Putnam County Court Records

Putnam County court records document the legal proceedings and judicial decisions issued by the courts operating within Putnam County, Ohio. These records are generated as cases are filed, heard, and resolved. Generally, they include critical case details such as docket numbers, the names of involved parties, the nature of the case (civil, criminal, probate, juvenile, or domestic relations), as well as filed motions, orders, judgments, hearing schedules, and supporting documentation. The Putnam County Clerk of Courts serves as the official custodian of many of these records.

Are Court Records Public in Putnam County?

Yes. Most Putnam County court records are considered public under the Ohio Public Records Act, codified at Ohio Revised Code (O.R.C.) § 149.43.

However, certain categories of records are exempt from disclosure or are subject to restricted access to protect privacy and sensitive information. Common exemptions under Ohio law and local court rules may include:

• Juvenile court proceedings and records
• Adoption records
• Records pertaining to mental health commitments
• Documents involving Adult Protective Services
• Confidential child custody records
• Sealed or expunged records
• Certain witness information in criminal matters
• Attorney work product and trial preparation materials
• Records related to ongoing law enforcement investigations

These exemptions ensure that while public accountability is maintained, personal privacy and the integrity of sensitive proceedings are also safeguarded.

Putnam County Court Records Search

Individuals interested in finding Putnam County court records have several options:

In-Person Requests:

Inquirers may visit the Clerk of Courts office or the appropriate court in person during business hours. Staff can assist with locating specific cases or using the public computer terminals for searching electronic case dockets.

Mail, Email, or Phone Requests:

Record seekers may also contact the Clerk of Courts or the relevant court by mail, email, or phone. They would need to provide as many details as possible (case number, party names, and approximate filing date) to facilitate the search.

Online Portals and Search Tools:

Some Putnam County courts offer online case search functions, allowing users to search by party name, case number, or other criteria. The availability and scope of online records vary by court and may require nominal fees or registration.

Third-Party Websites:

Independent, non-governmental websites may aggregate public records from various jurisdictions, including Putnam County arrest records, court records and other documents managed by public agencies.

Putnam County Courts

The addresses and contact information of courthouses in Putnam county are as follows:

Putnam County Court of Common Pleas
Putnam County Courthouse
245 E Main St,
Suite 301,
Ottawa, OH 45875
Phone: (419) 523-3110
Fax: (419) 523-5284
Phone: (419) 523-3012 (Juvenile/Probate)
Fax: (419) 523-9291 (Juvenile/Probate)

Putnam County Municipal Court
Putnam County Courthouse
245 E Main St,
Suite 301,
Ottawa, OH 45875
Phone: (419) 523-3110
Fax: (419) 523-5284

Columbus Grove Mayor's Court
113 E Sycamore St,
Columbus Grove, OH 45830
Phone: (419) 659-2365

Putnam County Criminal and Civil Records

Felony criminal records are primarily maintained by the Putnam County Common Pleas Court (General Division). In contrast, misdemeanor criminal records, traffic cases, and local ordinance violations typically reside in the Putnam County Court. The court also oversees a variety of civil matters, including contracts, torts, real estate disputes, and personal injury lawsuits. Both criminal and civil case records are accessible through the Clerk of Courts Office. Requests can be made in person, by mail, or electronically (if available). Requests may be addressed to:

Putnam County Clerk of Courts
245 E. Main Street, Suite 301
Ottawa, OH 45875
Phone: (419) 523-3110

Putnam County Marriage Records

Marriage licenses and certificates are managed by the Putnam County Probate Court. Interested individuals may request certified copies in person or by mail at:

Putnam County Probate & Juvenile Court
245 E. Main Street, Suite 201
Ottawa, OH 45875
Phone: (419) 523-3012

When requesting a certified marriage record, provide both spouses’ full names, the approximate date of marriage, and any known case or license numbers.

Putnam County Divorce Records

Divorce, dissolution, and annulment records are maintained by the Clerk of Courts of the Putnam County Common Pleas Court (Domestic Relations Division). Individuals may submit requests in person, by mail, or by phone to the Clerk’s Office. Requesters will need to provide a case number or exact party names to help expedite the search. Requests may be addressed to:

Putnam County Clerk of Courts
245 E. Main Street, Suite 301
Ottawa, OH 45875
Phone: (419) 523-3110

Putnam County Birth and Death Records

The Putnam County Health Department manages birth and death records for events occurring in the county. Certified copies are often required for legal identification, obtaining passports, school enrollment, and resolving estate matters. The department can provide birth records from 1908 to present-Certified copies of birth and death records each cost $25 per copy. Requests can be made in person during business hours, by mail with payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope, or online (if available). Applicants should provide the individual’s full name, date of birth or death, and other pertinent details. Requests may be addressed to:

Putnam County Health Department
256 E. Main Street
Ottawa, OH 45875
Phone: (419) 523-5608

Putnam County Probate Court Records

Probate court records may involve estate administrations, wills, guardianships, adoptions, and name changes. These records are accessible at the Putnam County Probate Court. However, certain probate documents may be limited to authorized individuals, especially in adoption matters. Requests for Putnam county probate records may be addressed to:

Putnam County Probate & Juvenile Court
245 E. Main Street
Suite 201
Ottawa, OH 45875
Phone: (419) 523-3012

Putnam County Property Records

Property records, including deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats, are maintained by the Putnam County Recorder’s Office. These documents help establish property ownership, trace the history of a parcel, and verify legal transactions involving real estate.

Putnam County Recorder’s Office
245 E. Main Street
Suite 201
Ottawa, OH 45875
Phone: (419) 523-6490

Many property records can also be searched online through the Putnam County Recorder’s website or the Putnam County Auditor’s online property search tools.

Putnam County Court Records Online

In addition to official government websites, users may find Putnam County court records through third-party services like Ohiocourtrecords.us. These independent websites may provide search tools by party name, case type, or date. While convenient, these sources are not affiliated with the county government, and their accuracy or completeness can vary.