Clark County OH Common Pleas Court: Case Search & Records
Need to find a Clark County felony case, civil lawsuit, divorce record, foreclosure, judgment, or Second District appeal? The Clark County Clerk of Courts maintains the Common Pleas docket and provides official online case access.
This guide explains which court to search, how to search by case number or party name, how to read docket entries, how to request records, and why cases before 1990 generally require a separate Clerk inquiry. It also covers filing fees, court forms, the 2026 electronic-filing rule, and local courthouse information.
Melissa M. Tuttle, Clark County Clerk of Courts
101 North Limestone Street, Second Floor
Springfield, OH 45502
Phone: 937-521-1680
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM, excluding county holidays.
Independent court-records guide reviewed October 8, 2026. Live case status, deadlines, forms, costs and office rules should be confirmed with the court.
What Cases Does Clark County Common Pleas Court Handle?
The Common Pleas Court handles major trial-court matters, while the Clerk maintains records for the relevant General, Domestic Relations and appellate proceedings. Probate and Juvenile are separate court divisions with their own records procedures.
Civil Lawsuits
Major civil claims, real estate disputes, foreclosure proceedings, certain judgment matters, garnishments and related litigation.
Felony Criminal Cases
Indictments, arraignments, felony proceedings, criminal filings, sentencing entries and related appeals.
Divorce & Dissolution
Divorce, dissolution, legal separation, civil protection orders, civil stalking orders and related domestic filings.
Second District Appeals
Clark County’s portion of filings in the Ohio Second District Court of Appeals, including filings transmitted through the Clerk.
Probate Court
Estates, wills, guardianships, marriage licenses, adoptions, name changes and related proceedings. Use the separate Probate Court search.
Municipal Court
Many misdemeanor, traffic, eviction, small-claims and limited civil matters. Use the Municipal Court’s own case system.
How to Search Clark County Common Pleas Court Cases
The Clerk provides online case access through its official Legal Division page. Its system displays public docket entries maintained by the Clerk and is updated nightly.
- Open the official Clark County Legal Division page.
- Scroll to the Case Record Access Disclaimer.
- Read the notice about publication delays and excluded older records.
- Choose Accept to continue to the official eServices case system.
- Use the case-search or public-record search function offered by eServices.
- Enter the case number if known. Otherwise, use the available party-name fields.
- Review the returned cases and compare the names, case type, number and filing date.
- Open the correct case and read the docket entries in chronological order.
- Save the case number and relevant entry dates for later document requests or official confirmation.
How to search by a person’s name
- Confirm whether the person is involved in a civil, criminal or domestic-relations case.
- Use the name-search option offered by the official case system.
- Start with the legal last name and first name.
- Try known alternate spellings, married names or middle initials if necessary.
- Review all likely matches rather than relying on the first similar name.
- Compare case number, case type, party role, filing date and docket details.
How to search a company or business
- Use the full registered business name if available.
- Try variations without punctuation or common suffixes where the search permits.
- Limit to the appropriate civil or judgment case category.
- Compare party roles and filing dates before identifying a case as relevant.
How to Read a Clark County Common Pleas Docket
A docket is the official chronology of a case’s recorded events. It helps identify when a complaint, indictment, motion, hearing, judgment or other filing entered the court system.
| Record field | What it means | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Case number | Court identifier assigned to the case | Use when requesting documents |
| Case caption | Names of parties involved | Verify exact parties and roles |
| Filing date | Date the matter or document was filed | Not necessarily the date of the incident |
| Complaint | The initiating civil pleading | An allegation is not proof of liability |
| Indictment | Formal felony criminal charging document | Does not establish guilt |
| Motion filed | A party requests court action | Look for a later ruling |
| Judgment entry | Formal recorded court order or determination | Read the actual entry for its terms |
| Disposition | Outcome of a claim, charge or case | May differ across counts or claims |
| Notice of appeal | A party has initiated appellate review | Find the appellate docket and later ruling |
Why Clark County Cases Before 1990 May Not Appear Online
The Clark County Clerk expressly states that records prior to 1990 are not available on its Common Pleas online case-search website.
That does not mean the court has no older paper or archived records. It means the internet index should not be used as proof that a pre-1990 case never existed.
How to look for an older Common Pleas case
- Gather the person’s full name, former names, case category and approximate year.
- Check older court papers, judgments, attorney correspondence or docket references for a case number.
- Contact the Clerk at 937-521-1680.
- Explain that the record predates online coverage.
- Ask whether an index, archived file or other available record can be searched.
- Request the procedure and cost for inspection or copies.
How to Request Clark County Common Pleas Court Records & Certified Copies
A public online docket may display the name and date of a filing without supplying the authenticated document. To obtain a judgment, sentencing entry, divorce decree, complaint or other official record, contact the Clerk and specify the exact document required.
The most reliable lookup reference.
Helps match the correct record.
Judgment, sentencing entry, decree, order, complaint or transcript.
Helpful when many documents have similar names.
Ask the receiving organization what authentication is required.
Request a document from the Clerk
- Locate the correct case through the official Common Pleas case search.
- Write down the case number and docket entry.
- Contact the Clerk by telephone at 937-521-1680 or by email at clerkofcourts@clarkcountyohio.gov.
- Identify the precise document, date and case type.
- Say whether you need an ordinary or certified copy.
- Ask about record availability, permitted delivery methods and total charges.
- Follow the Clerk’s instructions for payment and receiving the record.
General Civil or Criminal Record
Use the Common Pleas Clerk, 101 North Limestone Street, Second Floor, Springfield.
Phone: 937-521-1680.
Domestic Relations Record
Clark County’s directory separately identifies a Domestic Division counter at 31 North Limestone Street, Lower Level, Springfield.
Phone: 937-521-1680.
Clark County Common Pleas Filing Fees & Court Costs
The Clerk’s newer published fee schedule states that the following civil deposits became effective October 24, 2025. These are filing deposits or listed charges, not necessarily the complete cost of litigation.
| Filing or service | Published amount | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| New civil case | $325 | Advance deposit |
| New foreclosure | $620 | Additional costs may arise |
| New special case | $105 | Court-ordered title or foreign subpoena category |
| Crossclaim or counterclaim | $100 | Per published schedule |
| Third-party/intervener complaint | $125 | Additional service costs possible |
| Additional service per person/address | $20 | Check applicable service method |
| Jury demand | $500 | Published jury deposit |
| Garnishment | $75 | Applicable forms and judgment requirements |
| Debtor examination | $135 | Post-judgment procedure |
| Request for sheriff sale order | $900 | Published real-auction-related deposit |
| Writ of possession | $125 | Subject to applicable court procedure |
| Making certificate of judgment | $5 | Additional filing or recording costs may apply |
Open the Clerk’s published civil court-cost schedule.
How to confirm a filing fee
- Identify the exact case type and filing.
- Open the Clerk’s official Clerk of Courts page.
- Select Current Court Costs.
- Check the amount and any additional service deposits.
- Contact the Clerk if you need to confirm the payment method or total.
Clark County Common Pleas Court Electronic Filing
The Common Pleas Clerk published a new e-filing rule dated January 9, 2026. Do not assume the rules governing online case search are the same as the rules for officially filing a document.
- Open the official Clerk of Courts page.
- Find the document labeled E-filing Rule filed 1/9/26.
- Read the rule for eligibility, filing categories, account requirements, filing times and rejected documents.
- Open the official eServices portal.
- Use the filing functions available to your account and case category.
- Prepare correctly formatted documents and attachments.
- Complete any filing fees or service requirements.
- Save the transmission receipt and confirm that the Clerk accepted the submission.
Where to File Clark County Civil Protection Order Documents
Clark County has a specific local filing route for civil protection order packets. The official Legal Division page directs these filings to the Clark County Title Office in the A.B. Graham Building.
Protection Order Filing Location
Clark County Title OfficeA.B. Graham Building
55 East Columbia Street
Springfield, Ohio
The Clerk’s information states that protection-order filings are accepted at this location until 3:00 PM daily on applicable office days.
How to obtain the official forms
- Open the Legal Division webpage.
- Find CPO Forms.
- Select the relevant packet, such as Dating CPO, Civil Stalking Order or Domestic Violence Protection Order.
- Read all instructions and supporting-document requirements.
- Confirm the correct filing location and deadline before visiting.
- Ask court staff about filing procedures, not legal strategy.
Common Pleas vs. Municipal vs. Probate Court Records
Civil, Felony & Domestic
Use the Clerk’s Legal Division for civil, felony, adult domestic relations and Clark County appellate filings.
Common Pleas public accessTraffic, Misdemeanor & Smaller Claims
Municipal Court maintains separate records and payment procedures.
General Municipal number: 937-328-3700.
Traffic: 937-328-3726.
Official Court System directoryEstates, Marriage & Guardianship
Clark County Probate Court has its own public CaseLook search and rules.
Official Probate Records SearchSearching the Probate Court
- Open the official Probate Record Search page.
- Read its notice about possible record-update delays.
- Select Continue if you accept the conditions.
- Use the available search fields for an estate, guardianship or other probate matter.
- If verified details or certified copies are needed, contact Probate Court.
Probate office: 50 East Columbia Street, 5th Floor, Springfield, OH 45502. Phone: 937-521-1845.
Clark County Common Pleas Court Address, Hours & Clerk Contact
Clerk of Courts
101 North Limestone StreetSecond Floor
Springfield, OH 45502
Phone: 937-521-1680
Email: clerkofcourts@clarkcountyohio.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM.
Domestic Relations Division Contact
31 North Limestone StreetLower Level
Springfield, OH 45502
Clerk phone: 937-521-1680
Before visiting: confirm which counter or courtroom handles your requested document or hearing.
No Clark County Common Pleas Case Found? Check These Causes
| Problem | Possible explanation | Next action |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1990 case not found | Outside online coverage | Call Clerk at 937-521-1680 about older records |
| Recent filing not displayed | Nightly update; previous-business-day information | Recheck or call if urgent |
| Traffic or misdemeanor missing | Likely Municipal Court | Use the Municipal Court records system |
| Estate or guardianship missing | Probate maintains separate records | Use official Probate CaseLook |
| Divorce record not located | Wrong division or older historical file | Contact Domestic Relations Clerk |
| Confidential information absent | Sealing, protection or other restrictions | Ask the relevant court about authorized access |
| Docket entry exists but copy is missing | Online entry does not provide the complete document | Request the filing or certified copy through the Clerk |
| Name search has many matches | Common name or incomplete clues | Compare case category, filing date and party details |
10 Clark County Common Pleas Court FAQs
1. How do I search Clark County Ohio Common Pleas Court cases online?
Open the Clark County Clerk’s official Legal Division page, read its Case Record Access Disclaimer, and choose Accept to continue to the court’s eServices portal. Use the available case-number or party-name search fields, then review matching docket information.
2. Can I search Clark County Common Pleas cases by a person’s name?
Yes. The Common Pleas public records portal supports case searching through the official court system. Search using available party-name fields and verify the case number, category, filing date and docket before relying on a match.
3. How current is Clark County Common Pleas online case information?
The Clerk states that online information is updated nightly and reflects the previous business day. Recent filings and judicial actions may not appear immediately.
4. Can I view Clark County Common Pleas cases filed before 1990 online?
No. The Clerk specifically states that records before 1990 are not available on its online Common Pleas website. Contact the Clerk at 937-521-1680 to ask about older records and available research procedures.
5. Where do I find Clark County felony criminal records?
Felony criminal proceedings are maintained through the Common Pleas Court Clerk’s Criminal Department. Use the official Common Pleas case-search route or contact the Clerk for documents and verified case information.
6. Where can I find a Clark County divorce or dissolution record?
Divorce and dissolution cases are handled through Common Pleas Domestic Relations. Clark County’s court directory identifies a Domestic Division contact location at 31 North Limestone Street, Lower Level, Springfield. The Clerk’s phone is 937-521-1680.
7. How do I obtain a certified Clark County Common Pleas court record?
Identify the case number, case title and exact filing or judgment needed. Contact the Clerk at 937-521-1680 or clerkofcourts@clarkcountyohio.gov, state that a certified copy is required, and request current charges and delivery instructions.
8. Does Clark County Common Pleas Court accept electronic filings?
The Clerk published an e-filing rule dated January 9, 2026. Read the rule on the official Clerk of Courts page and use the court’s eServices system as permitted for your document and case category. Always confirm acceptance of a submission.
9. Is Clark County Probate Court included in Common Pleas eServices?
Probate Court has a separate official CaseLook records search. It handles estates, guardianships, wills, marriage licenses and related matters. Use probate.clarkcountyohio.gov/recordSearch.php for the appropriate public probate lookup.
10. What is the address and phone number of the Clark County Common Pleas Clerk?
The Clark County Clerk of Courts is located at 101 North Limestone Street, Second Floor, Springfield, OH 45502. The main phone number is 937-521-1680. Published office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.
Clark County Court & Clerk Resources
The following government-operated resources support the case-search steps, fees, division responsibilities and contact information in this guide.
This independent article is not affiliated with Clark County Common Pleas Court or the Clerk of Courts and does not provide legal advice. Court staff can explain procedures and record availability but cannot choose filings or legal strategies for users.