Lowndes County Court Records Search
MississippiCourts.us is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA and does not provide consumer reports. All searches conducted on MississippiCourts.us are subject to the Terms of Service and Privacy Notice.
Lowndes County occupies the northeastern corner of Mississippi, with its county seat in Columbus. The county operates a full complement of trial courts — Circuit Court, Chancery Court, County Court, Youth Court, and Justice Court — all generating records that range from felony indictments and civil judgments to divorce decrees and estate filings. The Lowndes County Courthouse at 505 2nd Avenue North in Columbus serves as the hub for most of these proceedings, while the Justice Court maintains a separate facility on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Understanding which clerk’s office holds a particular record, and the method for requesting it, is the starting point for any successful records search in Lowndes County.
For anyone researching court cases across Mississippi, records can be located through official clerk offices, public-access terminals at the courthouse, and statewide online tools. MississippiCourts.us may assist in identifying publicly available court case information. At the county level, the Lowndes County Circuit Clerk and Chancery Clerk each maintain their own online search portals, and the statewide Mississippi Electronic Courts system provides an additional avenue for accessing case filings electronically.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Lowndes County?
Lowndes County offers several methods for locating court case information, depending on the case type and level of detail required.
Online — Circuit Clerk’s Search Portal
The Circuit Clerk maintains a subscription-based online database hosted by Delta Computer Systems. This system covers Circuit Court, County Court, and marriage records. To use it:
- Create an account on the Delta Computer Systems portal.
- Choose a subscription plan — $30 per month or $360 per year (each includes a $5 monthly processing fee).
- Search by defendant or party name, case number, filed date, docket reference, or file number.
The database contains criminal and civil case records from 1993 to the present and marriage records for a similar period.
Online — Chancery Clerk’s Records Portal
The Chancery Clerk offers a separate land records inquiry portal with free index access. This DuProcess-based system covers deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded instruments. Copies purchased online are subject to a 3.5% service fee ($2.00 minimum). Land record images from February 2002 forward are also available through this portal.
Online — Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC)
Since July 24, 2023, both the Lowndes County Circuit Court and County Court have been live on the Mississippi Electronic Courts system. Public access is available through PAMEC (Public Access to MEC), which requires registration and a $10 annual fee. Documents are viewable at $0.20 per page. The MEC helpdesk can be reached at (601) 576-4650 or helpdesk@mec.ms.gov.
In person
Walk-in visitors can view records during business hours at either clerk’s office:
| Office | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit Clerk | 505 2nd Ave, Room 260, Columbus, MS 39701 | (662) 329-5900 | Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 5 PM |
| Chancery Clerk | 505 2nd Ave North, Columbus, MS 39701 | (662) 329-5800 | Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 5 PM |
By mail
Written requests can be mailed to the appropriate clerk using a completed Public Record Request Form. Include party names, case numbers, and the specific documents sought. The county charges $10 per name per record for staff-conducted searches. Electronic copies provided on a CD-ROM cost $5.00, plus actual duplication costs per Mississippi Code § 25-61-7.
Are Court Records Public in Lowndes County?
Lowndes County court records are subject to the Mississippi Public Records Act of 1983 (Mississippi Code Title 25, Chapter 61). The Act establishes that public records must be available for inspection by any person unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Any person may inspect, copy, or obtain a reproduction of a public record, and a custodian who denies access must provide a written explanation citing the legal basis for denial.
Records that are generally accessible include case dockets, orders, judgments, minutes, pleadings, civil and criminal filings, recorded land instruments, and marriage license applications.
Several categories of records are restricted or confidential under Mississippi law:
- Youth Court records: Proceedings involving minors are confidential and not open to public inspection. The Youth Court operates through the Circuit Clerk’s office at (662) 329-5945.
- Sealed cases: A court may order records sealed in certain circumstances, reflected by a “SEALED” flag in the MEC system.
- Expunged records: Once a court grants expungement, the case is flagged as “EXPUNGED” and removed from public indexes.
- Adoption records: Finalized adoption files maintained by the Chancery Court are sealed.
- Grand jury proceedings: Materials presented to a grand jury are secret under Mississippi law.
- Mental commitment records: Chancery Court records involving involuntary commitment of individuals with mental disabilities are not publicly accessible.
Personal information such as Social Security numbers, financial account details, and other sensitive identifiers may be redacted from public documents. The Lowndes County public records request policy outlines the procedures and fees for obtaining copies.
Lowndes County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Lowndes County are distributed across three courts based on the severity of the offense. The Circuit Court handles all felony prosecutions and civil actions over $200,000. The County Court hears misdemeanor criminal appeals from the Justice and Municipal courts. The Justice Court processes misdemeanor offenses occurring outside municipal limits, felony preliminary hearings, and highway patrol citations.
Searching criminal records online
The Circuit Clerk’s criminal case search on Delta Computer Systems covers cases from 1993 to the present. Users who subscribe can search by the defendant’s name, case number, or filing date. The MEC/PAMEC system also carries criminal filings for cases filed since the Lowndes County Circuit Court went live on MEC in July 2023.
Requesting records by mail or in person
Written and in-person requests go to the Circuit Clerk:
Circuit Clerk’s Office
Address: 505 2nd Avenue, Room 260, Columbus, MS 39701
Mailing: P.O. Box 31, Columbus, MS 39703
Phone: (662) 329-5900
Fax: (662) 329-5935
Criminal Division direct lines: (662) 241-1920 or (662) 329-3335
Requesters should include the defendant’s full name, case number (if known), and the approximate filing date. Standard search and copy fees apply.
Arrest information
The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department publishes a current inmate roster on its website. Each entry typically shows the inmate’s ID, custody status, booking information, and the reporting agency. For more detailed arrest records, contact the Sheriff’s Department directly.
State criminal background checks
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety processes name-based criminal background checks online. Each request costs $32.00, payable by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express. Results may take up to 30 calendar days. State law restricts the release of criminal history information to the record subject; third parties must have a signed release. For questions, contact DPS at (601) 933-2600.
Lowndes County Civil Court Records
Civil matters in Lowndes County are split among three courts by dollar amount and case type:
- Circuit Court: Civil actions exceeding $200,000 and appeals from County Court
- County Court: Civil actions between $3,500 and $200,000, civil appeals from Justice Court, and eminent domain proceedings
- Justice Court: Civil claims of $3,500 and under
Online civil case searches
The Delta Computer Systems portal carries civil case data from 1993 to the present. After subscribing, users may search by party name, case number, styled plaintiff, docket reference, or filed date. County Court civil records are also accessible through PAMEC once the user has registered.
In-person and mail requests
Civil division records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk. Direct inquiries to the civil division:
Deputy Clerks — Circuit and County Court Civil Division
Phone: (662) 329-5908 or (662) 329-3394
Address: 505 2nd Avenue, Room 260, Columbus, MS 39701
Mailing: P.O. Box 31, Columbus, MS 39703
Justice Court civil records
The Justice Court maintains its own case files at a separate location:
Lowndes County Justice Court
Address: 309 South Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Columbus, MS 39701
Phone: (662) 329-5929
Fax: (662) 245-4619
Civil actions in Justice Court are limited to disputes of $3,500 or less. Justice Court judges hold at least one regular court session per month. Records are available through the Justice Court Clerk’s office during standard business hours.
Property and land records
Deeds, mortgages, trust instruments, powers of attorney, federal tax liens, military discharges, and UCC filings are recorded by the Chancery Clerk. The office provides several tools for property research:
- Official Records Inquiry — free index searching by grantor, grantee, or instrument data for records from February 2002 to the present
- Property Fraud Detection and Alert — a free monitoring service that notifies users when their name appears in newly recorded land documents
- Delta Computer Systems property search — allows lookups by name or parcel information
For certified copies, contact the Chancery Clerk at (662) 329-5800. Copies purchased online carry a 3.5% service fee.
Lowndes County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Lowndes County are primarily handled by the Chancery Court, which sits as the court of equity. The County Court also doubles as the Youth Court for juvenile proceedings. There is no standalone family court division; instead, the Chancery Court hears divorce, child custody, child support, property division, adoption, alimony, and commitment cases.
Chancery Court location and contact
Lowndes County Chancery Court
Address: 505 2nd Ave North, Columbus, MS 39701
Mailing: P.O. Box 684, Columbus, MS 39703
Phone: (662) 329-5844
Fax: (622) 241-1913
Searching family court records
The Chancery Clerk’s Delta Computer Systems page provides access to chancery case records, though the online archive covers filings from 2002 to 2014. For records outside that range, contact the Chancery Clerk directly at (662) 329-5800 or submit a written request. Requesters typically need to provide the party’s full name, case number, docket reference, or filing date.
Individuals requesting copies of sensitive records such as divorce decrees may be asked to verify their relationship to the record subject and present a valid photo ID. If the record is sealed or confidential, written authorization from one or both parties may be required.
Divorce records
The Chancery Clerk is the local custodian of dissolution of marriage records. Certified copies of divorce decrees can be obtained at the Chancery Clerk’s Office during business hours or by mail (P.O. Box 684, Columbus, MS 39703). The Mississippi Department of Health Vital Records Office also maintains an index of divorce records and issues certified copies. Requests to the state office can be submitted in person, online, by phone, or by mail at:
Mississippi Vital Records
Mailing: P.O. Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215-1700
Ridgeland Office: 222 Marketridge Drive
Phone: (601) 206-8200
Fax: (601) 206-8272
Email: VRInfo@msdh.ms.gov
The fee for each certified copy of a marriage or divorce certificate from MSDH is $17 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
Marriage licenses
The Lowndes County Circuit Clerk issues marriage licenses. Both applicants must appear in person and present valid identification. The filing fee is $37 (cash only, exact change required). Both parties must be at least 21 years of age. The Marriage Division can be contacted at (662) 329-5947 or (662) 329-5900.
Birth and death certificates
Birth and death records in Mississippi are maintained by the Mississippi State Department of Health. MSDH holds records dating from November 1912. Only eligible individuals — the record subject, immediate family, or authorized representatives — may obtain certified copies. Copies may be ordered from MSDH in person, by phone, by mail, or online through VitalChek. Applications are available for birth certificates and death certificates. The fee is $17 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
Youth Court
The Lowndes County Youth Court handles proceedings involving minors, including child protective matters, delinquency, and families in need of services. Established in 1996, the court operates under the Circuit Clerk and is located at 505 2nd Avenue North, Columbus. The Youth Court Division can be reached at (662) 329-5945. All youth court records are confidential and not available for public inspection.
Lowndes County Probate Court Records
Mississippi does not maintain a separate probate court. Probate matters — including the administration of estates with and without wills, guardianships, conservatorships, and related filings — fall under the jurisdiction of the Lowndes County Chancery Court.
What probate records contain
A typical probate file includes the will (if one exists), the petition for probate or letters of administration, an inventory of the decedent’s assets, accountings filed by the personal representative, orders of distribution, and the final decree closing the estate. Guardianship and conservatorship records include the petition, letters of guardianship or conservatorship, annual reports, and any orders modifying or terminating the arrangement.
How to access probate records
Probate records can be requested through the Chancery Clerk’s office:
Lowndes County Chancery Clerk
Address: 505 2nd Ave North, Columbus, MS 39701
Mailing: P.O. Box 684, Columbus, MS 39703
Phone: (662) 329-5800
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM
In-person visitors can review files at the courthouse during business hours. For mail requests, include the decedent’s full name, approximate date of death, and the case number if known. Standard copy fees apply.
Online access
The Chancery Clerk’s online records portal may contain indexed probate-related instruments such as deeds transferring estate property, but full probate case files are generally maintained through the Chancery Clerk’s internal system. For estate records that predate the digital index, contact the clerk’s office at (662) 329-5807 for guidance on accessing older files.
The Chancery Court also handles commitments of persons with mental disabilities and substance abuse disorders, adoptions, and will contests. Adoption records are sealed upon finalization, and mental commitment records are confidential. Will contests may involve an advisory jury but are ultimately decided by the Chancellor. Appeals from the Chancery Court proceed to the Mississippi Supreme Court.