Court records of Miami County, Ohio, are available through several channels. MiamiCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, official online portals of individual county courts, clerk's offices, and public terminals in court buildings provide access to case registers, hearing schedules, and court documents. Below is a practical guide to the county's court system and ways to find the records you need.
Miami Court System & Jurisdictions
Several courts operate in the county, each handling specific categories of cases.
Court of Common Pleas
This is the county's court of general jurisdiction. It is divided into three divisions:
- General Division — handles criminal felony cases, civil lawsuits over $15,000, and appeals from lower courts.
- Domestic Relations Division — cases involving divorce, division of marital property, child custody, alimony, and protective orders.
- Juvenile Division — cases involving minors: offenses, dependency, and neglect issues.
Probate Court
A separate court dealing with inheritance cases, guardianship, adoption, name changes, and issuing marriage licenses. Online registry search is available through the Probate Court CaseLook system.
Municipal Court (Miami County Municipal Court)
Handles minor criminal cases (misdemeanors), traffic violations, civil lawsuits up to $15,000, and small claims cases up to $6,000. This is where most daily cases of county residents are processed — from speeding tickets to landlord disputes.
Appeals from any of these courts are directed to the Second District Court of Appeals, and further to the Ohio Supreme Court.
Miami Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out the schedule of hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week, use one of the following options:
- Probate Court — current schedule and case information are available through the Probate Court online portal. The system shows case status and upcoming hearing dates.
- Municipal Court — call the clerk's office or visit in person to confirm the hearing time. Schedules are often updated daily.
- Common Pleas (General, Domestic Relations, Juvenile) — obtain schedules by contacting the relevant court division.
If you are a party to a case or a witness, check the date and courtroom in advance — rescheduling happens. The court clerk can usually confirm the current time by phone.
How to Get a Copy of a Miami Court Document
The procedure depends on the type of document and the court that holds it.
Certified and Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copy — suitable for review. It can be obtained at the court clerk's office or, for Probate Court cases, through the online system.
- Certified copy — has the court seal and clerk's signature; required for official purposes (filing in another court, immigration, notarial actions). The cost is higher.
Ways to Obtain
- In person — visit the clerk's office of the relevant court. For the Court of Common Pleas and Municipal Court, it is located in the courthouse in Troy.
- By mail — send a written request with the case number, party names, and document type. Include payment (check or money order payable to the appropriate Clerk of Court).
- Online — for Probate Court cases, basic information can be viewed through CaseLook; for official copies, contact the clerk's office.
Mailing Address (Court of Common Pleas — Clerk)
For state-level criminal records, you can request your own criminal history through the Ohio Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).
Miami Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees are set according to the Ohio Revised Code and the court's internal regulations. Below are approximate amounts — confirm current rates with the clerk's office before payment.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Registry search (by name) | Free online (Probate CaseLook); a fee may be charged when contacting the clerk |
| Uncertified document copy (per page) | $0.05–$0.25 |
| Certified copy | $1.00–$5.00 per document (depends on the court) |
| Certification (in addition to copy) | $1.00 and up |
| Criminal history check through BCI (WebCheck) | ~$22–$32 (electronic fingerprint) |
Payment is accepted in cash, check, or money order. Some clerk's offices also accept credit and debit cards — inquire in advance. State-level criminal history checks can be ordered through certified WebCheck providers throughout Ohio; the fee includes BCI processing and, if necessary, FBI check.
Records related to minors, adoptions, and certain psychiatric cases are usually closed to public access. If you are unsure whether a specific document is available, contact the relevant court clerk, and they will explain what can be obtained. Additional information on searching for individuals in Ohio correctional facilities can be found through the Offender Search system of the state Department of Corrections.