This page helps users handle a Court Records need in Summit County, Ohio by pointing them to the main official search, probate search, and records request options.
Most court record tasks start with the Summit County Clerk of Courts or Summit County Probate Court. Use the correct channel based on whether you need common pleas, domestic relations, appeals, probate, copies, or older records.
Summit County Clerk of Courts public records search
For many court record searches, start with the Summit County Clerk of Courts public access system. The search begins at the Clerk’s records search disclaimer screen, where users must review the terms before continuing.
The Clerk’s online case information is subject to use limits and monitoring notices. Do not treat electronic messages sent through the service as a filing or legal notice to Summit County or its agencies.
Records warning: Ohio law treats tampering with records as a serious offense, and the Clerk’s system specifically warns users against falsifying, altering, removing, or misusing records.
Summit County Probate Court eAccess
Probate matters use a separate CourtView Justice Solutions eAccess site maintained for Summit County Probate Court records. Use the Summit County Probate Court eAccess search for public probate case information.
Case number searches require an exact match, including spaces. The five-digit case number must include leading zeros. Cases issued before December 29, 1999 must be searched by name only.
- Exact probate case number, including spaces
- Five-digit case number with leading zeros
- Name search for cases issued before December 29, 1999
Images are available for public case types, but confidential docket entries do not show images. Marriage license images shown online cannot be used as certified copies. Some images may not be available online even when the full file is available at Probate Court.
Copies, older records, and public records requests
The Summit County Clerk of Courts provides public viewing and copies of court records through the File Room in the basement of 205 S. High Street, Akron, OH 44308. The Clerk recommends using the website for records from 2002 to the present because online access is immediate.
For records before 2002, submit a Public Records Form by email, mail, or in person through the Clerk’s public records request page. If there are issues submitting a request, the Clerk directs users to call (330) 643-8082.
Copy fees are listed by the Clerk as follows:
| Record service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copies | $1.00 per page |
| Authentication of copies, also known as exemplification or triple seal | $5.00 |
| Computer docket printouts | $0.10 per page |
| Copies | $0.10 per page |
| Special report requiring IT assistance | $25 per 15-minute increment of IT staff time |
Court divisions and record coverage
The Summit County Clerk of Courts maintains records for the Summit County Court of Common Pleas General Division, Domestic Relations Division, and the Ninth District Court of Appeals. Probate records route through Summit County Probate Court.
The Criminal Division handles felony cases within Summit County. Cases with only misdemeanor or traffic offenses are handled mainly by the municipal courts in Akron, Barberton, and Stow, with some matters under Mayor’s Courts in the county.
The Clerk’s FAQ lists computerized record coverage by division:
| Division | Computer record coverage |
|---|---|
| Civil Division | 1990 |
| Criminal Division | 1986 |
| Domestic Relations | 1989 |
| Ninth District Court of Appeals | Indexing only from 1990; full docket from 1999 |
Pending civil filings and e-filing
Newly e-filed, non-confidential civil complaints may appear on the pending civil filings page before the Clerk’s quality assurance review is complete. Until the review is finished and the complaint is posted on the Clerk’s Public Access system as filed, use the complaint subject to that limitation.
The Summit County Court of Common Pleas Civil Division requires mandatory e-filing. The Ninth District Court of Appeals Division also requires mandatory e-filing and does not accept fax filings. Attorneys must use the Summit County Clerk of Courts e-filing system where required.
Summit County Clerk of Courts contact information
Use the Legal Division and Records Division contacts for court record access, copies, and division-specific questions.
- Legal Division, Summit County Courthouse, 205 S. High, 1st Floor, Akron, OH 44308. Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Legal Holidays. Phone: (330) 643-2211
- Civil Division. Phone: (330) 643-5096
- Criminal Division. Phone: (330) 643-2282
- Domestic Relations. Phone: (330) 643-2202
- Appeals Division. Phone: (330) 643-2208
- Records Division. Phone: (330) 643-2205
Common questions
Where do I search Summit County court records online?
Start with the Summit County Clerk of Courts public records search for Clerk-maintained records. Probate matters use the separate Summit County Probate Court eAccess site.
How do I search Summit County probate records?
Use the Summit County Probate Court eAccess system. Case number searches require the exact format, including spaces and leading zeros. Cases before December 29, 1999 are searched by name only.
What should I do for Summit County court records before 2002?
For records before 2002, submit a Public Records Form by email, mail, or in person through the Summit County Clerk of Courts. For help submitting a request, call (330) 643-8082.
Can online probate images be used as certified copies?
No. Summit County Probate Court states that marriage license images online cannot be used as certified copies. Some images may be unavailable online, even when the full file is available at Probate Court.
Which office handles Summit County felony case records?
The Summit County Clerk of Courts Criminal Division handles felony cases within Summit County. Misdemeanor and traffic-only cases are handled mainly through the municipal courts in Akron, Barberton, and Stow, with some matters handled by Mayor’s Courts.