Cuyahoga County Court Records
What Is Cuyahoga County Court Records
Court records in Cuyahoga County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, these records constitute public documents that document judicial activities and decisions. Court records typically include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.
Court records are distinct from other public records such as property records, vital statistics, or tax documents. While these other records are maintained by various county departments, court records are specifically generated by and maintained within the Cuyahoga County court system. The following courts maintain records in Cuyahoga County:
- Common Pleas Court (General Division)
- Domestic Relations Division
- Juvenile Division
- Probate Division
- Municipal Courts
- Cleveland Housing Court
- Small Claims Courts
These courts handle a wide range of matters including civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law cases, probate proceedings, traffic violations, and small claims disputes. Each court maintains its own record-keeping system, though many records are now accessible through centralized electronic systems.
The Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts serves as the official custodian of records for the Court of Common Pleas and is responsible for maintaining accurate documentation of all court proceedings in accordance with state law.
Are Court Records Public In Cuyahoga County
Court records in Cuyahoga County are generally public documents accessible to any person. This right of access is established by the Ohio Public Records Act, which presumes that government records, including court records, are open to public inspection. Additionally, the Ohio Constitution and common law tradition support the principle of open courts and public access to judicial proceedings.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Civil case files (with limited exceptions)
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Property records related to judgments
However, certain records may be sealed or redacted pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.52, which provides for the sealing of records in specific circumstances. Records that may be restricted include:
- Juvenile records (with exceptions)
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health commitments
- Cases involving minors as victims
- Records sealed by court order
- Grand jury proceedings
- Certain domestic violence cases
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio are governed by federal rules rather than state law, though they generally follow similar principles of public access.
The Supreme Court of Ohio has established rules regarding public access to court records, which all courts in Cuyahoga County must follow. These rules balance the public's right to access with privacy concerns and the administration of justice.
How To Find Court Records in Cuyahoga County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Cuyahoga County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently maintains both electronic and physical record systems to accommodate various research needs.
To locate court records in person:
- Identify the appropriate court where the case was filed
- Visit the clerk's office during regular business hours
- Provide case information (case number, party names, filing date)
- Complete any required request forms
- Pay applicable copy fees if obtaining physical copies
For the main courthouse records, visit:
Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts
1200 Ontario Street, 1st Floor
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 443-7950
Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
For electronic access:
- Visit the Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts online portal
- Select the appropriate search method (case number, party name, etc.)
- Enter the required search criteria
- Review the list of matching cases
- Select specific cases to view available documents
For specialized courts, contact:
Cuyahoga County Probate Court
1 Lakeside Avenue, Room 101
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 443-8764
Cuyahoga County Probate Court
Juvenile Division - Court of Common Pleas
9300 Quincy Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106
(216) 443-8400
Juvenile Division
Pursuant to Ohio Administrative Code 3301-51-04, certain records may require additional verification of identity or legal interest before access is granted.
How To Look Up Court Records in Cuyahoga County Online?
Cuyahoga County offers comprehensive online access to court records through several digital portals. Each court system maintains its own electronic database with specific search capabilities.
For Common Pleas Court records:
- Navigate to the Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts Search Portal
- Select search criteria (case number, name, attorney, etc.)
- Enter required information
- Review search results
- Select specific cases to view docket information
- Access available documents (some may require in-person requests)
For Probate Court records:
- Visit the Probate Court Case Search
- Select "Case Search" from the navigation menu
- Enter case number or name information
- Review results for case status and basic information
- Note that some documents require in-person requests for copies
For Juvenile Court matters:
- Access is more restricted due to confidentiality laws
- Limited information is available through the Juvenile Court portal
- Most juvenile records require in-person requests with proper identification
For Municipal Courts:
- Each municipal court maintains its own records system
- Cleveland Municipal Court records can be accessed through their dedicated portal
- Suburban municipal courts may have separate online systems
For state-level appeals:
- Visit the Supreme Court of Ohio's Public Docket
- Search by case number, party name, or attorney
- Access opinions, orders, and briefs for cases appealed from Cuyahoga County
Users should note that online systems may not contain complete case files, particularly for older cases or certain document types. Additionally, pursuant to Ohio Rules of Superintendence Rule 45, some sensitive information may be redacted from online records.
How To Search Cuyahoga County Court Records for Free?
Cuyahoga County provides several no-cost options for accessing court records, in accordance with Ohio's commitment to public access to government information. The Ohio Public Records Act guarantees the right to inspect public records without charge, though fees may apply for copies.
Free online search options include:
-
Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts Case Information Portal - Provides free access to case dockets, party information, and case status for Common Pleas Court cases
-
Probate Court Case Search - Offers free searches of probate cases including estates, guardianships, and adoptions (with limited information)
-
Juvenile Court Case Information - Provides limited public information on juvenile cases, with restrictions based on confidentiality laws
-
Supreme Court of Ohio Public Docket - Free access to appellate cases from Cuyahoga County that reached the state supreme court
For in-person free access:
- Visit the appropriate courthouse during regular business hours
- Request to view specific case files at public terminals
- Self-service research is available without charge
- Staff assistance may be limited based on current workload
Cuyahoga County Law Library
1 Lakeside Avenue West
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 443-7000
Cuyahoga County Law Library
The Law Library provides free public access to legal research terminals and assistance with locating court records.
While searching records is free, fees apply for obtaining copies of documents. Current copy fees are:
- Regular copies: $0.10 per page
- Certified copies: $1.00 per page plus certification fee
- Electronic copies (where available): Varies by court
What's Included in a Cuyahoga County Court Record?
Court records in Cuyahoga County contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type, but typically include:
For Civil Cases:
- Complaint or petition initiating the case
- Summons and proof of service
- Answers and counterclaims
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Transcripts of hearings and trials
- Orders and judgments
- Financial information (judgments, liens, satisfaction)
- Appeals documentation
For Criminal Cases:
- Indictment or information
- Arrest warrant or summons
- Bond information
- Plea documents
- Pretrial motions
- Evidence inventory
- Verdict forms
- Sentencing entries
- Probation reports (may be confidential)
- Appeal documents
For Domestic Relations Cases:
- Divorce or dissolution petitions
- Financial disclosure statements
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets
- Qualified domestic relations orders
- Final decrees
- Post-decree motions
For Probate Cases:
- Wills and codicils
- Inventory of assets
- Appraisals
- Claims against estates
- Guardianship reports
- Adoption petitions and home studies
- Name change applications
The Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts maintains these records in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 2303.14, which establishes the clerk's duty to record all orders, decrees, judgments and proceedings of the courts.
Each document within a case file receives a unique timestamp and filing identifier. The docket sheet serves as a chronological index of all documents filed in a case, allowing researchers to track the case progression.
How Long Does Cuyahoga County Keep Court Records?
Cuyahoga County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Ohio Supreme Court and governed by Ohio Revised Code § 149.38. These schedules vary by record type and case category.
Common retention periods include:
For Common Pleas Court:
- Felony cases: Permanently maintained
- Civil cases: 15 years after case closure
- Domestic relations: 25 years after final decree
- Administrative appeals: 10 years after final order
- Docket books and indexes: Permanent retention
For Municipal Courts:
- Misdemeanor cases: 5 years after case closure
- Traffic cases: 3 years after case closure
- Small claims: 5 years after judgment
- Evictions: 5 years after judgment
For Probate Court:
- Estates: 25 years after closing
- Guardianships: 25 years after termination
- Adoptions: Permanently maintained
- Marriage licenses: Permanently maintained
- Wills: Permanently maintained
For Juvenile Court:
- Delinquency cases: Until child reaches age 21 (unless sealed)
- Abuse/neglect/dependency: 2 years after child reaches age 18
- Permanent custody cases: Permanently maintained
The Cuyahoga County Archives preserves historically significant court records beyond their required retention periods. Many older records have been microfilmed or digitized for preservation purposes.
Records scheduled for destruction undergo review to ensure compliance with retention requirements. Sealed or expunged records are destroyed according to court orders and applicable statutes, including Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32 governing record sealing.
Types of Courts In Cuyahoga County
Cuyahoga County's judicial system consists of several court types, each with specific jurisdiction and authority. The county's courts operate within Ohio's unified court system under the administrative oversight of the Supreme Court of Ohio.
Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas - General Division
1200 Ontario Street
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 443-8560
Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court
1 W. Lakeside Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 443-8300
Domestic Relations Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court
9300 Quincy Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106
(216) 443-8400
Juvenile Division
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Cuyahoga County Probate Court
1 Lakeside Avenue, Room 101
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 443-8764
Cuyahoga County Probate Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Cleveland Municipal Court
Justice Center, 1200 Ontario Street
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 664-4800
Cleveland Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Cleveland Housing Court
Justice Center, 1200 Ontario Street, 13th Floor
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 664-4295
Cleveland Housing Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
The court hierarchy in Cuyahoga County follows the state structure:
- Municipal and Mayor's Courts (limited jurisdiction)
- Court of Common Pleas (general trial jurisdiction)
- Eighth District Court of Appeals
- Supreme Court of Ohio
Each court maintains its own clerk's office for record-keeping and public service functions. The Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts serves the Common Pleas Court divisions.
What Types of Cases Do Cuyahoga County Courts Hear?
Cuyahoga County's various courts have distinct jurisdictional authority to hear specific types of cases as established by Ohio Revised Code § 2301.03 and related statutes.
The Court of Common Pleas - General Division handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases with claims exceeding $15,000
- Administrative appeals
- Professional malpractice claims
- Complex commercial litigation
- Real property disputes
- Appeals from municipal courts
The Domestic Relations Division addresses:
- Divorce and dissolution proceedings
- Legal separation cases
- Annulment actions
- Child custody determinations
- Child support establishment and enforcement
- Spousal support matters
- Domestic violence civil protection orders
The Juvenile Division presides over:
- Delinquency cases involving minors
- Traffic offenses by juveniles
- Unruly child proceedings
- Abuse, neglect, and dependency cases
- Permanent custody determinations
- Juvenile protection orders
- Adult cases involving crimes against children
The Probate Division manages:
- Estate administration
- Will contests
- Guardianships for minors and incompetent adults
- Adoptions
- Name changes
- Mental health commitments
- Marriage licenses
- Wrongful death settlements
Municipal Courts in Cuyahoga County handle:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations
- Civil cases with claims up to $15,000
- Small claims (up to $6,000)
- Evictions and landlord-tenant disputes
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
The Cleveland Housing Court specifically addresses:
- Housing code violations
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Eviction proceedings
- Property maintenance issues
- Nuisance abatement
The Eighth District Court of Appeals hears appeals from all lower courts in Cuyahoga County, while the Ohio Court of Claims handles civil actions against the state and its agencies.
How To Find a Court Docket In Cuyahoga County
Court dockets in Cuyahoga County provide chronological listings of all actions taken in court cases. These essential records help track case progression and scheduled events. Multiple methods exist for accessing docket information.
For electronic docket access:
- Visit the Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts online docket search
- Select search criteria (case number, party name, attorney)
- Enter required information
- Review search results
- Select specific cases to view detailed docket entries
For Common Pleas Court dockets, users may search by:
- Case number
- Party name (plaintiff/defendant)
- Attorney name
- Filing date range
- Case type
For Probate Court dockets:
- Access the Probate Court website
- Navigate to the case search function
- Enter case number or name information
- Review docket information for filing dates and hearing schedules
For in-person docket research:
Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts
1200 Ontario Street, 1st Floor
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 443-7950
Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts
Public terminals are available for searching dockets during regular business hours. Staff can assist with locating specific docket information.
For upcoming court hearings:
- Access the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court website
- Select "Court Docket" from the navigation menu
- Search by date, courtroom, or judge
- Review scheduled hearings
Daily docket sheets are also posted in courthouse lobbies and outside individual courtrooms. These list cases scheduled for that day's proceedings.
Pursuant to Ohio Rules of Superintendence Rule 44, court dockets are public records with limited exceptions for sealed or confidential cases.
Which Courts in Cuyahoga County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Cuyahoga County, certain courts operate as "courts not of record," meaning they do not maintain comprehensive verbatim transcripts of all proceedings. According to Ohio Revised Code § 1901.01, which establishes the court structure in Ohio, courts not of record typically include:
Mayor's Courts:
- These courts handle minor violations of local ordinances and state traffic laws
- Proceedings are not recorded verbatim
- No official court reporter is present
- Limited documentation of proceedings is maintained
- Cases may be appealed for a completely new trial (de novo) in municipal court
Small Claims Divisions:
- While part of municipal courts (which are courts of record), small claims proceedings:
- Follow simplified procedures
- Maintain less formal record-keeping
- Do not typically create verbatim transcripts
- Document primarily the claims, answers, and judgments
In contrast, courts of record in Cuyahoga County include:
- Common Pleas Court (all divisions)
- Municipal Courts (for regular proceedings)
- Eighth District Court of Appeals
- Any court where proceedings are recorded by official court reporters
The distinction between courts of record and those not of record is significant for appeals processes. Appeals from courts not of record typically result in trials de novo (completely new trials) rather than reviews of the existing record, as specified in Ohio Revised Code § 1905.25.
Parties appearing before courts not of record should be aware that the limited documentation may affect their ability to challenge procedural issues in subsequent proceedings.
Lookup Court Records in Cuyahoga County
Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts Search Portal
Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court
Juvenile Division - Court of Common Pleas
Cuyahoga County Public Records Request