Hancock County Court Records

Hancock County court records are case files on civil and criminal trials within the various Hancock County courts. These records are essential for verifying facts in ongoing or future legal proceedings. Also, Hancock County court records ensure the accuracy and fairness of the county's Judicial system. Hancock County court records contain information such as:

• Docket entries
• Case identifiers (such as case number, case type, and filing date)
• Names of parties involved
• Filings and Pleadings
• Evidence and Exhibits
• Transcripts
• Court orders and Judgment.

Are Court Records Public in Hancock County?

Yes, court records are public in Hancock County. Title 25, Chapter 61 of the Mississippi Public Records Act of 1983 establishes the public right to access government documents (including Hancock County court records). However, Mississippi law protects the privacy and confidentiality of Information relating to:

• Minors
• Family law
• Sealed or expunged records
• Custody and Protective Order
• Sexual assaults and abuse
• Medical and mental records
• Grand jury proceedings.

Hancock County Court Records Search

Hancock County court records are accessible through the county’s Clerk of Courts Office. Interested persons should call or visit the Clerk's Office and request copies of court records (access may require fee payments). Also, Hancock County court records are accessible through Public Access Terminals at the county courthouse.

Hancock County Courts

The Hancock County trial court system comprises the

• Circuit Court
• Chancery Court
• Youth Court
• Justice Court
• Municipal Courts.

In Hancock County, the Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over criminal and civil cases; it handles cases beyond the authority of other courts. The Hancock County Chancery, Youth, Justice, and Municipal Courts have varying jurisdictions over some civil and criminal cases. The list below outlines the contact information for the various Hancock County courts:

Hancock County Circuit Court
Hancock County Courthouse
152 Main Street
Suite B
Bay Saint Louis
MS 39520
Phone: (228) 467-5265
Fax: (228) 467-2779

Hancock County Chancery Court
Hancock County Courthouse
152 Main Street
Suite A,
Bay Saint Louis
MS 39520
Phone: (228) 467-5406
Fax: (228) 467-3159

Hancock County Youth Court
856 Highway 90
Suite B
Bay St. Louis
MS 39520
Phone: (228) 467-7945

Hancock County Justice Court
8450 Highway 90
Bay St. Louis
MS 39520
Phone: (228) 467-5575
Fax: (228) 255-5851

Hancock County Municipal Courts

Bay St. Louis Municipal Court
Conference Center
598 Main Street
Bay St. Louis
MS 39520
Phone: (228) 467-9068

Diamondhead Municipal Court
City Hall
5000 Diamondhead Circle Diamondhead
MS 39525
Phone: (228) 222-4626
Fax: (228) 222-4390

Waveland Municipal Court

Waveland Police Department
1602 McLaurin Street
Waveland,
MS 39576
Phone: (228) 467-3669

Hancock County Criminal and Civil Records

Hancock County criminal records are case files on criminal trials within the various Hancock County courts. On the other hand, civil records are case files on non-criminal/civil legal matters. Hancock County civil court records include documents on cases relating to property and real estate disputes, small claims, family law, contract and business disputes, probate, and personal injury claims.

Although court records are public in Hancock County, there are restrictions on some Hancock County court records due to privacy and confidentiality laws. Individuals seeking access to Hancock County criminal and civil court records should:

• Contact the Hancock County Sheriff's Office and request access to Hancock County arrest records and other crime-related documents at:

8450 U.S. Highway 90,
Bay St. Louis
MS 39520
Phone: (228) 466-6900
Email: so2@co.hancock.ms.us

• Visit the Hancock County court responsible for the specific case and request access to the case files
• Download Public Records Request Forms from the Hancock County Administrator's webpage
• Complete the request form
• Enclose a check/money order to cover all applicable fees
• Submit the requests by mail or email to:

The Hancock County Administrator 854 Highway 90,
Suite A,
Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
Email: taxjladner@co.hancock.ms.us

Hancock County Marriage Records

The state of Mississippi considers marriage records public documents. However, for privacy reasons, public access to recent Hancock County marriage records may be restricted.

Individuals seeking access to Hancock County marriage certificates should contact the Hancock County Circuit Clerk's Office. Also, record seekers may order copies of Hancock County marriage certificates through the Mississippi State Department of Health Marriage Records Page.

Hancock County Divorce Records

Although divorce records are public in Hancock County, custodian agencies may redact some information for privacy reasons. Information relating to financial accounts, alimony, child custody and support, and Social Security is not publicly accessible. Only the parties involved and their legal representatives can access this information.

Hancock County divorce records are accessible through the Hancock County Chancery Clerk's Office. Interested persons should call, mail, or visit the Chancery Clerk's Office and make official requests to access divorce records.

Hancock Birth Records

Hancock County birth records are part of Hancock County vital records. Per Mississippi law, access to Hancock County birth records is limited due to privacy and confidentiality laws. Consequently, only the individuals named on the record (if they are 18 years or older), immediate family members, and authorized persons can access Hancock County birth certificates.

In Mississippi and the rest of its counties, birth records are proof of identity, age, and citizenship. They are also valuable tools for genealogical and demographic research.

Eligible individuals seeking access to Hancock County birth records should order Hancock County birth certificates through the Mississippi State Department of Health Birth Certificates Page.

Hancock Death Records

In Hancock County, death records are confidential documents. Per Mississippi law, they are accessible to the immediate family members of the deceased, legal representatives, and authorized persons. Nevertheless, the public may access Hancock County death records 50 years after their owners' deaths. Death records play crucial roles in settling estate and inheritance; they also provide data for medical and public health research.

Interested individuals seeking information about deaths within Hancock County should order copies of Hancock County death certificates through the Mississippi State Health Department Death Certificates Page.

Hancock County Probate Court Records

Hancock County probate records refer to case files relating to deceased persons' estates. Generally, probate court records contain documents on:

• Guardianships
• Trust Administration
• Probate of Wills
• Escheat Partitions
• Conservatorships
• Estate Administration
• Intestate Successions.

Individuals seeking access to Hancock County probate court records should call, visit, or send a mail request to the Hancock County Chancery Clerk’s Office. Also, older Hancock County probate court records may be accessible through the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH); interested individuals should call, mail, visit, or send email requests to the MDAH at:

200 North Street,
Jackson,
MS 39201
P.O. Box 571
Jackson
MS 39205-0571
Phone: (601) 576-6850
Email: Info@mdah.ms.gov.

Hancock County Property Records

Hancock County property records are official documents concerning real estate ownership and transactions. These records contain property-related documents such as deeds, mortgages, parcel numbers, liens and encumbrances, property tax, building permits, zoning and land use information, property transfer, plat maps, and surveys.

Hancock County property tax records are accessible through the Hancock County Tax Assessor’s Office. Also, the Hancock County Chancery Clerk’s Office maintains documents on Property ownership and transactions within Hancock County. Members of the public seeking access to Hancock County property records should call, visit, or send mail requests to the Hancock County Chancery Clerk's Office. Also, Hancock County property records may be accessible through property-related third-party websites.

Hancock County Court Records Online

Third-party online resources such as mississippicourtrecords.us are convenient for accessing Hancock County court records. These websites gather documents from various sources and make them available to interested persons. The public may access Hancock County public records without visiting the courthouses. Although third-party online databases may provide fast, convenient, and cost-effective access to Hancock County public records, users should note that sourcing official documents from non-government agencies may result in incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate information.