Indiana Court Records
Indiana court records are public files kept by the Clerk of Circuit Court in each of the state's 92 counties. You can search these records online through the statewide Odyssey Case Management System at MyCase.in.gov, which went live in all counties as of December 2021. The system holds civil cases, criminal cases, family law filings, traffic matters, and more. Anyone can look up non-confidential case info at no cost. If you need certified copies or documents not posted online, contact the clerk's office in the county where the case was filed. Court records in Indiana cover everything from small claims to felony cases, and most are open to the public.
Indiana Court Records Quick Facts
Search Indiana Court Records on MyCase
The main way to find court records in Indiana is through the MyCase portal. This is the public face of the Odyssey Case Management System run by the Office of Judicial Administration. It covers all 92 counties. You can search cases, look at protection orders, and check other court collections from one site. The service is free for basic case data. Many documents are posted at no charge too.
MyCase lets you search by name, case number, or other details. It pulls up civil cases, criminal cases, family law matters, probate filings, traffic cases, and appellate cases. The Indiana Supreme Court made this data public by order, and electronic access is governed by both state and federal law along with court rules. Keep in mind that what you see on MyCase is not the official court record. There can be errors or gaps. The official version is the one the clerk keeps at the courthouse. Also, there will be a lag of at least 24 hours between a court filing and when it shows up online, sometimes longer.
The Indiana Judicial Branch Public Records Portal is the main hub that links to MyCase and other search tools. As that page notes, "some types of court documents and filings are available at mycase.in.gov at no cost." If a document you need is not there, you will have to reach out to the clerk's office in the county where the case sits.
Note: Internet Explorer does not work with MyCase. Use Chrome, Firefox, or Edge instead.
Indiana Court Records Access
Court records in Indiana are public by default. The Rules on Access to Court Records, adopted January 1, 2020 and updated January 1, 2024, set out what is open and what is not. Rule 4 states the general rule: court records are accessible to the public except as provided in these rules. Rule 5 lists what gets excluded, which includes juvenile records, mental health records, adoption files, and records with sensitive personal info.
Beyond the court rules, the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code 5-14-3) gives broad rights. Under IC 5-14-3-3, any person may inspect and copy public records of any public agency during regular business hours. Agencies must respond within a reasonable time, typically 7 business days per IC 5-14-3-8. They can charge reasonable fees for copies under IC 5-14-3-9. So if you want court records that are not online, you can file a formal request with the clerk.
Some records have limits. IC 5-14-3-4 carves out exceptions for records declared confidential by state or federal statute, law enforcement investigatory files, medical records, and attorney-client privileged material. But for most civil and criminal court records in Indiana, the doors are open.
Court Records Rules in Indiana
The Indiana Supreme Court has put out a full set of rules that control who can see court records and how. These rules cover everything from scope and definitions to sanctions for improper disclosure. Rule 1 sets the scope. Rule 2 says who has access. Rule 3 lays out definitions. Rule 9 describes how to get access to records that have been excluded from public view. Rule 10 keeps a list of excluded records and documents. Rule 12 gives immunity for disclosure of protected information in certain cases.
If you need a record that is excluded from public access, Rule 9 explains the process. You file a request with the court. The judge reviews it and decides. There are good reasons why some court records stay private, like protecting abuse victims or keeping juvenile matters sealed. But the default in Indiana is openness. Most court records are available to anyone who asks.
How to Get Indiana Court Records
There are a few ways to get court records in Indiana. Online is the fastest for most people.
Start with MyCase.in.gov for free case searches. You can view case summaries, party names, filing dates, and some documents. For court records not posted online, contact the Clerk of Circuit Court in the county where the case was filed. Every county has a clerk's office. You can find contact info through the Indiana Courts Contact page. Walk in during business hours, call, or send a mail request. Most offices charge $1 per page for plain copies and $3 for certified copies, though fees vary by county.
You can also pay court fines and fees through the Online Payment Portal. This covers traffic tickets, criminal case payments, and civil judgments. The portal charges a $4.00 transaction fee plus a 2% credit card fee. For e-filing new cases or follow-up filings, attorneys are required to use the E-filing Portal in most counties. Self-represented parties are encouraged to e-file as well.
If you need help finding records, the Indiana Supreme Court suggests reaching out to your local library, the Indiana State Library, or the Indiana Supreme Court Law Library. The Statewide Court Directory lists all trial courts and clerks in Indiana's 92 counties with local rules, stats, and contact details.
Types of Court Records in Indiana
Indiana court records span a wide range of case types. The Odyssey system and MyCase cover most of them. Civil cases include things like contract disputes, property claims, and debt collection. Criminal cases run from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Family law filings cover divorce, custody, paternity, and protective orders. Probate cases deal with estates, guardianships, and trusts. Traffic cases handle violations and infractions. Appellate cases include opinions and orders from higher courts.
Documents available to the public on MyCase include orders in many civil case types, final orders and judgments in criminal cases, and all non-confidential documents in miscellaneous criminal cases. For appellate cases, you can see opinions, orders, briefs, petitions, and motions filed by attorneys in non-confidential matters. Expungement cases have their own set of available documents too. The range of what you can access is broad, but remember that financial information shown online may not reflect the most recent payments. For an official balance, you need to contact the clerk.
Legal Help With Court Records in Indiana
Indiana Legal Help is a free resource for people who need forms or guidance. The site has links for housing, family and safety, money and estate matters, driving and expungement, and many other legal issues. You can find court forms for self-represented parties there. If you need to file something with the court but do not have a lawyer, this is a good starting point.
Each county clerk's office can also point you to local resources. Many clerks have forms on hand for common filings like small claims, protective orders, and dissolution of marriage. Keep in mind that court staff cannot give legal advice. They can help you with process questions, but for legal guidance you should talk to an attorney or use the self-help resources at Indiana Legal Help.
Note: Bulk data requests for Indiana court records are governed by Administrative Rule 9(F).
Browse Indiana Court Records by County
Each of Indiana's 92 counties has its own Clerk of Circuit Court who manages court records. Pick a county below to find local contact info, search portals, and resources.
Court Records in Major Indiana Cities
Residents of major Indiana cities file cases at their county court. Pick a city below to learn about court records in that area.