Search Delaware County Court Records

Delaware County court records are managed by the Clerk of Courts in Delaware, Ohio. The office handles all filings for the Court of Common Pleas and provides online case search tools. Delaware County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Ohio, located just north of Columbus. The court system handles civil, criminal, and domestic relations cases, and the Clerk's office led by Natalie Fravel provides public access to these records. A municipal court and probate court also keep separate case files in the county.

Delaware County Clerk of Courts Records

The Delaware County Clerk of Courts maintains records for the Court of Common Pleas and provides online case search tools. Clerk Natalie Fravel, who serves as the 2025 Recording Secretary of the Ohio Clerk of Courts Association, oversees the office. The Clerk files and dockets all civil, criminal, and domestic cases that come through the court.

The screenshot below shows the Delaware County Clerk of Courts website.

The Clerk's site provides online case search, contact information, and details about the services offered by the Delaware County Clerk of Courts office.

Visit the office in Delaware during business hours to search records in person. The staff can look up cases by number or party name. Viewing records costs nothing. Paper copies are $0.10 per page. Certified copies run $1.00. You can also use the online search tools from home. Mail requests are accepted if you include details and payment.

Court of Common Pleas in Delaware County

The Delaware County Court of Common Pleas is the trial court of general jurisdiction. It handles felony cases, civil lawsuits over $15,000, and domestic relations matters. The court maintains detailed case records that go through the Clerk of Courts for filing, docketing, and preservation.

The screenshot below shows the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas website.

From this site you can find information about judges, court procedures, and how to access case filings in Delaware County.

Criminal case records show charges, pleas, and sentencing. Civil files document claims, motions, discovery, and judgments. Domestic relations records cover divorce, custody, and support cases. Under Ohio Revised Code 149.43, these are public records. Anyone can ask to see them without giving a reason. Sealed cases and adoption files are among the few exceptions.

Delaware County has been growing rapidly because of its proximity to Columbus. The caseload has increased with the population. The court and Clerk's office have expanded their online tools to keep up with demand and make records more accessible.

Delaware Municipal Court Records

The Delaware Municipal Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and civil claims up to $15,000. The court provides online case information and has its own clerk with a separate record system. For traffic tickets or minor criminal charges in Delaware County, check this court first.

Municipal court records show defendant names, charges, hearing dates, and outcomes. Traffic violations account for a large share of the docket. Small claims and other civil disputes under $15,000 also go through this court. Cases move faster here since the issues are simpler and amounts are lower.

Delaware County Probate Court Records

The Delaware County Probate Court maintains records for estates, guardianships, adoptions, and marriage licenses. The court offers online case search tools. Estate files document how a deceased person's property was distributed. Guardianship records cover arrangements for minors or adults who need assistance managing their affairs.

The screenshot below shows the Delaware County Probate Court website.

The probate court site provides case search, forms, and information about estate, guardianship, and adoption proceedings in Delaware County.

Marriage license records are public. Certified copies are available for a fee. Adoption records are sealed under Ohio law unless a court order opens them. The probate court is a valuable resource for genealogical research, with marriage and estate records going back many years.

Delaware County Records and Public Access Law

Ohio's public records law (ORC 149.43) gives everyone the right to inspect public records during business hours. Delaware County court records are covered by this law. The Clerk must provide access unless a specific exemption applies. Exemptions are narrow: sealed cases, adoption records, medical files, DNA data, and certain investigative records.

If access is denied, you can file a complaint with the Ohio Court of Claims for $25. Mediation is tried first. If that does not work, a judge decides. You can also bring a mandamus action in court. The Supreme Court of Ohio oversees the rules for records access statewide. The Ohio Clerk of Courts Association coordinates best practices for all 88 county clerk offices.

How to Get Delaware County Court Records

Use the online search tools on the Clerk's website. Or visit the office in Delaware. The staff can search by name or case number. Viewing is free. Copies cost $0.10 per page. Certified copies are $1.00. Mail requests work too.

For statewide criminal history, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) does fingerprint-based checks for $22. County records only cover Delaware County. BCI covers Ohio. An FBI check goes nationwide. The Clerk does not run background checks. That falls to BCI under the Ohio Attorney General.

Records Retention in Delaware County

Delaware County courts follow the Rules of Superintendence Rule 26. Dockets and indexes stay 25 years. Civil files last two years. OVI files are kept 50 years. Criminal misdemeanor files stay 50 years. Minor misdemeanors get five years. Records held beyond these minimums remain public. Contact the Clerk about older record availability.

Cities in Delaware County

Delaware County includes the city of Dublin, which has its own page with court records information.

Nearby Counties

Cases may also be filed in neighboring county courts. Check these for more records.