George County Court Records

George County court records chronicle the legal proceedings and outcomes of cases heard by courts in the county. Court records are essential as they help preserve legal history and are a vital source of information for attorneys, law enforcement, and the general public. In George County, court records typically include:

• Case information, including the names of the parties involved, case numbers, and filing dates
• Evidence
• Transcripts
• Case events
• Sentencing details (for criminal cases)

Are Court Records Public in George County?

Yes, court records are classified as George County public records. However, access to these records is not governed by the Mississippi Public Records Act, which applies to other public records (e.g., George County arrest records). This exemption exists because the state judiciary is not subject to the Public Records Act.

Under the Mississippi Supreme Court's Public Records Policy, court records are generally open for public inspection unless restricted by court order or state law. In Mississippi, the following court records are classified as restricted:

• Records on youth court proceedings
• Adoption records
• Mental health commitment records
• Sensitive personal information

George County Court Records Search

Individuals can generally obtain a George County court record by:

• Visiting the court where the case was handled
• Searching online third-party websites

George County Courts

The George County court system consists of a Chancery Court, a Circuit Court, a Justice Court, a Youth Court, and a Municipal Court. The addresses of the courts are as follows:

Brown County Circuit/Chancery/Youth Court
355 Cox Street
Lucedale, MS 39452
Circuit Phone: (601) 947-4881
Chancery Phone: (601) 947-4801
Youth Phone: (601) 947-4803

Brown County Justice Court
368 Cox Street
Lucedale, MS 39452
Phone: (601) 947-4834

City of Lucedale Municipal Court
545 Oak Street
Lucedale, MS 39452
Phone: (601) 766-3336

George County Criminal and Civil Records

George County criminal records, specifically criminal court records, are maintained by the Circuit, Chancery, and Justice Courts, each handling cases based on its jurisdiction. These court records detail criminal proceedings within the county. The three courts also have jurisdiction over civil cases, including divorce, small claims, and adoption.

To access criminal or civil court records, George County residents may submit a request in person to the Clerk of Court responsible for the specific record. The requester must provide either the name of the individual involved or the case number to facilitate the search. If the physical or certified copy of a record is required, a fee (typically 50 cents) will apply.

George County Marriage Records

Marriages are considered vital events in George County and form an essential part of George County vital records. The George County Circuit Clerk is the official responsible for issuing marriage licenses and filing them once completed and returned by the officiant. George County marriage records are generally public, allowing anyone to inspect them to verify the authenticity of a marriage whose license was issued by the county.

Individuals can obtain a George County marriage certificate or a photocopy of the record at the Circuit Clerk's Office. The requester will need to furnish the clerk with the names of both spouses and possibly the date of the marriage. A non-certified copy of the record may cost 50 cents, while a certified copy attracts a higher fee.

George County Divorce Records

A divorce occurs when one or both spouses in a marriage approach the court asking for the legal termination of the marriage. When a case of divorce is brought to court, it is directed to the Chancery Court, which has jurisdiction over such matters in George County. When proceedings begin, a record will be created and filed with the Chancery Clerk, which will subsequently be accessible to the public. However, public access may be allowed only after the divorce has been concluded. Individuals can visit the Chancery Clerk's Office to inspect the records and obtain copies for a fee.

George County Birth Records

Birth records are valuable documents that provide information about a person's birth and are useful when applying for health benefits, employment, or school enrollment. George County birth records are confidential under Mississippi law. Only the registrant, immediate family members, legal guardians, or representatives are allowed access to these records.

The Mississippi Department of Health's Vital Records Office maintains and issues George County birth certificates. Individuals can request a certificate in person or by forwarding the Birth Certificate Application Form to the office's mailing address at:

Mississippi Vital Records
P.O. Box 1700
Jackson, MS 39215-1700

Individuals can also send a request online or by phone through the department's private vendor. The standard cost for a birth certificate is $17, with additional copies for the same order costing $6 each.

George County Death Records

George County death records, like birth records, are restricted to close relatives, legal representatives, or persons with a tangible interest (as determined by the court). However, after 50 years, these restrictions are lifted, and the general public may inspect these records.

Death records are issued by the Mississippi Department of Health's Vital Records Office. Qualified persons may obtain the documents in person or complete and submit the Death Record Application Form by mail. Mail applications should include a copy of the applicant's valid photo ID and payment. Death certificates cost the same fee as birth certificates.

George County Probate Court Records

Probate records are maintained by the Chancery Clerk in George County. These records pertain to cases involving the estates of descendants, commitments of the mentally disabled, name changes, guardianships, and conservatorships. Interested parties can obtain any of these records by visiting the Chancery Clerk's Office. However, some documents, especially those related to guardianships and mental health commitments, may be confidential.

George County Property Records

George County property records are public records that provide information about land or buildings in the county. The Chancery Clerk, being the official county recorder, maintains these records. Individuals can inspect property records at the Clerk's office or search online through the George County Records Portal. The Clerk's allows users to purchase copies of documents on the portal, reducing the need to visit the office physically.

George County Court Records Online

Several third-party online resources like Mississippicourtrecords.us offer remote access to George County court records. The public can use these resources to find non-confidential court records filed or maintained in the county. A basic search on a third-party website typically requires a name or case number. Users may also need to pay a fee to access complete records, but limited case information may be available for free.

Note: Third-party services are not affiliated with or regulated by George County courts. As a result, records obtained through these platforms may occasionally contain discrepancies when compared to official court documents.