Washington County Court Records Search

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    Washington County, Mississippi, anchored by the city of Greenville in the Mississippi Delta, maintains an active court system spanning multiple trial courts with distinct jurisdictions. Court records generated by these courts document the full scope of legal proceedings — from felony criminal cases and civil disputes to estate matters and family law — and represent a critical public resource for residents, attorneys, researchers, and journalists alike.

    Locating court records in Mississippi involves navigating several official channels, including the clerk’s offices at individual courts, courthouse public terminals, and online search tools. MississippiCourts.us provides a directory of court resources across the state that may assist in identifying publicly available case information. Records can also be accessed through the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system, in-person visits to courthouse clerk offices, and written requests submitted by mail.

    How to Look Up a Court Case in Washington County?

    Washington County’s court records are maintained by two principal clerk offices — the Circuit Clerk and the Chancery Clerk — each handling different categories of cases. Knowing which clerk’s office holds the records you need is the essential first step.

    Online Search Through MEC

    The Mississippi Electronic Courts system is the state’s primary electronic filing and case management platform. The Washington County Circuit Court’s MEC go-live date was May 19, 2025, meaning circuit court case records from that date forward are accessible through MEC for registered users. Members of the public may register on the MEC portal to search public case records by party name across participating courts statewide. The MEC Help Desk can be reached at (601) 576-4650 for registration assistance.

    In-Person Searches

    Both the Circuit Clerk and Chancery Clerk offices allow in-person record searches at the Washington County Courthouse in Greenville. Court staff can assist with locating cases when you provide:

    • Full name of a party to the case
    • Case or docket number (if known)
    • Approximate filing date or year
    • Type of case (criminal, civil, probate, family, etc.)

    Contact Information for the Clerk Offices:

    Washington County Circuit Clerk
    Address: 900 Washington Avenue (P.O. Box 1276), Greenville, MS 38702
    Phone: (662) 378-2747
    Fax: (662) 334-2698
    Email: besters@co.washington.ms.us

    Washington County Chancery Clerk
    Address: 900 Washington Avenue (P.O. Box 309), Greenville, MS 38702
    Phone: (662) 332-1595
    Email: mhansell@co.washington.ms.us

    Mail Requests

    Written requests for copies of court records can be mailed to either clerk’s office. Include the names of all parties, the case number if available, the type of record, and the time period. Fees apply for copies and certified documents — see the Chancery Court fee schedule posted by the Chancery Clerk’s office.

    Are Court Records Public in Washington County?

    The foundation for public access to court records in Mississippi is the Mississippi Public Records Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq.), which establishes a broad policy that government records — including most court records — shall be available for inspection by any person. Under this framework, the public generally has the right to review and copy records such as criminal case outcomes, civil judgments, property filings, and probate documents.

    However, Mississippi law carves out specific categories of records from public access:

    • Juvenile and youth court records — Protected under Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-261, which restricts disclosure of records involving children to authorized personnel and parties, with limited exceptions. Disclosure beyond authorized parties requires a court order.
    • Adoption records — Sealed under Miss. Code Ann. § 93-17-25, which classifies all pleadings, files, and records in adoption proceedings as confidential and not public records.
    • Certain family law matters — Records in cases involving domestic violence, child custody disputes, or other sensitive proceedings may be restricted by court order to protect the parties involved.
    • Records sealed by judicial order — Any case file sealed by a judge is withheld from public inspection regardless of case type.

    Individuals seeking access to restricted records must demonstrate a legitimate legal interest or obtain a court order authorizing disclosure. The relevant clerk’s office can advise on what documentation is required for a specific access request.

    Washington County Criminal Court Records

    Criminal matters in Washington County move through two primary venues. The 4th Circuit Court holds original jurisdiction over felony charges and serious criminal matters, while the County Court shares concurrent jurisdiction and may receive transferred non-capital felony cases from the Circuit Court. The Justice Court serves as the entry point for all felony cases — conducting initial appearances and bond hearings — and retains full jurisdiction over misdemeanors, DUIs, traffic violations issued by the State Highway Patrol and the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, and county ordinance violations.

    Washington County Circuit Court
    Address: 900 Washington Avenue, Greenville, MS 38701
    Circuit Clerk Phone: (662) 378-2747

    Washington County Justice Court
    Address: 905 W. Alexander Street, Greenville, MS 38701
    Phone: (662) 332-0633

    Washington County Court
    P.O. Box 816, Greenville, MS 38702
    Phone: (662) 334-2657

    Criminal court records maintained by the Circuit Clerk include indictments, motions, case dockets, judgments, and sentencing records. These can be searched through the MEC portal for cases filed since the court went live on the system, or by contacting the Circuit Clerk’s office directly. For historical cases predating electronic filing, in-person or mail requests to the Circuit Clerk remain the primary option.

    For arrest records and information about individuals currently held in custody, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office maintains an active jail roster and arrest log. Criminal history background checks at the state level are processed through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.

    Washington County Civil Court Records

    Civil litigation in Washington County is split between the Circuit Court and the Chancery Court depending on the nature of the claim. The 4th Circuit Court handles general civil matters not exclusively reserved to another court — including contract disputes, tort claims, and major civil lawsuits — with most cases heard before a jury. The Chancery Court (9th Chancery District) exercises equity jurisdiction, addressing property title disputes exceeding $50,000, insurance settlements involving minors, and other equitable claims. The County Court shares concurrent civil jurisdiction with both the Circuit and Chancery Courts in certain matters, and Justice Court handles small claims and minor civil disputes.

    To search civil court records:

    1. Determine whether your case falls under Circuit Court or Chancery Court jurisdiction.
    2. Contact the appropriate clerk — the Circuit Clerk for circuit and county civil cases, or the Chancery Clerk for equity and chancery matters.
    3. Provide the party names, case number, and approximate filing date.
    4. Submit a formal records request in person, by mail, or through the MEC system where applicable.

    Filing fees and copy costs are governed by Mississippi law and the court’s fee schedule. The Chancery Clerk’s office publishes its filing fee schedule online. Certified copies of documents typically carry a per-page fee in addition to a document certification charge under Mississippi Code § 25-7-13.

    Washington County Family Court Records

    Family law cases in Washington County are primarily the domain of the 9th Chancery District Court, which holds jurisdiction over divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, property division, alimony, and adoption proceedings. The County Court, presided over by Judge Vernita King Johnson, serves simultaneously as the Youth Court and handles cases involving delinquent children, children in need of supervision, and abused or neglected children.

    Divorce Records

    Divorce proceedings are filed with the Chancery Court and managed by the Chancery Clerk. To obtain copies of divorce decrees or related court documents, contact the Chancery Clerk’s office at 900 Washington Avenue, P.O. Box 309, Greenville, MS 38702 (Phone: (662) 332-1595). Provide the full names of both parties and the approximate year of the divorce. Fees apply for certified copies per Mississippi Code Title 93.

    Marriage Records

    The Circuit Clerk’s office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records in Washington County. Certified copies of marriage certificates can be obtained through the Circuit Clerk or through the Mississippi Department of Health Vital Records Division. The MSDH handles statewide vital records requests online, by mail, or in person at its Jackson office. The cost for a birth certificate through MSDH is $17.00 for the first certified copy.

    Birth and Death Records

    Birth records are maintained by the Mississippi State Department of Health and are restricted to the registrant, immediate family members, and legal representatives under Miss. Code Ann. § 41-57-2. Death records are similarly restricted under Miss. Code Ann. § 41-57-25 and are accessible only to qualifying close family members or authorized individuals. Both record types can be ordered online through the MSDH vital records portal.

    Adoption and Youth Court Records

    Adoption records are sealed under Miss. Code Ann. § 93-17-25 and are not accessible without a court order. Youth Court records involving juveniles are protected under Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-261 and are disclosed only to authorized court staff, parties, and those with a demonstrable legal need.

    Washington County Probate Court Records

    Probate matters in Washington County fall under the jurisdiction of the 9th Chancery District Court, as Mississippi does not maintain a dedicated separate probate court. The Chancery Court oversees the administration of decedents’ estates, the probate of wills, the appointment and oversight of guardians and conservators, trust proceedings, and related equity matters. All of these records are filed and maintained by the Chancery Clerk.

    How to Access Probate Records:

    • In person: Visit the Chancery Clerk’s office at 900 Washington Avenue (P.O. Box 309), Greenville, MS 38702, during regular business hours. Bring identifying information about the estate or case, including the decedent’s full name and approximate date of death or filing.
    • By mail: Submit a written request to the Chancery Clerk at P.O. Box 309, Greenville, MS 38702. Include the decedent’s name, the nature of the record sought (will, letters testamentary, guardianship, etc.), and payment for any applicable copy fees.
    • Online: Chancery court records accessible through Mississippi Electronic Courts can be searched by registered users for cases within the system’s coverage period.

    The Chancery Clerk — currently Marilyn Hansell — also handles guardianship and conservatorship filings, which involve the management of financial and personal affairs for incapacitated adults or minor children. These filings are maintained as part of the court’s equity docket. For current fee information governing probate filings and document copies, consult the Chancery Court fee schedule available through the Chancery Clerk’s office. The Mississippi Uniform Probate Code governs the procedures and requirements for estate administration statewide, providing the legal framework within which the Chancery Court operates on all probate matters.