Scott County Court Records

Court records, per Rule 20.1 of the Iowa Court Rules, are the documents contained in a court file, such as a docket and other comparable records created to track case activity, transcripts submitted to the clerk, documentary exhibits held by the clerk, and any record of court proceedings produced through a means that the Iowa supreme court approves.

The county custodian of Scott County also defines court records as "Records of the judicial branch of the county government," which are any records—court records and administrative records—made or received in connection with the conduct of official business of the judicial branch of government, regardless of their physical form, characteristics, or mode of transmission.

Scott County court records are an essential part of the judiciary. They track the progress of court cases, keep a historical library of cases and their outcomes within the county, and, by extension, promote legal fairness and equity within the county court system.

Are Court Records Public in Scott County?

Yes, court records are regarded as "public records" as described by the Iowa Freedom of Information Act. This means that interested members of the public have the legal right to request court records in Scott County. However, Section 22.7 of the Iowa Code(Confidential records) specifies that certain government and judicial records are exempt from public disclosure in Iowa. The Iowa state code (761—4.9(22)) also specifies specific confidential court record categories, meaning the public cannot examine them. The following are some categories of court records that are exempt:

• Documents that fall under the category of attorney-client communications;
• The transcripts and minutes of private court hearings;
• All documents submitted to the court to obtain an arrest or search warrants warrant, such as citations and affidavits, up until the point at which the defendant makes their initial court appearance, or an officer makes the arrest and returns per the warrant;
• Information about law enforcement officials, including undercover agents, their personnel records, and privileged information;
• Intellectual property that the authorities have identified and designated as such.
• Documents that are part of an attorney's work product and pertain to a lawsuit or claim filed by or against a public entity;
• Certain types of investigative reports

However, the Supreme Court or Appeals Court may issue a court order under certain conditions allowing some of these data to be made accessible to eligible persons. The exemption of these records from public access is not absolute.

Scott County Court Records Search

A Scott County court records search can be done through the following methods:

• In-person at the Scott County Courthouse during operating hours.
• Online via the Iowa Judicial Branch's systems or third-party services.
• By submitting a formal request to the Scott County Clerk of Court.

Scott County Court Records Search by Name

Court records in Scott County can be accessed using specific search criteria like the full name of a person involved in the case. Inquirers may visit the county courthouse and utilize public terminals to view case information by searching for the record holder's name. Alternatively, records can be requested in person or via mail from the Court Clerk's office; in this case, inquirers will also be required to provide the name of the record holder and case information to facilitate the search.

For online access, the Iowa Courts Online Search system offers a convenient, remote-accessible option for searching for Scott County cases. A last or business name is required for basic searches, and users can filter by first name, role, case type, or county. However, the system provides only case summaries—not downloadable documents.

Scott County Courts

The address and contact information of Scott County's only courthouse is as follows:

Scott County District Court
400 West 4th Street,
Davenport, IA 52801
Phone: (563) 326-8647
Fax: (563) 326-8298

Scott County Superior Court Case Search

The superior court in Scott County, Iowa, is the Scott County District Court. For most cases, the district court, also referred to as the trial court, is the first courtroom entry. Judges, associate juvenile judges, associate probate judges, district associate judges, and district court judges are the several judicial authorities that makeup district court, each with a varied amount of jurisdiction.

One option for performing a Scott County court case search is to use the public access terminals at the county court office. On these public access terminals, the county court keeps court records as computer records dating back to the latter half of 1993. The general public can search case records by utilizing the Public Access Terminals during business hours. In order to make record searches easier, the court also maintains an index of pre-computer cases.

Inquirers may also use the Iowa court's online electronic docket for an online record search. This docket provides an online search function that extracts case information from an index of court case dockets covering all of Iowa's counties' filings and procedures. All Iowa clerks of court offices, including the Scott County office, are responsible for maintaining this online tool. With this facility, users can do a more focused case search for a nominal cost or a restricted case search for free. The name of the case party or the case number is usually required for any online search on the court's website.

Scott County District Court Records

Records of cases held in the Scott County District Court can be obtained by visiting the courthouse in person. Public access terminals are available for case reviews, or the clerk's office can assist in retrieving documents for a fee. Inquirers may mail or email requests to the District Court Clerk's office for a court record. The Iowa Judicial Branch also provides a case management system where public information can be accessed online through the Electronic Docket Record Search. Individuals involved in cases can access records through the Iowa Courts eFile System, also known as EDMS.

Scott County Criminal Records

The Iowa Legislature Section 692.2 permits members of the public to access criminal history information from the state's law enforcement agencies. However, the law also states that a criminal record custodian may only share criminal history records that do not include disposition information after eighteen months from the date of arrest with juvenile justice or criminal justice agencies, the individual for whom the record is intended, their attorney, or a person requesting the record with a signed release from the individual who is the subject of the record, granting the requester access to the record.

Scott County arrest and criminal records can be obtained from the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), a department under the Iowa Department of Public Safety. The DCI allows individuals to request criminal records by mail, in person, or online.

• In-person requests: To make an in-person request, individuals can visit the DCI office during business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, and obtain the record request form and billing form. The form should be completed with the correct information and submitted at the office. Per the Iowa Code, if the requester is the subject of the record request, the department will be allowed to deliver the results immediately. Requesters must present a photo ID issued by the government (passport, driver's license, etc.). The request may take 1-7 days if the requester is not named in the requested record.
• Online request: Similarly, online requests can be made on the DCI website. An online request involves completing the request form and paying for the record using a credit card. The form requires an address, fax number, or email address, and individuals can select any of the three methods they would like the records delivered. Depending on volume and personnel levels, online requests can take 1-3 days to process.

The Scott County Sheriff's Department can provide anyone who visits its office with information on how to navigate the request process.

Scott County Criminal Court Case Lookup

Criminal cases in Scott County are handled by the District Court. These cases involve charges brought by the government and can range from misdemeanors to felonies. To search for criminal cases, individuals can visit the Scott County Courthouse or use the Iowa Courts Online Search tool. A case number or party name is typically required to look up a specific case, and fees may apply for retrieving documents, specifically if the search demands extensive staff time to facilitate.

Get Scott County Civil Court Records

Civil proceedings deal with disagreements between private parties rather than criminal activity. A civil case is a private action to enforce payment or fulfill civil obligation. A few examples of civil cases are mishandled consumer goods, adoptions, divorces, contract disputes, and personal injuries.

Interested persons may obtain Scott County civil court records at the district county clerk's office. To request a search, inquirers can provide the clerk with the plaintiff's, defendant's, or case number. Alternatively, requesters can use the Iowa court electronic docket online to search for Scott County civil court records. To perform an online search, interested individuals can use the "advanced case search" option and initiate a search using the names of the parties involved in the civil case.

Scott County Family Court Records

The family court in Scott County, Iowa, is part of the civil court department and is referred to as domestic relations. It handles matters including Divorce, Custody, Child Support, and paternity.

The Scott County Court also offers other programs, such as the "Transparenting Program," which emphasizes to parents the vital role they play in enabling their kid to effectively navigate changes in the family and, more importantly, assists parents in seeing a divorce process from their child's point of view.

Interested individuals can obtain Scott County family court records from the domestic relations department of the Scott County Civil Court. In-person record searches can be done at the county courthouse using the on-site public access terminals or by visiting the records room located at the lower level of the courthouse. Requests by telephone can be made by calling the courthouse at (563) 326-8611.

Scott County Dissolution of Marriage Records

In Iowa, the official documents submitted to file for a divorce are referred to as a dissolution of marriage and domestic relations record as per chapter 598 of the Iowa Code. The county clerk's office, where the divorce was filed, is the place to obtain a Scott County dissolution of the marriage record. Only the parties to the divorce procedure or their attorneys may get the divorce records. To start a search, interested parties can visit the nearest county courthouse and give the clerk information about the necessary record, such as the name of any spouse or the case file number.

Scott County Marriage and Divorce Records

In Iowa, marriage and divorce records are classified as vital documents and are kept in a unique manner that makes them accessible to the public upon request. The Iowa Department of Health and the Scott County Recorder's Office are the two main offices that maintain the marriage and divorce records in Scott County. The Scott County Recorder's Office keeps marriage and divorce records from 1942 to the present; far older records, from 1921 to 1941, are kept by the Department of Health.

Individuals can conduct a state-wide record search with the state registrar, the Iowa Department of Public Health, Bureau of Health Statistics, to find out if a specific record is available.

Marriage and Divorce records can be requested from any custodian office in person, through telephone, or by mail. Divorce records can also be requested by any person involved in the divorce or an attorney in charge of the divorce process. Marriage records on the other hand can be made public by law in iowa. Requestors must submit a Proof of Eligibility to demonstrate their right to access the record. The person mentioned on the record or that person's spouse, children, parents indicated on the record, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, legal representative, or guardian are all considered qualified persons.

In-Person Requests & Mail Requests

Applications may be submitted in person Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 4:30 pm at the Bureau of Health Statistics. Additionally, in-person applications may be submitted to the Scott County Recorder's office. The request form can also be completed and mailed to the following address:

Bureau of Health Statistics
Lucas State Office Building
1st Floor, 321 E. 12th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0075

Scott county recorder office
600 W. 4th St.
Davenport, IA 52801-1003
(563) 326-8621

Online requests can be made through the third-party services recommended on the Bureau of Health Statistics web page. Every record search at the county and state levels costs $15, and a copy is provided if a record is located. A record search letter, also known as a no-record letter, will be given if the record cannot be located. The cost cannot be reimbursed.

Scott County Birth and Death Records

The Scott County Recorder's Office maintains birth and death records for vital events that occured within county limits. To request a certified birth or death certificate from the Scott County Recorder's Office, individuals must complete the Scott county vital records application form and submit it along with a valid ID, and a $15 fee. Applications can be made in person or by mail.

Requests for records not maintained locally, such as those from specific periods (1921–1941), must be directed to the Iowa Department of Public Health.

It is was noting that certified copies of vital records can only be issued to eligible individuals as defined by Iowa law (Iowa Code §144.43). According to the law, only persons who are capable of proving their entitlement to the records can request certified copies of vital records. Consequently, eligible persons include:

• Record holders who are 18 or older
• Parents or legal guardians of the record holder (who are named on their legal birth certificate or have proof of guardianship)
• The siblings and children of the registrant
• Legal spouse or partner of the record holder

Completed applications should be addressed to:

Scott County Recorder's Office
Administrative Center
600 W. 4th St.
Davenport, IA 52801-1003
Phone: (563) 326-8621
Fax: (563) 328-3225

For Applications to the State office:

Iowa Department of Public Health
Lucas State Office Building
1st Floor, 321 E. 12th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0075

Scott County Probate Court Records

The Probate Court in Scott County is a department within the district court. It is overseen by an associate probate judge. The District Court Clerk keeps all documents filed in proceedings involving guardianships, conservatorships, and the probate of an estate on file. After a testator (dead person) passes away, their Last Will and Testament are legally validated through the probate procedure. Probate of a will serves several purposes, including:

• Making an inventory of the resources and debts;
• Defending the estate's property;
• Settling financial obligations and resolving any tax issues pertaining to the deceased individual, such as income, estate, and inheritance taxes;
• Ascertaining the rightful heirs of the estate.

Probate records in Iowa are public records except when made exempt by a court order in exceptional cases. Interested persons can visit the county district clerk's office and submit a request for probate records. The office will provide a request form that must be completed with the testator's name and other personal information. The fees associated with a probate record request are for making copies of the record.

Scott County Property Records

The Scott County Recorder's Office maintains current records of official property that impact real estate titles. As for property records about taxes on property under its authority, that is the responsibility of the Scott County Assessor's office. Additionally, the county assessor's office maintains land records. Both offices use online tools to provide access to property records for interested members of the public. These tools include:

• Land records search tool
• Parcel information and property mapping tool

Property records can also be requested in person, online, or by mail to the Scott County Recorder's Office.

Scott County Court Records Online

Aside from the official Iowa court systems, third-party databases like Iowacourtrecords.us provide an alternative option for remotely accessing Scott County court records. These sites typically aggregate information across several jurisdictions, offering users access to several different types of records across various jurisdictions. However, since they are operated independently of court records, they may not be accurate or current.