Putnam County
Established in 1834, Putnam County is located in northwestern Ohio and named for General Israel Putnam, a prominent military officer during the Revolutionary War. The county is home to more than 34,000 residents and occupies about 483 square miles of land. Its county seat and most populous community is Ottawa.
Putnam County's trial courts include the Court of Common Pleas, a Municipal Court, and the Mayor's Court. The Court of Common Pleas has general jurisdiction over criminal and civil cases in Putnam County. It resolved all civil lawsuits involving more than $15,000 in financial disputes and felony-related cases. The Court's Domestic Relations Division handles divorce cases, child custody/support disputes, and juvenile cases. On the other hand, the Probate Division handles guardianships, conservatorships, estates administration, and wills. Appeals from other subordinate courts and local administrative agencies can be taken to the Common Pleas Court.
Putnam County has a Municipal Court tasked with resolving general civil claims for $15,000 or less. The Municipal Court usually presides over misdemeanors and felony preliminary hearings. The Mayor's Courts in Putnam County operate in municipalities that do not have Municipal Courts. These courts handle civil violations such as traffic offenses and parking violations.
Putnam County public court records are legal documents created, filed, or received during court proceedings. These documents typically contain initial complaints, charges, defendants/plaintiffs' names, petitions, evidence, court transcripts, orders, and judgments. The Ohio Revised Code § 149.43 allows members of the public to view, inspect, and request copies of court records maintained by the Clerk of Courts. Interested persons can request the following court records in Putnam County:
- Criminal court records
- Probate court records
- Small claims court records
- Civil records
- Family law records
However, mental health and adoption records are not available to the public. Individuals interested in public court documents can email, phone, or visit the Court Clerk at:
Putnam County Clerk of Courts
245 East Main Street, Suite 301
Ottawa, OH 45875
Phone: (419) 523-3110
You can also find court records online via the county's Case Search tool. The online platform provides free access to court records filed in the Common Pleas and Municipal Courts.
