Buffalo County Court Records Search
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Buffalo County, Nebraska, anchors the south-central part of the state with Kearney as its county seat and the home of all major court and records offices. The county’s judicial structure follows Nebraska’s statewide model, with one District Court and one County Court each serving distinct functions. The District Court handles felonies, major civil matters, and dissolution of marriage cases, while the County Court handles misdemeanors, infractions, small claims, civil disputes under a set jurisdictional threshold, and probate. Records from both courts are maintained by their respective clerks and are presumed public under Nebraska’s Public Records Law unless a specific statutory exemption applies.
People researching Nebraska court cases have several practical options available to them. NebraskaCourts.us can help locate publicly available case information across the state. Official court records can also be accessed through courthouse kiosks, clerk offices, law library terminals, and the Nebraska Judicial Branch’s online search tools. For those who need remote access, the Judicial Branch’s JUSTICE system offers both one-time and subscription-based searches across all 93 Nebraska counties, including Buffalo County.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Buffalo County?
Online — Nebraska JUSTICE Case Search
The Nebraska Judicial Branch operates the JUSTICE statewide trial court case management system, which covers criminal, civil, traffic, juvenile, and probate cases filed across all Nebraska county and district courts, including Buffalo County. The Nebraska Judicial Branch eServices page details all search options:
| Search Type | Fee | Details |
|---|---|---|
| One-Time Case Search (by name) | $17.00 | Returns up to 30 records |
| Subscriber Account (annual) | $100.00/year | Up to 10 user logins |
| Case detail view (subscriber) | $2.00 per case | No extra charge for document images |
| Case search by judgment date or case number | $2.00 per search | No extra charge for document images |
| General list searches | Free | Available to subscribers |
The JUSTICE One-Time Court Case Search is the fastest route for occasional users who need to look up a specific party’s cases. Subscribers who conduct frequent research should create an account through Nebraska.gov to access more detailed filtering options.
Free In-Person Access — Courthouse Kiosks
Case information in JUSTICE is available at no charge through public access terminals located at every Nebraska courthouse, the Nebraska State Library, UNL’s Schmid Law Library, and Creighton’s Klutznick Law Library. Buffalo County residents can use the kiosk at the Buffalo County Courthouse in Kearney without incurring the online search fee.
In-Person Requests at Clerk’s Offices
For certified copies, physical file review, or records not yet available through electronic search, the appropriate clerk’s office handles requests directly.
Buffalo County District Court
Clerk: Cheryl Stabenow
P.O. Box 520, 1512 Central Avenue
Kearney, NE 68848
Phone: (308) 236-1246
Fax: (308) 233-3693
Email: districtcourt@buffalocounty.ne.gov
Buffalo County Court
Clerk: Sharmin Gonzales
P.O. Box 520, 1512 Central Avenue
Kearney, NE 68848
Phone: (308) 236-1228
Fax: (308) 236-1243
Email: sharmin.gonzales@nejudicial.gov
Mail Requests
Written requests for both courts can be mailed to P.O. Box 520, Kearney, NE 68848. Include the names of the parties, the approximate date of the case, the case number if known, and a description of the specific documents needed. Contact the appropriate clerk by phone before mailing to confirm any applicable copy fees.
Are Court Records Public in Buffalo County?
Nebraska’s Public Records Law (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 84-712.01) establishes the right of Nebraska residents to examine and obtain copies of public records in all forms. The law requires agencies to provide access unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Section 84-712.05 enumerates categories of records that may be withheld from the public.
Records that are commonly restricted or require special authorization in Buffalo County include:
- Juvenile records — cases involving minors are confidential and generally not accessible to the public
- Sealed or expunged records — any case record sealed by court order is not available for public inspection
- Medical and mental health records — protected under doctor-patient privilege and related statutes
- Domestic abuse protection order details — certain portions, particularly victim-identifying information, are withheld
- Adoption records — generally sealed; the Nebraska Judicial Branch provides guidance on requesting adoption records for limited purposes such as medical history or decrees
Case records available through JUSTICE are public record. Most court-filed documents are viewable online as electronic images when accessing a case through the Judicial Branch’s search tools. When a document image is available, it appears as a clickable link within the case record view.
Buffalo County Criminal Court Records
Felony criminal cases in Buffalo County are prosecuted and recorded in the District Court. Misdemeanor and infraction cases, including driving under the influence and ordinance violations, are handled by the County Court. Both courts maintain records accessible through the JUSTICE system and through in-person requests at the respective clerk’s office.
Searching Criminal Cases
The JUSTICE One-Time Court Case Search covers criminal cases filed in Buffalo County’s District and County Courts. Each case record includes the case summary, offense information, financial details, and a register of actions listing all filed documents, hearings, and court orders. Subscriber accounts provide additional filtering by case type, judge, and attorney.
Arrest Records and Inmate Information
The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office maintains the county’s detention center and is responsible for arrest and custody records.
Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff: Neil Miller
2025 Avenue A / P.O. Box 1270
Kearney, NE 68848
Phone: (308) 236-8555
Fax: (308) 233-5246
Email: sheriff@buffalocounty.ne.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office and the Kearney Police Department share a co-located facility and coordinate jurisdiction — the Sheriff handles calls outside Kearney city limits, while the Kearney Police Department handles incidents within the city. The Kearney Police Department manages records and data processing functions for both agencies. Arrest records and active warrant information can be directed to both offices depending on the jurisdiction where the arrest occurred.
For state correctional facility inmates, the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services Inmate Search provides an online lookup tool.
Statewide Criminal History — Nebraska State Patrol
For a comprehensive background check covering criminal history statewide rather than court records from a single county, the Nebraska State Patrol handles criminal history record requests. The fee is $30.00 per person of interest, payable by cash, check, or money order. A limited criminal history search is also available online through a third-party service for a $30.00 fee, regardless of the outcome of the search.
Civilian Fingerprinting
The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office provides civilian fingerprinting services by appointment only. To schedule: call (308) 236-1804, Monday–Friday between 8:30–11:00 a.m. and 1:00–4:00 p.m. The fee is $20.00 per appointment.
Buffalo County Civil Court Records
Civil disputes in Buffalo County fall under the concurrent jurisdiction of the District Court (for larger cases) and the County Court (for cases within its monetary threshold). The County Court handles small claims, eviction actions, and civil matters up to its jurisdictional limit. The District Court handles major civil litigation, including contract disputes, mortgage foreclosures, and tort claims.
Civil Case Records Search
Civil case information is searchable through the Nebraska Judicial Branch eServices JUSTICE system, accessible online for a fee or free at courthouse kiosks. Each civil case record includes a case summary, parties to the case, financial information on costs and judgments, and a register of actions.
For in-person access, the District Court handles civil filings over its threshold, while the County Court handles smaller civil matters. Requesters should call ahead — District Court at (308) 236-1246 and County Court at (308) 236-1228 — to confirm record availability, retrieval procedures, and applicable copy fees before visiting in person or submitting a mail request.
Property Records
Real property records, including deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats, are maintained by the Buffalo County Register of Deeds. Property records can be searched online through Nebraska Deeds Online, which allows free viewing of general document information (instrument type, date, grantor, and grantee) and paid access to document images. Property valuation and assessment records are maintained by the Buffalo County Assessor and searchable through the Nebraska Assessors Online portal.
Court Costs and Online Payments
Court costs for civil cases can be paid online through the Nebraska.govOne-Time Payment system, which requires the case number from court paperwork. Filing fees and associated court costs for Buffalo County cases are governed by the Nebraska Judicial Branch filing fee schedule.
Buffalo County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Buffalo County are filed primarily in the District Court. These include dissolution of marriage (divorce), legal separation, child custody and support, adoption, protective orders, and paternity proceedings. The County Court also handles certain family-related matters, including guardianships.
Divorce Records
Dissolution of marriage cases are filed with the District Court Clerk. The case record includes the petition, any parenting plan, property settlement agreements, and the final decree. Divorce records are public in Nebraska unless sealed by court order. To search for a specific dissolution case, use the JUSTICE case search online, or contact the District Court Clerk at districtcourt@buffalocounty.ne.gov or (308) 236-1246.
Mail requests for certified copies of divorce decrees should be directed to:
Clerk of the District Court
P.O. Box 520, Kearney, NE 68848
Include the names of both parties, the approximate date of the divorce, and any known case number. For verification of divorce records at the state level, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records Office maintains records of divorces filed statewide.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses in Buffalo County are issued and recorded by the Buffalo County Clerk. Key requirements and procedures for obtaining a marriage license:
- Both applicants must appear together at the County Clerk’s Office between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on weekdays
- Both must be at least 17 years old (parental consent required for ages 17–18)
- Fee: $25.00, cash only (ATM available in the courthouse)
- Valid photo ID required for both applicants
- If previously divorced, at least six months and one day must have passed from the date the divorce decree was signed and filed
- Marriage licenses are valid for one year from issuance and may be used in any Nebraska county
To obtain a certified copy of a Buffalo County marriage license:
- Submit the groom’s full name, bride’s full name (including maiden name), and the date of marriage
- Enclose $9.00 (cash in person; money order by mail)
- In-person: visit the County Clerk’s Office during business hours
- By mail: send to Buffalo County Clerk, P.O. Box 1270, Kearney, NE 68848-1270
County Clerk: Heather Christensen
Phone: (308) 236-1226
Email: clerk@buffalocounty.ne.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Buffalo County are maintained by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records Office. Both types of records are publicly accessible in Nebraska, though certified copies are restricted to those with a direct and tangible interest.
| Record Type | Fee Per Copy | Request Method |
|---|---|---|
| Birth certificate | $17.00 | Online (credit card) or mail (check/money order) |
| Death certificate | $16.00 | Online (credit card) or mail (check/money order) |
Mail requests require a completed application form — a Birth Certificate Application or Death Certificate Application — along with valid identification, payment by check or money order payable to “Vital Records”, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail to: Nebraska Vital Records, P.O. Box 95065, Lincoln, NE 68509-5065. Online orders are placed through the DHHS Online Ordering Service.
Buffalo County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Buffalo County — including estates of decedents, guardianships, conservatorships, and will administration — are heard by the County Court. The Clerk of the County Court serves as the custodian of all probate filings and records, which date back through the county’s history and are maintained in the court’s files.
What Probate Records Contain
A Buffalo County probate file typically includes the following types of documents:
- The original will submitted for probate (if one exists)
- Petition for appointment of a personal representative
- Inventory and appraisement of the estate’s assets
- Creditor claims filed against the estate
- Annual or final accountings submitted by the personal representative
- Orders of the court confirming distributions or closing the estate
- Guardianship petitions, investigation reports, and annual guardian reports
Searching Probate Records
Probate cases are indexed in the JUSTICE statewide system and are searchable through the JUSTICE One-Time Court Case Search or through a subscriber account. Case records include a register of actions listing all filings, court orders, and hearing dates, with document images available as clickable links when electronically filed.
Requesting Probate Records In-Person or By Mail
To request physical probate records or certified copies, contact the County Court Clerk directly:
Clerk of the County Court
1512 Central Avenue, P.O. Box 520
Kearney, NE 68848
Phone: (308) 236-1228
Email: sharmin.gonzales@nejudicial.gov
Provide the decedent’s full name, the approximate year the estate was opened, and the case number if known. The Clerk can confirm availability, applicable copy fees, and processing time before a formal request is submitted. For further guidance on court records generally, the Nebraska Judicial Branch court records self-help page provides current information on records access policies, sealed record procedures, and how to request records in specific circumstances such as adoption or expungement matters.