Martin County Court Records
Martin County court records are kept by the Clerk of Courts in Shoals, Indiana. The clerk is an elected official who performs as an officer of the court and the manager of the court. This office files all new cases, stores existing records, and provides copies to the public. You can search Martin County court records through the state's online system or reach the clerk directly at the courthouse on Main Street. The office handles civil, criminal, family law, and probate matters for all of Martin County.
Martin County Quick Facts
Martin County Clerk of Courts
Julie Fithian serves as the Clerk of Courts in Martin County. The office is at 129 Main Street in Shoals. You can also send mail to PO Box 120, Shoals, IN 47581. The phone number is (812) 247-3651, and the fax line is (812) 247-2791. For email, reach the clerk at jfithian@martincounty.in.gov. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
The clerk's office handles all court records for Martin County. Staff file new cases, keep track of judgments, and process copy requests. They also issue marriage licenses and handle election duties. For court records specifically, the staff can search by name or case number and pull files for you. The Martin County courthouse is small compared to larger counties, so wait times are usually short.
The Martin County Clerk's Office page on the state website shows the office details and available services. Below is what the clerk's page looks like.
That page has the basic contact info and directions to the courthouse in Shoals.
| Clerk | Julie Fithian |
|---|---|
| Address | 129 Main Street, Shoals, IN 47581 |
| Mailing | PO Box 120, Shoals, IN 47581 |
| Phone | (812) 247-3651 |
| Fax | (812) 247-2791 |
| jfithian@martincounty.in.gov | |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
Search Martin County Court Records
The main online tool for searching Martin County court records is mycase.in.gov. This free portal covers all Indiana courts, including Martin County. Type in a name or case number and you get a list of matching cases. Each result shows the docket, parties, and hearing dates.
MyCase pulls data from the state's Odyssey case management system. It works well for basic searches. You can see when a case was filed, what type it is, and whether it is still open or closed. Most public records from Martin County courts show up in the results. Some restricted files, like juvenile cases and sealed matters, are kept out of the public search under Rule 5 of the Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records.
The Indiana Courts page for Martin County provides links to local court information. It lists the judges, court types, and contact details for the court system serving Martin County.
Martin County Filing Fees
Martin County has clear filing fees for different case types. These are set by state law and local court rules. Knowing the fees before you file saves time at the clerk's window.
The fee schedule for Martin County court records and filings is as follows:
- Civil cases: $157
- Divorce: $177
- Small claims: $97 ($87 when e-filed)
- Estates: $177
- Guardianship: $177
- Paternity: $196
- Sheriff's service: $28
Copies cost $1 per page. Certification adds $3 per document. All civil and small claim judgments may be paid in person, by mail, or online. If you are sending payment by mail to the Martin County Clerk, use a check or money order. Cash should only be used for in-person visits to the courthouse in Shoals.
Note: These fees can change, so call (812) 247-3651 before filing to confirm the current rates in Martin County.
Courts in Martin County
Martin County is part of the 51st Judicial Circuit. The Circuit Court handles the full range of case types from serious felonies to civil disputes. As a smaller county, Martin County has fewer courts than urban areas. The circuit court manages the bulk of the caseload. All records flow through the clerk's office at the courthouse.
Under Indiana Code 33-33-51, the court system in Martin County is structured to serve the local population. The judge hears cases on a regular schedule, and the clerk tracks every filing. If you have a case in Martin County, you can check the docket through MyCase or by calling the clerk. Court dates and hearing times are posted for each active case.
Court Record Types in Martin County
Martin County court records cover civil, criminal, family, and probate matters. Civil records include lawsuits, small claims, and contract cases. Criminal records cover everything from traffic tickets to felony charges. Family law records deal with divorce, custody, support, and paternity filings. Probate records handle estates and guardianships.
Most of these records are public under Indiana Code 5-14-3. Anyone can ask for copies. You do not need to be part of the case. The clerk's office will search for the records you need and make copies. Certified copies cost $3 each on top of the per-page copy fee. These carry the clerk's official seal and are accepted for legal use in Martin County and beyond.
Some records are not available to the public. Juvenile cases, mental health matters, and sealed files are restricted under Indiana court rules. If you are not sure whether a record is accessible, ask the clerk's office. They can tell you what is and is not available for your request in Martin County.
Cities in Martin County
Martin County is a rural county with small towns. Shoals is the county seat and where the courthouse sits. No cities in Martin County meet the 25,000 population mark, so all court business is handled at the county level.
Communities in Martin County include Shoals, Loogootee, and Crane. All court records for these towns are filed with the Martin County Clerk of Courts in Shoals.
Nearby Counties
These counties share a border with Martin County. If you live near the county line, check your address to be sure you file in the right place.