Licking County, Ohio court records are available through several channels. LickingCourt.us allows quick access to public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be searched through official online court portals, directly at the Clerk of Courts office in Newark, and via public terminals installed in the courthouse. Below is a practical guide to the county's court system, searching hearing calendars, obtaining document copies, and paying fees.
Licking Court System & Jurisdictions
Several courts operate in Licking County, each handling specific categories of cases. Understanding jurisdiction will help you reach the correct registry.
Court of Common Pleas — General Division handles felony criminal cases, major civil lawsuits, and appeals from lower courts. The Clerk of Courts office maintains the registry for this division.
Domestic Relations Division is a separate division of Common Pleas that deals with divorces, custody arrangements, alimony, and civil protection orders (CPO). CPO document packets can be obtained through the Domestic Court office at 75 E. Main Street, Newark.
Probate Court is responsible for estate cases, guardianships, adoptions, name changes, and vital records registration. Forms and instructions are available on the Probate Court Forms page.
- Licking County Municipal Court (Newark) handles misdemeanors, traffic violations, small civil claims, and small claims.
- Municipal courts in the cities of Heath, Pataskala, and other municipalities in the county may have their own jurisdiction over local violations.
State-level cases, including lawsuits against state agencies, are handled by the Ohio Court of Claims. Appeals from Common Pleas go to the Fifth District Court of Appeals, and then to the Supreme Court of Ohio.
Licking Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
You can find the schedule of hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week in several ways.
- Online case search. The Common Pleas Case Records Search page provides remote access to records of the General Division and Domestic Relations Division. Case cards usually display scheduled hearing dates.
- Probate Court. The Licking County Probate Court — Record Search portal allows you to view information on estate and guardianship cases, including hearing dates.
- Phone inquiry. Call the Clerk of Courts office at (740) 670-5791 to check the schedule of a specific judge or courtroom.
- In-person visit. Public terminals are available in the courthouse at 1 Courthouse Square, Newark, where you can check the calendar.
In June 2025, the Clerk of Courts office transitioned to a new case management system, so the online search interface may differ from the previous one. If you cannot find the required case in the new system, contact the office directly.
How to Get a Copy of a Licking Court Document
Copies of court documents come in two types: certified (sealed by the court, acceptable as official evidence) and uncertified (informational). Here's how to obtain them.
Online
Through the Common Pleas records search portal, you can view case data and some documents. To download a certified copy, you typically need to contact the office.
In-person
Visit the Clerk of Courts office:
You will need: the case number or the full name of the party and the approximate filing date. The clerk will prepare and certify the copy for an additional fee.
By mail
Send a written request specifying the case number, document type, and contact information to the office's address. Include a check or money order payable to "Licking County Clerk of Courts." Requests for public records from other county departments can be made through the Public Records Request form, but for court records, you should contact the appropriate court directly.
Probate Court
Copies of estate, guardianship cases, and vital records are issued by the Probate Court. Request forms and a list of fees are posted on the Probate Court forms and guides page.
Access Limitations
- Juvenile cases are generally closed to public access.
- Adoption records are confidential under Ohio law.
- Some Domestic Relations records may be partially sealed by a judge's order.
Licking Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court services are set according to the Ohio Revised Code and local court rules. The table below lists typical rates; we recommend confirming exact amounts with the office, as they may change.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Case search (by name) | Free online; a fee may be charged for a written request |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.05–$0.10 |
| Certified copy (certification fee) | $1.00 per document (plus copying cost) |
| Filing a civil lawsuit (Common Pleas) | Depends on case type; check with Clerk of Courts |
| Probate Court document certification | Determined by Probate Court fee schedule |
Payment is accepted in person at the office—cash, check, or money order. Some courts also accept credit and debit cards. For mail requests, send a check payable to "Licking County Clerk of Courts."
The current Probate Court fee schedule, including deposits for various case types, is published in the Court Fees & Deposits section on the county's website. To verify General Division fees, contact the office at (740) 670-5791 or visit during business hours.