Search or Request Lake County Court Records

This page helps users look for Court Records in Lake County, Ohio, including online case search options, copy requests, and official contacts for the Clerk of Courts.

The main public path starts with the Lake County Clerk of Courts eServices system, while certified copies and records that are not viewable online are handled through the Clerk of Courts public records request process.

Lake County Clerk of Courts eServices case search

The Lake County Clerk of Courts provides an online public case search for many court records. The search covers cases from 1990 to present, and document images are available from 2017 to present when online images are permitted.

Start with the Lake County Clerk of Courts eServices case search. The system includes a disclaimer about personal and private information in public filings, and users must agree before continuing.

Domestic Relations images are limited online. Divorce and dissolution document images are not available through the online image search, so those records require a file request.

Clerk of Courts public records requests

Use a copy request when the record cannot be viewed through the public case search website, when the case type requires staff handling, or when a certified copy is needed.

• Case number, if available
• Documents needed
• Party names, when helpful
• Year of the case, when helpful

For divorce or dissolution cases without a case number, provide the married first and last names of both parties and the year of the case.

• Check the online case search first when the record may be available online.
• Use the Clerk of Courts public records request page if the document is not viewable online or a certified copy is needed.
• Email the request details to [email protected].
• Wait for a detailed invoice if fees apply to the prepared copy.

Copy fees and delivery options

Online document images that are available through the public case search may be printed free of charge. Staff-prepared copies follow the Clerk of Courts copy rules below.

Domestic Relations court records

The Lake County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division handles divorce, dissolution, and related domestic matters. Online document images are not available for divorce and dissolution cases, so copies of those case types must be requested through the Clerk of Courts.

For case information, the Domestic Relations Court directs users to the Lake County Clerk of Courts docket search. The court also states that the Judge, Magistrates, and court staff cannot provide legal advice or answer legal questions.

Recordings and transcripts

Domestic Relations court recordings are audio copies of court proceedings. A recording may be requested by completing the Request for Digital Recording form and mailing it to the court with payment.

A recording costs $5.00 when picked up on CD. If the recording should be mailed back, the request should include $6.00. Checks are made payable to Lake County Treasurer.

Transcripts require a recording first. A certified court reporter must prepare and certify any transcript filed with the court, and the court does not cover transcription costs.

Other Lake County court record paths

The Clerk of Courts Legal Division maintains records for civil, felony criminal, and domestic relations cases, and also supports Court of Appeals filings connected to several Lake County courts.

Lake County has three municipal courts for traffic, non-traffic misdemeanors, evictions, and small civil claims. Small claims are cases where the amount in controversy does not exceed $15,000.

• Mentor Municipal Court
• Painesville Municipal Court
• Willoughby Municipal Court

Protection order cases are public records that can be obtained in person, but online access to those cases is shielded to comply with federal law.

Forms, filings, and eServices support

The Clerk of Courts provides forms for general Common Pleas Court matters, Domestic Relations forms, Court of Appeals forms, foreclosure filings, garnishments, subpoenas, and related filings through its forms pages.

eServices support is available by phone for users who need help with the eServices portal. The Clerk also provides eFiling and ePayment instructions, including a note that ePayment is not available for Judgment Liens and that convenience fees are non-refundable.

Lake County court records contacts

Use these official contacts for court record searches, copy requests, eServices help, and Domestic Relations record questions.

• Lake County Clerk of Courts Legal Division, 25 North Park Place, Painesville, OH 44077-3416
  Phone: (440) 350-2657
  Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.
• Public records copy requests
  Email: [email protected]
• eServices support
  Phone: (440) 350-2222
• Lake County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division, 47 North Park Place, Painesville, OH 44077
  Phone: (440) 350-2708
  Fax: (440) 350-2717
  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, closed for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.