General Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQ's
- Where is the Clerk of Courts office located?
- My credit report says I have a lien. What does this mean?
- Where can I get a copy of my divorce decree?
- Where can I get a copy of my marriage license?
- How do I obtain a copy of my birth certificate?
- When do I have to be in court?
- Are the Local Rules online?
- Did I record my DD214 with you?
- How much does it cost to file a new Civil case, Divorce, Change of Custody, etc?
- Do you keep a list of foreclosures in your office?
- My notary expired; do I have to take the test again?
- I work in one county and live in another county. In which county do I apply for my notary commission?
- Can you tell me how to file for my divorce without an attorney?
- Can you look-up records on your computer that are filed in other counties and states?
- What are your office hours?
1. Where is the Clerk of Courts office located?
The Clerk of Courts Office is located in the Erie County Courthouse. If you are unsure which office you need please view our phone directory by Services Provided.
2. My credit report says I have a lien. What does this mean?
A lien is a legal claim for the satisfaction of some debt or duty, a right in one to control or hold and retain the property of another until some claim of the former is satisfied.
If it is a Judgment Lien or a State Tax Lien it is in our office. You need to bring in the Lien Release and the release fee (which we can tell you if you have the Lien number). Federal Tax Liens & Mechanics Liens are at the Recorders office.
3. Where can I get a copy of my divorce decree?
If you were divorced in Erie County you can get a copy in our office. The cost is 25 cents per page and $1.00 to certify the document. Have your Case number ready when requesting copies.
4. Where can I get a copy of my marriage license?
All Marriages are recorded in Probate Court (419-627-7750). Probate Court is located on the second floor of the Erie County Courthouse, 323 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, Ohio 44870.
5. How do I obtain a copy of my birth certificate?
Birth and Death Records before 20 DEC 1908 are in Probate Court (419-627-7705); those after 20 DEC 1908 are at the Erie County Health Department, Bureau of Vital Statistics (419-626-5623).
6. When do I have to be in court?
This information can be obtained by calling the court you are scheduled to attend. Numbers are as follows:
Sandusky Municipal Court
419-627-5917
Erie County Common Pleas
419-627-7731
Erie County Family Court/Domestic Relations
419-627-7782
Probate Court
419-627-7750
Erie County Court
419-499-4689
7. Are the Local Rules online?
At this time, they are not available online. However, you can obtain a copy by sending a check for $15.00 made payable to the Clerk of Courts, 323 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870 and tell us if you want the Civil or Domestic Rules. It will then be mailed to you.
8. Did I record my DD214 with you?
Military Discharge papers are recorded in the Recorders Office.
9. How much does it cost to file a new Civil case; Divorce, Change of Custody, etc.?
All court costs can be viewed on our Schedule of Fees web page.
10. Do you keep a list of foreclosures in your office?
We do not maintain a list of foreclosures; you may visit the Civil Division of the Erie County Jail and ask for the "media room". There you will find a list of upcoming Sheriff Sales, which will be more beneficial to you than just looking for foreclosures that have been filed. The listing of Sheriff Sales are also available online.
11. My notary expired; do I have to take the test again?
No, you will need to fill out an application and on the opposite side, on the bottom half, have it notarized and brought back to the Clerk's Office to be submitted to the Judge for signature. After the Judge signs the application, send it to Columbus along with $15.00. Once you receive your Notary Commission back from the state, it needs to be filed with the Clerk's Office. If your signature is notarized before bringing in to file, the fee is $5.00. If your signature is not notarized, it will be $6.00. Applications can also be obtained online.
12. I work in one county and live in another county. In which county do I apply for my notary commission?
You apply in the county you live in.
13. Can you tell me how to file for my divorce without an attorney?
We are not attorneys; therefore we cannot advise you or tell you how to prepare your paperwork for filing. We do have Domestic Rules available in our office for $15.00; there are some forms in the back of the rules.
14. Can you look-up records on your computer that are filed in other counties and states?
No, we do not keep national records, only records filed in our court. However, this information may be available for public access at other Clerk of Courts websites.
15. What are your office hours?
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday thru Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday
