Court records in Forrest County, Mississippi can be searched through several channels. ForrestCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through official court resources such as the Forrest County Official Records Inquiry portal, by visiting the court clerks' offices in person, or by using public terminals available at the courthouse. Mississippi's Public Records Act generally ensures that court records are available for public inspection unless otherwise restricted by law.
Forrest County Court System & Jurisdictions
Forrest County is served by several state courts, each handling distinct case types. The county seat is Hattiesburg, and most court offices are located in or near the Forrest County Courthouse. Understanding which court holds the records you need is the first step in any search.
- Circuit Court — Handles felony criminal cases, civil suits exceeding the jurisdictional limits of other courts, and appeals from lower courts. The Circuit Clerk maintains criminal and civil case files for this court.
- Chancery Court — Covers equity matters including divorce, child custody, guardianship, adoption, estate and probate matters, land disputes, and will contests. The Chancery Clerk maintains these records and also serves as the county's land records custodian. Forrest County Chancery Records Online provides internet access to the index of land records.
- County Court — Hears misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases within its monetary jurisdiction, and preliminary hearings. County Court also handles some traffic offenses.
- Justice Court — Manages small claims (civil disputes up to $3,500), misdemeanors, initial appearances, and certain traffic violations. Forrest County has two Justice Court districts.
- Youth Court — Handles matters involving minors, including delinquency, abuse, neglect, and dependency. Youth Court records are generally confidential under Mississippi law.
For federal cases originating in the Forrest County area, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi (Hattiesburg Division) has jurisdiction. Federal case records are available through the PACER system.
Forrest County Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars in Forrest County are managed by each individual court. There is no single countywide calendar portal. Here is how to find scheduled hearings:
- Circuit Court — Contact the Circuit Clerk's office to ask about upcoming trial terms and hearing dates. Circuit Court typically operates on a term schedule set by the presiding judge.
- Chancery Court — The Chancery Clerk's office can provide hearing dates. Chancery matters are often set by the chancellor's office and may not be posted online.
- County Court — Call the County Court Clerk to confirm docket dates for misdemeanor or civil matters.
- Justice Court — Contact the Justice Court Clerk for the relevant district to verify court dates for small claims or traffic cases.
If you have a case number or party name, you may be able to check status through the Forrest County Official Records Inquiry system. For federal cases in the Hattiesburg Division, hearing schedules are available through PACER or the Southern District's CM/ECF system.
Attorneys and parties of record typically receive direct notice of hearing dates. If you are not a party, call the relevant clerk's office and provide the case number to ask when the next hearing is scheduled.
How to Get a Copy of a Forrest County Court Document
You can obtain court documents from Forrest County in three ways: online, in person, or by mail. The process depends on the court that holds the record and whether you need a certified or uncertified copy.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies bear the clerk's official seal and signature. They are typically required for legal proceedings, real estate transactions, and official filings.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions suitable for personal reference or research.
How to Request
- Online — The Official Records Inquiry portal allows you to search chancery and land record indexes. Some documents may be viewable or printable, though certified copies generally must be requested directly from the clerk.
- In person — Visit the appropriate clerk's office at the Forrest County Courthouse. Bring the case number, party names, and approximate filing date to help staff locate the record.
- By mail — Send a written request to the appropriate clerk's office with the case details, the type of copy needed (certified or uncertified), and a check or money order for the applicable fees.
Mailing Addresses
Circuit Clerk
Chancery Clerk
For divorce record searches, note that the Mississippi State Department of Health maintains a limited index but does not hold the actual divorce decrees — those are filed with the Chancery Clerk in the county where the divorce was granted.
Forrest County Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record copies in Mississippi are set by statute (Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-13 and related sections). The following table reflects standard charges commonly applied in Forrest County. Confirm current amounts with the relevant clerk's office, as fees may be updated by legislative action or administrative order.
| Service | Typical Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified copy (first page) | $1.00 – $2.00 |
| Certified copy (each additional page) | $0.50 |
| Certification / seal only | $1.00 – $2.00 |
| Record search (per name/year searched) | Varies; contact clerk |
| Land record copies (Chancery) | $0.50 per page (uncertified) |
| Criminal background check (state level) | Contact DPS Criminal Information Center |
Payment methods: Most clerk offices accept cash, checks, and money orders. Some offices may accept credit or debit cards with a processing surcharge. Confirm accepted payment methods before visiting or mailing a request.
Important notes:
- Fees for certified copies of vital records (birth, death, marriage) differ from court record fees and are handled by the Mississippi State Department of Health or the local clerk's office, depending on the record type.
- Requests for Mississippi Department of Corrections inmate records or MDOC public records are handled separately from county court records.
- Some records — including Youth Court files, sealed records, and certain adoption files — are restricted and may not be available to the general public regardless of fees paid.