Adams County Court Records

Adams County court records are filed and stored at the Clerk of Circuit Court office in Decatur, Indiana. The clerk serves as the official record keeper for all cases heard in the Adams County courts. You can search these court records online through multiple portals or visit the clerk office in person. Whether you need to find a civil case, look up a criminal filing, or get copies of court documents, Adams County offers several ways to access public records from both local and state systems.

Adams County Clerk of Courts

The Office of Clerk of the Circuit Court is established by the Indiana State Constitution to serve as the record keeper for the constitutionally created Circuit Court. Shelly M. Brite currently holds this elected position in Adams County. The clerk is elected by voters and is limited to serving two consecutive terms. This office handles all court record filings and serves as the main point of contact for anyone who needs case documents in Adams County.

The clerk collects filing fees, court costs, and judgment monies in civil cases. Staff also serve as trustees for child support collections that the court orders to be paid through the office. If you need verified information about Adams County court records, you can send a written request or visit during regular business hours. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM at the courthouse in Decatur.

The Adams County Clerk's Office website provides details on filing procedures and contact information for all court-related services.

Search Adams County Court Records Online

Adams County has its own local court records search portal at adamscountycourts.com. This site lets you look up cases filed in the Adams County courts. You can search by name or case number. The system shows basic case details like filing dates, parties involved, and case status. There will be a delay between court filings and judicial action and the posting of such data, so new cases may take at least 24 hours to show up.

The statewide MyCase portal also covers Adams County court records. Indiana put all 92 counties on the Odyssey Case Management System as of late 2021. Anyone can search MyCase for public case information and documents free of charge. Some types of court documents and filings are available at no cost, while others may need to be picked up from the clerk. Under IC 5-14-3, any person may inspect and copy public records of any public agency during regular business hours.

The Adams County record search portal gives you a different view than MyCase, so it can help to try both when looking for case details.

Note: Information displayed on MyCase is not to be used as an official court record and may contain errors or omissions.

Court Records in Adams County

The Adams County Circuit Court handles a wide range of case types. Civil cases cover disputes between people or businesses. These include contract claims, property disputes, small claims, and debt collection matters. Criminal cases range from misdemeanors to felonies. The clerk keeps records of all charges, plea agreements, sentencing orders, and post-conviction filings. Family law cases in Adams County include divorce, custody, child support, and paternity matters.

Probate cases deal with estates, guardianships, and wills. Traffic violations also produce court records when they go beyond a simple fine payment. Each of these case types creates a file that the Adams County clerk maintains. Under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (IC 5-14-3-3), any person may inspect and copy public records. Some records are excluded from public access under court rules, such as juvenile cases, adoption files, and sealed records. The Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records spell out what is and what is not available to the public.

If the document you need is not available online, you will need to contact the Adams County clerk office directly. Staff can help you find old cases and pull documents from the file.

Adams County Court Record Fees

Agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying records under IC 5-14-3-9. The Adams County clerk sets its own fee schedule for copies and certified documents. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. You can pay fees in person at the clerk office in Decatur. Call ahead to ask about the current rates before you make the trip.

The clerk also collects filing fees for new cases. These vary by case type. A small claims filing costs less than a civil suit, and criminal case costs are set by state law. If you have low income, you may be able to get fees waived by filing the right form with the court. The Indiana Judicial Branch public records page has more details on how to request court records and what to expect in terms of cost.

Legal Help in Adams County

If you need help with a court case in Adams County, several resources are available. Indiana Legal Help is a free website with legal forms, guides, and information on a range of topics. You can find forms for civil, criminal, family, and small claims cases there. The site also connects people to legal aid groups that serve Adams County residents.

The Indiana Supreme Court Law Library can help with research questions if you are trying to understand court records or case law. Local attorneys in the Decatur area handle court filings and can assist with record requests when you need certified copies for legal matters. The statewide court directory lists all trial courts and clerks across Indiana, along with contact info and local rules.

Note: Filing a form with the court has legal consequences, so it is wise to talk to a lawyer before submitting anything.

Cities in Adams County

Adams County has several cities and towns, all of which file court cases through the Adams County Circuit Court in Decatur. The largest city is Decatur, which also serves as the county seat. Other communities include Berne, Geneva, and Monroe. None of the cities in Adams County meet the 25,000 population threshold, so all court business goes through the single county-level clerk office.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Adams County. If you are not sure where a case was filed, check the address where the parties lived at the time. Court records must be searched in the county that had jurisdiction over the case.