419) 947-2085

Municipal Court Clerk's Office:

For traffic, misdemeanor criminal, and small claims matters, inquiries can be directed to the Morrow County Municipal Court Clerk at:

Morrow County Municipal Court
48 East High Street
Mount Gilead, OH 43338
Phone: (419) 947-5045

Probate and Juvenile Court:

Probate and juvenile records, which may include guardianships, adoptions, estate cases, and juvenile delinquencies, are maintained by the Probate/Juvenile Court. Access is limited for confidential matters and may require a court order.

Morrow County Probate and Juvenile Court
48 East High Street
Mount Gilead, OH 43338
Phone: (419) 946-1538

In addition, certain court records may be accessible through online databases managed by the courts or third-party aggregators. However, these online sources may offer limited details and not include sealed or protected information.

Morrow County Courts

The addresses and contact information of Morrow County courthouses are as follows:

Morrow County Court of Common Pleas
Morrow County Courthouse
48 E High St, #6,
Mount Gilead, OH 43338
Phone: (419) 947-2085
Phone: (419) 947-5575 (Juvenile/Probate)
Fax: (419) 947-1270 (Juvenile/Probate)

Morrow County Municipal Court
48 E High St,
Mount Gilead, OH 43338
Phone: (419) 947-5045
Fax: (419) 946-4070

Cardington Mayor's Court
215 Park Ave,
Cardington, OH 43315
Phone: (419) 864-7607

Edison Mayor's Court
103 N Boundary St,
Edison, OH 43320
Phone: (419) 946-9146

Mount Gilead Mayor's Court
Municipal Building
72 W High St,
Mount Gilead, OH 43338
Phone: (419) 946-3936

Morrow County Criminal and Civil Records

The Morrow County Clerk of Courts is the official custodian of criminal and civil case records filed in the Court of Common Pleas. These records cover a wide range of matters, including felony and civil litigation, property disputes, contract issues, and professional malpractice suits. Law enforcement arrest records, often maintained by the Morrow County Sheriff's Office or local police departments, can also provide insight into an individual's involvement in the criminal justice system. Inquirers may request records from the Sheriff's recording division at:

Morrow County Sheriff's Office
101 Home Road
Mt. Gilead, Ohio 43338
Phone: (419) 947-4845

Comprehensive criminal and civil records should be requested in person through the Clerk of Courts' office where the case was heard. Certain basic docket information may be available online through authorized platforms, but complex or sealed information will require a formal request and proper authorization.

To obtain certified or complete copies, inquirers may visit the appropriate Clerk's office in person or submit a written request. A nominal fee may apply, and requests should include sufficient identifying information (e.g., case number, parties' names, and approximate filing date).

Morrow County Marriage Records

The Probate Court typically manages marriage records in Morrow County. Under Ohio Revised Code § 3101.05 and related statutes, the Probate Court issues marriage licenses and maintains official marriage records.

To request a marriage record, visit the Morrow County Probate and Juvenile Court, and provide information regarding the record of interest and pay and required fees.

Alternatively, record seekers may submit a written request with identifying information (names, approximate marriage date) and a money order or check to cover the processing fee:

Morrow County Probate and Juvenile Court
48 East High Street
Mount Gilead, OH 43338
Phone: (419) 946-1538

Marriage records are generally considered public. Certified copies can be issued to any interested party, subject to any applicable restrictions or fees set by the court.

Morrow County Divorce Records

Divorce records are maintained by the Morrow County Clerk of Courts. As public records, these files typically include divorce decrees, case numbers, and related court orders.

To request Morrow County divorce records in person, visit the Clerk of Courts office with identifying details (names, approximate date of divorce). Alternatively, requestors may send a written request with all information required to facilitate the search and the appropriate fee. Requests may be addressed to:

Morrow County Clerk of Courts
48 East High Street,
Room 2
Mount Gilead, OH 43338
Phone: (419) 947-2085

While divorce decrees and related documents are often public, certain sensitive details—like Social Security numbers or financial account data—may be redacted.

Morrow County Birth and Death Records

Under Ohio Revised Code § 3705.23, birth and death records are subject to specific access limitations. Recent birth and death records are not fully open to the general public.

Records of births occurring within the past 100 years are restricted. Only the individual named on the record, their immediate family, or authorized legal representatives may access them. Older birth records (over 100 years old) become public.

Similarly, death records less than 100 years old may be subject to limited access. Immediate family members, executors of estates, or those with a direct legal interest can typically obtain certified copies. The Morrow County Health District maintains certified birth and death certificates. Interested and eligible persons may request these records at:

Morrow County Health District (Vital Records)
619 West Marion Street
Mount Gilead, OH 43338
Phone: (419) 947-1545

Requests can be made in person, by mail, or through authorized third-party vendors. A valid ID and fee will likely be required to prove the requester's eligibility before their requests are processed.

Morrow County Probate Court Records

Morrow County Probate Court records encompass wills, estates, guardianships, name changes, mental health commitments, and related filings. While many probate records are public, some matters—such as adoptions or sensitive guardianships—are confidential. Inquirers may request Morrow County probate court records at:

Morrow County Probate and Juvenile Court
48 East High Street
Mount Gilead, OH 43338
Phone: (419) 946-1538

Probate records are often essential for estate settlements, verifying guardianships, and genealogical research.

Morrow County Property Records

Property records, including deeds, mortgages, and liens, are managed by the Morrow County Recorder's Office. The Auditor's Office maintains assessment and valuation records. Both sets of records are generally open to the public under Ohio law, as they are crucial for confirming property ownership, resolving boundary disputes, and determining tax obligations. Morrow County property requests may be addressed to either office at:

Recorder's Office:

Morrow County Recorder
48 East High Street, #7
Mount Gilead, OH 43338
Phone: (419) 946-4708

Auditor's Office:

Morrow County Auditor
48 East High Street, #7
Mount Gilead, OH 43338
Phone: (419) 946-4060

Certain personal identifiers may be withheld to prevent misuse of information.

Morrow County Court Records Online

While the Morrow County courts may provide limited docket information online, third-party websites like Ohiocourtrecords.us offer an alternative means to access court records. These sites are operated independently of official government sites and aggregate judicial information from various jurisdictions. However, the accuracy of the information they provide may not be guaranteed.