Find Probate Court Records in Fayette County
Fayette County probate court records are held at the courthouse in Washington Court House, Ohio. The Fayette County Probate Court manages estate cases, wills, guardianships, marriage licenses, and other filings under the direction of Judge David B. Bender. This court has records going back to 1810 for wills and probate matters. You can search many Fayette County probate court records online, and the court also maintains a separate records archive center for older documents. Staff can help you find what you need whether you visit in person or call ahead.
Fayette County Probate Court Overview
Where to Find Fayette County Probate Court Records
The Fayette County Probate Court sits at 110 East Court Street, 2nd Floor, Washington Court House, OH 43160. The mailing address is 133 S. Main Street, Washington Court House, OH 43160. Call (740) 335-0640 for questions. The fax number is (740) 333-3598. You can also email probatecourt@fayette-co-oh.com. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
The Fayette County Probate Court page on the county website lists all services, forms, and contact details for the court.
This page gives you an overview of Fayette County Probate Court services and how to file or request records.
Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2101.24, Fayette County probate court records cover estate administration, guardianships, marriage licenses, adoptions, trusts, name changes, birth record corrections, mental health commitments, and other probate matters. The court has broad reach over these case types, and most of the resulting files are public.
Search Fayette County Probate Court Records Online
Fayette County has two online search options for probate court records. The main portal covers records from 2001 to the present. A separate historical records search covers earlier filings. The court also offers e-filing through the Henschen system for certain document types.
The Fayette County Marriage Database is another useful tool. It lets you search marriage records, wills, and guardianship records by name. You can look up instrument types like wills and miscellaneous encumbrance book entries (which cover guardianship). Search by last name, first name, and middle initial. Not all records have been digitized though. For non-digitized records, you need to contact the clerk or visit in person.
The online database lets you search Fayette County marriage records and some probate court records by name.
When requesting records, you should have the defendant's name, case type, case number (if you know it), the timeframe of the event, and names of both parties for marriage records. This helps the clerk find your records faster.
Fayette County Probate Court Fees
Fayette County Probate Court has clear fee schedules. Wills and estate records cost $1.00 per page. Non-certified marriage records are $1.00. Certified marriage records cost $2.00 each. Birth records from 1867 to 1908 are $2.00 for non-certified copies and $5.00 for certified ones. Death records from the same period have the same fees. Juvenile court documents are $0.50 per page.
For records from the Clerk of Courts (civil and criminal cases), non-certified copies are $0.25 per page and certified copies are $1.00 per page. The court accepts checks, money orders, and cash. Bring exact amounts when possible since the office may not always have change on hand.
Historical Fayette County Probate Court Records
Fayette County has extensive historical records. Wills go back to 1810. Probate records start from 1829. Guardianship records cover 1817 to 1902. Marriage records from 1810 through January 1988 are at the Records and Archives Center at 201 South Fayette Street, Washington Court House, OH 43160. Call (740) 333-3510 or email FayArchive@fayette-co-oh.com. Marriage records from February 1988 forward are at the Probate Court itself.
The Fayette County Government website has links to all county departments and the records archive center.
The county government site connects you to the probate court, records center, and other departments that hold Fayette County probate court records.
Birth and death records from 1867 to 1908 are at the Probate Court or archives. For records from 1909 to the present, contact the Fayette County Health Department at 317 South Fayette Street, Washington Court House, OH. Their phone is (740) 335-5910. FamilySearch has Ohio Fayette County probate records from 1803 to 1943. The Ohio Genealogical Society and Ohio Department of Health are also good resources.
Note: The Fayette County Records and Archives Center has limited staff. Call before traveling long distances to make sure someone is available to help you.
Public Access to Fayette County Probate Court Records
The Ohio Public Records Act under R.C. 149.43 protects your right to access Fayette County probate court records. You do not have to give your name or explain why you want a record. Most probate files are public. Adoption records and mental health files are the main exceptions. The Ohio State Bar Association can help you find a lawyer if you have questions about a specific case.
Probate Court Records in Nearby Counties
If you need probate court records from areas near Fayette County, these neighboring counties have their own probate courts: