Find Civil Court Records in Washington County
Washington County civil court records are maintained at the Clerk of Courts office in Marietta. The clerk manages all filings for the Court of Common Pleas, including civil suits, domestic relations cases, criminal matters, and appeals. You can search for records by visiting the courthouse on Putnam Street or by using statewide online tools. Washington County is part of the 4th Appellate District, so appeals from local civil cases go through that court. This page explains how to find, request, and get copies of civil court records in Washington County.
Civil Court Records in Washington County Overview
Washington County Clerk of Courts
Alicia Cannon serves as the Washington County Clerk of Courts. Her office is at 205 Putnam Street in Marietta, Ohio. The clerk's staff files, dockets, and indexes all pleadings for the Court of Common Pleas. Civil cases, criminal filings, domestic relations matters, and appellate records all pass through this office. Staff also process bonds, liens, and legal writs as directed by the court. The office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays.
| Office | Washington County Clerk of Courts |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Alicia Cannon |
| Address | 205 Putnam Street, Marietta, OH 45750 |
| Phone | (740) 373-6623 x2501 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
To get copies of court documents, visit the office during business hours. Bring a case number or the names of the parties involved. Staff can locate the file and make copies for you. Standard copy fees apply. If you cannot visit in person, call the office or send a written request by mail with the case details and payment.
Note: Always confirm current copy fees with the clerk before mailing a payment.
Search Washington County Court Records
For searching Washington County civil court records online, statewide tools are your primary option. The Ohio Supreme Court ECMS portal covers appellate and Supreme Court case filings going back to 1985. If a Washington County case was appealed to the 4th District Court of Appeals, you can track it through that system. The search is free and does not need an account.
You can also call the clerk's office at (740) 373-6623 x2501 to ask about a specific case. Staff can look up records and provide basic case information over the phone. For detailed document copies, you will likely need to visit in person or submit a written request.
The Hamilton County Clerk of Courts website demonstrates how Ohio county courts manage online civil court record searches. Many Ohio counties use similar systems for public record access.
While this shows another county's system, it illustrates the type of online search tool used across Ohio for looking up civil court case information.
Note: Contact the Washington County Clerk of Courts directly for the most current information on local online search options.
Public Records Access in Washington County
Civil court records in Washington County are public under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, the Ohio Public Records Act. Anyone can request these records. You do not need to give a reason or identify yourself. The clerk must provide access during business hours and make copies at cost. This applies to civil filings, docket entries, judgments, motions, and court orders.
Certain records are exempt from public access. Juvenile cases, sealed files, adoption records, and documents covered by attorney-client privilege are not available. Medical records and some mental health documents are also protected. If a file contains both public and exempt information, the clerk redacts the protected parts and releases the rest. You can file a complaint with the Ohio Court of Claims if you think your request was wrongly denied. The filing fee is $25 and the process begins with mediation.
Ohio courts follow Rule 26 of the Rules of Superintendence for records retention. Courts can keep records on paper, electronic media, or microfilm. Records older than ten years or created before 1960 must be offered to the Ohio Historical Society at least 60 days before destruction. This helps preserve older Washington County civil court records.
Washington County Court Structure
The Washington County Court of Common Pleas has a General Division that handles civil lawsuits where the amount in dispute exceeds $15,000, along with felony cases, foreclosures, and administrative appeals. The Domestic Relations Division covers divorces, dissolutions, child support, custody, and protection orders. Juvenile and Probate Divisions handle their respective case types.
Washington County sits in the 4th Appellate District. If a party disagrees with a ruling from the Common Pleas Court, they file an appeal with the 4th District Court of Appeals. The Ohio Supreme Court opinions database has decisions from all 12 appellate districts. You can search by date, court, or case identifier to find rulings on Washington County civil cases that were appealed.
The Ohio trial courts directory lists all courts in Washington County with links to local rules. Filing deadlines, discovery procedures, and scheduling requirements can differ by county. Check this directory for Washington County's specific court rules and contact details.
Civil Court Records and Ohio Law
Under ORC § 149.43, a "public record" includes any document kept by a public office in Ohio. County clerks, courts, and municipal offices all fall under this definition. The law requires public offices to organize and maintain records for public inspection. They must keep current records retention schedules at accessible locations. These requirements apply equally to Washington County and every other county in the state.
If the clerk's office does not comply with a records request, you have options. You can file a mandamus action in common pleas court or a complaint with the Ohio Court of Claims. Under the statute, a court may award $100 per business day of noncompliance, up to $1,000. The complaint process at the Court of Claims costs $25 and starts with mediation before moving to a formal ruling.
Statewide Court Resources
The Ohio Clerk of Courts Association maintains a directory of all 88 county clerks. You can find phone numbers, addresses, and links for Washington County and its neighbors. This is useful if you need to contact multiple clerks for related records.
The eFileOH system allows electronic filing in participating Ohio courts. The system operates 24 hours a day and works from any web browser. Filers can submit documents, pay court fees, and track case progress online. No special software is needed. While not all county courts participate, the system handles Court of Claims filings and other case types.
The Ohio Court of Claims handles civil disputes involving state agencies. If your case is against the state of Ohio rather than a private party, that court has jurisdiction. Claims under $10,000 go through an administrative process, while larger claims are heard by a judge.
Nearby Counties
For civil court records from counties near Washington County, try these: