Medina County Court Records Lookup

The following is for information purposes only

Medina County was created in 1812 and occupies a total area of 423 square miles. The city of Medina serves as its county seat. The 2020 U.S. Census Bureau recorded a population of 182,470 people residing in the county. Medina County courts are essential parts of its government, protecting the residents' fundamental rights and maintaining a safe environment. The Common Pleas Court and the municipal courts all play an important role in the county's legal needs.

The Medina County Court of Common Pleas is the only trial court in the county, and it is located in the City of Medina. It holds original jurisdiction over both criminal and civil cases and has three primary divisions. Its General Division hears all criminal felony cases and civil actions in which the amount in controversy exceeds $5,000. In 2023, this division had 2,304 case dispositions with no complex litigation cases. The Domestic Relations Division is responsible for all proceedings involving parenting time, dissolution, child support, annulment, and spousal support, closing 306 cases in 2023. The Probate Division has jurisdiction over wills, adoption proceedings, guardianship, name changes, and estate matters, handling approximately 800 cases annually. The Juvenile Division holds hearings for cases involving neglected, abused, delinquent, and dependent children. It also hears cases related to adults, such as parental right allocation, paternity, and child support. This division experienced a decrease in the number of incoming cases between 2018 and 2023, with only 983 cases in 2023. Additionally, Medina County municipal courts, namely Medina Municipal Court and Wadsworth Municipal Court, hear traffic and non-traffic misdemeanors, small claims cases up to $6,000, civil cases under $15,000, and conduct preliminary hearings in criminal felony cases.

Medina County residents can inspect and make copies of court records of cases filed in the county. However, certain records may be sealed due to the confidential information they contain. Examples of such records are adoption, domestic relations, probate, and parole. The Medina County Court of Common Pleas court records are accessible online or at the office of the Clerk of Courts. In addition, municipal court records are also available on municipal court websites and in the custody of their respective clerks.

The municipal courts and the Court of Common Pleas make up the court system in Medina County. While the Court of Common Pleas hears civil, criminal, family, juvenile, and probate cases, the municipal courts handle traffic, non-traffic, and small claims cases within their geographical jurisdictions. Together, they ensure accessibility and transparency by providing easy access to court records, either electronically or personally.