Court records in Franklin County, Ohio can be searched through several channels. FranklinCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also search records through official court websites such as the Case Information Online (CIO) portal, visit the Franklin County Clerk of Courts office in person, or use public access terminals at the courthouse.
Franklin County Court System & Jurisdictions
Franklin County has several courts, each handling distinct case types. Knowing which court has jurisdiction over a matter determines where to search for docket information.
- Court of Common Pleas – General Division: Felony criminal cases, major civil disputes (typically claims exceeding $15,000), and appeals from lower courts.
- Court of Common Pleas – Domestic Relations Division: Divorce, dissolution of marriage, custody, child support, and other family law matters. Located at 373 South High Street, Columbus.
- Franklin County Probate Court: Estates, guardianships, adoptions, name changes, mental health commitments, and marriage licenses. The Probate Court also maintains historical birth and death records (1867–1908) and marriage records from 1803 to present.
- Franklin County Municipal Court: Misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil claims up to $15,000, and small claims (generally up to $6,000). This court operates multiple locations across the county.
- Tenth District Court of Appeals: Hears appeals from the Common Pleas Court and Municipal Court.
Several municipal courts also serve specific jurisdictions within the county, including the Dublin Mayor's Court and other mayor's courts in smaller municipalities. These typically handle minor traffic offenses and local ordinance violations.
Franklin County Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Finding upcoming hearings and court dates depends on which court is handling the case.
- Common Pleas (General, Domestic, and Criminal): Search the Case Information Online (CIO) system. Enter a case number or party name to view scheduled hearing dates, assigned judges, and case status. Records are generally current as of the previous business day.
- Probate Court: Use the General Case Index to look up case details and scheduled events for probate matters.
- Municipal Court: The Franklin County Municipal Court maintains its own online case search. Check the court's website directly for calendar information.
If you cannot locate a hearing online, contact the clerk's office for the relevant court division. Court calendars may also be posted at the courthouse. For attorneys and parties who have filed electronically, hearing notices are typically delivered through the Franklin County E-Filing system.
How to Get a Copy of a Franklin County Court Document
Court documents in Franklin County can be obtained as either certified or uncertified copies. Certified copies bear the clerk's seal and signature, making them suitable for legal proceedings and official use. Uncertified copies are generally acceptable for personal reference.
Online
- Search for your case through Case Information Online to confirm the case number and filing details.
- Some documents can be viewed or printed directly from the CIO portal at no cost (uncertified).
- For certified copies, you may need to submit a request through the Clerk of Courts website or visit in person.
In Person
Visit the Clerk of Courts office to request copies at the counter. Bring the case number or enough identifying information (party names, approximate filing date) so staff can locate the record.
By Mail
Send a written request to the address above. Include the case number, document description, your return address, and a check or money order for applicable fees. Specify whether you need certified or uncertified copies.
Probate Court Records
For probate documents — including estate filings, guardianship records, marriage licenses, and historical vital records — contact the Probate Court Certified Records department directly.
Restricted Records
Certain records are not available to the general public, including:
- Sealed or expunged criminal records
- Juvenile case records (generally confidential under Ohio law)
- Adoption records
- Grand jury proceedings
- Records subject to a court-issued protective order
Franklin County Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record copies and services are set by Ohio statute and local court rules. The following table reflects commonly assessed fees at the Franklin County Clerk of Courts. Confirm current amounts with the clerk's office, as fees may be updated by administrative order.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.05 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $1.00 per page (certification fee may apply in addition) |
| Certification fee | $1.00 per certification |
| Docket search / case lookup (in-person) | No charge for basic lookups |
| Exemplified copy | Contact the clerk for current pricing |
| Probate Court certified copy | Contact Probate Court for current fee schedule |
| Marriage license search (Probate) | Contact Probate Court |
Payment methods: The Clerk of Courts generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders for in-person and mail requests. Some online services may accept credit or debit cards. Ask the clerk's office about accepted payment methods before mailing a request.
Under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, public records requests cannot be denied based on the requester's identity or intended use. However, the custodial office may charge actual costs for copies beyond what is available for free online. If you believe a fee is incorrect or a record has been improperly withheld, you may contact the Ohio Court of Claims or consult an attorney about your rights under Ohio's Public Records Act.