Lincoln County Court Records

Per Nebraska Revised Statute § 25-2209, court records within Lincoln County encompass the initial complaint or petition, subsequent pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, and verdicts, as well as the register of actions and various indices. The Clerk of the District Court may maintain these records, which can be stored in multiple formats, including paper volumes, microfilm, and Nebraska's electronic case management system. In line with this statute, court records in Lincoln County may include, but are not limited to:

• The complaint or petition that initiates the legal action
• All subsequent pleadings, filings, and motions
• Court orders, judgments, and verdicts
• The judge's docket notes and the trial docket
• The general index and judgment index
• Other relevant documents filed within a given case

Under Nebraska Supreme Court Rules § 6-1523, Lincoln County court records also contain essential identifying and procedural information, such as:

• The unique case identification number (including the year of filing and the assigned sequential number)
• The case caption
• The type and subtype of the case (e.g., civil, criminal, probate)
• The name of the presiding judge
• The names of judgment debtors and judgment creditors organized alphabetically
• Additional information as required by judicial procedures

These records are vital to Lincoln County's legal, historical, and administrative landscape. They provide official evidence of legal proceedings, establish timelines of events, aid in property transactions and genealogical research, support background checks, and document the evolution of the county's legal system.

Are Court Records Public in Lincoln County?

Yes. In general, court records are public in Lincoln County, as provided by the Nebraska Supreme Court Rules § 1-804, which grants public access to these records. The public may view records through authorized online services or by using public access terminals located at local courthouses. Remote access is typically available through the Nebraska Judicial Branch's online services.

However, some court records are exempt from public disclosure under Nebraska Supreme Court Rules § 1-808. Such exceptions exist to protect privacy, comply with statutory restrictions, and maintain the integrity of sensitive proceedings. Examples of non-public records include:

• Detailed criminal history information compiled by law enforcement
• Adoption case records
• Juvenile records
• Sealed court records

Lincoln County Court Records Search

Individuals seeking Lincoln County court records may begin their search through several official sources:

• Lincoln County Clerk
• Lincoln County Clerk of the District Court
• Lincoln County Assessor (for property-related inquiries)
• Lincoln County Register of Deeds (for property deed and title records)
• Lincoln County Sheriff's Office (for records related to arrests and warrants)
• Nebraska Judicial Branch Case Information (eServices) (for statewide court case searches)
• Nebraska State Patrol (for background checks)

Lincoln County Courts

The court system serving Lincoln County primarily includes the District Court and the County Court. The Lincoln County District Court hears all types of cases but generally focuses on those outside the jurisdictional limits of the County Court. Conversely, the Lincoln County Court addresses matters involving misdemeanors, small claims, traffic violations, probate, guardianships, and other limited-jurisdiction matters. The addresses and contact information of the county's courthouses are as follows:

Lincoln County District Court
301 North Jeffers Street,
P.O. Box 1616,
North Platte, NE 69103
Phone: (308) 534-4350 ext. 300
Fax: (308) 535-3527

County Court of Lincoln County
301 North Jeffers Street,
Room 207,
North Platte, NE 69101
Phone: (308) 534-4350 ext. 240
Fax: (308) 535-3525

Lincoln County Criminal and Civil Records

The Lincoln County Clerk of the District Court maintains criminal and civil court records. Criminal records include arrest information, charges, and conviction details, while civil records document disputes over contracts, property, divorces, and small claims. Subject to the exceptions noted above, these records are generally accessible to the public. To request criminal or civil records, contact:

Lincoln County Clerk of the District Court
301 N Jeffers St, Room 101
North Platte, NE 69101
Phone: (308) 534-4350 (ext. 128)

Additionally, the Judicial User System To Increase Court Effectiveness (JUSTICE) database offers online access to court records across Nebraska, including Lincoln County. New cases typically appear in JUSTICE about 24 hours after filing. Searches cost $15 per inquiry, and results remain accessible for three calendar days. Searches yielding no matches still require payment.

Lincoln County Marriage Records

Marriage records, including marriage licenses and marriage certificates, are available in Lincoln County. Marriage licenses are considered public records, while marriage certificates have restricted access. Per state requirements, only the certificate holders, their immediate family members, and legally authorized representatives may obtain certified copies. To apply for a marriage license, contact:

Lincoln County Clerk
301 N Jeffers St, Room 101
North Platte, NE 69101
Phone: (308) 534-4350 (ext. 110)

For marriage certificates, send a request with the full names of both individuals, the date of marriage, the county of issuance, and proper identification to:

Nebraska Vital Records
P.O. Box 95065
Lincoln, NE 68509-5065

Lincoln County Divorce Records

Divorce records arise from the District Court proceedings. Divorce decrees and related documents (such as evidence and testimony) filed with the Lincoln County District Court are generally public. Requests for these records should be directed to the Clerk of the District Court at the address listed above.

Divorce certificates, which contain summary information about the dissolved marriage, are more restricted. Eligible persons include the individuals named on the certificate, their children, immediate family, and legal representatives. Requests for divorce certificates should be directed to Nebraska Vital Records:

Nebraska Vital Records
P.O. Box 95065
Lincoln, NE 68509-5065

Lincoln County Birth Records

Birth records are available from the Lincoln County Clerk's Office and Nebraska Vital Records. Pursuant to Nebraska Vital Statistics Statutes §§ 71-601 to 71-649, access is restricted to the individual named on the record, their immediate family members, or authorized legal representatives. A valid photo ID, a completed application, and the required fee (typically $17 per certified copy) are necessary. Requests may be directed to:

Nebraska Vital Records
P.O. Box 95065
Lincoln, NE 68509-5065

Lincoln County Clerk
301 N Jeffers St,
Room 101
North Platte, NE 69101

Lincoln County Death Records

Death records in Lincoln County are similarly maintained by the County Clerk and Nebraska Vital Records. Access, as governed by Nebraska Vital Statistics Statutes §§ 71-601 to 71-649, is limited to those with a direct, legitimate interest. Required documentation includes a valid photo ID and a completed application.

Lincoln County Probate Court Records

Probate matters, including the administration of wills, estates, and guardianships, fall under the jurisdiction of the Lincoln County Court. To access probate records, inquirers may contact the Lincoln county clerk's office with details of the case of interest to facilitate record searches.

Lincoln County Property Records

Property documents—such as deeds, mortgages, UCC filings, and plats—are maintained by the Lincoln County Register of Deeds. These records assist in confirming property ownership, establishing property boundaries, and verifying liens.

Lincoln County Register of Deeds
301 N Jeffers St, Room 103
North Platte, NE 69101
Phone: (308) 534-4350 (ext. 410)

Lincoln County Court Records Online

Some third-party websites and databases like Nebraskacourtrecords.us provide online access to public court records. While these services may be user-friendly and convenient, they are not guaranteed to be comprehensive or completely accurate. They cannot provide certified copies, and their fees may differ from official sources.