Clinton County Probate Court Records

Clinton County probate court records are held at the courthouse in Wilmington, Ohio. The Clinton County Probate Court manages estate administration, wills, guardianships, trusts, marriage licenses, adoptions, and name changes for the county. Judge Chad L. Carey presides over all probate matters. You can search Clinton County probate court records online through the court's website or visit the office at 46 S. South Street during regular hours. The court staff includes Chief Deputy Clerk April A. Beitusch and Deputy Clerks Brandy Nolley and Lisa Robinette, who can help you find what you need.

Where to Find Clinton County Probate Court Records

The Clinton County Probate Court sits at 46 S. South Street, Wilmington, Ohio 45177. Call (937) 382-2280 or fax (937) 383-1158. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Stop in during those times and staff can help you search for Clinton County probate court records.

Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2101.24, the Clinton County Probate Court presides over Last Will and Testaments, administration of estates, guardianships for minors and incompetent adults, conservatorships, trusts, adoptions, mental illness cases, marriage licenses, name changes, correction of birth records, minor settlements, disinterment of graves, and other civil proceedings. Each case type generates its own file that becomes part of the Clinton County probate court records.

The Clinton County Probate Court official site gives you access to forms, fee schedules, and court services.

The Clinton County Probate Court website is your starting point for finding information on filing procedures and available court services. You can also reach the court through the county government page for probate matters.

Clinton County Archives and Historical Probate Court Records

The Clinton County Archives is a key resource for historical probate court records. The archives holds marriage records from 1810 to 1928, wills from 1810 to 1979, and birth and death records from 1867 to 1908. For records after these dates, you contact the Probate Court directly. The archives is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, closed from noon to 1:00 PM. Call (937) 383-3271 to reach them.

Clinton County was formed in 1810. The archives has records going back to the county's beginning. Deeds cover roughly 1798 to 1856 (Volumes A through Z). Tax records from 1820 to 1907 are available digitally, with later tax records in hard copy form. These old Clinton County probate court records are important for genealogy work and land title research.

To request records from the archives, you can call, email, mail, fax, or use the online request form. Include the type of record, the full name (or as much as you know), approximate dates, and how you want the records sent. Options include email, in-person pickup, or mail with a self-addressed stamped envelope.

For marriage records after 1928, contact the Clinton County Probate Court at (937) 382-2280. For wills after 1979, same number. For birth and death records after 1908, call the Health Department at (937) 382-3829. The Ohio Department of Health also has statewide vital records from 1908 forward.

Ohio Laws on Clinton County Probate Court Records

Ohio probate courts operate under the Ohio Revised Code Title XXI. The main law is ORC Section 2101.24. Public access to Clinton County probate court records is governed by the Ohio Public Records Act, R.C. 149.43. Most records are public. You do not have to give your name or explain why you want them.

The court notes that probate proceedings are complex and need detailed knowledge of Ohio statutes. The court encourages you to get legal counsel with experience in probate law. Court staff and deputy clerks cannot give legal advice. They also cannot tell you which forms to use or help you fill them out. The Ohio State Bar Association can help you find a lawyer if you need one.

Adoption records are sealed. Mental health records have restrictions. But estate records, wills, marriage licenses, and most other Clinton County probate court records are available for public review.

Clinton County Probate Court Records and Related Offices

The Clinton County Recorder handles deeds and property records after 1856. The Recorder moved to a new location at the Clinton County Administrative Campus, 1850 Davids Drive, Suite 305, Wilmington, Ohio 45177. Call (937) 382-2067. Property records often connect to Clinton County probate court records when estates include real property.

The Clinton County Municipal Court is at 69 North South Street, Wilmington. Phone (937) 382-8985. Hours are Monday through Thursday 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, and Friday 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Some civil cases at the municipal court may relate to probate matters.

For genealogy and historical research, the Ohio Genealogical Society has resources that cover Clinton County probate court records. FamilySearch and Ancestry both have indexed images of Ohio probate records that include Clinton County.

Probate Court Records in Nearby Counties

If you need probate court records from areas near Clinton County, check these neighboring counties: