Lauderdale County court records, Mississippi, are available through several channels. LauderdaleMSCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about court cases in the county. Additionally, you can use the official online resources of the state court system, visit the Clerk's Office in person, or use public terminals installed directly in the courthouse to view the schedule of hearings and case materials.
Lauderdale Court System & Jurisdictions
Several courts operate in Lauderdale County, each handling specific categories of cases. Understanding jurisdiction will help you contact the right place where the necessary court record is kept.
- Circuit Court — the main court of general jurisdiction. It handles criminal cases involving felonies, large civil claims over $3,500, as well as divorce, child custody, and other family disputes.
- Chancery Court — a court of equity that handles probate, guardianship, adoption, land disputes, and some categories of family cases. The chancellor also approves wills and appoints executors.
- County Court — handles misdemeanors, civil claims up to $200,000, and appeals from Justice Court.
- Justice Court — similar to a small claims court. Civil cases up to $3,500, minor offenses, traffic violations. This is where most residents end up with traffic tickets.
- Municipal Court (City of Meridian) — a city court that handles violations of city ordinances and some traffic cases within the city limits.
- Youth Court — cases involving minors; records are usually closed to public access.
If you're unsure which court handled your case, start with the Circuit Clerk — this office serves both the Circuit and County Court.
Lauderdale Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out the schedule of hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week, contact the office of the relevant court. The schedule for Circuit Court and County Court is maintained by the Circuit Clerk.
The state of Mississippi supports the Mississippi Courts system, through which individual court calendars are sometimes published. However, for Lauderdale County, the most reliable way is to call directly:
Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk
Chancery Court maintains a separate calendar. Contact the Chancery Clerk to clarify hearing dates in probate, guardianship, or land dispute cases:
Lauderdale County Chancery Clerk
Justice Court publishes its schedule separately — call the Justice Court office at (601) 482-9891. For the Municipal Court of the city of Meridian, the schedule can be clarified with the city administration.
How to Get a Copy of a Lauderdale Court Document
You can obtain a copy of a court document in three ways: in person, by mail, or — for some categories of cases — online through LauderdaleMSCourt.us.
In-Person Visit
- Determine which court handled the case (see the section on jurisdictions above).
- Contact the relevant office — Circuit Clerk for criminal and civil cases in Circuit and County Court, Chancery Clerk for Chancery Court cases.
- Provide the case number or the full name of the party and the approximate date.
- Specify whether you need a regular (uncertified) or certified copy. A certified copy has the official seal and signature of the clerk — it is needed for submission to other courts, government agencies, or for immigration procedures.
- Pay the fee on-site.
Mail Request
Send a written request specifying the party's name, case number (if known), type of document, and number of copies. Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount. Address for Circuit Court and County Court:
For Chancery Court cases, send the request to the Chancery Clerk at the same courthouse address.
What to Know
- Some records — cases involving minors, sealed or expunged cases — are not available to the public.
- Older cases are sometimes stored in the archive; obtaining them may take additional time.
- A certified copy usually costs more than a regular one.
Lauderdale Court Records Fees & Payment
The amount of fees is set according to Mississippi state law and the internal rules of the court. Below are approximate rates applicable to Lauderdale County offices. Always verify the exact amount directly with the clerk, as rates may change.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Registry search (per name) | $10.00 |
| Regular copy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified copy (certification fee) | $1.50 – $5.00 per document |
| Copy of judgment or court order | $0.50 per page + certification fee |
| Microfilm document copy | $1.00 per page |
Payment is accepted in cash, money order, or cashier's check. Some offices also accept debit and credit cards, but it's best to confirm this in advance by phone. Personal checks are not always accepted.
Filing fees are significantly higher and depend on the type of case — a civil claim in Circuit Court can cost over $200. These rates are regulated by the Mississippi state code, specifically Title 25 (Chapter 7) regarding clerk fees.
If you only need general information about a case — date, status, parties — check first through LauderdaleMSCourt.us to avoid unnecessary expenses on official copies.