Access Miami County Probate Court Records

Miami County probate court records are maintained at the Safety Building in Troy, Ohio. The Miami County Probate Court is a division of the Court of Common Pleas and handles estate administration, guardianships, marriage licenses, adoptions, name changes, trusts, and civil commitments. Judge Scott Altenburger presides over probate matters with three magistrates and a full staff. Miami County probate court records go back to 1807, making this one of the older collections in western Ohio. You can look up some records online, request copies by phone or mail, or visit the courthouse in person.

Where to Find Miami County Probate Court Records

The Miami County Probate Court sits at 201 W. Main Street, 2nd Floor, in the Safety Building in Troy, OH 45373. Hours are Monday through Thursday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Friday 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Call the court at (937) 440-6050. Fax is (937) 440-3529. You can also email at probatefile@miamicountyohio.gov.

The court handles a long list of case types. Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2101.24, Miami County probate court records cover estate settlements, guardianships for adults and minors, trust administration, adoptions of all types, marriage licenses, name changes, birth record corrections, conservatorships, civil commitments, and wrongful death settlements. The court also accepts wills for safekeeping and handles minor settlements and declarations of paternity.

The Miami County Probate Court website has forms, fee schedules, and instructions for many common filings.

The official Probate Court page on the Miami County website gives you forms, contact info, and details about all services the court provides.

Search Miami County Probate Court Records Online

Miami County offers online search tools for probate court records. You can look up marriage licenses and probate cases through the court's website. Search by name, filing date, or case number. The Court Services page has details on how to access records and what tools are available.

The Court Services section gives you info on records access, forms, and support services connected to Miami County probate court records.

The court keeps the following records open to the public during business hours: estates, guardianships, trusts, and miscellaneous filings from 1807 to present; marriage records from 1807 to present; birth records from 1853 to 1908; and death records from 1867 to 1908. That is a deep collection stretching back more than 200 years.

For certified copies of marriage licenses, you can request them in person, by mail, or by phone with a credit or debit card. The cost is just $2.00 per certified copy. That is one of the lowest rates in the state. You can also submit the Certified Copy of Marriage License form from the court's website.

Miami County Probate Court Records for Genealogy

The Genealogy and Public Records page on the Miami County website is a good starting point for family history research. The court provides Genealogy Request Forms for researchers who want to look up old records. Submit the form to the court and they will pull what is available.

The genealogy page lists what records are open to the public and provides forms for requesting copies of Miami County probate court records.

Several online databases have indexed Miami County probate court records. Ancestry has Ohio Wills and Probate Records from 1786 to 1998. FamilySearch has Ohio Probate Records from 1789 to 1996. You can also find Miami Valley will abstracts from 1803 to 1850, court records from 1807 to 1858, bonds from 1807 to 1968, and administrator dockets from 1853 to 1968. The Troy Historical Society keeps indexes for probate court records, deeds, marriages, and more.

For birth and death records after 1908, contact Miami County Public Health. The Probate Court handles only the older records from before statewide registration started.

Miami County Probate Court Records Fees

Miami County publishes a detailed fee schedule for probate court records and filings. Some key costs:

• Marriage license: $50.00 (plus $5.00 for two certified copies if prepaid)
• Certified copies: $1.00 plus $0.05 per side
• Estate filing with will: $205.00
• Relief from administration: $180.00
• Summary release with will: $140.00
• Guardianship (incompetent): $275.00 to $300.00
• Name change: $200.00
• Adoption (stepparent): $300.00

The court takes cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards. Credit card fees apply: $2.00 for charges under $75 and 2.7% for charges over $75. These fees were last updated in July 2020, but always call to verify current rates.

Ohio Laws Governing Miami County Probate Court Records

Miami County probate court records are governed by the Ohio Revised Code. The main statute is ORC Section 2101.24, covering all probate court jurisdiction. The Ohio Public Records Act, R.C. 149.43, makes most records available to the public without needing to give a reason for your request.

Adoption files are sealed. Mental health records are restricted. Everything else is open. Estate timelines vary. Simple estates take 1 to 3 months. Average estates run 6 to 9 months. Complex estates can take a year or more. Creditors have 6 months from the date of death to file claims against an estate in Miami County.

Miami County Probate Court Records Resources

• Miami County Probate Court for court info, forms, and fees
• Miami County Genealogy Records for historical research
• Miami County Court Services for records access info
• Ohio State Bar Association for attorney referrals
• Ohio Genealogical Society for genealogy research help

The Ohio Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics has statewide birth and death records from December 20, 1908, forward.

Probate Court Records in Nearby Counties

These counties border Miami County and maintain their own probate court records: