Adams County
Adams County was established in 1867 and named for John Adams, one of the American Founding Fathers. The county has a land area of 563 square miles and a population of more than 31,000 residents. Its county seat and largest city is Hastings.
Adam County's trial court system consists of a District Court and a County Court. The District Court is a court of general jurisdiction with authority over civil claims of more than $15,000, equity cases, felony criminal cases, and domestic relations matters. The District Court also handles appeals of the decisions of the County Court and various administrative agencies.
Similarly, the County Court handles a wide range of cases, including small claims involving $6,000 or less, traffic cases, juvenile cases, adoption cases, misdemeanors, municipal ordinance violations, and felony preliminary hearings. Additionally, it shares jurisdiction with the District Court in certain divorce cases and civil claims of not more than $57,000. Probate matters, such as cases relating to wills, guardianships, conservatorships, and the administration of estates, are also within the authority of the County Court.
Adams County public court records are official documents generated or filed during the legal proceedings of the District and County Courts. These documents contain information relating to cases handled by the court, such as parties' names, presiding judges, case numbers, docket information, attorney details, and hearing dates. The Clerk of the District Court and the Clerk Magistrate of the County Court are responsible for filing, organizing, and maintaining Adam County public court records. These court officials also grant public access to several types of case files, including the following:
- Civil records
- Criminal records
- Small claims records
- Traffic records
- Domestic relations records
- Probate records
Anyone may access Adams County public court records online through the JUSTICE One-Time Court Case Search. This portal allows users to conduct general searches using several criteria, including party name, judge, attorney, case type, and year. Researchers may also conduct specific searches by providing case numbers. Additionally, official copies of court records may be accessed at the courthouse where the case was heard.
