Find LaPorte County Court Records
LaPorte County court records are filed through the Clerk of the Circuit Court in La Porte, Indiana. Heather Stevens serves as the clerk and manages all case filings for the county courts. The clerk office has locations in both La Porte and Michigan City to serve the county's spread-out population. You can search court records online through MyCase, which is the public access site for Indiana courts and clerks. Whether you need civil, criminal, or family court filings, LaPorte County offers several ways to access public court records.
LaPorte County Quick Facts
LaPorte County Clerk of Courts
Heather Stevens is the LaPorte County Clerk of the Circuit Court. The main office is at 813 Lincolnway Suite 105 in La Porte. You can reach the La Porte office at 219-326-6808 Ext. 2471. The clerk also has a presence in Michigan City, where you can call 219-874-5611 Ext. 7729. Having two locations makes it easier for residents across the county to access court services without a long drive.
The clerk office handles all court record filings for LaPorte County. Staff file new cases, collect fees, maintain the docket, and issue copies of court documents. Whether you need a copy of a civil judgment, a criminal case record, or family court filings, the clerk is the starting point. You can visit either location during regular business hours to submit requests or pick up copies.
The LaPorte County Clerk's Office page on the county website has details on services and contact info.
| Address | 813 Lincolnway Suite 105, La Porte, IN 46350 |
|---|---|
| Phone (La Porte) | 219-326-6808 Ext. 2471 |
| Phone (Michigan City) | 219-874-5611 Ext. 7729 |
| Website | laporteco.in.gov |
Search LaPorte County Records Online
The MyCase portal is the public access site for Indiana courts and clerks, and it covers LaPorte County. All 92 Indiana counties are on the Odyssey Case Management System. You can look up cases by name or case number at no charge. The system shows filing dates, parties, case status, and some documents. If a document is not available online, visit the clerk in La Porte or Michigan City to get it.
Under IC 5-14-3, any person may inspect and copy public records during regular business hours. This law applies to court records in LaPorte County. Juvenile cases, adoption files, and sealed records are kept from public view. The Indiana Courts LaPorte County page gives you links to local court details and search tools.
LaPorte County also has a sheriff's office that maintains its own public records. The LaPorte County Sheriff's public records inquiry page allows you to search for records held by the sheriff's department, which may include arrest records and incident reports that tie into court filings.
Note: MyCase data may not show the very latest filings, so call the clerk for time-sensitive case info.
Court Records in LaPorte County
LaPorte County courts handle a full range of case types. Civil cases include contract disputes, small claims, debt collection, and property matters. Criminal cases go from low-level misdemeanors to felonies. The clerk keeps records of all charges, plea deals, sentencing orders, and any post-conviction filings. Family law cases cover divorce, custody, child support, and paternity. Probate matters deal with estates, guardianships, and wills.
Traffic violations that lead to a court date also create records in LaPorte County. With a population over 111,000, the county courts see a large number of filings every year. Each case creates a file that the clerk office maintains. Under IC 5-14-3-3, most of these records are available for public review. Sealed cases and juvenile records are the main exceptions. If you cannot find a record on MyCase, contact the clerk office for help.
LaPorte County Record Fees
The LaPorte County clerk charges fees for copies and certified documents. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. Call the La Porte office at 219-326-6808 Ext. 2471 to ask about current rates before visiting. Filing fees for new cases vary by type. Small claims cost less than a civil suit. Criminal fees are set by state law.
Under IC 5-14-3-9, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying records. If you cannot afford the fees, file a form asking the court to waive them. The Indiana Judicial Branch public records page has details on record request steps and expected costs across all Indiana courts.
Legal Help in LaPorte County
Indiana Legal Help offers free legal forms and guides. The site covers civil, family, small claims, and other case types. It connects you to legal aid groups that serve LaPorte County residents. Local attorneys in La Porte and Michigan City handle court filings and can help with certified copy requests for legal purposes.
Court staff in LaPorte County can answer basic questions about how to file documents or where to look for records. They are not allowed to give legal advice by law. If you need guidance on a case, talk to a lawyer before filing. The statewide court directory has contact info for all trial courts and clerks in Indiana.
Note: The clerk office has locations in both La Porte and Michigan City for your convenience.
Cities in LaPorte County
LaPorte County has several cities and towns. La Porte is the county seat. Michigan City is the largest city in the county by population. Other communities include Westville, Rolling Prairie, and Kingsford Heights. Court cases for all of these are filed through the LaPorte County courts.
Nearby Counties
These counties border LaPorte County. Make sure you search records in the county where the case was filed. Check the address of the parties to figure out jurisdiction.