Lyon County Court Records Search
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Lyon County spans a large portion of western Nevada, encompassing the communities of Yerington, Fernley, Dayton, and Silver Springs, among others. The county seat is Yerington, where the Third Judicial District Court handles the most significant legal matters in the jurisdiction. In addition to the District Court, Lyon County operates three Justice Courts and two Municipal Courts, each serving distinct geographic areas within the county. Court records from these tribunals cover an extensive range of legal matters—felony prosecutions, civil disputes, domestic relations proceedings, probate filings, and traffic cases.
Those searching for Lyon County court records can approach the process through several paths. The District Court Clerk’s office in Yerington serves as the primary custodian of records for felonies, gross misdemeanors, civil claims above $10,000, family law matters, and probate cases. Justice Courts in Fernley, Dayton, and Yerington maintain their own records for misdemeanors, small claims, and evictions. The Lyon County Recorder’s office provides an online portal for recorded documents, including marriage certificates and property instruments. Nevada’s appellate case records are searchable through the Nevada Supreme Court’s case search tool. For broader orientation to court resources across the state, NevadaCourts.us may help users identify available court case information.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Lyon County?
Locating a court case in Lyon County requires determining which court heard the matter. The six courts operating within the county each handle specific case types, and records are maintained separately at each location.
Court Locations and Contact Information
Third Judicial District Court (District Court)
Address: 911 Harvey Way, Yerington, NV 89447
Phone: (775) 463-6571
Fax: (775) 463-6575
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday
District Court Clerk’s Office
Address: 911 Harvey Way, 2nd Floor, Yerington, NV 89447
Phone: (775) 463-6503
Fax: (775) 463-3643
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday
Canal Township Justice Court (Fernley)
Address: 565 East Main Street, Fernley, NV 89408
Phone: (775) 575-3355
Fax: (775) 575-3359
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed 12:00–1:00 p.m.); Friday by appointment
Dayton Justice Court
Address: 235 Main Street, Dayton, NV 89403
Phone: (775) 246-6233
Fax: (775) 246-6203
Email: djc@lyon-county.org
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Walker River Justice Court (Yerington)
Address: 911 Harvey Way, Suite 2, Yerington, NV 89447
Phone: (775) 463-6639
Fax: (775) 463-6638
Fernley Municipal Court
Address: 595 Silverlace Boulevard, Fernley, NV 89408
Phone: (775) 784-9870
Fax: (775) 784-9999
Yerington Municipal Court
Address: 102 South Main Street, Yerington, NV 89447
Phone: (775) 463-3511 ext. 11
Fax: (775) 463-2284
Online Searches
Lyon County does not operate a single unified online case search portal for its trial courts. However, several options exist:
- The Nevada Supreme Court case management system allows searches of appellate court filings.
- The Lyon County Recorder maintains an online records search portal covering recorded documents from 1970 to present, indexed by name and recording date.
- For court forms and self-represented litigant resources, the Nevada Self-Help Center offers downloadable forms applicable across Nevada courts.
In-Person and Mail Requests
Individuals seeking court records in person should bring a government-issued photo ID and know either the case number or the names of the parties. The District Court Clerk’s office accepts walk-in requests during business hours. Mail requests should be directed to the clerk of the specific court that handled the case. The District Court charges $0.50 per search of the records for each year searched per name.
Are Court Records Public in Lyon County?
Nevada law establishes a presumption of openness for government records. Under the Nevada Public Records Act (NRS Chapter 239), all public books and records of state and local government agencies are open to inspection by any person unless a specific statute declares them confidential. Court records in Lyon County fall under this general framework, meaning that most filings, docket entries, orders, and judgments are available for public review.
Records Open for Inspection
The following categories of Lyon County court records are typically accessible to the public:
- Civil complaints, answers, and motions
- Criminal charging documents, arraignments, and dispositions
- Traffic citations and case outcomes
- Divorce petitions and final decrees (subject to redaction of certain details)
- Probate petitions, estate inventories, and accounting filings
- Small claims filings and judgments
- Protection order case dockets (with victim information redacted)
Restricted and Confidential Records
Certain records are exempt from public disclosure under Nevada statutes and court rules:
- Juvenile records – Proceedings involving minors in delinquency or dependency matters are confidential under NRS Chapter 62H.
- Adoption records – Sealed by statute upon finalization.
- Sealed and expunged records – Cases ordered sealed under NRS 179.245 or NRS 179.255 are removed from public access. Filing a petition to seal records at the District Court level costs $245.00.
- Mental health proceedings – Involuntary commitment records are confidential.
- Grand jury materials – Sealed unless a court orders disclosure.
- Sensitive personal data – Social Security numbers, financial account details, and addresses of protected persons may be redacted from publicly available documents to balance transparency with individual privacy.
Reports held by the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office that are actively in the prosecution phase cannot be released by the Records Division; requesters must contact the District Attorney’s Office for those records.
Lyon County Criminal Court Records
Criminal matters in Lyon County are divided between the District Court and the three Justice Courts. The Third Judicial District Court adjudicates all felony and gross misdemeanor cases. Justice Courts handle misdemeanor charges, traffic misdemeanors, and conduct preliminary hearings for felony cases before they are bound over to District Court.
Searching Criminal Court Records
Criminal case records can be accessed through the following methods:
- In-person at the clerk’s office – Visit the District Court Clerk at 911 Harvey Way, 2nd Floor, Yerington, or the applicable Justice Court for misdemeanor and traffic cases.
- By mail – Send a written request with identifying details (defendant name, case number, approximate hearing dates) and applicable fees to the relevant court.
- By phone or fax – Contact the District Court Clerk at (775) 463-6503 for general case information inquiries.
Copy fees at the District Court are $0.50 per page for file-stamped documents and $0.25 per page for non-file-stamped documents. Certified copies cost $3.00 per certification. Audio or video recordings of hearings are available on CD/DVD for $20.00 (standard) or $30.00 (larger capacity).
Arrest Records and Sheriff’s Office Resources
The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Records Division stores criminal reports, criminal histories, jail booking information, and identification files. Citizens can request copies of reports through the Sheriff’s Records Request Form. Requests must be made with a photo ID, and a $5.00 fee applies per report. Photographs are available for an additional $5.00. Allow up to 30 working days for processing.
The Records Division can be reached at (775) 463-6600 (fax: (775) 463-7141). Criminal reports are released only to persons involved in the case. Reports still in the prosecution phase require a request through the District Attorney’s Office.
For broader public records requests, the Sheriff’s Office charges $45.00 per hour with a $45.00 minimum.
State Criminal History Records
Individuals seeking their own Nevada criminal history records must apply through the Nevada Department of Public Safety, Records, Communications, and Compliance Division. The process requires:
- Completing the Nevada Records of Criminal History Form (DPS-006).
- Providing a set of fingerprints taken on a standard FD-258 card by a certified fingerprinting technician.
- Submitting a $27.00 fee by certified check or money order payable to the Nevada Department of Public Safety.
Mail the completed form, original fingerprint card, and payment to:
Department of Public Safety
Records, Communications, and Compliance Division
333 West Nye Lane, Suite 100
Carson City, NV 89706
Lyon County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Lyon County is divided by the amount in controversy. The District Court has jurisdiction over civil claims exceeding $10,000 and cases involving real property recovery. The three Justice Courts each handle civil actions up to $15,000, small claims up to $10,000, and eviction (summary eviction / unlawful detainer) proceedings.
Accessing Civil Records
Civil case files from the District Court are maintained by the District Court Clerk. Requesters may obtain copies in person, by mail, phone, or fax. A government-issued photo ID is required when applying for records. Justice Court civil records are available at the respective Justice Court locations.
District Court Civil Filing Fees
The Third Judicial District Court publishes its official fee schedule, which includes the following civil filing fees:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| New civil action or proceeding | $245.00 |
| Construction defect / complex litigation | $495.00 |
| Answer or first appearance (civil) | $198.00 |
| Each additional defendant | $30.00 |
| Third-party complaint | $135.00 |
| Foreign judgment or order registration | $245.00 |
| Name change petition | $245.00 |
| Demand for jury trial | $320.00 |
| Motion for summary judgment | $200.00 |
| Petition to seal records | $245.00 |
| Writ of attachment, garnishment, or execution | $10.00 |
| Appeal from Justice or Municipal Court | $134.00 |
Copy and Search Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies of file-stamped documents (per page) | $0.50 |
| Copies of non-file-stamped documents (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certified copies (clerk certification) | $3.00 |
| Exemplified copies | $6.00 |
| CD/DVD of court hearing | $20.00–$30.00 |
| Record search (per year, per name) | $0.50 |
Small Claims
Small claims cases in Lyon County are heard in the Justice Courts. The monetary limit for small claims is $10,000. Each Justice Court maintains its own filing fee schedule; the Walker River Justice Court publishes its civil filing fee schedule on the county website. Court forms and self-help resources are available through the Nevada Civil Law Self-Help Center and the state Self-Help Center.
Justice Court payments can be made in person, by telephone, or online. The Walker River Justice Court offers an online payment system for outstanding fines and fees.
Lyon County Family Court Records
Lyon County does not operate a standalone Family Court. Domestic relations cases are heard by the Third Judicial District Court as part of its general jurisdiction. The District Court handles dissolution of marriage (divorce), annulment, separate maintenance, child custody and visitation, child support, paternity, termination of parental rights, and adoption proceedings. Justice Courts handle temporary protective orders for domestic violence, stalking, and harassment.
Searching Family Court Records
Family law case records are maintained by the District Court Clerk at 911 Harvey Way, 2nd Floor, Yerington. Records can be requested in person, by mail, or by phone. Most family case filings are publicly accessible, though records involving minors, adoptions, and certain protective order details are restricted.
Divorce Records
The filing fee for a new divorce, annulment, or separate maintenance action in the District Court is $274.00. An answer or first appearance in a divorce case costs $187.00. Motions to modify a joint petition decree carry a $129.00 filing fee, and responses to such motions cost $57.00.
Divorce records can be obtained from the District Court Clerk. The Lyon County Clerk/Treasurer’s Office may also have divorce-related filings on record:
Lyon County Clerk/Treasurer
Address: 27 South Main Street, Yerington, NV 89447
Phone: (775) 463-6501 or (775) 577-5033
Fax: (775) 463-5305
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday
For divorces that occurred in Lyon County between 1968 and September 2005, the Nevada Office of Vital Records can verify and confirm the event. Submit a request with the names of both parties, approximate date, and the city where the event occurred along with a $10.00 verification fee to:
Office of Vital Records and Statistics
4150 Technology Way, Suite 104
Carson City, NV 89706
Phone: (775) 684-4242
Fax: (775) 684-4156
Marriage Records
Marriage certificates filed in Lyon County are maintained by the Lyon County Recorder’s Office. The Recorder’s online search portal includes an index of marriages dating back to the mid-1800s. To search, select “Marriage Certificate” as the document type and enter the names of the parties.
Certified copies of marriage certificates can be requested by email (records@lyon-county.org), Phone: ((775) 463-6581), Fax: ((775) 463-5305), or through the online document request form. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus $4.00 per document. A $10.00 search fee applies when county staff conduct the search.
Child Custody and Support
The filing fee for a new child custody complaint is $234.00, with an answer or first appearance costing $187.00. Lyon County’s Child Support Services are located in Yerington. Domestic relations cases involving custody modifications, support adjustments, and related motions are all processed through the District Court.
Protective Orders
Temporary protective orders for domestic violence, stalking, and harassment can be filed at any of the three Justice Courts. These orders are initially granted on an emergency basis and are followed by a hearing. Victim addresses and contact information are kept confidential in all protective order proceedings.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates are maintained by the Nevada Office of Vital Records. Certified copies cost $25.00 each. Applicants must provide proof of eligibility (such as proof of relationship to the registrant), a valid photo ID, and a completed birth certificate application form. Birth and death records in Nevada have been maintained by the state since July 1, 1911. Access is restricted to the individual named on the record, immediate family members, legal representatives, and persons with a direct and tangible interest.
Lyon County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Lyon County are handled by the Third Judicial District Court. The court has jurisdiction over the validation of wills, estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, and related proceedings. The District Court Clerk’s office maintains all probate case files.
Probate Filing Fees
The District Court’s fee schedule establishes probate filing fees based on the value of the estate:
| Estate Value | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| $2,500 or less | No fee |
| $100,000 or less (or unknown) | $160.50 |
| $100,000 to $300,000 | $259.50 |
| More than $300,000 | $512.50 |
Additional probate-related fees:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adoption proceeding | $213.00 |
| Adoption (special needs child) | $1.00 |
| Contest of will / objection to appointment | $198.00 |
| Termination of parental rights | $245.00 |
| Confession of judgment | $28.00 |
Guardianship filings have a separate fee structure: estates valued at $2,500 or less incur no fee, while estates exceeding $2,500 require a $5.00 filing fee.
Searching Probate Records
Probate case records can be searched and accessed through several methods:
- In-person at the District Court Clerk’s office during business hours (9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday).
- By mail – Send a written request with the decedent’s name, case number if known, and applicable fees to the District Court Clerk at 911 Harvey Way, 2nd Floor, Yerington, NV 89447.
- Online – The Lyon County Recorder’s self-service web portal indexes recorded documents by name and may contain certain probate-related filings. Certified copies of recorded documents cost $1.00 per page plus $4.00 per document, and can be requested by email, phone, fax, or the online request form.
Estate Administration
When a Lyon County resident dies, the named executor or an interested party files a petition with the District Court to open probate. The court determines the validity of the will, appoints a personal representative, and oversees the administration of the estate. Duties of the personal representative include inventorying assets, providing notice to creditors, settling legitimate claims, filing accountings with the court, and distributing remaining assets. Contested matters—such as will challenges or objections to the appointment of an executor—carry a $198.00 filing fee.
Guardianship and Conservatorship
Petitions for guardianship of minors or incapacitated adults are filed in the District Court. Lyon County also has a Public Guardian who may be appointed by the court in applicable cases. Guardianship filings, annual reports, and related accountings become part of the court record and are generally accessible to the public, subject to any protective orders regarding sensitive medical or financial information.