Washington County Court Records Search
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Washington County, Nebraska, is a growing community of more than 20,000 residents situated along the Missouri River in eastern Nebraska, with Blair as the county seat. Like all Nebraska counties, Washington County runs a two-tier trial court system — a District Court and a County Court — both housed at the Washington County Courthouse on Colfax Street. Together, these courts cover the full range of criminal prosecutions, civil disputes, family law proceedings, and probate matters for residents throughout the county.
Court records are formal, legally binding documents that follow a case from start to finish: initial filings, pleadings, motions, exhibits, court orders, hearing minutes, judgments, and sentencing details. They may also include arrest information from agencies like the Washington County Sheriff's Office. Knowing where these records are kept, how to request them, and what fees to expect can save you a lot of time — whether you're running a background check, researching property history, or tracking an active case.
If you're not sure where to begin, NebraskaCourts.us connects to official court resources across all 93 Nebraska counties and is a useful first stop. The Nebraska Judicial Branch maintains dedicated clerk offices, public access terminals at the courthouse, and several online search tools — each covered in detail below.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Washington County?
Washington County court cases can be searched online, in person, or by mail, depending on the type of record and how much detail you need.
Online Search Options
The main statewide portal is the JUSTICE One-Time Case Search, run by the Nebraska Judicial Branch. It searches case records across all Nebraska county and district courts by party name or case number. A single name-based search costs $17.00 and returns up to 30 matching records — that fee applies even if no results come back. The search covers text and document images filed after April 16, 2008.
If you search frequently, the Nebraska Judicial Branch also offers an account-based Case Information eServices platform. Annual account enrollment carries a separate fee, and per-search charges apply. Attorneys, bail bond agents, and legal researchers are the most common users of this subscription option.
In-Person Searches
Both the District Court Clerk and the County Court Clerk keep case files that you can review at the courthouse during regular office hours. Photocopies from County Court are $0.25 per page. Staff can look up a case number using a party name, and no appointment is typically required.
Mail Requests
Written requests can be sent to the appropriate clerk's office. Include the full name of a party, approximate case dates, and the case type. Enclose payment for any copy fees and a self-addressed stamped envelope if you need the records returned by mail.
Washington County District Court Clerk
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Susan K. Paulsen |
| Address | 1555 Colfax Street, P.O. Box 431, Blair, NE 68008 |
| Phone | (402) 426-6899 |
| Fax | (402) 426-6898 |
| districtclerk@washingtoncountyne.gov | |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
Washington County Court (County Court)
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Vicki Kuhlmann |
| Address | 1555 Colfax Street, Blair, NE 68008 |
| Phone | (402) 426-6833 |
| Fax | (402) 426-6840 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
For questions about paying fines or checking upcoming court times at either court, the County Court number (402) 426-6833 handles general inquiries for both divisions.
Are Court Records Public in Washington County?
Nebraska's public records framework rests on Neb. Rev. Stat. § 84-712, which declares that all public records are open to inspection by any Nebraska resident. Section 84-712.01 reinforces that presumption by requiring record custodians to provide full access unless a separate statute expressly restricts it. The Nebraska Attorney General's office offers a detailed outline of how these statutes work in practice.
Under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 84-712.05, the main categories of records that may be withheld or redacted include:
- Records of ongoing law enforcement investigations where releasing the information would compromise the investigation
- Trade secrets and proprietary business data
- Medical records and personnel files containing private employee information
- Privileged communications protected by attorney-client, physician-patient, or similar relationships
- Internal government communications that make up pre-decisional deliberative materials
- Juvenile court records, which carry their own statutory protection
Beyond those statutory exemptions, some court-specific restrictions also apply. Adoption files are permanently sealed. Mental health commitment proceedings are confidential. Grand jury materials are protected while proceedings remain active. Judges also have the discretion to seal records in individual cases when there is a proper showing of necessity.
For records that are generally accessible, the Nebraska Judicial Branch's court records search policy sets the rules on scope and manner of access, including guidelines for media organizations and researchers.
Washington County Criminal Court Records
Criminal jurisdiction in Washington County is split between the two trial courts based on the severity of the offense.
District Court — Felony Cases
The Washington County District Court, presided over by Hon. Zachary L. Blackman (6th Judicial District), handles all felony prosecutions. The District Court Clerk maintains felony criminal records, including indictments, informations, plea agreements, pre-sentence investigation reports (which may be partially restricted), jury verdicts, and judgments of conviction. These records are generally public unless a court order seals them.
County Court — Misdemeanors and Traffic
The Washington County Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor offenses — including traffic violations — municipal ordinance violations, and preliminary hearings in felony matters before cases are bound over to the District Court. Hon. Francis W. Barron III presides. Case records are maintained by County Court Clerk Vicki Kuhlmann at (402) 426-6833.
Online Criminal Case Searches
Both District Court and County Court criminal records are searchable through the JUSTICE system described above. The Nebraska Judicial Branch case records page provides additional guidance on what is available electronically versus what must be obtained in person.
Arrest Records and Sheriff's Office
Arrest records tied to criminal cases can be requested from the Washington County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office covers the county's unincorporated areas and keeps records of arrests made by county deputies.
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Address | 444 South 16th St, Blair, NE 68008 |
| Phone | (402) 426-6866 |
| Fax | (402) 426-6890 |
| Website | washcountysheriff.org |
Keep in mind that the Sheriff's Office does not hold the official court record of a criminal case — that belongs to the appropriate court clerk. The Sheriff maintains incident and arrest reports only.
Statewide Criminal History
For a comprehensive criminal history background check covering all Nebraska law enforcement records — not just court filings — contact the Nebraska State Patrol. The Criminal History Record Request service charges a $30.00 non-refundable fee per subject for an online name-based check. Fingerprint-based checks for employment or licensing purposes cost $45.25, payable to the Nebraska State Patrol.
Record Sealing
Nebraska does not have a broad expungement statute for convictions. However, under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-3523, individuals who have received a pardon may petition the sentencing court to seal their criminal history record. Arrests that did not result in conviction may also be eligible for sealing under certain circumstances. Petitions are filed with the District Court Clerk.
Washington County Civil Court Records
Civil disputes in Washington County are divided between the two courts based on the dollar amount in controversy.
The Washington County Court handles civil cases where the amount at issue is $70,000 or less, including contract disputes, landlord-tenant actions, and domestic relations support matters. Small claims cases — limited to $7,500 or less — are also filed in County Court. The Washington County District Court handles civil cases exceeding $70,000, injunctive relief, and cases transferred up from County Court.
Filing Fees
Nebraska sets court filing fees by statute. Based on the current Nebraska Judicial Branch fee schedule, key civil filing fees include:
| Case Type | Court | Total Filing Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Civil complaint (amount ≤ $1,500) | County Court | $62.00 |
| Civil complaint ($1,500.01–$7,500) | County Court | $72.00 |
| Civil complaint (> $7,500, ≤ $70,000) | County Court | $82.00 |
| Small claims | County Court | $58.00 |
| Civil complaint | District Court | $144.00 |
| Dissolution of marriage | District Court | $200.00 |
Protection orders carry no filing fee under Nebraska law.
Searching Civil Records
Civil case records can be searched using the JUSTICE One-Time Case Search or reviewed in person at the clerks' offices. Documents such as complaints, answers, motions, and final judgments are generally public unless the court has entered a sealing order covering specific exhibits or sensitive personal information.
Washington County Family Court Records
Nebraska does not maintain a separate family court. Family law matters — including dissolution of marriage, legal separation, child custody, child support, paternity, domestic violence protection orders, and adoption — are filed in either the District Court or the County Court depending on the nature of the proceeding.
Divorce and Dissolution
Petitions for dissolution of marriage and legal separation are filed with the District Court Clerk at (402) 426-6899. The total filing fee for a dissolution action is $200.00, which includes a mandatory $50.00 mediation fee and a $25.00 child abuse prevention fee. Divorce decrees and the associated case files are public records. Certified copies of divorce decrees are available from the District Court Clerk for a per-page copy fee.
Certified divorce certificates — as distinct from full case file copies — can also be obtained from Nebraska DHHS. Mail requests require a $16.00 fee per certificate, payable to "Vital Records", along with a government-issued photo ID and a completed application form. Send requests to:
Nebraska Vital Records
P.O. Box 95065
Lincoln, NE 68509-5065
Child Custody and Support
Custody and support actions are filed in District Court. Parenting plan documents and support orders become part of the public court record, though certain financial disclosure attachments may be restricted. Modification petitions carry a combined legal services and mediation fee of $65.00, in addition to the applicable docket fees.
Domestic Violence Protection Orders
Protection order petitions are filed in the County Court. There is no filing fee for a protection order petition.
Adoption
Adoption proceedings are filed in County Court. Adoption records are sealed by statute and are not available to the general public. The base filing fee per child is $37.00.
Marriage Licenses
Marriage licenses are issued by the Washington County Clerk — a separate office from the court clerks. The license fee is $25.00, and a certified copy of a marriage certificate costs $9.00. For assistance, contact the County Clerk's marriage license division at (402) 426-6822, or visit the Washington County Marriage Licenses page.
Certified marriage certificates can also be obtained from Nebraska DHHS Vital Records for $16.00 per copy by mail, using the same address above.
Birth and Death Certificates
Certified birth certificates are available from the Nebraska DHHS Office of Vital Records for $17.00 per copy. Death certificates are $16.00 per copy. Both can be ordered online through the Nebraska Vital Records portal, by mail to the address above, or in person at the Vital Records office (301 Centennial Mall South, First Floor, Lincoln, NE). Birth records less than 50 years old and death records are restricted to immediate family members, legal representatives, and individuals with a valid court order.
Washington County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Washington County — including the administration of decedents' estates, will probate, name changes, guardianships, conservatorships, and vital records corrections — are handled by the Washington County Court. Hon. Francis W. Barron III presides, and County Court Clerk Vicki Kuhlmann maintains all probate case files.
Types of Probate Proceedings
- Informal probate: Used when a will is uncontested and heirs agree on the personal representative. Simpler and faster than formal proceedings.
- Formal probate: Required when there is a dispute over the will, the identity of heirs, or the estate's assets. Court hearings are scheduled and a judge issues formal orders.
- Guardianship/Conservatorship: Filed when a person lacks legal capacity to manage personal care (guardianship) or finances (conservatorship). These proceedings are open to the public.
- Name changes: Filed in County Court and become part of the public record when the court enters its order.
Probate Filing Fees
Nebraska probate fees are set by statute and scale with estate size for formal proceedings. Key benchmarks from the current fee schedule include:
| Proceeding Type | Total Fee |
|---|---|
| Informal probate (opening and closing) | $44.00 |
| Guardianship petition | $44.00 |
| Conservatorship petition | $44.00 |
| Formal probate — estate value $0–$1,000 | $44.00 |
| Formal probate — estate value $10,000–$25,000 | $108.00 |
| Formal probate — estate value $50,000–$75,000 | $152.00 |
| Formal probate — estate value $100,000–$125,000 | $262.00 |
| Formal probate — estate value $500,000–$750,000 | $680.00 |
| Deposit of will for safekeeping | $2.00 |
Photocopies from probate case files cost $0.25 per page.
Searching Probate Records
Active and recent probate cases can be searched through the JUSTICE One-Time Case Search or the Case Information eServices portal. Older historical probate records may not be fully digitized — if you're looking for pre-digital filings, an in-person request at the County Court Clerk's office is your most reliable option. For genealogical research, historical Washington County probate records dating back to the county's early settlement are partially indexed through resources such as FamilySearch.
Property Records in Connection with Probate
When real estate transfers as part of a probate proceeding, the associated deeds and affidavits are recorded with the Washington County Register of Deeds at (402) 426-6822. Deed records from January 1, 1993 to present are searchable online through Nebraska Deeds Online, which offers free viewing of document metadata and paid printing of full document images. For parcel and assessed value information, the Nebraska Department of Revenue County Assessors and Parcel Search tool provides property data statewide, including Washington County parcels.