Court records in Buffalo County, Nebraska can be searched through several channels. BuffaloCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also search records through the Nebraska Judicial Branch's online case-information system, visit the clerk's office at the courthouse in Kearney, or use public terminals available on-site. The County Clerk's office and District Court Clerk maintain additional records that may be requested in person or by mail.
Buffalo County Court System & Jurisdictions
Buffalo County has two trial-level courts, both located at the Buffalo County Courthouse in Kearney. Understanding which court handles your case type is essential before searching for docket information.
Buffalo County Court
The Buffalo County Court is a court of limited jurisdiction. It handles:
- Criminal: Misdemeanors, preliminary hearings for felonies, and violations of city ordinances
- Civil: Lawsuits where the amount in dispute is $57,000 or less (under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 24-517)
- Small claims: Disputes of $3,900 or less, filed without attorneys
- Traffic and infraction cases
- Probate: Wills, estates, guardianships, and conservatorships
- Juvenile: Cases involving minors (Buffalo County does not have a separate juvenile court)
Buffalo County District Court
The Buffalo County District Court is a court of general jurisdiction. It hears:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases exceeding the county court's dollar limit
- Domestic relations: Divorce, custody, paternity, adoption, and protection orders
- Equity matters: Injunctions, foreclosures, and quiet-title actions
- Appeals from county court decisions
Buffalo County also participates in a drug court program administered through the District Court, offering an alternative sentencing track for eligible defendants.
Buffalo County Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Nebraska does not publish a single statewide court-calendar website for daily hearing schedules. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's court calendar in Buffalo County, use these approaches:
- Contact the court clerk directly. The County Court and District Court clerks at the Buffalo County Courthouse can provide current hearing schedules by phone.
- Check the JUSTICE case search system. The JUSTICE one-time case search lets you look up a specific case by party name or case number. Individual case records typically show upcoming hearing dates when they have been scheduled.
- Nebraska Judicial Branch eServices. Subscribers to the Nebraska.gov case-information eServices portal can run broader searches across county and district court dockets statewide, including Buffalo County.
- Visit the courthouse. Public terminals and posted docket sheets are generally available at the courthouse during business hours.
If you are a party to a case or an attorney of record, your hearing notice will typically arrive by mail or through your electronic filing account.
How to Get a Copy of a Buffalo County Court Document
Court documents filed in Buffalo County — including complaints, motions, orders, and judgments — are generally public unless sealed by the court or restricted by statute (such as juvenile records or certain domestic-violence filings).
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions of court documents. They work for personal reference or background research.
- Certified copies bear the court's official seal and clerk's signature. You will usually need a certified copy for legal proceedings, real-estate transactions, or filing with another agency.
How to Request Copies
- Online: Use the JUSTICE one-time case search to locate a case, then contact the appropriate clerk's office to order copies. The online system displays case information but does not provide downloadable document images for most case types.
- In person: Visit the County Court or District Court clerk's window at the Buffalo County Courthouse. Bring the case number or full party names to speed up the request.
- By mail: Send a written request specifying the case number, document title, and whether you need certified or uncertified copies. Include a check or money order for the applicable fees.
Mail requests for District Court records:
Mail requests for County Court records:
For vital records such as birth or death certificates, contact the Buffalo County Clerk's office or the Nebraska DHHS Office of Vital Records. Marriage licenses are also issued through the County Clerk. Criminal history reports (RAP sheets) are available through the Nebraska State Patrol, not through the court clerk.
Buffalo County Court Records Fees & Payment
Court record fees in Nebraska are set by statute (primarily Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 33-101 through 33-140). The table below lists common fees you may encounter when requesting records from Buffalo County courts. Confirm current amounts with the clerk's office, as fees can change with legislative updates.
| Service | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of a court document | $1.00 per page (plus certification fee) |
| Certification / seal | $1.00–$2.00 per document |
| Uncertified photocopy | $0.50 per page |
| JUSTICE one-time online case search | $1.00 per search |
| Nebraska.gov eServices subscription | Annual fee (set by Nebraska.gov) |
| Criminal history record (RAP sheet) — Nebraska State Patrol | $15.50 per request |
| Exemplified copy (with additional authentication) | Varies — ask the clerk |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, or money order are typically accepted at the clerk's window. Ask about credit or debit card acceptance, as this may vary.
- By mail: Include a check or money order payable to the applicable clerk's office.
- Online: The JUSTICE one-time search charges a per-search fee processed through Nebraska.gov's payment system. The Buffalo County Court page links to the Nebraska Judicial Branch Internet Payment System for certain court-related payments.
If you are unsure of the total cost, call the clerk's office before mailing your request. Overpayments are generally refunded; underpayments will delay processing.