Lancaster County Court Records

Lancaster County court records refer to documents detailing legal actions and court trials within the county. These records are maintained in many forms, including audio, video, photocopies, photos, computer files, written papers, and typed documents. Nebraska law mandates the judiciary to keep these records and grant access to the general public and other government agencies.

The courts in Lancaster County generate these records in the form of rulings, motions, pleas, dispositions, exhibits, judgments, and other court documents. Even if these records are generated and maintained locally, they are still part of Nebraska's court records.

Are Court Records Public in Lancaster County?

Yes, court records are classified as public records in Lancaster County and all of Nebraska. Under the Nebraska Public Records Law, government agencies and the general public may request and access these records from their custodians.

While court records are generally considered public by law, some specific information within them may be classified and exempt from public disclosure. Examples of these types of records include the following.

• Records that fall under any type of privilege, such as attorney-client privilege or medical records under doctor-patient privilege
• Records made confidential by any federal or state statutes
• Personal identifying information or the identity of victims of sex trafficking or sexual assault
• Financial information such as bank account numbers, Social Security Numbers; credit card, charge card, or debit card numbers, and expiration dates provided to state or local government agencies
• Records which have been sealed or expunged

Although these records are restricted from public view, they may still be accessible, with all exempt parts removed or redacted. Law enforcement and some other agencies may also be able to obtain the full record.

Lancaster County Court Records Search

There are several options available for anyone seeking Lancaster County court records. Record seekers may try any of the following methods to perform a Lancaster County court record search.

• Contact the Lancaster County District Court or County Court where the case was heard.
• Submit written requests or request forms to the district court clerks or county court.
• Access court records online using the Nebraska Judicial Branch court case search system called JUSTICE.

Lancaster County Court Records Search by Name

A name-based search for Lancaster County court records may be done in several ways. Record seekers will generally have to submit record requests to the custodians of these records.

Records from the Lancaster County District Court may be obtained by contacting the District Court at:

Justice and Law Enforcement Center
575 S 10th Street, 3rd Floor
Lincoln, NE 68508
Phone: (402) 441-7328 (Clerk's Office)

Requesters may also fill out the online District Court Clerk Records Request form. Creating an Account on the Lancaster County website may make it easier for users to fill out and submit the form online. Names of plaintiffs or defendants may be used as search criteria while filling out the form. Requesters will be contacted within two days of receiving the request with the cost of copies and to arrange payment.

Paper copies from the district court clerk cost $0.25 per page, and certification of the record will cost an additional $1. Additional postage fees for returning the records may apply. Users may also request a printable copy of the form by supplying a working email address.

Requesters may contact the particular division in charge of obtaining court case records from the Lancaster County Court. Each division may answer questions about records availability or direct record seekers to the appropriate custodians. Record seekers must be read to provide details for the case search, such as the names of plaintiffs and defendants.

Name-based record requests may also be processed online via JUSTICE, the Nebraska Judicial Branch’s online court case search system. The database provides users with access to criminal, civil, juvenile, probate, and other cases heard in the county and district courts. Users may need to create an account or register on the database to use its resources to search for court records online. Searches using the JUSTICE database cost $15 per search. After the search is complete, the results will be available to the requester for three days. Users will still be charged if the search turns up no results.

Lancaster County Courts

Nebraska’s court system has a few tiers, each made up of different courts that handle different cases. The District Court has jurisdiction over most criminal cases and handles large-claim civil and family court cases. The Lancaster County Court handles lesser civil and criminal cases but, in most cases, maintains exclusive jurisdiction over probate matters. Listed below are all courts serving the Lancaster County Judiciary.

Lancaster County District Court
Justice and Law Enforcement Center
575 South 10th Street, 3rd Floor,
Lincoln, NE 68508
Phone: (402) 441-7328
Fax: (402) 441-6190

County Court of Lancaster County
Justice and Law Enforcement Center
575 South 10th Street, 2nd Floor,
Lincoln, NE 68508
Main Office Phone: (402) 441-7291
Phone: (402) 441-7271 (Civil/Small Claims)
Fax: (402) 441-6055 (Civil/Small Claims)
Phone: (402) 441-8959 (Criminal/Traffic)
Fax: (402) 441-6056 (Criminal/Traffic)
Phone: (402) 441-7443 (Probate)
Fax: (402) 441-6055 (Probate)

Juvenile Courts in Lancaster County
Lancaster County Juvenile Court
Justice and Law Enforcement Center - Juvenile Court
575 South 10th Street, Room 413,
Lincoln, NE 68508
Phone: (402) 441-6928
Fax: (402) 441-6930

Lancaster County District Court Records

In Lancaster County, the District Court and County Court act as the main trial courts and handle most cases within their jurisdiction. The following are the types of cases heard by these courts in Lancaster.

• Criminal
• Civil
• Probate
• Domestic Relations
• Probate

Lancaster County Criminal Records

Lancaster County arrest records or Records of Arrests and Prosecutions(RAP sheets) may be obtained from the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office or the Nebraska State Patrol. Record seekers may request local criminal record checks at the county or city level for Lancaster from the county sheriff’s office.

Requests may be made by submitting a Criminal History Request Form in person or by mail to:

Lancaster County Sheriff's Office
Hall of Justice
575 S 10th Street
Lincoln, NE, 68508

Lancaster County criminal record checks from the sheriff’s office cost a non-refundable fee of $10. Payment may be made by including a check during mailed requests, while cash and credit cards are acceptable during in-person requests. Checks should be made payable to the Lancaster County Sheriff.

The Nebraska State Patrol is the central repository for Nebraska criminal history records. As part of its duties, the patrol offers two types of criminal history checks: name-based criminal history checks and fingerprint-based nationwide background checks.

Name-based Criminal History Checks are the most accessible type of criminal history check the state patrol offers and only cover the state of Nebraska. Anyone may request this type of check on any other person if they go through the process and pay the required fees. These criminal record checks may be requested in person or by mail.

Requesters must fill out and submit the Criminal History Record Request form. The completed form should be submitted with the required fees in person to any Nebraska State Troop Area Office or by mail to:

Nebraska State Patrol
Criminal Identification Division
P.O. Box 94907
Lincoln, NE 68509-4907

A name-based criminal history check costs a non-refundable fee of $15.50. Payment may be made through a cashier's check, personal check, or money order payable to the Nebraska State Patrol. Cash is only accepted during an in-person request.

Name-based reports may also be obtained online using the Nebraska State Patrol Online Criminal History Report database. Record seekers may obtain reports online as long as the individual was fingerprinted and processed when arrested. The check costs a non-refundable charge of $15.50, payable online via a credit or debit (Visa, American Express, Mastercard, or Discover) during the request.

Fingerprint-based checks are more restricted and expensive and are only available when required by state or federal law. The information in the report is based on the subject's fingerprints gathered from state and national criminal databases.

Note: Public access to Lancaster County Arrest records may vary depending on local laws.

Lancaster County Criminal Court Case Lookup

Lancaster County Criminal cases may be looked up by contacting either the Lancaster County District Court or the County Court. Requests for criminal case records from the District Court may be made by completing and submitting the online record request.

Record seekers may also request a copy of the form by email, complete it, and send it to the District Court at:

Lancaster County District Court
Justice and Law Enforcement Center
575 South 10th Street, 3rd Floor,
Lincoln, NE 68508

It is advisable to contact the district court clerk with any questions before making a request by calling (402) 441-7328. Record seekers may also inquire about obtaining criminal court case records from the County Court by calling the criminal division at (402) 441-8959.

Lancaster County criminal court records may also be looked up online using the Nebraska Judiciary Court Case Search System, JUSTICE.

Get Lancaster County Civil Court Records

Lancaster County civil court records are records of cases involving mostly disputes between private entities or individuals. Rulings, motions, judgments, settlements, and dispositions are examples of civil court records generated by these proceedings. These records may be obtained from their custodians at the Lancaster County district court and county court where these cases were heard.

Civil court records from the Lancaster County Court may be obtained by contacting the Civil Court Division. Record seekers may obtain information about the availability of civil case records and the requesting process by calling the division at (402) 441-7571.

Civil case records from the county district court may be obtained by filling out and submitting the online record request form found on the clerk of the district court website. Record seekers may also send themselves a copy of the form by email, which may be used for mailed requests. Requesters will receive a reply within two business days. If they request paper copies, they will receive a message with the cost of the records and payment arrangements. Paper copies cost $0.25 per page, while certification costs $1.

The JUSTICE court case search system maintained by the Nebraska Judiciary gives access to civil court cases from both district and county courts.

Lancaster County Family Court Records

Lancaster County family court records are cases involving domestic issues such as divorce, adoption, child support, paternity, parental rights, visitation, and other such matters. The Lancaster County Court and District Court both hear family court and domestic cases in the county.

Family court records may be obtained from the district court clerk’s office by visiting in person or mailing a written request to:

Lancaster County District Court
Justice and Law Enforcement Center
575 South 10th Street, 3rd Floor,
Lincoln, NE 68508

Requesters will be required to give enough details for staff at the clerk’s office to identify the record. These details include the names of the parties involved, the case number, the case type, and the case year. Some record requests may also require a valid government-issued ID. There will usually be a fee for any paper copies required and include a self-addressed and stamped envelope for the return of the records.

Family court records from the Lancaster County court may also be obtained from the county and district courts using the JUSTICE court online case search system. Searches are mainly name-based, and other criteria may be required to narrow the search. Using the service costs a non-refundable fee of $15 per search.

Lancaster County Marriage and Divorce Records

Lancaster County marriage and divorce records are maintained by the Lancaster County Clerk and the Clerk of the District Court, respectively. The county Clerk’s Office maintains marriage records from mid-June 1976 to date. Interested parties may request these records by contacting these agencies. On the state level, these records may be obtained from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

A certified copy of a Lancaster County marriage record may be obtained by submitting a filled-out Marriage Record Request Form to the County Clerk’s office. To locate a marriage record, requesters will need to provide both names of the married couple, including maiden names, the date of the marriage, a copy of the requester's valid/unexpired government-issued photo ID (state ID, driver’s license, or passport), and the required fees. These items may be submitted in person or mailed to the County Clerk at:

Lancaster County Clerk
555 S. 10th Street,
Room 108
Lincoln, NE 68508

Certified copies of the marriage record cost $9 each while uncertified copies cost $0.25 each. Payments may be made in checks made payable to the Lancaster County Clerk or credit or debit cards. Card transactions will incur a 2.25% service fee for credit cards and a $1 fee for debit cards. Copies will be issued or mailed out on receipt on all necessary documents and fees.

Divorce records may be obtained by contacting the Lancaster County Clerk of the District Court. Requests may be made by visiting the district court clerk’s office in person or mailing a written request to the office at:

Justice and Law Enforcement Center
575 S 10th Street, 3rd Floor
Lincoln, NE 68508

Requesters must provide information during the request, including the parties' names to the divorce, the date of the divorce, and a case number if available.

Divorce records may also be available online using the Nebraska Online Court Case Search System JUSTICE. Record seekers may create an account on the JUSTICE database to look up court case records from the District Court, including divorce records. Each online search on the JUSTICE system costs $15, and results will be available for three days.

Lancaster County marriage and Divorce records may also be obtained from the Division of Vital Records of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Record seekers may only request marriage and divorce records from the vital records office for themselves or their parents.

Lancaster Birth and Death Records

Record seekers may obtain Lancaster County birth and death records from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Vital Records. Birth and death records are vital records containing important information about various life events in the county. The information on these records may be used to determine an individual’s name, nationality, or family history.

In Nebraska, only certain eligible parties may request birth and death records. These include the subjects of birth records, immediate family members such as spouses, parents, or siblings, and legal representatives.

Birth and death records from the Division Of Vital Records may be obtained by mail or online. Records seekers may download, complete, and print an Application for a Certified Copy of a Birth Certificate or Death Certificate. The completed form, correct fees, and a copy of an Acceptable Proof of Identification should be mailed to the vital records office at:

Nebraska Vital Records

P.O. Box 95065,

Lincoln, NE 68509-5065

A copy of a certified

Mailed requests should also include a self-addressed and stamped business-size envelope for the return of the copies. Certified copies of birth records cost $17 each, while death records cost $16 each. Payment is accepted in a check or money order for the exact amount made payable to Nebraska Vital Records.

Lancaster County birth and death records are available using the Division of Vital Records Online Request platform. Credit card payments are accepted during online payments, and orders will take about 3 to 4 weeks to arrive in the mail.

Lancaster County Probate Court Records

Lancaster County probate records are the records of cases involving probate issues heard by the county’s courts. Probate court records include wills, conservatorships, trusts, estates, administrations, and guardianships. In Lancaster County, these cases are heard in the Probate Division of the Lancaster County Court.

Probate court records may be obtained by making a request directly to the County Court Clerk or by mailing a written request. Record seekers must provide information such as names of parties involved in the case, type of case, and a case number if available. They may also be required to present a government-issued ID during the request process.

Requests may be made in person during office hours or mailed to the Lancaster County Court at:

Lancaster County Court
575 S 10th Street
2nd Floor
Lincoln, NE 68508

Interested persons may make inquiries about obtaining Lancaster County probate court records and any fees involved by calling the probate division of the county court at (402) 441-7443.

Lancaster County probate court records may also be available online via the Nebraska Judicial Branch online court case search system, JUSTICE Search. By creating an account on the database, users may look up probate cases filed in Nebraska. Record seekers may look up court case information, parties to cases, and case details online using JUSTICE. Each search costs a non-refundable fee of $15, and after the search, users have three days to access the results.

Lancaster County Property Records

Lancaster County property records refer to records documenting property and proceedings involving property within the county. These records include deeds, mortgages, trusts, and liens.

Information on accessing property records within Lancaster County. These records may be obtained by contacting the Lancaster County Assessor/Register of Deeds.

Property records may be obtained by visiting the Assessor's office in person or mailing a written request. The request should contain details about the property record in question, such as the owner's name, parcel number, property address, or a legal description of the property. Requests may be made in person or by mail to the assessor’s office at:

Lancaster County Assessor/Register of Deeds
555 S 10th Street
Room 102
Lincoln, NE 68508

The Assessor's website also has search tools for looking up property records online. These include the following.

• Property Search Online
• Deed Search
• Property Transfer Search

For inquiries about obtaining records, interested parties may contact the Assessor/Register of Deeds by calling (402) 441-7463 or emailing assessor@lancaster.ne.gov.

Lancaster County Court Records Online

Nebraskacourtrecords.us and other third-party online resources are privately owned websites that collate public court records from different sources into one database. These websites make looking up court records online more convenient without visiting a courthouse. They offer user-friendly interfaces and search tools that allow visitors to check for records across jurisdictions quickly and easily using simple information such as case numbers and defendant/plaintiff names. However, users should note that these websites do not have any links to government agencies, so the information they provide may not be reliable or comprehensive and accuracy cannot be guaranteed.