Pontotoc County Court Records Search
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Pontotoc County, Mississippi sits in the northeastern part of the state, with the City of Pontotoc as the county seat. The county's judicial system spans several courts — Circuit, Chancery, Youth, Justice, and multiple Municipal Courts — each with its own jurisdiction and record-keeping responsibilities. Before making any request, it's worth taking a moment to identify which office actually holds the records you need.
Residents and researchers looking for Pontotoc County case information have several options. Mississippi's official court portal, public access terminals at the courthouse, clerk offices, and online tools all offer ways to find court records. MississippiCourts.us can help you identify which courts handle specific case types and locate publicly available case information across the state.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Pontotoc County?
Online Search Through Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC)
The Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system is the main online portal for accessing Pontotoc County court records. As of May 16, 2022, electronic filing through MEC has been fully implemented for both civil and criminal cases in Pontotoc County's Circuit and County Courts. The Pontotoc County Chancery Court also participates in MEC. You'll need to register for a free account to access docket information, view filed documents, and download case records. Registration can be completed on the MEC website, or by calling the MEC Help Desk at (601) 576-4650.
In-Person Requests
The two primary clerk offices for in-person record access in Pontotoc County are:
- Pontotoc County Circuit Clerk (Melinda Nowicki)
Address: 11 E. Washington Street, P.O. Box 428, Pontotoc, MS 38863
Phone: (662) 489-3908 | (662) 509-3700
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. - Pontotoc County Chancery Clerk (Ricky Ferguson)
Address: 34 S. Liberty Street, P.O. Box 209, Pontotoc, MS 38863
Phone: (662) 489-3900 | Fax: (662) 489-3940
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Mail Requests
Written requests may be mailed directly to either clerk office listed above. Include the full names of the parties involved, the approximate case filing date, the case type, and the case number if you have it. Attach a check or money order to cover copy fees — credit card payments to the Circuit Clerk's Office carry an additional $2.00 transaction fee.
Land Records Portal
For property-related instruments, the Chancery Clerk also operates the Pontotoc County Records Portal, which provides online access to the county land records index. Copies purchased online through this portal carry a 2.95% service fee (minimum $2.50), and that fee is non-refundable.
Are Court Records Public in Pontotoc County?
Most Pontotoc County court records are open to the public under the Mississippi Public Records Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq.). This law establishes that records generated by public agencies — including courts — are generally available for inspection and copying upon request. That said, the Act and related statutes carve out specific exemptions that restrict access to certain types of information.
Records That Are Restricted or Confidential
The following categories are typically exempt from public disclosure in Pontotoc County:
- Juvenile and youth court records — Records involving minors are confidential under Mississippi's Youth Court Law and may not be disclosed except as authorized by statute. Under Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-263, these records may be sealed once the individual reaches age 20.
- Social Security numbers and financial account details — Personal financial identifiers are redacted from public copies.
- Mental health records — Involuntary commitment and mental health proceeding records are not available for general public inspection.
- Active criminal investigation records — Materials related to ongoing investigations may be withheld.
- Sealed court files — A court may seal specific records by judicial order.
Even when a document falls into a restricted category, clerks will often provide a redacted version that removes exempt portions while making the remainder available. If you believe a denial is improper, you may pursue a challenge under the Public Records Act's enforcement provisions.
Pontotoc County Criminal Court Records
Circuit Court — Felony Criminal Cases
The Pontotoc County Circuit Court handles all felony criminal prosecutions. Pontotoc County is part of Mississippi's First Judicial Circuit District, served by four district judges: Judge Paul S. Funderburk, Judge Michael P. Mills, Jr., Judge John R. White, and Judge Kelly Mims, based at P.O. Drawer 1100, Tupelo, MS 38802, Phone: (662) 432-2360 All felony indictments, criminal filings, motions, plea agreements, and sentencing orders are maintained by the Pontotoc County Circuit Clerk at 11 E. Washington Street.
Felony case records can be searched through the MEC portal after registering for an account. In-person and mail requests for case documents are handled by the Circuit Clerk's Office, which keeps the general court docket, minute book orders, execution docket, and a full record of all court proceedings.
Justice Court — Misdemeanors and Traffic Offenses
The Pontotoc County Justice Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic offenses occurring outside municipal boundaries, preliminary hearings in felony cases, and small claims civil matters up to $3,500.
Pontotoc County Justice Court
Address: 29 E. Washington Street, Pontotoc, MS 38863
Phone: (662) 489-3921 | Fax: (662) 488-2986
Municipal Courts
Municipal courts handle misdemeanor crimes, city ordinance violations, and traffic citations within their respective city limits. Pontotoc County has four municipal courts:
| Municipal Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Pontotoc Municipal Court | 225 W. Reynolds Street, Pontotoc, MS 38863 | (662) 489-7804 |
| Algoma Municipal Court | 12 Weeks Street (P.O. Box 110, Algoma, MS 38820) | (662) 489-3200 |
| Ecru Municipal Court | 176 Main Street (P.O. Box 526, Ecru, MS 38841) | (662) 489-3881 |
| Sherman Municipal Court | 26 W. Lamar Street, P.O. Box 397, Sherman, MS 38869 | (662) 840-9185 |
Arrest Records and Sheriff's Office
Arrest records are maintained by the Pontotoc County Sheriff's Department. To request arrest records or information on current inmates, contact:
Pontotoc County Sheriff's Department
Address: 490 West Oxford Street, Pontotoc, MS 38863
Phone: (662) 489-3915
Jail inquiries: (662) 489-3111
Statewide Criminal Background Checks
For official name-based criminal history checks, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety processes requests through the Criminal Information Center at a fee of $32.00 per request. Payments are accepted by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express.
Pontotoc County Civil Court Records
Circuit Court — Major Civil Litigation
The Pontotoc County Circuit Court also hears civil lawsuits, including contract disputes, personal injury claims, and other matters typically involving larger sums. Civil case records are filed with and maintained by the Circuit Clerk's Office at 11 E. Washington Street. Since May 2022, civil filings in the Circuit Court have moved to electronic filing through MEC, making case dockets accessible to registered users online.
Chancery Court — Equity and Domestic Cases
The Pontotoc County Chancery Court holds jurisdiction over equity matters, real property disputes, and a range of domestic and probate cases. Civil records from Chancery proceedings — including divorce filings, land disputes, and trust matters — are maintained by the Chancery Clerk's Office at 34 S. Liberty Street. The Chancery Court also participates in the MEC system, making its civil filings accessible through the online portal.
Justice Court — Small Claims
For civil disputes involving $3,500 or less, the Pontotoc County Justice Court is the small claims forum. Filings are made directly at the Justice Court at 29 E. Washington Street. Filing fees for small claims in Mississippi Justice Courts generally range from $84 to $100 depending on the nature of the claim, per Miss. Code Ann. § 9-11-9.
Property Records
Real property instruments — including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plat maps — are recorded with the Chancery Clerk's Office, which maintains land records dating back to 1836. Online index searches are available through the Pontotoc County Records Portal, with copies purchasable online. Property assessment records, ownership data, and property value information are maintained separately by:
Pontotoc County Tax Assessor
Address: 11 East Washington Street, Pontotoc, MS 38863
Phone: (662) 489-3903 | Fax: (662) 489-3917
Pontotoc County Family Court Records
Divorce Records
Divorce proceedings in Pontotoc County are filed in and decided by the Chancery Court. Divorce decrees, separation agreements, and related orders are maintained by the Chancery Clerk's Office at 34 S. Liberty Street. These records are generally public, though the clerk may redact sensitive personal information before releasing copies. To request divorce records, visit or mail the Chancery Clerk directly — include the names of both parties and the approximate divorce date to help locate the file.
If you need a certified divorce record through the state, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) maintains divorce records and charges $17.00 for the first certified copy and $6.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. Requests can be submitted by mail to:
Mississippi Vital Records
P.O. Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215-1700
or in person at the MSDH Vital Records Office:
222 Marketridge Drive, Ridgeland, MS 39157
Custody, Child Support, and Domestic Matters
Custody, child support, visitation, and related family law matters are all handled by the Chancery Court. The state's Civil Legal Assistance page provides information on free family law clinics available to low-income residents dealing with guardianship, custody, child support, and related matters.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses in Pontotoc County are issued by the Circuit Clerk's Office. The Circuit Clerk collects a filing fee of $37.00, and an additional $39.00 per marriage record prepared, and files a statistical record of marriage with MSDH's Office of Vital Records.
Certified copies of marriage certificates are available from both the Circuit Clerk's Office and the MSDH. The fee is $17.00 per certified copy ($6.00 for additional copies ordered simultaneously). Use the MSDH Marriage Records Application Form and provide a valid government-issued photo ID. One important note: MSDH holds statewide marriage records from January 1, 1926–June 30, 1938, and from January 1, 1942 to present. Records from July 1, 1938–December 31, 1941 are held only at the Pontotoc County Circuit Clerk's Office.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates for Pontotoc County residents are available through the MSDH and, in some cases, through the Chancery Clerk's Office. Access to birth records is restricted to the registrant, immediate family members, and authorized legal representatives under Mississippi law. Death records within the first 50 years after the date of death are similarly restricted; records older than 50 years are open to the public.
Fees are $17.00 for the first certified copy of a birth or death certificate, and $6.00 for each additional copy of the same record in the same transaction. Use the appropriate MSDH application form: Birth Certificate Application or Death Certificate Application. Both may be submitted by mail to Mississippi Vital Records, P.O. Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215-1700, or in person at 222 Marketridge Drive, Ridgeland, MS 39157.
Youth Court — Juvenile Records
The Pontotoc County Youth Court shares the same address and phone number as the Chancery Court (34 S. Liberty Street, (662) 489-3900). Youth court records are confidential under Mississippi's Youth Court Law and are not available to the general public. Access is limited to parties directly involved in the proceedings, authorized legal representatives, and specific agencies as permitted by statute.
Pontotoc County Probate Court Records
Probate jurisdiction in Mississippi rests entirely with the Chancery Court. All Pontotoc County probate matters — including will probate, intestate estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, adoption proceedings, trust administration, and will contests — are handled by and recorded with the Pontotoc County Chancery Court.
What Probate Records Contain
- Petitions to open an estate (testate or intestate)
- Authenticated wills and will contest proceedings
- Inventories and appraisals of estate assets
- Orders appointing personal representatives, executors, and administrators
- Guardianship and conservatorship appointments for minors and incapacitated adults
- Final accounting and distribution orders
- Adoption decrees
How to Search Probate Records
Probate case records filed in the Pontotoc County Chancery Court are accessible through the MEC system after registering for a free account. Registered users can search by case number, party name, and other criteria to locate probate filings and download documents.
For in-person access, older probate records not yet digitized, or to request certified copies of probate instruments, contact the Chancery Clerk directly:
Pontotoc County Chancery Clerk
Address: 34 South Liberty Street, Pontotoc, MS 38863
Phone: (662) 489-3900 | Fax: (662) 489-3940
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Chancery Clerk maintains Pontotoc County probate and court records dating back to 1836. When you visit or write in, bring or include the full name of the decedent or ward and the approximate year the case was opened. Staff at the Chancery Clerk's office can help you locate case numbers and explain copy procedures, though they are not in a position to provide legal advice on estate matters.