Find Defiance County Probate Court Records
Defiance County probate court records are filed at the courthouse on Clinton Street in Defiance, Ohio. The Defiance County Probate and Juvenile Court handles estate cases, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, marriage licenses, adoptions, and name changes. Judge Jeffrey A. Strausbaugh presides over probate matters with Magistrate Carson L. Slade. You can search Defiance County probate court records online through the court's record search tool or visit the 3rd floor office at 221 Clinton Street. Staff there can help you pull case files and get copies.
Defiance County Probate Court Overview
Where to Find Defiance County Probate Court Records
The Defiance County Probate and Juvenile Court sits at 221 Clinton Street, 3rd Floor, Defiance, Ohio 43512. Call (419) 782-4181 or fax (419) 783-4811. Email probatecourt@defiance-county.com. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
The probate staff includes Lisa M. Detray as Administrator, Pansy York as Deputy Clerk, and Brooke Thomas as Guardianship Liaison. The juvenile side has its own team with Erin Spieth as Administrator and Deputy Clerks Kristen Hageman, Ursula Nigh, and Nichole Farns.
Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2101.24, the Defiance County Probate Court handles admission of wills, estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, adoptions, adult protective services, birth registrations and corrections, civil actions, disinterments, mental illness cases, minor settlements, name changes, testamentary trusts, wrongful death actions, and marriage licenses. Each case creates a file that becomes part of the Defiance County probate court records.
The Defiance County Government website links to all county services and offices.
The county government portal connects you to the probate court and other offices that maintain Defiance County public records.
Search Defiance County Probate Court Records Online
Defiance County offers online access to probate court records through the Defiance County Probate Court page. The court website has a link to the record search tool and CourtView system used by the Common Pleas Court. You can search by name, case number, advanced case number, or case type.
The probate court page gives you links to online search tools, forms, and filing procedures for Defiance County probate court records.
The Defiance County Record Search lets you look up cases from home. The system has a disclaimer: information is time-sensitive and may not reflect the most recent updates. Official records are at the courthouse. The court is not responsible for errors, omissions, or differences in the data.
The record search tool lets you look up Defiance County probate court records by name, case number, or file date without visiting the courthouse.
You can view marriage info for free through the search portal. Certified marriage certificates cost $3.00. For in-person visits, bring a photo ID. Staff can pull records by name or case number.
Note: Court staff cannot give legal advice or help you figure out which forms to use. The court suggests hiring a lawyer for probate matters.
Defiance County Probate Court Forms
The Defiance County Probate Court has a forms library online. Forms are available as fillable PDFs in several categories: adoption, birth registration, civil proceedings, conservatorship, estate, guardianship, trusts, and miscellaneous local forms. You need a PDF reader (Adobe Reader works and is free).
To use the forms, choose the one you need, click to launch or download, then click above blank lines to type your info. Print the completed form. You cannot save your entries in the PDF. Electronic, online, or email filings are not accepted under current Defiance County court rules. You must file in person or by mail.
Marriage license applications are also on the website. Both parties must appear in person to apply. The process for handling Defiance County probate court records starts with getting the right forms and filing them correctly at the courthouse.
Ohio Laws on Defiance County Probate Court Records
Defiance County probate court records are governed by Ohio Revised Code Title XXI. The main statute is ORC Section 2101.24. Public access falls under the Ohio Public Records Act, R.C. 149.43. Most Defiance County probate court records are public. You do not have to give your name or explain your reasons.
Adoption files are sealed. Mental health records are restricted. But estate records, wills, marriage licenses, guardianship cases, and most other Defiance County probate court records are open to anyone. The court must give you records in a reasonable time.
Certified birth and death certificates from the Defiance County Health Department cost $25.00 per copy. The Ohio Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics has statewide records from 1908 forward. For records before 1908, check with the Defiance County Probate Court.
Defiance County Probate Court Records Resources
- Defiance County Probate Court for official court info and forms
- Defiance County Record Search for online searches
- Defiance County Government for county office links
- Ohio State Bar Association for legal guidance
- Ohio Genealogical Society for historical research
The juvenile court handles its own set of cases including delinquency, unruly behavior, traffic offenses by minors, abuse and neglect, paternity, custody, child support, and truancy matters. Those records are separate from Defiance County probate court records but are managed by the same court and staff at 221 Clinton Street.
Probate Court Records in Nearby Counties
If you need probate court records from areas near Defiance County, check these neighboring counties: