Ohio public documents and other important records may be obtained from http://www.odh.ohio.gov/vitalstatistics/vitalstats.aspx. The website highlights guidelines on how to obtain information such as birth or death records, as well as marriage or divorce records. Also, contact information is listed on the main section of the webpage, providing ease of access to public records in the shortest span of time possible. In addition to the contact information, a list of frequently asked questions in PDF format can be downloaded from the site. The following links are just some of the number of services featured online:
1. Marriage/Divorce Records
The link offers more guidelines and information on obtaining marriage and divorce records. However, the website also highlights that the Office of Vital Statistics are not in the position to issue divorce decrees or marriage licenses, the issuance of which is handled by the County Probate Court for marriage licenses, and the County Clerk Court for divorce decrees. Nevertheless, the website provides contact information that you can use to mail your requests.
2. Links from A-Z
This link provides detailed information from the Office of Vital Statistics. From adolescent health to chemical exposure to family planning to labor statistics, all information can come in very handy for you.
3. Legal Changes
Specific guidelines and contact information are listed on this webpage. For example, requesting a court-ordered change of name can be discussed with an official staff through the contact number provided on the main section of the website.
Other essential links related to adoption, correction of certificates, and even funeral directories can be obtained from the webpage as well.
Perhaps the most useful tool that the website features is the complete list of contact information on the bureaus and departments of Ohio. From the main addresses to phone numbers, it's all listed in a well-organized fashion. Some of the departments listed are the following:
1. Department of Agriculture
2. Court Claims
3. Education
4. Natural Resources
5. State Library of Ohio
Other non-government online sites that offer public records services include: http://ohio-publicrecords.org
Unlike most government-managed websites, requesting for information from non-government websites may entail minimal expenses. However, the recording, management, storage, and disposal of public records are always regulated by the laws and bylaws of the state of Ohio.
To lookup Ohio public records information, contact:
Ohio Office of the Attorney GeneralThe state Attorney General's office is a key element to any Ohio public records search that will be performed successfully. This is because of what they pleasantly refer to as the Sunshine Laws, which entitle everyone to open access to private matters of citizens as they interact with the government. It carefully balances people's private information with what should be available to all.
Public offices are required to prepare all public records in Ohio and to have them available for viewing within a reasonable period of time and during regular business hours according to the Ohio Public Records Law. The same offices are responsible for making copies available at the cost of making such copies and for providing those copies by mail when and if such is requested.
Ohio public records must be provided in duplicated form either on paper or on the same medium in which the record is kept. The choice of medium is at the discretion of the individual requester and must be fulfilled in a timely manner and at a reasonable cost.
For the purposes of the Ohio Public Records Law, the definition of 'public records' is: "any record that is kept by any public office, including, but not limited to, state, county, city, village, township, and school district units and any record pertaining to the delivery of educational services by an alternative school in Ohio kept by a nonprofit or for-profit entity operating the school."
Public Records
Court Records
Criminal Records
Birth Records
Death Records
Marriage Records
Divorce Records
Genealogy Records