Adams County Court Records Search

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    Adams County, Mississippi, maintains a layered trial court system based in Natchez, the county seat. Each court in the county generates and preserves records of the proceedings it hears — from felony indictments and civil judgments to divorce decrees, estate inventories, and juvenile matters. These records document case activity from initial filing through final resolution and serve a broad range of practical purposes, including supporting background checks, verifying legal decisions, facilitating appeals, and informing policy research.

    For those looking to locate court records in Mississippi, official resources remain the most reliable starting point. Clerk of court offices, courthouse public access terminals, and online case search systems provide direct access to records. MississippiCourts.us can assist with identifying the appropriate court and locating publicly available case information across the state, including in Adams County.

    How to Look Up a Court Case in Adams County?

    Adams County’s trial courts are distributed across several offices, and identifying the correct court is the essential first step before requesting records. The Circuit Clerk serves as the official custodian for Circuit and County Court cases, while the Chancery Clerk maintains records from the Chancery Court — which handles equity, family, and probate matters. Other courts, including the Justice Court, Youth Court, and Natchez Municipal Court, maintain their own records separately.

    Adams County Courts and Contact Information

    CourtAddressPhoneFax
    Circuit Court115 S. Wall Street, P.O. Box 1224, Natchez, MS 39121(601) 446-6326(601) 445-7955
    Chancery Court115 S. Wall Street, P.O. Box 1006, Natchez, MS 39121(601) 446-6684(601) 445-7913
    County Court115 S. Wall Street, P.O. Box 1224, Natchez, MS 39121(601) 445-7948(601) 445-2369
    Justice Court114 S. Wall Street, P.O. Box 1048, Natchez, MS 39121(601) 442-0199(601) 445-7902
    Youth Court320 State Street, Natchez, MS 39120(601) 442-6416(601) 445-7913
    Natchez Municipal Court233 Devereaux Drive, Natchez, MS 39120(601) 445-7524(601) 442-3487

    The Adams County Circuit Clerk’s Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Adams County Chancery Clerk’s Office can also be reached by email at chanceryclerk@adamscountyms.gov.

    Records may be obtained through three main channels:

    1. In person — Visit the appropriate clerk’s office during regular business hours. Bring specific case information such as party names, case numbers, or relevant dates to expedite the search.
    2. Online — Both the Delta Computer Systems circuit court case search and the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system provide online access to Adams County court records. Note that the Delta Computer Systems circuit case search requires a paid subscription ($30/month or $330/year).
    3. By mail — Submit written requests containing sufficient identifying information to the relevant clerk’s office address.

    Are Court Records Public in Adams County?

    Under the Mississippi Public Records Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq.), court records in Adams County are generally public property and available for inspection, copying, or reproduction by any person. The Act establishes a clear presumption of openness: public bodies must respond to records requests within one working day if no written procedures exist, and in no event later than seven working days from receipt of a request — with a possible extension to fourteen working days under limited circumstances.

    Where a record contains both public and exempt material, the custodian is required to redact the exempt portions and release the remainder rather than withholding the entire document.

    Certain categories of records are, however, withheld from public access under the Act’s exemptions and related statutes. Records not available to the general public in Adams County include:

    • Medical examiner’s reports and hospital records
    • Jury records (Miss. Code Ann. § 13-5-97)
    • Active criminal investigative reports held by law enforcement
    • Records subject to attorney-client privilege and attorney work product
    • Personnel files of government employees
    • Financial and trade secret information
    • Personal identifying information of crime victims
    • Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates)
    • Records sealed by court order

    When a public body denies a records request, the denial must be in writing and must identify the specific statutory exemption being applied. Complaints about improper denials of public records requests may be filed with the Mississippi Ethics Commission, which has enforcement authority under Section 25-61-13.

    Adams County Criminal Court Records

    Criminal matters in Adams County are handled at multiple court levels depending on the severity of the charge. The Adams County Circuit Court has original jurisdiction over all felony cases and serious criminal matters. The court currently operates under two judges — Judge Debra W. Blackwell (main Phone: (601) 442-8363) and Judge Carmen Drake (main Phone: (601) 445-7933)). The Circuit Court also operates specialized intervention programs:

    • Accountability and Recovery Court (ARC) — Contact: Joe Belling, (601) 304-7892
    • Hope and Restoration Program (HARP) — Contact: Cassandra Woods, (601) 445-7974

    The Adams County Court shares criminal jurisdiction with the Circuit Court and also hears non-capital felony cases transferred from Circuit Court. Judge Walt Brown presides; the court’s main number is (601) 445-7948.

    The Adams County Justice Court handles misdemeanor traffic matters, initial appearances, and preliminary hearings in felony cases. Small civil claims up to $3,500 are also filed here. Contact: (601) 442-0199.

    Criminal court records held by the Circuit Clerk are searchable through the Delta Computer Systems online case search, which returns Circuit Court cases, marriage licenses, and judgment roll information for Adams County. Access requires creating a user account and paying the applicable subscription fee.

    For arrest records and criminal history information, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office is the primary point of contact. The Sheriff’s Office is located at 306 State Street, Natchez, MS 39120, and operates 24 hours, reachable at (601) 442-2752. Law enforcement incident reports are public records under Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-12©, though active investigative reports are generally exempt from disclosure at the agency’s discretion.

    Adams County Civil Court Records

    Civil jurisdiction in Adams County is distributed based on the nature and amount of the dispute. The Circuit Court handles civil matters beyond the jurisdiction of lower courts. The County Court shares civil jurisdiction with both the Circuit and Chancery Courts for matters of law and equity up to $200,000, and holds exclusive jurisdiction over eminent domain, unlawful entry and detainer, and partition of personal property. The Justice Court handles small claims up to $3,500.

    The Adams County Circuit Clerk — currently Eva Givens — receives and files all lawsuits, motions, and other papers in civil cases before the Circuit and County Courts. The Clerk also maintains the judgment roll, records medical and professional licenses, and issues process including summons and subpoenas.

    Civil records from the Circuit and County Courts are accessible through the Delta Computer Systems online search on a subscription basis. Court-filed documents in the Circuit Court and Chancery Court are also accessible through the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) e-filing and case management system, which is now live for all Chancery and Circuit Courts statewide.

    For Justice Court civil matters, the court provides several downloadable forms on the Adams County website, including a Declaration form, Suggestion for Garnishment, Affidavit for Eviction, Affidavit in Replevin, and Request for Hearing. Civil fee payments for Justice Court matters can be made online through ncourt.com, and a Civil Fees PDF is available for reference.

    Adams County Family Court Records

    Family and domestic matters in Adams County fall primarily under the jurisdiction of the Adams County Chancery Court, presided over by Judge George Ward and Judge Vincent Davis (main Phone: (601) 442-7454). The Chancery Court handles the full spectrum of family law matters, including:

    • Divorce and legal separation
    • Child custody and visitation
    • Child support and alimony
    • Property division in domestic proceedings
    • Adoption proceedings
    • Emancipation of minors
    • Insurance settlements involving minors
    • Commitments of mentally disabled persons

    The Adams County Chancery Clerk, currently Brandi Lewis, is the custodian of all Chancery Court records. Records requests can be submitted in person at 115 S. Wall Street, by mail to P.O. Box 1006, Natchez, MS 39121, or by email to chanceryclerk@adamscountyms.gov. The Chancery Clerk’s office also accepts online payment for copy, fax, and email fees through the county’s online payment tool.

    Marriage Records

    Marriage licenses in Adams County are issued and maintained by the Circuit Clerk’s Office. A Marriage License Information sheet is available from the Circuit Clerk. At the state level, the Mississippi Department of Health (MSDH) Vital Records Division may also have marriage records. Access to certified copies is restricted to the record subjects, parents, children, and others with a valid legal interest. Certified marriage certificates cost $17 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Requests may be submitted by mail with a signed application form to: Mississippi Vital Records, P.O. Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215-1700.

    Divorce Records

    Divorce cases are filed in the Chancery Court, and copies of divorce decrees and related case documents are available through the Chancery Clerk. Requests should include the parties’ names, divorce date, and case number if known. The MSDH Vital Records Division does not maintain divorce records but can assist in locating them at county offices through its divorce records locator service.

    Youth Court

    Matters involving delinquent children, children in need of supervision, and neglected or abused children are heard in the Adams County Youth Court, located at the Juvenile Justice Center, 320 State Street, Natchez, MS 39120, Phone: (601) 442-6416 Youth Court records are confidential under Mississippi law and are not publicly accessible.

    Birth and Death Records

    Certified birth records are maintained by the MSDH Vital Records Division and are restricted to the adult registrant, parents, siblings, children, and others with a legitimate legal interest. Death records since November 1912 are similarly maintained by the MSDH Vital Records Division. Both birth and death certificates cost $17 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy requested at the same time. Applications — including the birth certificate application and death certificate application — should be submitted by mail with the appropriate fee by check or money order, a copy of valid ID, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Mississippi Vital Records, P.O. Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215-1700.

    Adams County Probate Court Records

    Probate jurisdiction in Adams County rests with the Chancery Court, which handles the full range of estate and incapacity matters, including:

    • Administration of decedents’ estates
    • Probate of wills and appointment of executors or administrators
    • Guardianships of minors and incapacitated adults
    • Conservatorships
    • Mental health commitments
    • Trust administration and disputes

    All probate records are kept by the Adams County Chancery Clerk. Requests can be directed to the Chancery Clerk’s office in person at 115 S. Wall Street, Natchez, or by mail to P.O. Box 1006, Natchez, MS 39121. The office can also be reached at (601) 446-6684 or by fax at (601) 445-7913, or by email at chanceryclerk@adamscountyms.gov.

    Requesters should provide as much identifying information as possible — including the decedent’s name, approximate date of death, and any known case number — to help staff locate the appropriate file. The Chancery Court’s case records are also accessible through the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system, which is now fully implemented statewide. For questions about MEC access or technical issues, the MEC Helpdesk can be reached at helpdesk@mec.ms.gov or (601) 576-4650.

    Probate records that relate to sealed matters — such as certain mental health commitment proceedings — are not publicly accessible, consistent with the confidentiality protections established under Mississippi law and applicable court orders. All other probate records maintained by the Chancery Clerk are presumptively public under the Mississippi Public Records Act.