Find Court Records in Washington County
Washington County court records are managed by the Fifth District Court in St. George, Utah. Washington County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the state, and its courts handle a large and growing volume of cases each year. You can search Washington County court records through the state's online XChange system or by visiting the courthouse in St. George. This guide explains where to search, what records are available, and how to request copies of case documents.
Washington County Quick Facts
Washington County Court System
The Fifth District Court in St. George serves as the main trial court for Washington County. It handles felony criminal cases, civil disputes over $11,000, domestic relations matters, probate, and juvenile cases. The court clerk maintains all case files and is the primary point of contact for records requests in Washington County.
Washington County also has a Justice Court that handles misdemeanor offenses, traffic violations, and small claims cases up to $11,000. These cases may appear in the XChange system alongside district court filings. The rapid growth of Washington County has led to a large and active docket across both courts. St. George is the county seat and home to the main courthouse.
| Court |
Fifth District Court - St. George St. George, UT Contact: Fifth District Court Administration |
|---|---|
| Justice Court | Washington County Justice Court - St. George area |
| Website | utcourts.gov |
Searching Washington County Court Records Online
The fastest way to search Washington County court records is through Utah Courts XChange. This statewide system provides case data for district and justice courts throughout Utah, including St. George and Washington County. You can search by party name, case number, or filing date. Results include case status, hearing schedules, party details, and judgment information.
Visit utcourts.gov/en/courtrecords.html to access XChange. A monthly subscription costs $40 and covers up to 500 searches. An annual plan is available for $240. Individual searches cost $0.35 each. Document downloads are $1.00 per file. If you are a party to an active Washington County case, use the free MyCase portal to view your case history, filed documents, and upcoming hearings without paying a subscription fee.
Public access terminals at the Washington County Courthouse in St. George offer free XChange access. These terminals let you search case data during courthouse business hours at no cost.
Note: The MyCase portal also allows parties to active Washington County cases to receive text or email notifications when new documents are filed or hearings are scheduled.
Washington County Court Records and Public Access
Court records in Washington County are governed by Utah Rule of Judicial Administration 4-202.02, which states that "Court records are public unless otherwise classified by this rule." This means most case documents from the Fifth District Court and Washington County Justice Court are open to any member of the public.
The Government Records Access and Management Act at Utah Code Title 63G, Chapter 2 sets the framework for public records requests. Any person can request court records from Washington County in writing. The clerk must respond within 10 business days under the standard process. Expedited requests receive a response within 5 business days when a valid urgent need is shown. The written request must include your name, contact information, and a specific description of what records you need from Washington County.
Certain records are not public. These include records involving juvenile cases, sealed filings, and some domestic matters where privacy protections apply. The court clerk will notify you if any part of your request is denied and explain your right to appeal.
Types of Court Records in Washington County
The Fifth District Court in Washington County produces a wide range of case records. Each type of case creates its own set of documents that become part of the permanent court file. Understanding the types helps you know where to look and what to ask for.
Civil court records in Washington County cover disputes between parties over contracts, property, and personal injury. These cases can involve individuals, businesses, or both. Criminal records document felony charges brought by the state, including case filings, arrest warrants, plea agreements, verdicts, and sentencing orders. Domestic relations records include divorce decrees, custody orders, child support judgments, and protective orders. Probate records deal with wills, estates, and guardianship proceedings. All of these are generally public in Washington County.
Justice court records from Washington County cover misdemeanor charges, traffic citations, and small claims. These records may have more limited document images but are still searchable by case number or party name through XChange.
Getting Copies of Washington County Court Records
You can get copies of Washington County court records at the courthouse in St. George or by submitting a GRAMA request to the Fifth District Court clerk. Staff can locate case files by name or case number and provide you with copies on request.
Copy fees follow the state schedule. Plain photocopies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies cost $8.00 each. Certified copies are needed when you must prove the document is a true and accurate court record, such as for legal proceedings or government applications. If you only need basic case information, a plain copy or an XChange printout may be enough for Washington County matters.
For criminal history checks beyond individual case records, the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification handles statewide background searches. Visit bci.utah.gov to request a background check for $20. This service covers records from across Utah, not just Washington County.
Note: Historical court records for Washington County that predate digital systems may be held by the Utah Division of Archives at archives.utah.gov.
Legal Help in Washington County
Residents of Washington County who need assistance with court records or legal matters have several options. Utah Legal Services offers free help to low-income residents throughout the state. Apply online at utahlegalservices.org or contact their office to check eligibility. They can assist with understanding your Washington County court records or navigating an active case.
The Utah State Courts website at utcourts.gov provides self-help resources including court forms, step-by-step guides, and instructions for self-represented litigants. These tools are especially useful for residents of Washington County handling civil, small claims, or family law matters without an attorney. The Utah State Law Library offers free access to XChange and legal research databases for anyone who needs them.
Cities in Washington County
Washington County includes several communities. All district court cases for Washington County residents are filed at the Fifth District Court in St. George.
Nearby Counties
Washington County shares borders with other Utah counties in the southwestern part of the state. If you are unsure which county court handles your matter, check where the case was filed or where you live.