Freeborn County Court Records

Freeborn County court records are official files, materials, and information collected or generated by county courts during legal proceedings. They include court orders and decisions, pleadings, complaints, motions, docket entries, subpoenas, transcripts, and case statements. These records are vital, as they foster transparency and ensure accountability, and that court decisions are made uniformly across similar cases.

Are Court Records Public in Freeborn County?

Yes. Court records in Freeborn County are public per the rules of public access to records of the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Under this rule, the public is granted unrestrained access to view and obtain copies of court records. However, some sensitive records may be restricted from public disclosure, including:

• Court records identifying a victim who is a minor
• Records protected by federal law
• Sealed court records
• Personal information, such as social security numbers and financial statements.
• Medical records
• Juvenile case records
• Adoption records
• Arrest records and other criminal information, which form part of ongoing investigations
• Domestic abuse and sexual harassment records

Freeborn County Court Records Search

Requesters in Freeborn County have the following options to access court records:

• Visiting the Freeborn County Court administrator's office
• The Freeborn County District Courthouse
• The Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system
• Using third-party platforms

Freeborn County Courts

The Court system in Freeborn County consists of one District Court. The court has original jurisdiction over all civil, family, juvenile, probate, and criminal cases in Freeborn County. The location is listed below:

Freeborn County District Court
Freeborn County Government Center
411 South Broadway
Albert Lea, MN 56007
Phone: (507) 377-5153
Fax: (507) 377-5260

Freeborn County Criminal and Civil Records

Individuals seeking Freeborn County court records are either trying to access criminal or civil records. Criminal records refer to those materials, information, or documents generated when prosecution files charges against individuals suspected of having broken the law. Record seekers can visit the courthouse or use the online case search portals to find these records. However, Freeborn County arrest records can be accessed through the County Sheriff’s office or other local law enforcement agencies.

Civil court records refer to documents generated in civil cases. Individuals can find civil records by visiting the district courthouse or through the online portal designated for case searches. In addition, at the state level, the Minnesota Judicial Branch provides public online access via the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) platform.

Freeborn County Marriage Records

Freeborn County marriage records fall under the umbrella of public records. The Minnesota Department of Health provides access to marriage records through the Minnesota Official Marriage Systems. Interested individuals can request certified copies of marriage records. They would be required to provide the names of the married persons, date, and location. In addition, requesters can contact the county recorder's office:

Freeborn County Recorder
P.O. Box 1147
Albert Lea, MN 56007

Freeborn County Divorce Records

In Freeborn County, the public is permitted to access basic divorce information. However, access to certified copies or sealed divorce records is reserved for the parties to the action or their duly authorized legal counsel. Individuals seeking divorce records should contact the Freeborn County District Court to obtain certified copies. They can request them by phone, mail, or in person. The request for divorce records should include the date the divorce was filed, the names on the divorce decree, and the date the decree was issued.

Freeborn Birth Records

Birth records in Freeborn County are vital documents available at the County Recorder’s Office. At the Recorder’s office, requesters can access certified copies of birth records. They can either visit or send mail-in requests. For the purpose of mail-in requests, individuals should fill out the application form, accompanied by payment for the search request. Copies of birth certificates cost $26 per copy.

Freeborn Death Records

Individuals in Freeborn County can get access to death certificates at the County recorder’s office. However, the records are restricted to eligible individuals. They can either visit or send mail-in requests. For mail-in requests, requesters should fill out the application form with a $13 payment for the search request and a valid ID.

Freeborn County Probate Court Records

The Freeborn County district court handles probate cases, including conservatorships, guardianships, wills, and trusts. It gathers, catalogues, and evaluates the deceased's possessions. It also oversees estate settlements and debt payments for deceased Freeborn County residents. As provided by the law, it distributes assets to their rightful owners. Requesters may visit the probate unit of the District Court with valid identification to request access to probate records.

Freeborn County Property Records

Individuals seeking property records in Freeborn County, Minnesota, have multiple options. The Recorder’s Office maintains legal documents related to real estate, including deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats. In addition, the County Assessor’s office also provides some information about property valuation, particularly for tax purposes.

These offices provide Freeborn County property records for free via the online Graphics Information System (GIS). Using the system, individuals can locate properties on an interactive map and view other property-related information, including tax, assessment, and ownership history. The county also has a web-based system, LandShark, for accessing land records. Requesters may visit the recorder’s office in person or mail in a request.

Freeborn County Court Records Online

Record seekers in Freeborn County can access court records online through third-party websites such as Minnesotacourtrecords.us. These websites aggregate records from various sources into a central database, providing services that are not limited geographically. Users can search for records by name, case number, or date. However, these websites operate independently of government resources, and the accuracy and availability of records is not guaranteed.