Richmond Court Records Search
Richmond court records are kept by the Wayne County Clerk of Courts at the courthouse in downtown Richmond. As the county seat, Richmond handles all civil, criminal, and family law cases for Wayne County residents. You can search court records through the statewide MyCase portal or visit the clerk's office in person. The Wayne County Clerk manages all case filings, court orders, and judgments for the county's Circuit and Superior Courts. Whether you need to look up a case or get a copy of a court document, Richmond has several ways to access these records.
Richmond Quick Facts
Richmond Court Records Access
Wayne County Clerk Tara Pegg runs the clerk's office that handles all court records in Richmond. The clerk's office sits in the Wayne County Courthouse. You can reach them by phone at 765-973-9220 to ask about a case or request copies. Staff are on hand Monday through Friday during normal business hours. Walk-in visits work well if you need to view a file or pick up copies the same day.
| Office | Wayne County Clerk of Courts |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Tara Pegg |
| Address | Wayne County Courthouse, Richmond, IN |
| Phone | 765-973-9220 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
The Wayne County Courthouse is the main hub for all court activity in Richmond. Criminal cases, civil suits, family law matters, and small claims all go through this building. Each court has its own judge and staff, but the clerk's office is your first stop for any records request. Bring a valid photo ID when you visit. You will need the case number or the full name of a party to look up court records in Richmond.
Search Court Records in Richmond Online
The best way to search Richmond court records from home is through MyCase, the state's free online case search tool. MyCase covers all 92 Indiana counties, and Wayne County records are fully available. You can search by name, case number, or citation number. The site shows case details, hearing dates, and some court documents at no cost.
Indiana launched MyCase through the Odyssey Case Management System. As of December 2021, all 92 counties use this system. That means Richmond court records show up alongside records from every other county in the state. Keep in mind that there is at least a 24-hour delay between a court filing and when it shows up on MyCase. For the most current info, call the clerk's office directly.
The Indiana Judicial Branch also offers a public records portal with links to court directories, rules on access, and contact info for each county. The Wayne County court page has local court details and links for Richmond residents who need to find a specific judge or courtroom.
Note: Information on MyCase is not an official court record and may contain errors or omissions.
Richmond Court Records Portal
The screenshot below shows the MyCase search portal that Richmond residents can use to look up Wayne County court records for free.
You can search for any public case in Wayne County by typing in a name or case number. The site works on phones, tablets, and computers. Some court documents are available to view or download right from the search results. Others may require a trip to the clerk's office in Richmond.
Types of Court Records in Richmond
Wayne County courts handle a wide range of cases. Each type creates its own set of records that become part of the public file. Civil cases include lawsuits between people or businesses, contract disputes, and property claims. Criminal cases cover everything from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Family law cases deal with divorce, custody, child support, and guardianship matters.
The clerk in Richmond keeps records for all of these case types. Small claims cases are also filed here. These involve disputes under a set dollar amount and use a simpler process than a full civil case. Probate records cover estates, wills, and trust matters when someone passes away or needs a legal guardian. Traffic cases make up a large chunk of the court's work too, and those records are also searchable through MyCase.
Under Indiana law, most court records are public. The Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code 5-14-3) gives anyone the right to inspect and copy public records during regular business hours. Some records are kept from the public though. Juvenile cases, mental health matters, and adoption files are not open for public view. Records sealed by a judge or covered by a protective order also stay private in Richmond.
Court Record Rules in Wayne County
Indiana's Rules on Access to Court Records spell out what is and is not public. Rule 4 says court records are open to the public unless a specific rule says otherwise. Rule 5 lists the types of records kept from public access. These include records with Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and other sensitive personal info.
If you need a record that has been excluded from public access, Rule 9 lays out the steps to request it. You would file a written request with the court in Richmond. The judge then decides if you have a valid reason to see the record. This process can take some time, so plan ahead if you think you may need a restricted document from Wayne County.
Certified copies of court records cost $1 to $3 per page in most Indiana courts. Wayne County follows these standard rates. You can pay with cash, money order, or in some cases a credit card. The clerk may charge a convenience fee for card payments. Call ahead at 765-973-9220 to confirm what payment methods the Wayne County Clerk accepts for court record copies in Richmond.
Richmond Court Filing Fees
Filing fees in Richmond follow the statewide schedule set by Indiana courts. The cost depends on the type of case you want to file. Here are some common fees:
- Civil case filing: $157
- Divorce filing: $157 to $177
- Small claims filing: $87 (e-file) to $97 (in person)
- Guardianship or estate filing: $177
- Sheriff service: $28
E-filing is available through efile.incourts.gov for anyone who wants to file court papers in Richmond without going to the courthouse. Attorneys are required to e-file in most Indiana counties. Self-represented parties can choose to e-file or file in person at the clerk's office. Credit card payments made at the counter come with a convenience fee, which is typical across Indiana courts. The Wayne County Clerk does not accept personal checks for all payment types, so bring cash or a money order to be safe.
Legal Help in Richmond
If you need legal forms or help filing a case on your own, Indiana Legal Help is a free resource. The site has step-by-step guides and forms for common court matters. This covers divorce, protective orders, name changes, small claims, and more. All forms are free to use and print.
The Indiana State Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service that can connect Richmond residents with a local attorney. You can also check with the Wayne County court for a list of pro bono legal services in the area. Legal aid groups serve eastern Indiana and may be able to help low-income residents with civil cases. The Indiana Court Directory lists all courts and their contact info, which is helpful when you are not sure where to start.
Court staff in Richmond can help you find the right forms and point you in the right direction. But they cannot give legal advice. If you have questions about your rights or how to handle a case, talk to an attorney. Many lawyers offer a free or low-cost first meeting so you can learn your options before you commit.
Wayne County Court Information
The image below shows the Wayne County court information page on the Indiana Courts website, which lists all courts and services available to Richmond residents.
This page has links to local court rules, judge contact info, and details about each court division in Wayne County. Richmond residents can use this page to find out which court handles their type of case and how to reach the right people.
Wayne County Court Records
Richmond is the county seat of Wayne County, and all court filings go through the Wayne County Clerk of Courts. The county court system handles cases for all cities and towns in the county. For more details on county court offices, full fee schedules, and related resources, visit the Wayne County court records page.
Nearby Indiana Cities
Looking for court records in other Indiana cities? These nearby cities also have dedicated court records pages with local clerk info and search tools.