Columbiana County Probate Court Records Search

Columbiana County probate court records are kept at the courthouse in Lisbon, Ohio. The Columbiana County Probate Court is part of the Court of Common Pleas and handles estate administration, wills, guardianships, marriage licenses, adoptions, and name changes. You can search some Columbiana County probate court records online or visit the court at 105 South Market Street. The county also has an Archives and Research Center that holds historical records going back to 1803. Court staff and archival volunteers can help you find the files you need.

Where to Find Columbiana County Probate Court Records

The Columbiana County Probate Court is at 105 South Market Street, Lisbon, Ohio 44432. The mailing address is P.O. Box 349, Lisbon, Ohio 44432. Call (330) 424-9516 or fax (330) 424-8656. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2101.24, the Columbiana County Probate Court handles estates, wills, trusts, guardianships, adoptions, marriage licenses, name changes, mental illness cases, and other civil matters. Marriage records from 1928 forward are held at the probate court. Birth and death records from 1867 to 1908 are also there. Each filing creates a case file that becomes part of the Columbiana County probate court records.

The Columbiana County Clerk of Courts is at the same address, 105 South Market Street. Call (330) 424-7777 for the clerk. Record searches are available online through the county system. If you are not sure whether a record falls under probate or the clerk of courts, call either office and they can point you in the right direction.

Columbiana County Archives and Probate Court Records

The Columbiana County Archives and Research Center (CCARC) is a key resource for historical probate court records. Founded in 2005 to save and preserve original early county court records, the archives sits at 129 S. Market Street in Lisbon.

The archives holds a large collection of Columbiana County probate court records dating back to the county's founding in 1803.

The CCARC has probate records from 1803 to 1920. Common Pleas Court records cover civil and criminal cases from 1803 to 1937. Marriage records go from 1803 to the present (at probate court after 1928). Birth and death records span 1867 to 1908. The archives also has Columbiana County Infirmary Census records from 1860, 1870, and 1880, coroner inquests from 1870 to 1894, naturalization records, family histories, and bible records.

Hours at the archives are: Tuesday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday and Thursday 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and Friday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The building is handicap accessible. Call (330) 424-9757 or email columbianacountyarchives@yahoo.com. Membership costs $25.00 per year. Copies are $0.25 per page. Research costs $10.00 per hour. You can also request records by phone, email, mail, fax, or the online form.

Columbiana County Probate Court Records Online Access

Columbiana County offers online access to some court records through the county system. You can search by citation or case number. The court also accepts payments for filing fees and other court costs. Contact the clerk's office at (330) 424-9516 for details on payment methods.

For in-person searches of Columbiana County probate court records, bring a photo ID to the courthouse. Certified copies of recorded documents cost $2.00 per page. Staff can pull records by name or case number. If you need certified birth or death certificates from 1909 forward, contact the Columbiana County Health Department at 7360 State Route 45, Lisbon, at (330) 424-0275. Those cost $25.00 each.

For records before 1908, check with the Columbiana County Probate Court or the Ohio History Connection at 1-800-686-6124. The Ohio Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics has statewide records from 1908 to the present.

Ohio Laws on Columbiana County Probate Court Records

Columbiana County probate court records fall under Ohio Revised Code Title XXI. The key statute is ORC Section 2101.24. Public access is governed by the Ohio Public Records Act, R.C. 149.43. Most records are open. You do not need to state your name or why you want them.

Adoption files are sealed. Mental health records have limits. Medical info gets taken out of copies. Estate records, wills, marriage licenses, and most other Columbiana County probate court records are available to anyone. The Ohio State Bar Association can connect you with a lawyer if you need help with a probate matter. The Ohio Genealogical Society is a good resource for historical record research.

Probate Court Records in Nearby Counties

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