Search Medina County Probate Court Records
Medina County probate court records are held at the county courthouse on the historic Public Square in Medina, Ohio. The Medina County Probate and Juvenile Court manages all probate court records for the county, covering estate administration, guardianships, marriage licenses, adoptions, name changes, and trust matters. Judge Kevin W. Dunn has presided over the court since 2013. The court sits on the 4th floor of the courthouse at 225 E. Washington Street. Staff can help you find and review Medina County probate court records during regular business hours, and the court also provides a useful online docket search tool.
Medina County Probate Court Overview
Where to Find Medina County Probate Court Records
The Medina County Probate Court is at 225 E. Washington Street, 4th Floor, Medina, OH 44256. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Marriage license hours run from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Call the court at (330) 725-9703 or fax at (330) 725-9119. Walk in during business hours and staff can pull the files you need.
The court has exclusive jurisdiction over a wide range of cases. Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2101.24, Medina County probate court records include estate administration, trust proceedings, guardianships for minors and incompetent adults, adoptions, marriage licenses, name changes, mental health commitments, and wrongful death settlements. Every case type generates its own file with forms, orders, and reports that become part of the Medina County probate court records.
The Medina County Probate Court official website lists all services, forms, and instructions for filing probate matters.
The official Medina County Probate Court site is the best starting point for forms, fees, and info about how the court works.
Search Medina County Probate Court Records Online
Medina County runs an online docket search that lets you look up public probate cases from home. You can search by party name, case number, case type, or filing date. The docket covers estate cases, guardianship matters, marriage records, and other probate filings. It is a solid tool for quick lookups.
There are some limits to keep in mind. The online docket is not updated in real time. Dockets about USPS service may take up to 14 days to appear. If you need the most current info, call the court or visit in person. The court also notes that not all older records have been digitized yet. Pre-1975 records are still being added to the system.
The online docket tool lets you search Medina County probate court records by name, case number, or date range without going to the courthouse.
The Medina County Probate and Juvenile Court shares its building with juvenile services. Both divisions work under Judge Dunn. If you are not sure whether your matter is probate or juvenile, the front desk can direct you. The two divisions share the same phone system.
The combined Probate and Juvenile Court site gives an overview of all services the court handles at the Medina County courthouse.
Note: Pre-1975 Medina County probate court records may not yet be available in the online docket system. Contact the court for older records.
Medina County Probate Court Records Fees
Fees for Medina County probate court records vary based on the document and service. Here are some common costs:
- Marriage license: $88.00 (cash only)
- Certified copy of marriage record: $3.00 each
- Certified copy of any probate record: $3.00 per page
- Plain copy: $1.00 per page
- Probate/administration filing (over $200 estate): $150.00
- Guardianship matter: $75.00
- Last Will and Testament filing: $75.00
- Record search (15+ years old): $75.00
- Record search (5-15 years old): $25.00
- Record search (under 5 years): $10.00
The court takes cash for marriage licenses. Other fees may be paid by check or money order. Call ahead to verify what payment methods work for your specific request. Fees can change, so it is best to confirm amounts before you visit.
Ohio Laws Governing Medina County Probate Court Records
Medina County probate court records are governed by the Ohio Revised Code. The primary statute is ORC Section 2101.24, which defines the jurisdiction of probate courts across the state. This covers estate settlements, guardianships, adoptions, marriage licenses, name changes, and trust oversight.
The Ohio Public Records Act under R.C. 149.43 controls access to Medina County probate court records. Most records are public and you can request them without giving a reason. Adoption files are sealed. Mental health records are restricted. Medical info gets redacted from copies. But estates, wills, marriage licenses, guardianship cases, and the bulk of Medina County probate court records remain open to the public.
The court cannot give legal advice. Staff are barred by law from helping with form selection or filling out documents. If you need help, contact an attorney or the Ohio State Bar Association for a referral. Community Legal Aid at 800-998-9454 also offers help for those who qualify.
Medina County Probate Court Records Resources
- Medina County Probate Court for forms, filing info, and court services
- Medina County Online Docket for searching probate court records
- Ohio Genealogical Society for historical record research
- Ohio Department of Health for birth and death records after 1908
For birth and death records before December 20, 1908, contact the Medina County Probate Court. Records after that date are held by the county health department or the Ohio Department of Health.
Probate Court Records in Nearby Counties
If you need probate court records from areas near Medina County, check these neighboring county probate courts: