Coahoma County Court Records Search
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Coahoma County, Mississippi, occupies the northwestern corner of the state in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, with Clarksdale as the county seat. The county's judicial system serves residents through several trial-level courts, each carrying distinct subject-matter jurisdiction, and records from those proceedings form a documentary backbone for legal research, background inquiries, property transactions, and estate administration. Under Mississippi Code § 9-1-51, a court record encompasses any material held within the official file or docket of a case — including pleadings, motions, transcripts, evidentiary exhibits, docket entries, and final judgments.
Mississippi court records can be accessed through official clerk offices, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools operated by the state judiciary. MississippiCourts.us may help you locate publicly available case information and identify which court handled a particular matter in Coahoma County.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Coahoma County?
Coahoma County court records are accessible through three main channels: the Mississippi Electronic Courts system, in-person visits to the relevant clerk's office, and mail-in requests. The right approach depends on the court type and the age of the records you need.
Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC)
The Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system is the statewide platform for electronically filed court documents. The Coahoma County Circuit Court is among the courts operating on MEC. Public access requires an annual subscription fee. Documents can be viewed for 20 cents per page through the Public Access Mississippi Electronic Case Management system. If court staff must locate a document on your behalf, a $10 assistance fee applies. For MEC-related questions, contact the MEC helpdesk at helpdesk@mec.ms.gov or (601) 576-4650.
In-Person Access
Each Coahoma County court maintains its own clerk's office where you can inspect records, request copies, and obtain certified documents. Bringing a case number, party name, or filing date will help staff locate the record efficiently. Public access terminals may also be available at the courthouse for direct docket searches.
Mail-In Requests
Both the Circuit Clerk and the Chancery Clerk accept written requests submitted by mail. Each office has a separate mailing address listed below. Clearly identify the record you're seeking and include payment for any applicable copy fees.
Coahoma County Court Locations
| Court | Address | Phone | Fax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit Court | 115 First Street, Clarksdale, MS 38614 (P.O. Box 849) | (662) 624-3014 | (662) 624-3075 |
| Chancery Court | 115 1st Street, Clarksdale, MS 38614 (P.O. Box 98) | (662) 624-3000 | (662) 624-3040 |
| County Court | 115 1st Street, Clarksdale, MS 38614 | (662) 624-3014 | (662) 624-3075 |
| Youth Court | 115 1st Street, Clarksdale, MS 38614 | (662) 624-3014 | (662) 624-3075 |
| Justice Court | 144 Ritch Street, Clarksdale, MS 38614 | (662) 624-3060 | (662) 624-5528 |
| Clarksdale Municipal Court | 121 Sunflower Avenue, Clarksdale, MS 38614 | (662) 621-8136 | (662) 621-8130 |
Circuit Court Clerk Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed on legal holidays)
Circuit Court Clerk: Demetria Jackson
Email: circuitclerk14@coahomacountyms.gov
Chancery Court Clerk: Sherita Wilson
Email: swilson@coahomacountyms.gov
Municipal Courts Outside Clarksdale:
- Friars Point Municipal Court — P.O. Box 185, Friars Point, MS 38631 | (662) 383-2233
- Jonestown Municipal Court — P.O. Box 110, Jonestown, MS 38639 | (662) 358-4328
- Lula Municipal Court — 118 2nd Street, Lula, MS 38644 | (662) 337-4579
- Lyon Municipal Court — P.O. Box 511, Lyon, MS 38645 | (662) 627-1600
Are Court Records Public in Coahoma County?
Mississippi law establishes a general presumption of openness for court records. The Mississippi Supreme Court's Public Records Policy authorizes members of the public to review and obtain copies of documents created and maintained by the judiciary. This right of access applies to records held at Coahoma County courts and is reinforced by Mississippi's public records framework under Title 25, Chapter 61 of the Mississippi Code, which declares that public records shall be open for inspection by any person unless a specific exception applies.
That said, access is not without limits. Mississippi Code § 9-1-38 identifies categories of judicial records exempt from public access — including internal communications between judges and their law clerks or staff attorneys. Beyond that statutory exemption, the following types of materials may also be withheld:
- Medical records and similar personal health information incorporated into case files
- Attorney work product materials protected from disclosure
- Records involving individuals at substantial risk of self-harm or flight — often arising in mental health commitment proceedings
- Examination materials used in licensing or certification matters
- Sealed records — documents or entire case files restricted by court order
- Juvenile and Youth Court records — proceedings involving minors are confidential by default under Mississippi law
When access is denied on confidentiality grounds, the clerk will typically confirm that a case exists while declining to produce restricted documents. Parties who are expressly authorized by statute — or who obtain a court order — may access materials otherwise unavailable to the general public.
Coahoma County Criminal Court Records
Criminal jurisdiction in Coahoma County is distributed across several courts based on the severity of the offense. Under Mississippi Code § 9-7-81, the Circuit Court has original jurisdiction over all felony criminal prosecutions and also serves as an appellate court for criminal matters appealed from the County Court and Justice Court. The County Court handles misdemeanor cases and preliminary proceedings. The Justice Court processes misdemeanor criminal cases and traffic offenses, while Municipal Courts in Clarksdale and other incorporated municipalities handle local ordinance violations and lower-level misdemeanors.
Searching Criminal Court Records
Circuit and County Court criminal case records are accessible through the MEC system with a subscription. In-person searches and copy requests can be submitted to the Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 115 First Street, Clarksdale, MS 38614, during regular office hours. Justice Court criminal records are maintained separately by the Coahoma County Justice Court at 144 Ritch Street, Clarksdale.
Arrest Records and Detention Information
Arrest records are generated by law enforcement — not the court clerk — so you'll need to contact the right agency directly. For Coahoma County arrest records, reach out to the Coahoma County Sheriff's Office, which operates a jail capable of housing up to 200 inmates and can be reached at (662) 624-3085, available 24 hours. Crime tips can be submitted to the Sheriff's Office hotline at (800) 222-8477. Statewide criminal history inquiries may be directed to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
Coahoma County Civil Court Records
Civil proceedings in Coahoma County are divided between the Circuit Court and the Chancery Court depending on the nature of the dispute, with lower-value claims handled by the Justice Court.
Court Civil Jurisdiction Overview
| Court | Civil Jurisdiction |
|---|---|
| Circuit Court | Civil disputes exceeding $200; no upper cap for general civil matters |
| Chancery Court | Equity matters, domestic relations, land disputes, DHS cases |
| Justice Court | Small claims and civil matters of $3,500 or less |
Justice Court Small Claims
The Coahoma County Justice Court handles civil claims of $3,500 or less under Mississippi Code § 9-11-9. Commonly known as small claims court, it provides a streamlined process for individuals pursuing lower-value money judgments without formal attorney representation. Filing fees in Mississippi Justice Courts generally range from $84 to $100 depending on the county.
Searching and Requesting Civil Records
Circuit Court civil case records are accessible through the MEC system. Chancery Court civil records — including land disputes, domestic matters, and equity cases — are maintained by the Chancery Clerk at P.O. Box 98, Clarksdale, MS 38614, and can be requested in person or by mail. Staff will need a party name, case number, or filing date to locate the record, and a $10 fee applies when court staff must assist in locating documents.
Coahoma County Family Court Records
Family law proceedings in Coahoma County are handled primarily by the Chancery Court, which has jurisdiction over the range of domestic relations matters that affect Mississippi families. The Chancery Clerk's Office files and maintains records for all these proceedings. Three judges — Catherine Farris-Carter, Willie J. Perkins, Sr., and W.M. Sanders — currently preside over the Coahoma County Chancery Court.
Family Law Matters Handled by Chancery Court
- Divorce and legal separation proceedings
- Child custody, visitation, and parenting plan determinations
- Child support establishment and enforcement
- Adoptions
- Guardianship and conservatorship appointments
- Mental health and drug/alcohol commitment proceedings
- Name changes and removals of minority
- Department of Human Services cases
- Birth certificate corrections
Divorce Records
Divorce decrees are filed with and maintained by the Coahoma County Chancery Court Clerk at 115 1st Street, Clarksdale. Certified copies are restricted to the parties in the case or their legal representatives. Contact the Chancery Clerk at (662) 624-3000 to request a copy.
The Mississippi Department of Health (MSDH) does not issue divorce decrees but does maintain county divorce indexes. A five-year index search — covering January 1, 1926 through June 30, 1938, and January 1, 1942 through the present — is available for $17. This search can identify the county where a divorce was finalized and the Chancery Clerk's book and page number where the decree is recorded.
Marriage Records
The Circuit Court Clerk issues marriage licenses in Coahoma County and maintains marriage records. Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $17 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Requests may be submitted in person or by mail to the Circuit Court Clerk at P.O. Box 849, Clarksdale, MS 38614.
For marriage records held at the state level — covering January 1, 1926 through June 30, 1938, and January 1, 1942 to the present — submit requests to the Mississippi Vital Records Division. The fee is $17 per certified copy, with $6 for each additional copy. Mail requests go to Mississippi Vital Records, P.O. Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215-1700. In-person requests are accepted at the Vital Records Division, 222 Marketridge Drive, Ridgeland, Mississippi. You can also submit requests online through the state-authorized vendor at MSDH's online ordering page, which carries an additional processing fee.
Birth and Death Records
Birth certificates are not public records in Mississippi and are restricted to eligible individuals under MS Code § 41-57-2. The MSDH Bureau of Vital Records maintains birth records from November 1912 to the present. Certified copies cost $17, with $6 for each additional copy. To request by mail, complete the Application for a Certified Birth Certificate and include a government-issued photo ID along with a check, money order, or cashier's check — cash is not accepted by mail. In-person requests are processed at the Vital Records Office in Ridgeland during regular business hours.
Death certificates are similarly restricted to those with a legally recognized interest and cost $17 per copy, plus $6 per additional copy. The Death Certificate Application must be completed for all requests. Processing generally takes 7 to 10 business days whether submitted by mail or in person.
Coahoma County Probate Court Records
Probate jurisdiction in Coahoma County rests with the Chancery Court, which administers all matters related to decedents' estates, trusts, wills, guardianships, and conservatorships. The Chancery Court's broad equity jurisdiction makes it the appropriate venue for settling a deceased person's affairs, identifying rightful heirs, resolving will contests, and appointing fiduciaries to manage the interests of protected individuals.
What Coahoma County Probate Records Include
Probate files generated by Chancery Court proceedings typically contain:
- Petitions to open an estate and admit a will to probate
- Letters testamentary and letters of administration authorizing personal representatives
- Inventories and appraisals of estate assets
- Claims filed by creditors of the estate
- Court orders approving sales of estate property
- Final accounting of estate receipts and disbursements
- Orders of distribution to heirs and legatees
- Guardianship petitions, appointment orders, and annual accountings for minor or incapacitated wards
- Conservatorship filings when a court-supervised financial manager is appointed
Accessing Probate Records
Probate case records maintained by the Chancery Court can be accessed through the MEC system for electronically filed cases, subject to the annual subscription and per-page viewing fee. For older records or records not available online, submit a written or in-person request to the Chancery Clerk's Office at 115 1st Street, Clarksdale, MS 38614, or by mail to P.O. Box 98, Clarksdale, MS 38614. Call the office at (662) 624-3000 to confirm copy fees and what identifying information you'll need before sending a mail request. Certain probate files carrying sensitive personal or financial information may be restricted from public inspection by court order.