Lincoln County Court Records

Lincoln County court records encompass a variety of documents filed, recorded, and maintained by the county’s judicial entities. These records commonly include pleadings, motions, briefs, trial transcripts, exhibits, evidentiary materials, subpoenas, court orders, and judgments. Such documents serve as an authoritative chronicle of the county’s legal proceedings and contribute to the transparency and accountability of the judicial process. In addition to supporting public trust, court records can be invaluable during appeals and other future legal actions.

Are Court Records Public in Lincoln County?

Yes. Most Lincoln County court records are subject to the Mississippi Public Records Act (MPRA), codified under Mississippi Code § 25-61-1 et seq., which grants the public the right to inspect, copy, or obtain government records unless expressly exempted by law. As part of Lincoln County public records, court documents are generally accessible to any interested party.

However, certain categories of information are protected and not released to the general public, including (but not limited to):

• Juvenile court proceedings and records (§ 43-21-261, Mississippi Code)
• Adoption records, which are sealed (§ 93-17-25, Mississippi Code)
• Confidential medical and psychological records
• Privileged attorney-client communications
• Sensitive personal identifying details (e.g., Social Security numbers) that may be redacted pursuant to court rules and privacy statutes

Lincoln County Court Records Search

Individuals interested in locating Lincoln County court records have several options:

1. The Clerk of the Court where the case originated: Each court maintains records of its proceedings.
2. The Appropriate Court’s Clerk’s Office: The Circuit or Chancery Clerk’s Office can assist with searches and certified copies.
3. Reputable Third-Party Services: Certain commercial entities provide search portals. However, these are not official county or state websites and may have incomplete or outdated information.

Lincoln County Courts

Lincoln County’s trial courts include the Circuit Court, Chancery Court, Justice Court, and Municipal Court(s). Notably, Lincoln County does not have a County Court. In counties without a County Court, Youth Court jurisdiction often falls under the authority of the Chancery Court.

• Lincoln County Circuit Court (14th Judicial District)
  The Circuit Court hears felony criminal cases, civil actions involving substantial monetary disputes, and appeals from lower courts.
  Address:
  Lincoln County Circuit Clerk’s Office
  225 North First Street, Room 101
  Brookhaven, MS 39601
  Phone: (601) 835-3435
  Fax: (601) 823-5784
• Lincoln County Chancery Court (15th Chancery District)
  Chancery Court handles matters such as equity cases, divorces, child custody, wills and estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and juvenile matters in the absence of a county court.
  Address:
  Lincoln County Chancery Clerk’s Office
  301 South First Street, Room 205
  Brookhaven, MS 39601
  Phone: (601) 835-3425
  Fax: (601) 835-3427
• Lincoln County Justice Court
  Justice Court has jurisdiction over small claims (up to $3,500), misdemeanor criminal offenses, traffic violations occurring outside municipal jurisdictions, and some preliminary hearings.
  Address:
  Lincoln County Justice Court
  300 South 2nd Street, Room 101
  Brookhaven, MS 39601
  Phone: (601) 835-3412
  Fax: (601) 823-3804
• Lincoln County Municipal Court (Brookhaven)
  Municipal Courts handle violations of city ordinances, misdemeanor offenses, and traffic tickets within the city limits.
  Address:
  Brookhaven Municipal Court
  301 South First Street
  Brookhaven, MS 39601
  Phone: (601) 833-7766

Lincoln County Criminal and Civil Records

Lincoln County criminal records detail an individual’s encounters with the local criminal justice system, including arrests, charges, indictments, trial outcomes, and convictions. These records are generated and maintained by law enforcement agencies and the courts.

• Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office:
  For arrest records, inmate information, and warrant inquiries:
  215 Justice Street
  Brookhaven, MS 39601
  Phone: (601) 833-5231

At the state level, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) conducts name-based criminal background checks. Pursuant to state guidelines, a fee (currently $32.00) applies, and responses may take up to 30 days. For more details, contact the DPS at (601) 933-2600.

Obtaining Lincoln County Civil Court Records
Civil court cases in Lincoln County are generally heard in Circuit Court for significant claims and in Justice Court for small claims of $3,500 or less. To obtain these records, contact the Clerk’s Office of the specific court:

• For Circuit Court cases:
  Lincoln County Circuit Clerk’s Office
• For Small Claims (Justice Court) cases:
  Lincoln County Justice Court

Provide as much detail as possible (e.g., case number, party names, and filing dates) to facilitate an efficient record search.

Lincoln County Marriage Records

Marriage records in Lincoln County are filed with the Circuit Clerk’s Office where the marriage license was issued. To obtain a certified copy, visit or contact:

• Lincoln County Circuit Clerk’s Office
  225 North First Street, Room 101
  Brookhaven, MS 39601
  Phone: (601) 835-3435

Additionally, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) maintains marriage records from January 1, 1926, to June 30, 1938, and from January 1, 1942, onward. You can request these records in person, by mail, or online. Contact MSDH Vital Records at (601) 206-8200 or visit the MSDH website for application forms and fee information.

Lincoln County Divorce Records

Divorce cases are handled by the Chancery Court. Interested persons seeking divorce records should direct their request to the Chancery Clerk’s Office. Provide identifying details (such as the parties’ names and the approximate divorce date) and be prepared to pay any applicable fees.

• Lincoln County Chancery Clerk’s Office
  301 South First Street, Room 205
  Brookhaven, MS 39601
  Phone: (601) 835-3425

For index searches of divorces filed statewide (within the eligible time frames), MSDH’s Vital Records office offers a five-year search option. However, certified copies of divorce decrees must be obtained from the Chancery Clerk’s Office of the county where the divorce occurred.

Lincoln County Birth and Death Records

Birth and death records are not maintained at the county level in Mississippi. Instead, the MSDH Vital Records Division is the official repository for these documents. Mississippi Code §§ 41-57-1 et seq. govern the issuance of birth and death certificates. Certified copies of these vital records are only released to eligible applicants, including the registrant (if of legal age), immediate family members, legal guardians, authorized representatives, and those with a court order.

• MSDH Vital Records Division
  P.O. Box 1700
  Jackson, MS 39215-1700
  Phone: (601) 206-8200

Required documentation typically includes a government-issued photo ID and payment of the prescribed fees ($17 for the first certified copy and $6 for each additional copy). Applications can be submitted by mail or in person at the Vital Records office in Ridgeland, Mississippi.

Lincoln County Probate Court Records

Probate matters, including wills, estates, guardianships, and conservatorships, are under the jurisdiction of the Chancery Court. Those seeking probate records should contact the Lincoln County Chancery Clerk for assistance. Provide as much case detail as possible to expedite the search process.

Lincoln County Property Records

Property records, such as deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats, are maintained by the Chancery Clerk’s Office. These documents provide information about property ownership, transactions, encumbrances, and tax assessments.

• Lincoln County Chancery Clerk’s Office
  301 South First Street, Room 205
  Brookhaven, MS 39601
  Phone: (601) 835-3425

Lincoln County Court Records Online

At present, official Lincoln County offices do not provide a comprehensive online portal for court record searches. While some third-party websites like Misssissippicourtrecords.us offer access to Lincoln County court records or case information, these sources are not affiliated with the county or the state judiciary and may present incomplete or inaccurate data.