Daviess 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.
Daviess County, Indiana, centered on the city of Washington, maintains a court system that handles the full spectrum of legal matters — from felony prosecutions and civil contract disputes to estate administrations and family law proceedings. The county’s courts generate official records that document every case heard within its jurisdiction, and those records are principally maintained by the Daviess County Clerk’s Office. Whether you are a litigant, an attorney, a journalist, or a researcher, knowing which office holds what records and how to request them is essential to navigating Daviess County’s judicial system efficiently.
Those researching Indiana court cases can consult IndianaStateCourts.us for a gateway to publicly available judicial resources across the state. Indiana’s court records can also be searched through official clerk offices, public access terminals located at the courthouse, and the state’s centralized online case management system. For matters specific to Daviess County, the Clerk’s Office remains the authoritative source for certified documents and complete case files.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Daviess County?
Daviess County court cases can be searched through several channels, depending on the type of record needed and whether the requester needs an official certified copy or simply wants to review basic case information.
Online Case Search
The Indiana Judicial Branch operates MyCase, the state’s primary online case management portal, which provides free public access to many court records filed in Daviess County and throughout Indiana. Users can search by party name, case number, or attorney name. The system covers a broad range of case types but excludes confidential records such as juvenile proceedings and sealed cases. The Indiana Judicial Branch’s public records page also provides guidance on accessing court documents and directing records requests.
Attorneys practicing in Daviess County are required to e-file cases electronically; self-represented litigants are encouraged — though not required — to do the same. Details on local electronic filing requirements are available through the Indiana Judicial Branch’s Daviess County page.
In-Person Access
The Clerk’s Office at 200 E Walnut Street in Washington, Indiana, maintains public access computers where anyone can search court records during business hours. Staff can assist with locating case files and processing copy requests, though they are prohibited by law from giving legal advice.
Daviess County Courts — Locations and Contacts
| Court | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit Court | 200 E Walnut St, Washington, IN 47501 | (812) 254-8670 | 8:30 AM–Noon / 1:00 PM–4:00 PM, Mon–Fri |
| Superior Court | 200 E Walnut St, Washington, IN 47501 | (812) 254-8671 | 8:30 AM–Noon / 1:00 PM–4:00 PM, Mon–Fri |
| Clerk’s Office | 200 E Walnut St, Washington, IN 47501 | (812) 254-8664 | 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, Mon–Fri |
Both the Circuit Court and the Superior Court are located within the Daviess County Courthouse on East Walnut Street in Washington. The Circuit Court is presided over by the Honorable Gregory Smith, and the Superior Court is presided over by the Honorable Daniel S. Murrie. Daviess County falls within Indiana’s Judicial District 25.
Mail Requests
Written requests for copies of specific court records may be mailed to the Clerk’s Office at 200 E Walnut Street, Washington, IN 47501. Include the case name or number, the type of document requested, a valid photo ID copy, and applicable fees. Self-addressed stamped envelopes are recommended for return of documents.
Are Court Records Public in Daviess County?
Indiana law generally presumes that court records are open to the public. The Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA) provides any person the right to inspect and copy records maintained by public agencies, including courts. The Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records — which replaced the older Administrative Rule 9 framework — govern which records are accessible and which must be excluded from public view.
Under these rules, the following categories of records are excluded from public access in Daviess County and statewide:
- Juvenile court case records in their entirety
- Adoption and paternity proceeding records
- Records sealed or expunged by court order
- Search warrants, arrest warrants, indictments, or informations sealed by a judge
- Personal identifying information for victims or witnesses in domestic violence, sexual assault, or other sensitive case types
- Child abuse records and drug test results not admitted in open court
- Ongoing criminal investigation records
- Medical and mental health records
- Financial account numbers, tax information, and other data that could enable identity theft
For records that are partially restricted, court staff apply redactions before releasing copies, removing protected information while making the remainder of the document publicly available. When a record is entirely excluded from public access, the court issues a Notice of Exclusion rather than disclosing its contents. Disputes over denied records requests may be directed to the Indiana Public Access Counselor.
Daviess County Criminal Court Records
Court Jurisdiction
The Daviess County Superior Court under Judge Daniel S. Murrie has jurisdiction over all criminal offenses filed in Daviess County. This includes both felony and misdemeanor cases. The Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Gregory Smith, also handles certain criminal matters. Criminal case records — including charging documents, plea entries, sentencing orders, and post-conviction filings — are maintained by the Clerk’s Office.
To search for a criminal case, visit MyCase, select “Criminal” as the case type, and enter the party name or case number. For certified copies of criminal court documents, contact the Clerk’s Office directly. Filing fees for criminal felony and misdemeanor cases are $185.00.
Arrest Records and Sheriff’s Office
Arrest records in Daviess County are generated and maintained by the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, located at 101 NE 4th Street, Washington, IN 47501, Phone: (812) 254-1060 The Sheriff’s Office handles warrant searches, accident reports, criminal background checks, handgun permits, and other public records requests through its Report & Permit Information division. Requesters may be required to present a valid photo ID and pay applicable fees.
Statewide Criminal History
For a certified, comprehensive criminal history covering all Indiana counties, requests must be submitted through the Indiana State Police (ISP). Options include:
- Online: Subscribed requesters pay $15.00 per record; non-subscribers pay $15.70 per record.
- By Mail: Complete the Indiana Request for Limited Criminal History form, include a $7.00 certified check or money order payable to the State of Indiana, and mail to:
Indiana State Police — Criminal History Limited Check
P.O. Box 6188
Indianapolis, IN 46206-6188
Criminal history records at the state level are governed by Ind. Code § 10-13-3, which specifies who may obtain such records and under what conditions.
Daviess County Civil Court Records
Jurisdiction and Case Types
Civil cases in Daviess County are handled by both the Circuit Court and the Superior Court, depending on the nature and dollar value of the claim. The Superior Court hears civil litigation, including tort claims, civil plenary actions, and contract disputes. The Clerk’s Office maintains all civil filings and associated docket entries for both courts.
Filing Fees
The Daviess County Clerk’s Office filing fee schedule sets out the following charges for civil matters:
| Case Type | Base Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil Filing (CT, Plenary, CC, MI, DR) | $157.00 |
| Mortgage Foreclosure | $157.00 |
| Small Claims (non-LLC, up to $6,000 / LLC up to $10,000) | $97.00 |
| Foreign Judgment (CB) | $3.00 |
| Foreign Judgment (Out of State) | $157.00 |
| Petition for Hardship License | $157.00 |
Additional costs may apply: $10.00 per additional defendant beyond the first, $28.00 for Sheriff service, and $10.00 per garnishee defendant above three. Post-judgment Sheriff service adds $28.00.
Small Claims
Small claims cases in Daviess County may be filed for amounts up to $6,000 for individuals and non-LLC filers, and up to $10,000 for LLCs and corporations. The filing fee is $97.00. The Indiana Small Claims Manual 2025 provides step-by-step guidance for self-represented litigants on how to prepare and present a small claims case. The Clerk’s Office staff can provide the manual and direct filers to available forms.
Property Records
The Daviess County Recorder’s Office is located at 200 E Walnut Street, Washington, IN 47501. It records and preserves deeds, mortgages, liens, mechanic’s liens, UCC financing statements, and other instruments affecting title to real property. Recording fees include $25.00 for deeds and most other instruments, and $55.00 for mortgages (including subordinate mortgages, corrective mortgages, and indentures). Copies of recorded documents are $1.00 per page. The Recorder’s staff does not perform title searches or offer legal opinions, but requesters may use public access computers on-site. Property records are also available through the county’s online records portal, which includes a free Property Watch fraud alert service for Daviess County residents. E-recording is accepted through Simplifile and Indecomm.
Daviess County Family Court Records
Divorce and Dissolution
Divorce and dissolution of marriage proceedings are filed with the Clerk’s Office and governed by Ind. Code § 31-15. The base civil filing fee of $157.00 applies to dissolution and divorce cases. The Clerk maintains all family case records, and copies may be requested in person, by mail, or through the MyCase portal by filtering for “Family” case types. Requesters should provide the full names of both parties, the filing date, and the case number if known.
Marriage Licenses
Marriage licenses are issued exclusively by the Daviess County Clerk’s Office in accordance with Ind. Code § 31-11-4-3. Key requirements and procedures include:
- Both applicants must appear in person at the same time
- Indiana residents must apply in the county where at least one of them resides
- Out-of-state residents must apply in the county where the ceremony will be performed
- Applicants 18 and older must present a valid driver’s license, state ID, birth certificate, passport, or military ID
- Applicants under 18 must obtain a court order from the Circuit Court Judge
- Prior marriage information (month, year, and how it ended) is required if applicable
Fees:
- Indiana residents: $29.00 (includes two certified copies after recording)
- Out-of-state residents (ceremony in Daviess County): $69.00 (includes two certified copies)
Licenses are valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. Couples may partially complete the application online in advance through the Indiana Courts marriage license portal before appearing at the Clerk’s Office.
Child Support and Protective Orders
The Clerk’s Office processes child support payments and handles protective order filings. Protective orders can be initiated through the Clerk’s Office at 200 E Walnut Street during business hours. Paternity filing fees are $176.00.
Juvenile Matters
All juvenile proceedings — including delinquency, child in need of services (CHINS), and juvenile traffic cases — are handled through the Circuit or Superior Court under strict confidentiality protections. Juvenile case records are excluded from public access under Indiana’s Access to Court Records Rules, and court personnel cannot disclose their contents to the general public.
Vital Records — Birth and Death Certificates
Birth and death certificates are issued by the Daviess County Health Department, located at 300 East Hefron Street, Suite 150, Washington, IN 47501, Phone: (812) 254-8666 The fee is $15.00 per copy for both birth and death certificates. Payment is accepted by check or money order; credit card transactions carry an additional administrative fee. Birth records are restricted and available only to eligible parties — including the subject, immediate family members, legal guardians, and authorized attorneys or agencies. Records older than 75 years may be accessible to more distant relatives.
To request a certificate, download and complete the applicable Birth Certificate or Death Certificate Application, include a photocopy of a valid ID, and submit in person or by mail to the Health Department. Alternatively, the Indiana Department of Health offers statewide vital records ordering for $8.00 for the first certificate and $4.00 for each additional copy.
Daviess County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Daviess County — including the administration of decedents’ estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and adoptions — are filed with the Clerk’s Office and heard in the Circuit Court or Superior Court. The Clerk serves as the official record-keeper for all estate and guardianship proceedings, and the filing fee for estates and guardianships is $177.00. Adoption filings carry a $157.00 fee.
Searching Probate Records
Non-confidential probate records can be accessed through the following methods:
- MyCase Portal: Visit mycase.in.gov, select “Probate” under case type filters, and search by party name, attorney, or case number.
- In Person: Visit the Clerk’s Office at 200 E Walnut Street during regular hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM). Staff can locate case files and process copy requests.
- By Mail: Send a written request to the Clerk’s Office with the decedent’s name, approximate filing date, and case number if available, along with payment for any applicable copy fees.
Estates and Wills
When a Daviess County resident dies with a will, the document may be submitted to the Circuit or Superior Court for probate. The personal representative named in the will initiates the estate administration process by filing a petition with the Clerk. The court then supervises asset identification, creditor notification, and final distribution. Wills admitted to probate become part of the public record unless sealed by separate court order.
Guardianships and Conservatorships
Petitions for guardianship over an incapacitated adult or minor are filed in the Circuit or Superior Court. The court may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the protected person’s interests during the proceeding. Once a guardianship is established, the guardian must file periodic reports with the court, and any major expenditure of the protected person’s assets requires judicial approval.
Adoption Records
Adoption proceedings in Daviess County are filed in court but are not publicly accessible. All adoption records are sealed under Indiana law, and access is restricted to authorized parties following statutory procedures, which may require a separate court petition. The adoption filing fee is $157.00.
For assistance locating a specific probate file or understanding the steps involved in opening an estate, contact the Daviess County Clerk’s Office directly at (812) 254-8664. Court staff can provide procedural information but cannot provide legal advice or assist with completing forms.