What are Williams County Public Records?
The Ohio open records law, enacted in 1963 provides that any person has a right to inspect and copy public records of all state and local agencies with certain exceptions. The law governs the dissemination of public records in Williams county and establishes several requirements for the dissemination of public records, including:
- All requests for public records must be made in writing.
- The request must identify the specific record or records being sought.
- The request should specify how the requested records will be used.
- Requests for copies of public records will be assessed a fee based on the cost of reproduction.
- Certain types of information are exempt from disclosure under Ohio law, including but not limited to medical and law enforcement records.
Williams county public records are accessible through official government agencies and county repositories.
In addition to government agencies, some public records may also be accessible from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search such as:
The name of the subject involved in the record (subject must be older than 18 or not juvenile)
- The address of the requestor
- A case number or file number (if known)
- The location of the document or person involved
- The last known or current address of the registrant
Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Are Williams County Criminal Records Public?
Yes, criminal records are public in Williams County. This means that anyone can access these records, including employers, landlords, and curious individuals. However, there are some restrictions on who can access certain types of criminal records. For example, sealed or expunged records are not available to the general public.
To obtain criminal records from Williams County, requestors may contact the Williams County Sheriff's Office. Requestors may be able to request these records online, by mail, or in person. There is typically a fee for obtaining copies of criminal records.
The following is the step-by-step process of obtaining Williams criminal records from the county Sheriff's office:
- Gather the required information: In order to obtain criminal records from the Williams County Sheriff's Office, the requesting party will need to provide the following:
- The full name of the person whose record you are requesting
- The date of birth of the person whose record you are requesting
- The case number (if available)
- Submit a written request.
- Pay the required fee
Mail-in requests may be sent to:
Williams County Sheriff’s Office
1425 E. High Street – East Annex
Bryan, Ohio 43506
Phone: (419) 636-3151
Fax: (419) 636-2935
Toll Free (866) 845-6760
How to Obtain Williams County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
Interested members of the public can obtain Williams County police reports and arrest records from the Williams County Sheriff's Office.
Requests to the Williams County Sheriff’s Office may be made by preparing a written request containing the information required to facilitate the record search.
Arrest records typically contain information regarding the detention of an individual including the date of their arrest, the cause of the arrest and related booking information (where applicable). On the other hand, police reports are official accounts of incidents documented by county law enforcement officials.
Mail-in or in-person requests for either of these records may be submitted to the following address:
Williams County Sheriff’s Office
1425 E. High Street – East Annex
Bryan, Ohio 43506
Phone: (419) 636-3151
Fax: (419) 636-2935
Toll Free (866) 845-6760
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Williams County
The Williams County Sheriff's Office maintains a public sex offender registry that can be accessed online. This registry contains information on convicted sex offenders who live, work, or attend school in Williams County.
To access the registry, users are required to search for offenders by name, address, or zip code. Interested persons may also register for email notifications which will alert them to whenever a registered sex offender moves into their neighborhood. To sign up for these notifications, interested persons may contact the Williams County Sheriff's Office website. Alternatively, interested persons may obtain sex offender information using the Ohio Sex Offender Registry.
How to Find Williams County Inmate Records
Inmates arrested and sentenced in Williams County are typically held in the Corrections Centre of Northwest Ohio. Interested members of the public may obtain inmate information using the Corrections Centre of Northwest Ohio Roster. To search the roster, the user may use the name, age, race, booking number or date as well as the height and weight of the inmate of interest.
Alternatively, interested persons may send a written request to the Corrections Centre providing details regarding why the inmate whose information is being sought. Requests may be sent to:
03151 County Road 2425
Stryker, Ohio 43557-9418
Phone: (419) 428-3800
Fax: (419) 428-2119
E-Mail: ccnoregional@gmail.com
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Williams County Jail?
Persons who wish to visit an inmate at the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio must be on the inmate's approved visitor list. Prospective visitors can request to be added to the list by contacting the jail directly.
To visit, the visitors will need to schedule their visit in advance. Visits are typically allowed on weekdays during daytime hours, but times may vary depending on the facility's schedule. After scheduling the visit, be sure to arrive on time and present valid photo identification.
- Other visitor guidelines include:
- Visitors must be at least 18 years old and cannot be on parole or probation
- All visitors must submit to a search before entering the facility
- Only two adults can visit an inmate at one time; children are not allowed
- Visitors must dress appropriately; tank tops, halter tops, mini skirts, and other revealing clothing is not permitted
Williams County Court Records
Williams County, Ohio is home to a variety of courts that handle different types of cases. The Common Pleas Court is the county's general jurisdiction court and handles both criminal and civil cases. The Probate Court handles matters relating to wills and estates, while the Juvenile Court deals with cases involving minors.
There are also a number of specialized courts in Williams County that handle specific types of cases. The Municipal Court handles traffic violations and other misdemeanor offenses, while the Domestic Relations Court deals with divorce, child custody, and other family law matters. The Small Claims Court hears cases involving monetary disputes of up to $3,000. Finally, the Environmental Court handles cases involving environmental issues or violations.
Williams County Court of Common Pleas - General and Domestic Relations Divisions
1 Courthouse Square,
Bryan, OH 43506
Phone: (419) 636-1551
Fax: (419) 636-7877
Williams County Juvenile Court
1 Courthouse Square,
Bryan, OH 43506
Phone: (419) 636-1548
Fax: (419) 636-5405
Williams County Probate Court
1 Courthouse Square,
Bryan, OH 43506
Phone: (419) 636-1548
Fax: (419) 636-5405
Bryan Municipal Court
1399 E High St,
P.O. Box 546,
Bryan, OH 43506
Phone: (419) 636-6939
Fax: (419) 636-3417
Bryan Municipal Court has jurisdiction over civil, criminal, and traffic matters originating in Williams County.
Are Williams County Court Records Public?
In Williams County, Ohio, court records are public. This means that anyone can access them, including the media. The only exception to this rule is when a case is sealed by the court. In such cases, only the parties involved in the case and their attorneys will have access to the records. Persons who want to access court records in Williams County, may do so by going to the county courthouse and requesting them from the clerk of court. There may be a fee associated with this service.
How to Obtain Williams County Civil Court Case Records
Persons seeking to obtain civil court case records in Williams county will need to visit the office of the Williams County Clerk of Courts. The clerk of courts is responsible for maintaining all court records, and interested persons can request them in person or via mail.
When requesting records from the clerk of courts, the requestor will need to provide some basic information about the case, such as the case number and the names of the parties involved. Typically, requestors are also required to pay a nominal fee for the copies.
Mail in or in-person requests may be made or sent to:
Williams County Clerk of Courts
Williams County Common Pleas Court
1 Courthouse Square
3rd Floor
Bryan, OH 43506-1267
Phone: (419) 636-1551
The Williams County Clerk of Courts website provides access to case information and documents for civil, criminal, and domestic relations cases. Interested persons can search for case records by case number or party name, and view case information and documents online.
How to Obtain Williams County Criminal Court Records
To obtain criminal court records from the Williams County Clerk of Courts, interested individuals must fill out and submit a Record Request Form. This form can be found on the clerk's website or obtained from the office in person. Once the form is submitted, the clerk's office will process the request and provide the requested records. There may be a fee associated with obtaining these records.
Requests must be submitted in person or sent via mail to the office of the clerk of courts.
What are Williams County Vital Records?
Williams county vital records are defined by Ohio law as any record relating to the birth, death, marriage, or divorce of any person. These records are kept by the state government in order to provide accurate and up-to-date information on the population of Ohio. Vital records are used for a variety of purposes, including statistical analysis, public health research, and genealogical studies.
The Ohio Department of Health Vital Statistics Section is responsible for maintaining vital records in the state of Ohio. The department issues certified copies of birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees upon request. Certified copies of vital records are generally only available to the individuals named on the record or their immediate family members.
The department also maintains a registry of all births, deaths, marriages, and divorces that have occurred in Ohio. This registry is open to the public and can be used for a variety of purposes, including researching family history or verifying the accuracy of vital records.
Where and How to Obtain Williams County Divorce Records
Interested members of the public may obtain copies of Williams County divorce records in person, by mail, or online through the County Clerk of Courts Office. In-person requests may be made during business hours, and must include the appropriate application form and fee. Those requesting records by mail must submit a notarized request form along with the applicable fee. Online requests can be made via the clerk's website and will incur an additional processing fee.
Divorce records are public record in the state of Ohio, and as such are available to anyone who wishes to view them. However, there are some restrictions in place regarding who may request copies of these records. Only those individuals who can demonstrate a “direct and tangible interest” in the record may obtain a copy. This typically includes the parties to the divorce, their immediate family members, or their legal representatives.
Williams County Clerk of Courts
Williams County Common Pleas Court
1 Courthouse Square
3rd Floor
Bryan, OH 43506-1267
Phone: (419) 636-1551
The office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST. Requests for copies of divorce records can be made in person, by mail, or online through the clerk's office website. There is a fee for each record requested, and payment must be made by cash, check, or money order. Online requests will incur an additional processing fee ranging from $2-$4, depending on the method of payment used.
Where and How to Get Public Williams County Marriage Records
To obtain Williams County marriage records, interested persons can contact the county clerk's office directly.
When ordering marriage records from the county clerk's office, requestors will need to provide the full names of the bride and groom, the date of the marriage, and the county in which the marriage took place.
In Williams County, marriage records are also kept by the Williams County Probate Court. To obtain a copy of a marriage record, interested persons must submit a written request to the Probate Court.
Where and How to Find Williams County Birth Records and Death Records
Interested members of the public may obtain Williams County birth or death records by querying the Williams County Health District. Requestors may query this office in person or via mail and will be required to provide:
- A completed application form stating the certificate of interest
- Check or money order for $25.00 for each certificate payable to Williams County Health District.
- The contact information of the requestor
- A self-addressed, stamped envelope
Completed applications may be mailed or submitted in person to:
Williams County Health District
310 Lincoln Avenue
Montpelier, OH 43543
Requests can also be made to the Ohio Department of Health. The address for the department is:
Ohio Department of Health
Bureau of Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 15098
Columbus, OH 43215-0098
Both offices require a government issued photo ID as well as a completed application form. There is a fee for obtaining copies of birth records.
To be eligible to access birth or death records, the requesting party must be:
- The person named on the record
- An immediate family member of the person named on the record
- A legal representative of the person named on the record or their family
- Authorized by a court order
