Lee County Court Records

In Lee County, Iowa, members of the public can examine the county's court records to access a wide range of information regarding civil, criminal, probate, and other legal proceedings. The records are maintained by the local judicial branch in accordance with state laws and rules.

The Iowa Court Rules—specifically Chapter 20—define a "court record" as the entirety of documents and materials filed in connection with a legal action. This includes official filings, exhibits, transcripts, motions, judgments, and docket sheets that track the procedural progress of a case. Court records are distinct from "administrative records," which are those documents generated or received by the court for administrative purposes but are not part of a case file.

Individuals may need to review Lee County court records for numerous reasons. Attorneys and litigants often consult these documents to prepare for hearings and trials by reviewing precedent and previously adjudicated matters. Researchers, journalists, and members of the public may examine these records to understand how justice is administered, ensuring transparency and fostering trust in the judicial system. Law enforcement and prosecutors may rely on past judgments or sentencing information to seek enhanced penalties for repeat offenders. Additionally, background checks, genealogy research, and academic studies also frequently draw on court records as primary sources.

Are Court Records Public in Lee County?

Yes. Under the Iowa Open Records Act (Iowa Code Chapter 22) and the Iowa Court Rules, most governmental and judicial records are presumed open for public inspection, including Lee County court records. Unless a statute, court order, or specific rule mandates confidentiality, any person may request to view or copy these records.

Some categories of court records, however, are protected by law. Under Iowa Code § 22.7 and other statutes and rules, certain records must be kept confidential. Examples include:

• Sensitive personal identifying information (such as Social Security numbers, financial account details, and unredacted birthdates)
• Adoption records (Iowa Code §§ 600.16, 600.16A)
• Expunged or sealed records (Iowa Code § 901C.1, where applicable)
• Medical or mental health evaluations filed under seal
• Grand jury materials
• Juvenile court records (Iowa Code § 232.147)
• Pre-sentence investigation reports (Iowa Code § 901.4)
• Records protected by privilege (e.g., attorney-client, doctor-patient)

Lee County Court Records Search

There are several methods to search for Lee County court records:

1. In Person: Individuals can visit the Lee County Courthouses during regular business hours to request records or use self-service terminals. Lee County is unique in Iowa as it has two county seats and two courthouses:

• North Lee County Courthouse (Fort Madison)
  701 Avenue F
  Fort Madison, IA 52627
  Phone: (319) 372-3523
  Fax: (319) 372-1217
• South Lee County Courthouse (Keokuk)
  25 North 7th Street
  Keokuk, IA 52632
  Phone: (319) 524-2433
  Fax: (319) 524-2435

1. Court staff can provide guidance on locating case files and instruct on any associated copying fees.
2. Online: The Iowa Judicial Branch offers the Iowa Courts Online Search portal, which allows users to find basic case information for Lee County by searching party names, case numbers, or other criteria. However, this database does not permit downloading or printing case documents directly.
3. By Mail or Email: The Clerk of Court’s office accepts record requests submitted by mail or, in some instances, by electronic communication. Contact the appropriate courthouse for guidance on fees, required details, and submission protocols.

Lee County Courts

Lee County is part of Iowa’s Eighth Judicial District. The District Court within this district has broad jurisdiction over civil, criminal, probate, juvenile, and family law matters. Unlike some states that have superior courts, Iowa’s trial courts are designated as District Courts, which handle the full spectrum of caseloads.

Lee County Criminal and Civil Records

Individuals seeking Lee County District Court records may access them through:

• In Person: Visit either the North Lee County or South Lee County Courthouse. You can use public terminals to search case information or request assistance from the Clerk of Court’s office. Fees may apply for copies or extensive staff-assisted research.
• Online Systems:
  • Iowa Courts Online Search: Offers basic docket information (case number, party names, event summaries) at no cost.
  • Electronic Document Management System (EDMS): Case parties and approved individuals can view filings and documents by logging in with a secure account. Registration is free, but only case-related documents are accessible to authorized parties.

Lee County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Lee County originate from interactions with the legal system, including arrests, charges filed, convictions, and sentences. For local criminal history or arrest information:

• Local Law Enforcement: The Lee County Sheriff’s Office and local police departments maintain arrest and incident reports.
  • Lee County Sheriff’s Office
    2530 255th Street
    Montrose, IA 52639
    Phone: (319) 372-1152
• The Sheriff’s Office may have an open records request procedure and associated fees. Contact them directly or visit their website for specific request forms.
• Statewide Records: The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) provides name-based criminal history checks. These may be requested online, in person, or by mail. Each search costs $15, and while no signed consent is required to search another individual’s Iowa criminal history, some details may be restricted if the subject does not authorize full disclosure (Iowa Code Chapter 692).

Lee County Criminal Court Case Lookup

To look up a Lee County criminal court case, one may:

• Utilize public terminals at the county courthouses.
• Contact the Clerk of Court’s office at the respective courthouse for guidance, ensuring you have the case number or at least the defendant’s name.
• Access the Iowa Courts Online Search system for basic docket details. Additional case documents require requesting them directly from the Clerk or accessing EDMS if you are a party to the case.

Lee County Civil Court Records

Civil court records detail non-criminal disputes, such as contract disagreements, small claims, personal injury suits, and family law matters. To obtain these:

• Visit the Clerk of Court’s office in Fort Madison or Keokuk.
• Use the Iowa Courts Online Search to find docket information. To view complete filings, parties involved in the case can log into EDMS; the general public may request copies from the Clerk’s office, subject to applicable fees.

Lee County Marriage and Divorce Records

Family court matters include child custody, divorce (dissolution of marriage), adoption, and spousal support. Public access to these records may be partially restricted to protect privacy, especially concerning minors. To obtain records:

• Submit a request at either Lee County courthouse.
• Use Iowa Courts Online to locate case information by name or case number.
• Case parties can view filings through EDMS after secure login.

Lee County Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce) Records

Divorce records are filed with the Lee County District Court:

• Contact the Clerk of Court’s office by phone or in person to request divorce records.
• Have basic details ready: the names of the spouses and the approximate date of the final decree.
• The Iowa Courts Online system can provide docket information, but not certified copies. Certified copies must be obtained from the Clerk’s office.

Lee County Marriage and Divorce Records

For certified copies of marriage records:

• Lee County Recorder’s Office
  933 Avenue H
  Fort Madison, IA 52627
  Phone: (319) 376-1070

The Recorder issues certified and uncertified copies per Iowa Administrative Code Rule 641, Chapter 95. Certified copies are restricted to entitled persons (the persons named on the record, immediate family members, legal representatives) who provide valid identification and pay a $15 fee per certified copy. Others may obtain uncertified copies, stamped with a restrictive use disclaimer.

Divorce records are available from the Clerk of Court’s office at the appropriate Lee County courthouse.

Lee County Birth and Divorce Records

The Recorder’s Office also maintains birth and death certificates for events occurring in Lee County (with some historical exceptions). Certified copies can only be issued to authorized persons under Iowa law. To request a birth or death certificate:

• Complete and notarize the Iowa Vital Record Application Form.
• Include a copy of valid photo ID and the $15 fee for each certified copy.
• Submit in person, by mail, or via drop-off at the Recorder’s Office.
• Records that are not held locally (such as older records or those from certain date ranges) must be obtained from the Iowa Department of Public Health.

Lee County Probate Court Records

Probate records concern wills, estates, conservatorships, guardianships, and trust proceedings. To find these records:

• Visit either the North or South Lee County Courthouse.
• Use the Iowa Courts Online system for docket information.
• Request copies from the Clerk’s office, noting that fees may apply.

Lee County Property Records

Property records, including deeds, surveys, mortgages, and land contracts, are housed with various county offices:

• Lee County Recorder: Maintains documents related to property transactions.
• Lee County Assessor: Provides property assessment and valuation records.
• Lee County Auditor: Maintains property ownership and transfer records.
• Lee County Treasurer: Holds records on property tax assessments and payments.

All of these offices are located at or near the county government complex in Fort Madison. The Recorder’s Office provides recorded property documents, often searchable online by name, parcel number, or legal description. The Assessor’s and Treasurer’s offices offer property searches through their respective online portals. Fees may apply for official copies or certified documents.

Lee County Court Records Online

While state-run databases are the first stop for public record searches, third-party websites like Iowacourtrecords.us may also offer searchable indexes of Lee County court and public records. Such platforms can provide convenient remote access to case information, arrest records, and other data. However, users should verify the currency and accuracy of the information, understand that certain details may be incomplete, and be aware that third-party sites may charge fees or have restricted access policies.