Searching public records can feel like finding a needle in a haystack, especially if you're not sure where to look. Ohio offers a ton of public information across its courts, recorder offices, auditor sites, and more. But many people still get tripped up by common mistakes. Let's walk through the top five errors people make when trying to access public records in Cuyahoga County and across Ohio.
1. Only Checking One Source One of the biggest mistakes is thinking everything is in one place. Court cases, property records, tax liens, marriage licenses, they are all held by different offices. For example, a civil lawsuit might be found in the county Common Pleas Court docket, while a property deed is housed with the Recorder's Office. Always check multiple departments if you are doing a thorough search.
2. Using Outdated or Third-Party Sites Google might pull up a bunch of record lookup websites, but many of them are outdated or incomplete. Some even charge for information that is free if you go to the official source. Always start with the county or court's official website. In Cuyahoga County, for instance, the Probate Court, Common Pleas Court, and Clerk of Courts each have their own search portals.
3. Forgetting About Municipal Courts If you are looking for traffic tickets, small claims lawsuits, or misdemeanor criminal records, those are usually handled by municipal courts, not the county Common Pleas Court. A lot of people waste time searching the wrong court. If you are looking up a record in cities like Cleveland, Lakewood, or Parma, be sure to check their municipal court systems directly.
4. Assuming Older Records Are Online Not everything has been digitized. Many counties in Ohio only have online records going back 20 to 25 years. If you are looking for a case from the 1980s or earlier, you may need to visit the courthouse in person or make a special records request. Do not assume the absence of online information means the record does not exist.
5. Misspelling Names or Search Terms It sounds simple, but even a tiny typo can mean you miss the record you are looking for. Courts and government offices usually index their databases exactly as the information was filed. Try different name variations, double-check spellings, and be flexible. For example, Smith-Jones might be listed as Smith Jones without the hyphen.
If you are serious about digging into public records across Cuyahoga County or greater Northeast Ohio, it pays to know the system. A little patience and the right strategy can save you a lot of time and frustration.
Need help finding a specific type of record? Visit ClevelandLawLinks.com for helpful resources and links to official county record sites.
