DeSoto County Court Records Search
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DeSoto County sits in the northwest corner of Mississippi, directly south of Memphis, Tennessee, and is one of the most populous counties in the state. Its county seat is Hernando, where the DeSoto County Courthouse at 2535 Highway 51 South serves as the hub for most judicial proceedings. The county’s court structure includes a Circuit Court, Chancery Court, County Court, Youth Court, Justice Court, and several municipal courts spread across Hernando, Southaven, Olive Branch, Horn Lake, and Walls. These courts generate a high volume of records spanning criminal indictments, civil complaints, family law decrees, and probate filings, all of which are maintained by the respective clerk offices. This guide details how to locate, search, and request those records, along with the fees, restrictions, and online systems that apply.
For those beginning a court records search in Mississippi, the State of Mississippi Judiciary website is a useful starting point. The state courts domain at MississippiCourts.us can help orient users toward publicly available case information. At the county level, records may be accessed through clerk offices at the courthouse, public inquiry terminals on site, the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system, and several county-specific online portals. The method that works best depends on the type of record and the court that handled the underlying case.
How to Look Up a Court Case in DeSoto County?
Court records in DeSoto County are distributed across multiple clerk offices depending on the court of origin. The Circuit Clerk maintains records for the Circuit Court, County Court, and Youth Court, while the Chancery Clerk maintains records for the Chancery Court. Justice Court records are held by the Justice Court Clerk.
Primary clerk offices
| Office | Address | Phone | Fax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit Clerk | 2535 Hwy 51 S, 2nd Floor, Hernando, MS 38632 | (662) 469-8007 | (662) 469-8370 |
| Chancery Clerk | 2535 Hwy 51 S, Room 100, Hernando, MS 38632 (P.O. Box 949) | (662) 469-8398 | (662) 469-8308 |
| Justice Court Clerk | 8525 Hwy 51 N, Southaven, MS 38671 | (662) 469-8026 | (662) 469-8825 |
Searching through Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC)
Since October 25, 2021, DeSoto County’s Circuit and County Court cases have been filed and stored in the Mississippi Electronic Courts system. MEC is the primary tool for searching civil and criminal docket entries, judgments, and case documents. To use it:
- Visit the MEC website and register for an account.
- Select DeSoto County from the court selection menu.
- Search by party name, case number, or other criteria.
MEC requires an annual subscription fee and charges per-copy fees for document retrieval. For technical help, contact the MEC Help Desk at (601) 576-4650 or email helpdesk@mec.ms.gov. Public inquiry terminals connected to MEC are available in both the Circuit Clerk’s and Chancery Clerk’s offices for those who prefer in-person access.
Justice Court case search
Justice Court civil and criminal records can be searched separately through the DeSoto County Justice Court Case Inquiry portal, which allows name-based and case-number searches at no cost.
Chancery Court search requests
If you cannot search Chancery Court records yourself, the Chancery Clerk’s office will conduct a search on your behalf for a $10 fee. Submit a request through the online Chancery Civil Case Request form, by email to chancourt@desotocountyms.gov, or by mailing a check or money order to P.O. Box 949, Hernando, MS 38632. You can also pay the search fee online; credit card transactions carry a 2.5% convenience fee.
In-person access
Walk-in visitors can search records at public inquiry terminals in the DeSoto County Courthouse during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Older Chancery Court cases predating the 1960s can be searched using index books available in the Chancery Clerk’s office. Circuit Clerk records including felony, civil, judgment roll, and marriage records are available on computers in the public inquiry room on the first floor of the courthouse.
Are Court Records Public in DeSoto County?
Mississippi law establishes a general right of public access to government records. The Mississippi Public Records Act (MPRA), codified at Mississippi Code § 25-61-1 et seq., grants any person the right to inspect and copy public records held by government agencies during reasonable business hours. DeSoto County has adopted a formal Public Records Request Policy in accordance with the MPRA, and the county responds to requests within seven business days.
However, court records occupy a distinct category. As DeSoto County’s public records policy explains, judicial records are “typically open records, but do not fall under the guidelines of the Mississippi Public Records Act”. Instead, they are maintained and protected exclusively by the clerk of the court that generated them. This means requests for court documents must be directed to the appropriate clerk—the Circuit Clerk, Chancery Clerk, or Justice Court Clerk—not to the county’s general records office.
Categories of records that are restricted or exempt from public access include:
- Adoption records, which are sealed by statute
- Juvenile and Youth Court records, which are confidential
- Records of ongoing criminal investigations, which are exempt until the matter concludes
- Mental health commitment records
- Attorney-client privileged communications within court files
- Sealed or expunged records, accessible only by court order
Publicly available court documents may still contain redacted information where personal privacy interests require protection. Requesters may be asked to show identification or demonstrate eligibility before accessing certain sensitive filings.
DeSoto County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in DeSoto County are handled at several levels. The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over all felony prosecutions, while the County Court hears misdemeanor criminal matters and certain other offenses. Justice Court handles misdemeanor cases and traffic offenses involving the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department or the Mississippi Highway Patrol, and also conducts preliminary hearings in felony cases. Municipal courts in Hernando, Southaven, Horn Lake, Olive Branch, and Walls handle violations of city ordinances.
Filing fees for criminal cases
The Circuit Clerk’s published filing fee schedule sets the civil/criminal case filing fee at $161.00 to open a new case in Circuit or County Court. Additional fees apply for specific motions and proceedings:
- Post-conviction relief filing: $161.00
- Petition for hardship license (paraphernalia): $181.00
- Supreme Court appeal: $200.00
- Expungement: contact the Circuit Clerk’s office for the current fee
Searching criminal records
Criminal case data from the Circuit and County Courts is searchable through MEC after registration. Justice Court criminal cases can be searched through the Justice Court Case Inquiry portal by selecting the criminal search option. Circuit Clerk records are also available on public terminals in the courthouse inquiry room.
Arrest records and law enforcement
Arrest reports, incident reports, and booking information are maintained by the law enforcement agency that handled the arrest. For cases involving the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office, requests should be directed to that office. Municipal police records must be requested from the corresponding city department—Hernando, Horn Lake, Southaven, Olive Branch, or Walls.
Current jail custody information is available through the DeSoto County JailTracker portal, where users can search by name and view booking details.
Statewide criminal history
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains the state’s Criminal Information Center, which handles formal criminal background checks. The Mississippi Sex Offender Registry is a separate public database for searching registered sex offenders.
Restrictions
Criminal records involving juveniles are confidential. Sealed and expunged records cannot be accessed without a court order. Records tied to active investigations may also be withheld.
DeSoto County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in DeSoto County is divided between two courts based on the amount in controversy. The Circuit Court handles civil cases where the disputed amount exceeds $200,000. The County Court has jurisdiction over civil matters between $3,500 and $200,000. Justice Court handles small claims involving $3,500 or less.
Circuit and County Court civil filing fees
The standard filing fee to open a new civil case in Circuit or County Court is $161.00. Additional charges include:
- Sheriff’s service fee: $45.00 (per county of service)
- Service on additional residents at the same address: $5.00 each
- Writ of garnishment or execution (clerk’s fee): $35.00
- Transfer fee from another court: $85.00
- Counter-complaint or cross-claim (between original parties): $25.00
- Certified copy of court file: $1.00 per page plus $2.50 certification fee
- Abstract or enroll a judgment: $6.00
Contact information for scheduling civil hearings:
- County Court civil matters: (662) 469-8350 / Fax: (662) 469-8344
- Circuit Court civil matters: (662) 469-8365 / Fax: (662) 469-8370
Chancery Court civil filing fees
The Chancery Court handles civil matters including property disputes over $50,000, land partition suits, injunctions, and other equity proceedings. The Chancery Court filing fee schedule (effective January 1, 2020) sets most filing fees at $148.00 to $158.00, depending on whether the case type includes a court reporter fee and optional board-approved fees.
Searching civil records
Civil case records from the Circuit and County Courts are available through MEC. Chancery Court civil records are also in MEC and can be searched on public terminals at the courthouse. The Chancery Clerk’s office will perform searches for a $10 fee upon request. Justice Court civil records are accessible through the Justice Court Case Inquiry portal.
Property and land records
Real property records—deeds, mortgages, liens, powers of attorney, and other instruments—are maintained by the Chancery Clerk’s Land Records office, located at 311 W South Street, Suite C, Hernando, MS 38632, Phone: (662) 469-8397 These records can be searched online through the DeSoto County Public Records Search portal, which offers searches by party name, recording date, subdivision lot, or township section. A fee calculator is available to determine recording costs before submitting documents. E-recording has been available since April 2020.
DeSoto County Family Court Records
Family law cases in DeSoto County are handled by the Chancery Court, which has jurisdiction over divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, adoption, alimony, property division, restraining orders, termination of parental rights, and grandparents’ rights. The Chancery Clerk’s office maintains all records generated in these proceedings.
Divorce and custody filings
The Chancery Court filing fee for an uncontested or joint divorce is $148.00. A contested or fault-based divorce costs $158.00. Related filing fees include:
- Child custody/visitation: $158.00
- Child support modification: $158.00
- Paternity: $158.00
- Contempt or modification (reopening): $158.00
- Separate maintenance: $158.00
- Termination of parental rights: $158.00
The Chancery Clerk’s office cannot provide legal advice, but forms and court resources are available on the county website.
Searching family records
Family case records are stored in MEC and can be searched by registered users. In-person searches are available at public terminals in the Chancery Clerk’s office. The office will also conduct searches for a $10 fee submitted through the online request form or by email to chancourt@desotocountyms.gov.
Adoption and Youth Court records
Adoption records are sealed and not available for public inspection. Youth Court records—covering juvenile delinquency and child protection matters—are also confidential. Access to either category requires a court order.
Marriage licenses
Marriage licenses are issued by the Circuit Clerk’s office on the 2nd floor of the DeSoto County Courthouse, Room 200. Both applicants must appear in person. The license fee is $37.00 (effective January 13, 2020), payable by cash or card (a processing fee applies to credit card transactions as of June 1, 2022). Applicants must provide proof of age through a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or birth certificate. No blood test or waiting period is required, and the license does not expire once issued. If either applicant was divorced within the last six months, a copy of the divorce decree is required. Parental consent is necessary for applicants under 21; a parental consent form is available for download. The office accepts walk-ins Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Marriage records can be searched through the Circuit Clerk’s marriage records lookup portal.
Birth and death records
Birth and death certificates are maintained by the Mississippi State Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Records. Certified copies cost $17.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Requests can be submitted online through the MSDH website, by phone at (601) 206-8200, or by mail to Mississippi Vital Records, P.O. Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215-1700. Include a completed application, payment by check or money order, and a self-addressed stamped legal-size envelope. Mississippi birth records are confidential for 100 years from the date of birth (or 50 years after the individual’s death), with access restricted to the registrant, close family members, and authorized agencies during the confidential period.
DeSoto County Probate Court Records
Mississippi does not have separate probate courts. In DeSoto County, probate matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Chancery Court, which handles estate administration, will validation, heirship determinations, guardianships, conservatorships, and trust disputes. The Chancery Clerk’s office serves as custodian for all probate filings.
Probate filing fees
Based on the Chancery Court filing fee schedule:
| Case Type | Total Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Accounting (Probate) | $158.00 |
| Estate – Muniment of Title Only | $148.00 |
| Estate – Testate or Intestate | $158.00 |
| Guardianship | $158.00 |
| Conservatorship | $158.00 |
| Joint Conservatorship & Guardianship | $158.00 |
| Heirship | $158.00 |
| Will Contest | $158.00 |
Each filing fee includes the base fee ($85.00), statutorily mandated fees ($57.50), and additional components for the court reporter fund and optional board-approved fees.
How to search probate records
Probate case filings can be searched through MEC after registering for an account, or on public inquiry terminals at the Chancery Clerk’s office in the courthouse. Older probate records that predate electronic filing can be searched using physical index books maintained in the office.
Requesting probate documents
To request copies of probate filings, contact the Chancery Clerk’s office at (662) 469-8398 or email chancourt@desotocountyms.gov. You may also submit a search request form through the county website. The $10 search fee applies when the office conducts the search on your behalf. Certified copies carry additional per-page fees. Walk-in visitors can view and copy records at the courthouse during business hours.
Public access considerations
Most probate records—petitions, inventories, accountings, and court orders distributing estate assets—are publicly accessible. Mental health commitment records associated with conservatorship proceedings and guardianship evaluations containing medical information may be restricted. Sealed records require a court order for access. The Chancery Clerk’s office staff can assist with identifying which records are available but cannot provide legal advice regarding probate matters; the county recommends retaining an attorney for substantive legal questions.