Adams County Court Records Search
IndianaStateCourts.us is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA and does not provide consumer reports. All searches conducted on IndianaStateCourts.us are subject to the Terms of Service and Privacy Notice.
Adams County, Indiana sits in the northeastern corner of the state, with Decatur serving as the county seat. The county’s judicial system processes thousands of case filings each year across its two trial courts, generating a substantial body of public records that cover everything from criminal prosecutions and civil disputes to family law matters and probate proceedings. These records — which may include pleadings, motions, judgments, orders, exhibits, and transcripts — are maintained primarily by the Circuit and Superior Court Clerk’s Office and are available to the public in accordance with Indiana law.
Researchers looking for court case information in Indiana have several starting points available to them. IndianaStateCourts.us can help orient users toward publicly available case information and resources across the state. Records in Adams County can also be searched through the Indiana Judicial Branch’s online case portal, through clerk offices at the courthouse, or using public access terminals. Official court and county websites are the most reliable sources for up-to-date procedures, forms, and fees.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Adams County?
Adams County has two trial courts that share jurisdiction over different types of cases. Both courts are located in Decatur, and all case records are processed through a single clerk’s office.
Adams County Circuit Court
Address: 112 South 2nd Street C, Decatur, IN 46733
Phone: (260) 724-5307
Fax: (260) 724-5308
Adams County Superior Court
Address: 122 South 3rd Street, Decatur, IN 46733
Phone: (260) 724-5347
Adams County Circuit and Superior Court Clerk’s Office
Address: 112 South 2nd Street, Room A, Decatur, IN 46733
Phone: (260) 724-5309
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Email: clerksoffice@co.adams.in.us
The Clerk of Courts — currently Shelly M. Brite — serves as the official record keeper for both the Circuit and Superior Courts. The office handles all record requests, collects filing fees and court costs in civil matters, and manages fine and fee collection in criminal and infraction cases.
Online Search Options
The fastest way to look up an Adams County court case from anywhere is through Indiana MyCase, the state judiciary’s official public case search platform. MyCase allows anyone to search for non-confidential case information by party name, attorney name, bar number, or case number. Many case documents are available to view at no charge directly through the portal. No registration is required for basic public searches. Adams County is part of Indiana’s Judicial District 9, which also includes Huntington, Wabash, and Wells counties.
In-Person Requests
To request physical copies of case records, requesters should download and complete the Court Records Request Form available on the Clerk’s website and submit it in person at Room A, by mail to the Clerk’s address, or by email to clerksoffice@co.adams.in.us.
Are Court Records Public in Adams County?
Indiana law establishes a broad presumption that court records are open to the public. Two overlapping frameworks govern access: Indiana Code § 5-14-3, known as the Access to Public Records Act (APRA), and the Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records adopted by the Indiana Supreme Court. Together, these rules ensure that most court filings, judgments, and docket entries are available for public inspection and copying.
However, certain records are designated as nonpublic and may only be released to legally authorized individuals. Records excluded from public access in Adams County courts include:
- Juvenile records
- Mental health records
- Drug or substance abuse records
- Paternity records
- Sealed court records
- Records designated confidential by statute or court order
Rule 5 of the Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records establishes specific procedures for filing and locking nonpublic records, and it governs redaction when only portions of a document are confidential. If a document contains both public and nonpublic information, the nonpublic portions are redacted before release. Requests for sealed or restricted records require a court order or demonstration of legal authority.
Adams County Criminal Court Records
Criminal jurisdiction in Adams County is divided between the two trial courts. The Adams County Superior Court primarily handles misdemeanors, Level 6 felonies, and Class D felonies, while also processing all traffic cases filed in the county. The Adams County Circuit Court handles more serious felony matters along with probate and other complex civil proceedings. Both courts record criminal case activity through the Clerk’s Office.
Searching Criminal Court Records
There are two distinct ways to access criminal records in Adams County, and the right method depends on what you need:
- Case-specific court records: To review documents from a specific criminal prosecution, use Indiana MyCase or submit a Court Records Request Form to the Clerk’s Office. This retrieves the case file for a single proceeding.
- Comprehensive criminal history: If you need a full background check showing all criminal involvement across Indiana, the Indiana State Police offers a Limited Criminal History search. This service covers felony and Class A misdemeanor arrests statewide and costs $15.00 per record ($15.70 for non-subscriber online requests). The search is based on the subject’s name, date of birth, race, and gender.
Arrest and Custody Information
The Adams County Sheriff’s Department is the county’s primary law enforcement agency and operates the county jail and E-911 dispatch center. Victims and members of the public can check an offender’s custody status through the Indiana VINE system. The VINE toll-free number is (866) 959-8463 (1-866-959-VINE), and the service also allows users to register for email and telephone alerts when custody status changes.
Copy Fees for Criminal Records
Per Indiana Code § 33-37-5-1 and § 33-37-5-3, the Clerk charges:
| Copy Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain (uncertified) copy | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy | $3.00 per document |
Adams County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Adams County — including contract disputes, personal injury claims, landlord-tenant matters, small claims, and real property actions — fall under the concurrent jurisdiction of both trial courts. The Superior Court’s primary civil focus is small claims matters involving $10,000 or less, while larger civil disputes and certain specialized proceedings are handled in the Circuit Court. The Clerk’s Office maintains all civil case records for both courts.
How to Request Civil Records
- Search the case online through Indiana MyCase using the party’s name or case number.
- If copies of specific documents are needed, complete the Court Records Request Form.
- Submit by email (clerksoffice@co.adams.in.us), mail, or in person at the Clerk’s Office during business hours.
- Pay $1.00 per plain copy or $3.00 per certified document.
Property Records
Real estate documents such as deeds, mortgages, and liens are maintained separately from court records by the Adams County Recorder’s Office, which also provides an online document search system. Copy fees at the Recorder’s Office are $1.00 per page for documents 11" x 17" or smaller, $5.00 per page for oversized documents, and $5.00 for certified copies. Note that the Recorder’s office cannot search by street address or parcel number; for that type of lookup, the Adams County Assessor’s Office or the Adams County Public GIS system should be used instead.
Adams County Family Court Records
Family law proceedings in Adams County — including divorce, child custody, child support, domestic relations, and adoption — are handled by both the Circuit and Superior Courts, with the Superior Court taking primary responsibility for dissolution of marriage and domestic matters. All related case records are held by the Clerk’s Office and are searchable through Indiana MyCase.
Dissolution of Marriage
Under Indiana law, a dissolution of marriage cannot be granted until at least 60 days have passed from the date of filing. When children are involved, the court will not issue a decree unless both parties have successfully completed the “Families in Transition” program, which can be arranged by calling (260) 824-8574. Child support amounts are determined using the Indiana Child Support Guidelines, and parenting time arrangements typically follow the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines, both issued by the Indiana Supreme Court.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses and marriage certificates are issued and maintained by the Adams County Clerk of Courts. A marriage license costs $25.00, plus $4.00 for the first certified copy. To request copies of existing marriage certificates, complete the Marriage License Copies Request Form and submit it to the Clerk’s Office in person, by mail, or by email. Uncertified copies cost $1.00 each; certified copies are $3.00.
Marriage records can also be searched online through the Indiana Marriage License Public Lookup portal, which covers licenses issued since 1993. Historical marriage indexes are available through the Indiana State Library, with records spanning through 1850 and from 1958 through 2022 accessible online.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death records for events occurring in Adams County are held by the Adams County Health Department Vital Records division, located at 313 West Jefferson Street, Room 314, Decatur, IN 46733-1660 (Phone: (260) 724-5326; Fax: (260) 724-5328). Records are available from 1882 to the present. Walk-in service runs Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The office accepts only cash, checks, and money orders — no credit cards.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $15.00 |
| Death Certificate | $15.00 |
| Paternity Affidavit | $25.00 |
| Genealogy Hard Copy | $10.00 |
Certified birth certificates are restricted to individuals with a direct interest in the record — the registrant, immediate family members, or authorized legal representatives. Similarly, death certificates require proof of a qualifying relationship or legal authority. Valid photo ID is required for all requests. Pre-printed applications for birth certificates and death certificates are available on the county website and can be completed before visiting the office.
Adams County Probate Court Records
Probate proceedings in Adams County are handled by the Adams County Circuit Court. Matters before the probate division include the administration of decedents’ estates, probate of wills, appointment of personal representatives, guardianships, conservatorships, trusts, and adoptions. All filings become part of the court record maintained by the Clerk of Courts.
How to Access Probate Records
- Online: Search probate case information through Indiana MyCase using the decedent’s name, case number, or related party. Many non-confidential documents are viewable at no charge.
- In person: Visit the Clerk’s Office at 112 South 2nd Street, Room A, during business hours and request the case file.
- By mail or email: Complete the Court Records Request Form and send it to the Clerk’s Office with payment.
Probate forms — including estate claim forms and guardianship documents — are available through the Adams County Probate page on the county website. Copy fees for probate records follow the standard court schedule: $1.00 per plain copy page and $3.00 for certified documents. It is important to note that adoption records are specifically excluded from public access under Indiana’s confidentiality rules and are not released without a court order. Guardianship records may also contain restricted portions depending on the circumstances of the proceeding.
For historical probate research predating the current digital system, the Indiana State Library and FamilySearch maintain indexes and records from Adams County probate proceedings dating back to the nineteenth century, which can be valuable for genealogical research and locating older estate dispositions.