Union County Court Records

Union County court records comprise documents and details related to cases and actions conducted within the county's judicial system. The county court clerk compiles and preserves these records and ensures they are accessible to the public.

Court documents usually consist of dockets, transcripts, petitions, evidence, investigative materials, court decisions, and other paperwork related to a case or associated activities. They are typically housed in various formats, printed and digital, and can be accessed through multiple channels.

Are Court Records Public in Union County?

Yes, "Public records shall be made available for inspection by any person unless otherwise stipulated by law". (Public Records Act of 1983). Court records fall within public records, allowing individuals to review or request access. However, various statutes, regulations, and court orders may restrict this access in specific cases. Moreover, this law does not encompass all or every aspect of certain records.

Restrictions apply to records categorized as sensitive, including:

• Personal information, law enforcement details, certain family and probate records, and specific data on various entities
• Contact information for government personnel
• Records that have been expunged, sealed, or deemed confidential by other legal provisions or court orders

These exceptions are detailed in § 25-61-11 through § 25-61-12. However, these exemptions apply primarily to the general public; as authorized by law, specific individuals may still gain access to this information.

Union County Court Records Search

Several avenues are available for those looking to access a Union court record:

• Inquiries through the Office of the Clerk: As the official keeper of court records, the public can reach out directly to the clerk to request information regarding a case record, either by mail or in person.
• Online tools offered by the court: The court's website features various resources for public use.
• Third-party aggregation websites: These private platforms can also provide access to court records.

Union County Courts

Union boasts six distinct courts. While they are all situated in the same place, each court varies in type and authority. The courts in Union are the circuit court, chancery court, youth court, justice court, and municipal court, with the circuit court holding the broadest jurisdiction:

Circuit Court
Union County Courthouse
109 East Main Street
P.O. Box 298
New Albany, MS 38652
Phone: (662) 534-1910
Fax: (662) 534-2059

Chancery Court
Union County Chancery Building
109 East Main Street
P.O. Box 847
New Albany, MS 38652
Phone: (662) 534-1900
Fax: (662) 534-1907

Youth Court
Union County Chancery Building
109 E Main Street
P.O. Box 847
New Albany, MS 38652
Phone: (662) 534-1900
Fax: (662) 534-1907

Justice Court
Union County Justice Court
300 Carter Avenue
P.O. Box 27
New Albany, MS 38652
Phone: (662) 534-1951
Fax: (662) 534-1935

Municipal Court
Myrtle Municipal Court
P.O. Box 127
Myrtle, MS 38650
Phone: (662) 988-2220
Fax: (662) 988-2210

New Albany Municipal Court
P.O. Box 152
New Albany, MS 38652
Phone: (662) 534-1035
Fax: (662) 534-1037

Union County Criminal and Civil Records

Union civil documentation encompasses records related to property damage, personal injury, disputes between parties, civil rights infringements, and breaches of contract. Typically, these matters result in monetary compensation or damages for resolution. The records are retained by the court clerk responsible for overseeing them. Anyone has the right to access civil records as long as they are available for inspection or duplication. Individuals seeking access can either navigate the clerk's website for retrieval instructions or directly reach out to the office or courthouse.

In contrast to civil documentation, Union County criminal records pertain to non-civil matters. Consequently, any court records that do not fall within the civil category are deemed criminal. This covers both misdemeanors and felonies. Union criminal records include Union County arrest records and court proceedings. Union arrest records alone do not constitute criminal records. Some criminal records are classified as Union County public records. One can retrieve a sorted record from either the judicial or law enforcement agencies.

Records from Law Enforcement

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety serves as the primary database for the state's criminal records, including those from Union. The process of retrieving criminal records from this department is referred to as a background check. Background checks can be conducted via a name search or a fingerprint search. While criminal records are generally accessible, detailed reports are restricted to the individual to whom the records pertain. The cost to request these records is $32.

Records from the Judiciary

The availability of specific Union criminal records to the public can vary. Like other court records, these can be accessed by members of the public as dictated by their accessibility status. The court provides these records through various channels. Individuals can undertake a name search or utilize a case number search, with the latter yielding the precise record sought. While viewing these records is free of charge, obtaining copies entails a fee.

Union County Marriage Records

The open records statute in Mississippi excludes vital records, which consequently limits access to them. For example, Union marriage certificates are restricted to individuals granted legal permission. These marriage records, including Union County marriage records, have been maintained by the Mississippi Health Department since January 1926.

Individuals holding a legal interest in a marriage record can submit a request via mail or visit the department in person. To do so, applicants must provide a photo identification, a completed request form, and the necessary payment. For mail requests, payments should be made through a money order or a check, while in-person requests can use cash or a credit/debit card.

The typical processing period is between seven to ten days:

Mailing address:
MSDH Vital Statistics Bureau
P.O. Box 1700
Jackson, MS 39215

Individuals can also apply for a Union County marriage certificate online, however, this can only be done through a private contractor who provides this service for a fee.

For Union County marriage certificates or records dated before 1926, residents are advised to reach out to the clerk of the circuit court in the county.

Union County Divorce Records

The Mississippi Department of Health does not keep divorce records; however, it can assist in identifying the county where a specific divorce occurred. This is particularly helpful for individuals who are unsure of the divorce's location. The department offers a comprehensive search covering five years for a fee of $17.

To acquire a divorce certificate, the requester must contact the Office of the Chancery Clerk. By paying the necessary fee and presenting a valid government-issued photo ID, one can obtain the divorce certificate. For mail requests, it is essential to include a self-addressed envelope.

Please note that Union divorce records are considered confidential.

Union County Birth Records

Union County birth records, along with other Union County vital records, are treated as confidential according to Miss. Code Ann. §41-57-2, as reaffirmed in MDH Rule 2.1.1. For a fee of $17, individuals can obtain a Union County birth certificate, with additional copies available for $6 each.

Generally, when applying for licenses or similar documents, applicants are required to provide proof of age (birth certificate), among other requirements. The Mississippi Department of Health has birth records dating back to November 1912. The process for retrieving Union County birth records, whether online, by mail, or in person, is similar to other vital records. However, unlike the longer processing times for marriage certificates, individuals can receive their birth certificate on the same day if they apply in person.

Union County Death Records

A death record serves as a valuable source of information about the deceased and can also function as a document to verify an individual's passing.

Union County death records fall under the category of vital records and are governed by the applicable laws on such documents. However, this legislation specifically affects members of the public who lack legal standing to access these records.

Individuals who qualify to request a death record can proceed by contacting the health department, the process is that of retrieving other Union vital records. Applicants have the flexibility to select the method that is most convenient for obtaining the record.

Union County Probate Court Records

Probate hearings are conducted by the Chancery Court in the county and typically involve family-related matters, although not limited to it. These files contain details of the cases presented, making them invaluable resources for those with a direct interest in the proceedings.

The clerk of the court is responsible for maintaining these records, and any member of the public can request them if they are classified as open records. Conversely, records that are not open can only be accessed by parties involved in the case or individuals granted permission by the court.

Search options, whether through the case management system of the court, via mail, or onsite, include, but are not limited to:

• Name search
• Case number search
• Date of filing search

Providing more specific criteria will enhance the efficiency of the search.

Union County Property Records

The Chancery Clerk provides indexes of land records along with various property records. Residents can obtain Union property records through the following methods:

Mail Requests: Those who prefer to request property records by mail need only provide identifiable details and include the appropriate fee. Requests should be sent to the following address:

Chancery Clerk
P.O. Box 847
New Albany, MS 38652

In-Person Requests: For those who favor a more hands-on approach, visiting the office in person is a great option. Property records can be requested at the following location:

109 East Main Street
New Albany, MS 38652
Phone: (662) 534-1900
Fax: (662) 534-1907

Online Access: Additionally, property documents can be accessed through the clerk's database. However, individuals wishing to use this option must first register to gain access to the database.

Union County Court Records Online

Third-party websites present a valuable alternative to government-provided resources for individuals seeking remote access to case records. Users can retrieve the necessary details with just an internet connection and some basic information, such as a case number or name. Mississippicourtrecords.us is one of several unofficial sites that offer this service.

One key benefit of utilizing third-party sites is the convenience of accessing case records from home, along with a wide range of comprehensive information. However, while users can perform a limited search at no charge, more extensive details typically require a fee.