Allen County
Allen County is located in northwestern Ohio. It was established in 1831 and named in honor of Colonel John Allen, a soldier in the War of 1812. The County spans approximately 402.5 square miles, with a population of around 102,087 residents. Lima, the county seat, serves as the administrative and judicial hub of Allen County.
The Allen County judicial system comprises the Court of Common Pleas, Municipal, and Mayor's courts. Each court has either general or limited jurisdiction over various types of legal proceedings, including civil and criminal cases. Allen County Court of Common Pleas is the highest trial court in the county, with general jurisdiction over criminal and civil cases, including civil claims in which the amount in dispute is more than $15,000, domestic violence, probate of will, and felony criminal cases. It is organized into specialized divisions, including the General, Domestic Relations, Juvenile, and Probate Court Divisions. The General Division oversees criminal and civil cases. It also hears appeals from most administrative agencies. The Domestic Relations Division deals with family law matters such as divorce, child custody, and support. The Juvenile Division manages juvenile offenses and most paternity cases. Meanwhile, cases related to wills, estates, and guardianships fall under the jurisdiction of the Probate Division. On the other hand, the Municipal Court has exclusive jurisdiction over civil claims involving less than $500. It also handles certain juvenile cases and protective orders. The Mayor's Courts primarily deal with cases involving violations of municipal ordinances, civil claims where the amount in dispute is less than $15,000, and minor criminal traffic offenses in territories not within the purview of a Municipal Court.
Allen County court records are official documentation of case files, dockets, trial transcripts, exhibits, and motions generated during court trials and hearings within the county. These records promote transparency in the judicial system, which is essential for public trust. They are managed by the Allen County Clerk of Courts and accessible under Ohio's open records law (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43). Examples of public records are:
- Criminal Records
- Civil Records
- Probate Records
- Traffic Records
- Family Law Records
Confidential records, such as adoption and mental health cases, are restricted from public access. Requests for public records can be made online via the Ohio Case Search Portal or CourtView. Interested persons can also request court records and docket information at the Clerk of Courts' Office at:
301 N Main St, Room 100
Lima, OH 45801
Phone: (419) 223-8517
