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Clerk of Courts
Search Domestic Relations, Civil, Criminal and Court of Appeals Court Records
Access to the Lorain County Clerk of Court of Common Pleas computerized case records of Civil, Criminal, Domestic Relations and 9th District Court of Appeals Cases, since 1988, is now available online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This site will benefit law firms, government agencies, the media, background searchers, credit bureaus and the like.
This access to our public records includes Court Calendars, the daily schedules for all Judges and Magistrates, except Probate and Juvenile; Quick Index, an alphabetical index to all cases by party name; General Index, an alphabetical index to all cases by party name with further detail; and Docket Sheets, a case summary with all filings in the case in chronological order, if you already know the case number.
General Information on Clerk's Office
The Clerk of Court of Common Pleas is responsible for various administrative and ministerial duties in conjunction with the Court of Common Pleas. These duties include record creation, record maintenance, record reporting and record retention of the activities of the court and the issuance of process. The Clerk is responsible for the receipt and disbursement of all money paid into the court system.
In addition to his ministerial duties and responsibilities with the court, the clerk is also charged with the duty of preparing and maintaining records of Certificate of Title for all vehicles and watercraft owned by all residents of Lorain County. These documents are your proof of ownership and should be kept in a safe place. Approximately 150,000 new titles are prepared each year. All of our Title offices can process U.S. Passport applications, no appointment necessary. For news and updates on our Auto Title and Passport offices please visit our Facebook page.
Employment Opportunities
Applications are accepted at the Clerk's office in the Lorain County Justice Center 225 Court Street in Elyria.
Application for Employment (PDF)
Local Rules of the Court
- General Division Local Rules of Court (PDF)
- Domestic Relations Local Rules of Court (PDF)
- Ninth Appellate District Local Rules of Court
Notary Public Information
Due to legislative changes effective September 20, 2019 in the Ohio Notary Modernization Act, Sub. Senate Bill 263 (132nd G.A.), any Lorain County resident who wishes to become a Ohio notary public or renew her or his existing notary public commission must do so through the Ohio Secretary of State's office. Procedures and costs have changed. All notary questions or complaints should be directed to the Secretary of State. Please visit the Secretary of State's website or call 614-644-4559 for more information on testing, education, and renewal requirements, enforcement, or any other notary public matter. Thank you.
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Tom Orlando
Clerk of CourtsPhone: 440-329-5000
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- Can you give us any legal advice on my case?
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Please understand that the Clerk's office is prohibited by law to give any legal advice. If you do not have a family attorney, you should contact the Lorain County Bar Association or the telephone directory for any attorney referral. Call the Legal Aid Society of Lorain County to see if you qualify for their service.
- Can I file my documents over the internet?
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No. Electronic filing is not available at this time.
- I'm looking for a certain case and it is not showing up, can you please tell me why?
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There may be several reasons. First, try conducting your search online with variations in the spelling of the name. For example, "James Smith" may be indexed as "Jim Smith." Second, our online case dockets start from October of 1987. Case information prior to that date is not available online. These records are available in our office from 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday, in our Records Department.
- I would like a marriage license and copy of my will.
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Contact Lorain County Probate Court or visit us at:
Justice Center
225 Court Street
6th Floor
Elyria, OH 44035
Phone: 440-329-5295 - Can you tell me if you have any case on a particular person?
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You may search the index yourself for cases filed here since October, 1987. Be advised some case types may not be publicly available for viewing on the website.
- Several years ago, a judgment was rendered against me. I have paid that judgment in full, so why does it still show up in your files?
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The fact that the case was filed, a judgment was rendered, and the judgment was satisfied remains part of the public record. Our office has no authority to remove any cases from the public record absent a law or court order to the contrary.
- Can you take Pictures for Passport or Carrying a Concealed Weapon (CCW) applications?
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Yes, both of our title office locations can provide photo service, no appointment needed. These photos are suitable for passport or CCW applications. The cost is $15 per picture.