Sarpy County Court Records
What Is Sarpy County Court Records
Court records in Sarpy County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. Pursuant to Nebraska Public Records Law § 84-712, these records constitute a comprehensive repository of judicial activities and decisions. Court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
- Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case status information
- Judicial orders and final judgments
- Transcripts of court proceedings
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during trials
- Sentencing and disposition records in criminal matters
- Marriage and divorce decrees
- Probate and estate administration documents
Court records differ from other public records maintained by Sarpy County, such as property records (deeds, mortgages, liens), vital records (birth and death certificates), and tax assessment records. The distinction lies in their creation within the judicial process rather than administrative government functions.
In Sarpy County, court records are maintained by several judicial bodies:
- District Court (general jurisdiction court handling felonies and civil cases over $52,000)
- County Court (limited jurisdiction court handling misdemeanors, small claims, traffic)
- Juvenile Court (specialized court for juvenile matters)
- Probate Court (division handling estates, guardianships, conservatorships)
These records document proceedings across civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters. The Nebraska Judicial Branch maintains standards for record-keeping across all county courts in the state, ensuring consistency in documentation practices.
Are Court Records Public In Sarpy County
Court records in Sarpy County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Nebraska's open records laws. Under Nebraska Revised Statute § 84-712.01, public records are defined to include "all records and documents, regardless of physical form, of or belonging to this state, any county, city, village, political subdivision, or tax-supported district in this state, or any agency, branch, department, board, bureau, commission, council, subunit, or committee of any of the foregoing."
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sealed cases)
- Criminal case files after formal charges have been filed
- Court judgments and orders
- Docket sheets showing case progression
- Hearing and trial schedules
- Marriage and divorce records
- Probate proceedings
However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:
- Juvenile court records (per Nebraska Revised Statute § 43-2,108)
- Records sealed by court order
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Cases involving minors as victims of sexual offenses
- Grand jury proceedings
- Pre-sentence investigation reports
The Nebraska Supreme Court has established rules governing public access to court records that apply uniformly across all counties, including Sarpy. These rules balance the public's right to information with privacy concerns and the administration of justice. The District Court of Sarpy County adheres to these statewide standards while maintaining records specific to cases within its jurisdiction.
How To Find Court Records in Sarpy County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Sarpy County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining court records:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the appropriate court clerk's office based on the type of case
- Complete a records request form specifying the case number or party names
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for standard copies)
- Wait for staff to retrieve the requested documents
Sarpy County Clerk of District Court
1210 Golden Gate Drive, Suite 3220
Papillion, NE 68046
(402) 593-2267
Sarpy County District Court
Sarpy County Court
1210 Golden Gate Drive, Suite 1330
Papillion, NE 68046
(402) 593-2318
Nebraska Judicial Branch
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request via mail to the appropriate court clerk
- Include case number or names of parties involved
- Specify documents needed and purpose of request
- Provide return address and contact information
- Enclose payment for copy fees and self-addressed stamped envelope
Online Access:
- Access the Nebraska Judicial Branch JUSTICE portal
- Create a user account if required
- Select Sarpy County from the jurisdiction menu
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, date range)
- Review available case information
- Request copies of specific documents if needed
For certified copies of court records, requestors must specify this requirement when making their request and pay additional certification fees ($1.00 per certification). Expedited service may be available for an additional fee at the clerk's discretion.
How To Look Up Court Records in Sarpy County Online?
Sarpy County court records can be accessed through several online platforms maintained by the Nebraska Judicial Branch. These electronic resources provide varying levels of case information depending on the system and case type.
Nebraska JUSTICE Case Search:
- Navigate to the Nebraska Judicial Branch Case Information portal
- Select "Public Case Search" option
- Choose Sarpy County from the jurisdiction dropdown menu
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, attorney, or judge)
- Review basic case information including:
- Case number and filing date
- Party names
- Case type and status
- Scheduled hearings
- Register of actions (docket entries)
- Judgment information
Nebraska Court Calendar:
- Access the Multi-Court Case Calendar Search
- Select Sarpy County from available options
- Choose date range for court hearings
- Filter by case type or judicial officer if desired
- View scheduled hearings and associated case information
Nebraska Appellate Court Case Search:
- Visit the Nebraska Supreme Court and Court of Appeals case search
- Search for Sarpy County cases that have been appealed
- Access opinions and case status for appellate matters
E-Filing System (For Attorneys):
- Registered attorneys can access the Nebraska.gov Courts eFiling system
- View complete case files for matters in which they are counsel of record
- Download filed documents and submit new filings electronically
The online systems provide 24/7 access to basic case information, though document images may not be available for all cases. Certain case types, such as juvenile matters, sealed cases, and adoption proceedings, have restricted online access in accordance with Nebraska law and court rules.
How To Search Sarpy County Court Records for Free?
Nebraska law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge. Pursuant to Nebraska Revised Statute § 84-712(1)(a), "all citizens of this state and all other persons interested in the examination of the public records" are entitled to examine public records free of charge during normal business hours.
The following free options are available for searching Sarpy County court records:
In-Person Inspection:
- Visit the Sarpy County Courthouse during regular business hours (8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday)
- Request to view specific case files at the appropriate clerk's office
- Examine records on-site without charge
- Take notes or use personal devices to photograph documents (subject to court rules)
Free Online Resources:
- Nebraska Judicial Branch Public Case Search - Provides basic case information without charge
- Multi-Court Case Calendar - Free access to court schedules and hearing information
- Sarpy County Public Records portal - Links to various free public record resources
Public Access Terminals:
- Computer terminals available at the Sarpy County Courthouse
- Provide free access to the JUSTICE case management system
- Allow more detailed searches than the public website
- Located in the clerk's office for public use during business hours
While inspection of records is free, fees apply for copies of documents ($1.00 per page), certified copies ($1.00 per certification plus copy fees), and specialized searches requiring staff assistance. Fee waivers may be available for indigent persons upon proper application to the court.
What's Included in a Sarpy County Court Record?
Sarpy County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but typically include:
Civil Case Records:
- Complaint or petition initiating the case
- Summons and proof of service
- Defendant's answer or response
- Motions filed by either party
- Court orders and rulings on motions
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Trial transcripts (if prepared)
- Final judgment or decree
- Post-judgment motions and orders
- Appeal documents (if applicable)
Criminal Case Records:
- Charging documents (information or indictment)
- Arrest warrant or summons
- Bond information
- Defendant's plea
- Motions filed by prosecution or defense
- Court orders on pretrial matters
- Jury selection records (if applicable)
- Exhibit lists and admitted evidence
- Verdict forms
- Sentencing documents
- Probation reports (may be confidential)
- Appeal notices and briefs
Family Court Records:
- Divorce or separation petitions
- Child custody and support documents
- Parenting plans
- Financial affidavits
- Property division agreements
- Temporary and final orders
- Modification requests
- Enforcement proceedings
Probate Records:
- Will (if testate)
- Petition for probate or administration
- Inventory of estate assets
- Claims against the estate
- Accountings
- Distribution plans
- Final decree closing the estate
Case Register of Actions: All case files include a chronological index (docket sheet) listing every document filed, hearing held, and action taken in the case, with corresponding dates.
Court records may also contain transcripts of proceedings, though these are typically prepared only upon request and payment of transcription fees. Audio recordings of hearings may be maintained by the court but are not automatically included in the publicly accessible case file.
How Long Does Sarpy County Keep Court Records?
Sarpy County retains court records according to the Nebraska Records Management Division's retention schedules as mandated by state law. These schedules establish minimum retention periods based on case type and document significance.
Criminal Case Records:
- Felony cases: Permanent retention for homicide cases; 50 years for other felonies
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after case closure
- Traffic violations: 5 years after case closure
- Dismissed criminal cases: 3 years after dismissal
Civil Case Records:
- General civil litigation: 10 years after final judgment
- Small claims cases: 5 years after disposition
- Domestic relations cases: 25 years after final decree
- Protection orders: 5 years after expiration
- Probate matters: 25 years after estate closing
Juvenile Court Records:
- Delinquency cases: Until subject reaches age 25, then eligible for sealing
- Dependency/neglect cases: 25 years after case closure
- Adoption records: Permanent retention (sealed from public access)
Administrative Records:
- Court dockets and indexes: Permanent retention
- Court calendars: 2 years
- Financial records: 7 years
- Jury records: 3 years after jury service
Pursuant to Nebraska Revised Statute § 25-1712, the clerk of the district court must maintain judgment records for at least 10 years. However, many records are retained longer than the minimum requirements, particularly those with historical or precedential value.
Records scheduled for destruction are reviewed by the clerk's office and court administration before disposal. Parties to cases may request copies of records before scheduled destruction dates. Once records are destroyed according to retention schedules, they cannot be recreated.
Types of Courts In Sarpy County
Sarpy County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and functions within Nebraska's unified court system.
Sarpy County District Court
1210 Golden Gate Drive, Suite 3220
Papillion, NE 68046
(402) 593-2267
Sarpy County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The District Court is Sarpy County's court of general jurisdiction, handling felony criminal cases, civil matters involving claims exceeding $52,000, domestic relations cases, and appeals from lower courts. The court currently has six judges who preside over cases.
Sarpy County Court
1210 Golden Gate Drive, Suite 1330
Papillion, NE 68046
(402) 593-2318
Nebraska Judicial Branch
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The County Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases under $52,000, small claims (up to $3,900), preliminary hearings in felony cases, and probate matters. Four judges currently serve on the Sarpy County Court.
Sarpy County Juvenile Court
1210 Golden Gate Drive
Papillion, NE 68046
(402) 593-2230
Nebraska Judicial Branch
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The Juvenile Court has jurisdiction over cases involving minors, including delinquency proceedings, status offenses, dependency and neglect cases, and adoptions. Sarpy County has a separate juvenile court with specialized judges.
Nebraska Court of Appeals
State Capitol, Room 2413
Lincoln, NE 68509
(402) 471-3911
Nebraska Judicial Branch
The Court of Appeals hears appeals from Sarpy County District Court decisions. This intermediate appellate court consists of six judges who hear cases in panels of three.
Nebraska Supreme Court
State Capitol, Room 2413
Lincoln, NE 68509
(402) 471-3731
Nebraska Judicial Branch
The Supreme Court is Nebraska's highest court and has discretionary review of Court of Appeals decisions. It consists of seven justices and serves as the final authority on questions of Nebraska law.
The court hierarchy in Nebraska follows a progression from County Court to District Court, then to the Court of Appeals, and finally to the Supreme Court. Each level has specific jurisdictional limits and appellate authority as established by state law.
What Types of Cases Do Sarpy County Courts Hear?
Sarpy County's courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their jurisdictional authority under Nebraska law.
District Court Cases:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil lawsuits with claims exceeding $52,000
- Domestic relations matters (divorce, child custody, support)
- Real property disputes
- Equity cases
- Appeals from County Court decisions
- Administrative agency appeals
- Civil commitments
- Name changes
- Habeas corpus proceedings
County Court Cases:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations
- Civil lawsuits with claims up to $52,000
- Small claims cases (up to $3,900)
- Probate and estate administration
- Guardianships and conservatorships
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Protection orders (domestic violence, harassment)
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Ordinance violations
Juvenile Court Cases:
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Status offenses (truancy, runaway)
- Child abuse and neglect cases
- Termination of parental rights
- Adoptions
- Emancipation petitions
- Juvenile guardianships
The District Court of Sarpy County handles the most serious criminal matters and complex civil litigation. Cases are assigned to judges based on a rotation system to ensure equitable distribution of the caseload. Specialized dockets may exist for certain case types, such as drug court, veterans court, or complex commercial litigation.
County Court proceedings are generally less formal than District Court, with simplified procedures for small claims and traffic matters. The County Court also serves as the entry point for felony cases, conducting preliminary hearings before cases are bound over to District Court for trial.
The Juvenile Court employs specialized procedures focused on rehabilitation and the best interests of minors. These proceedings are generally closed to the public to protect the privacy of juvenile offenders and victims.
How To Find a Court Docket In Sarpy County
Court dockets in Sarpy County provide a chronological listing of scheduled hearings, trials, and other court proceedings. These schedules are accessible through several methods:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the Nebraska Multi-Court Case Calendar
- Select Sarpy County from the jurisdiction options
- Choose the specific court (District, County, or Juvenile)
- Select date range for docket search
- Filter by judge or case type if desired
- View listing of scheduled proceedings
Courthouse Electronic Displays:
- Check digital monitors located in courthouse lobbies
- Displays show current day's proceedings
- Information includes courtroom number, judge, case number, and scheduled time
- Updated in real-time to reflect schedule changes
Clerk's Office Inquiry:
- Contact the appropriate clerk's office by phone or in person
- Provide date of interest or case number
- Request docket information for specific courtrooms or judges
Case-Specific Docket Information:
- Access the Nebraska Judicial Branch Case Information portal
- Search for specific case by number or party name
- View all scheduled hearings for that particular case
- Note that some case types may have restricted access
Docket information is typically updated daily, though last-minute changes may occur due to settlements, continuances, or judicial emergencies. Parties and attorneys receive direct notification of changes to their scheduled hearings, while the public dockets are updated as soon as practicable.
For specialized dockets such as motion days, arraignment calendars, or small claims sessions, contact the specific court division for schedules and procedures. The Sarpy County District Court maintains information about its specialized docket days on its website.
Which Courts in Sarpy County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Nebraska's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court where proceedings are recorded verbatim and a complete record of the case is maintained. Pursuant to Nebraska Revised Statute § 25-2701, courts not of record have different procedural rules and record-keeping requirements.
Small Claims Court:
- Division of Sarpy County Court handling claims up to $3,900
- Proceedings are not recorded by a court reporter
- Simplified procedures without formal rules of evidence
- Hearings are conducted informally by a judge
- Appeals from Small Claims Court receive a completely new trial (trial de novo) in County Court
Administrative Hearing Bodies:
- Sarpy County Board of Equalization (tax assessment appeals)
- Planning and Zoning Commission hearings
- Various administrative tribunals and hearing officers
- These bodies may maintain records of proceedings but are not judicial courts of record
All other courts in Sarpy County are courts of record, including:
- District Court (all divisions)
- County Court (except Small Claims division)
- Juvenile Court
- Probate Court
In courts of record, proceedings are recorded by certified court reporters or electronic recording equipment. Transcripts can be prepared from these recordings for appeal purposes. Appeals from courts of record are based on the existing record rather than a new trial.
The distinction between courts of record and those not of record is significant for appeal purposes. When appealing from a court not of record, the higher court conducts a completely new hearing of the evidence rather than reviewing the proceedings for legal errors.
Lookup Court Records in Sarpy County
Public Records in Sarpy County
Nebraska Judicial Branch Court Records
Sarpy County District Court Information