Stark County has a robust set of civic resources — from courts that handle life events to offices that manage property records, taxes, and public information. Whether you need to file probate, research property ownership, get a marriage license, or understand how local government services work, this hub connects you to dedicated guides for each major Stark County office and courthouse department. Every resource below includes verified addresses, phone numbers, hours, and practical guidance on how to use their services.
Courts & Legal Services
Stark County Family Court
What it handles: Divorce, child custody, child support, juvenile cases, paternity, domestic violence protection orders.
Location: 110 Central Plaza S, Suite 601, Canton, OH 44702
Phone: (330) 451-7415
Hours: M-F 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Stark County Probate Court
What it handles: Wills and estates, guardianships, marriage licenses, adoptions, name changes, mental health commitments.
Location: 110 Central Plaza S, Suite 501, Canton, OH 44702
Phone: (330) 451-7755
Hours: M-F 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
County Government Offices
Stark County Auditor
What it handles: Property search, tax administration, Homestead Exemption (save ~$400/year for eligible seniors), dog licensing, real estate records.
Location: 110 Central Plaza S, Suite 220, Canton, OH 44702
Phone: (330) 451-7357
Auditor: Angela Kinsey
Social Security Office Canton
What it handles: Social Security benefits applications, Medicare enrollment, disability claims, retirement planning.
Phone-first approach: Most services are available by phone or online without visiting the office.
Stark County Property Search
What it handles: Search property records by owner, address, or parcel number. Tax data, assessed values, sales history, parcel maps, and Homestead Exemption applications.
Official search: realestate.starkcountyohio.gov
Tax payment portal: paymentportal.starkcountyohio.gov
Assessed value: 35% of market value
Related Resources Beyond Civic
Many civic concerns overlap with other resource areas:
- Benefits & assistance: Stark County Job & Family Services handles SNAP, Medicaid, cash assistance, and child support enforcement.
- Legal help: Community Legal Aid Services offers free representation for income-qualified residents in family law, housing, and benefits matters.
- Records: Birth and death records are at the Stark County Health Department, (330) 493-9904. Divorce records are at Family Court, (330) 451-7993.
- Transportation to appointments: SARTA serves downtown Canton courts and government offices via multiple routes.
Common Questions Across Civic Services
Where is the Stark County Courthouse?
There are actually multiple courthouse-related buildings in downtown Canton. The historic Stark County Courthouse is at the Northwest corner of Market Avenue and Tuscarawas Street. The Stark County Office Building (First Commonwealth Bank building, 110 Central Plaza South) sits across the street on the Southeast corner and houses the Auditor (Suite 220), Probate Court (Suite 501), and Family Court (Suite 601). The Clerk of Courts is in a separate building at 115 Central Plaza North, Suite 101.
Where do I pay property taxes in Stark County?
The Stark County Treasurer (separate from the Auditor) collects property taxes. The Auditor assesses property values and calculates tax amounts; the Treasurer collects payments. The Treasurer's office is in the same Stark County Office Building as the Auditor. You can also pay online through the Treasurer's website, by mail, or set up automatic payment plans.
How do I get a copy of my birth certificate or death certificate?
Call the Stark County Health Department at (330) 493-9904. Birth certificates are available for births within Stark County. Death certificates are available for deaths within Stark County. For vital records from other Ohio counties, contact that specific county's health department.
Is there free legal help available in Stark County?
Yes. Community Legal Aid Services provides free legal representation for income-qualified residents covering domestic violence cases, custody disputes for low-income parents, housing issues, benefits appeals, and other family law matters. The Stark County Bar Association Attorney Referral Service offers reduced-rate initial consultations for those above Legal Aid income limits but still needing affordable legal advice.