Elkhart County Court Records Search
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Elkhart County sits within Indiana’s 5th Judicial District and operates one of the state’s more complex local court systems, with a Circuit Court, six Superior Courts, three city courts, magistrate courts, and specialized family and juvenile divisions. The Elkhart County Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the official custodian of all court records, including judgments, orders, wills, trust matters, and filings across every division. The Clerk’s office also collects fines, fees, and costs; receives child support payments; issues marriage licenses; and accepts the commencement of litigation.
Indiana court records can be searched through several channels. The state judiciary maintains the MyCase search portal, a free public-access tool that covers civil, criminal, family, probate, and other case types across all Indiana trial courts. Records can also be retrieved in person at the Clerk’s office or at the courthouse where a case was filed. The IndianaStateCourts.us domain may assist individuals looking to locate publicly available case information across Indiana’s court system. In addition, the Elkhart County Access to Justice Center provides self-represented litigants with court-accepted fillable forms and general guidance on navigating filings.
All Elkhart County courts have consolidated into the new Elkhart County Judicial Center:
Elkhart County Judicial Center
Address: 1905 Reliance Road, Goshen, IN 46526
Phone: (574) 538-3000
Hours: Monday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Tuesday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The Clerk of Superior Court No. 4 remains open until 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays to accommodate traffic court proceedings.
Three municipal courts also operate within the county:
| Court | Address | Phone | Fax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elkhart City Court | 229 South Second Street, Elkhart, IN 46516 | (574) 522-5272 | (574) 296-9811 |
| Goshen City Court | 111 East Jefferson Street #2, Goshen, IN 46528 | (574) 533-9365 | (574) 533-3235 |
| Nappanee City Court | 300 West Lincoln Street, Nappanee, IN 46550 | (574) 773-2112 | (574) 773-5878 |
How to Look Up a Court Case in Elkhart County?
The most efficient method for locating an Elkhart County court case is the Indiana Supreme Court’s MyCase portal. The system is free to use and does not require account registration for basic searches. It covers all case types filed in Elkhart County’s Circuit Court, Superior Courts, and city courts.
Searching by name:
- Navigate to the MyCase search page.
- Select the “Name” tab.
- Enter a last name and, optionally, a first name.
- Narrow results by selecting a specific court, case type (criminal, civil, family, probate), case status, or filing-date range.
- Click on any case title in the results to view the case summary, party information, scheduled events, financial details, and available docket entries.
Searching by case number: Select the “Case” tab and enter the full case number. This returns the exact case record directly.
Searching by attorney: The “Attorney” tab allows searches by attorney name or bar number, returning all cases associated with that attorney in Elkhart County courts.
For records that are not available online — or when certified copies are needed — requests must be made in person at the Clerk’s office at the Elkhart County Judicial Center, 1905 Reliance Road, Goshen, IN 46526. Staff will require a name or case number to locate records. Attorneys and parties may also e-file documents through the Indiana E-Filing System; attorneys are required to e-file in Elkhart County.
Are Court Records Public in Elkhart County?
Indiana grants broad public access to court records. The Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA) and Rule 4 of the Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records establish that any person may inspect and copy court records maintained by Elkhart County courts during regular business hours. “Court records” under Rule 3 encompass all documents, data, or information created or maintained by a court, court agency, or Clerk in connection with a particular case.
However, Rule 5 enumerates specific categories that are excluded from public disclosure. The following records are not accessible to the general public:
- Medical, mental health, and substance-abuse treatment records
- Paternity, adoption, and juvenile case records
- Pre-sentence investigation reports
- Grand jury proceedings
- Social Security numbers of living persons
- Records related to HIV/AIDS status
- Expungement orders in criminal and juvenile proceedings
- Mediation, mini-trial, and summary jury trial proceedings
- Drug test records not admitted into evidence during a public proceeding
- Child abuse records not introduced at a public hearing
- Residential addresses of judicial officers, clerks, and court employees
- Personal identifying information of witnesses or victims in domestic violence, criminal, stalking, juvenile, sexual assault, or civil protection order proceedings
- Jurors’ and prospective jurors’ personal information, except when needed by case parties or attorneys
- Arrest and search warrants, indictments, and informations that a judge has ordered confidential before execution and return
- Written petitions to permit marriage of underage persons and related court orders
- Attorney work product when representing a public agency or individual under IC 5-14-3-4(b)(2)
- Examination data used in employment or licensing tests
Anyone seeking access to a record that has been excluded from public view must follow the petition procedures outlined in Rule 9 of the Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records. The Public Access to Court Records Handbook published by the Indiana Office of Public Access Counselor provides detailed guidance on these procedures.
Elkhart County Criminal Court Records
Criminal jurisdiction in Elkhart County is divided among four courts: the Circuit Court, Superior Court No. 1, Superior Court No. 3, and Superior Court No. 4. These courts handle felonies, misdemeanors, infractions, and ordinance violations according to the filing order established in the Elkhart County Local Rules. The three city courts — Elkhart, Goshen, and Nappanee — also adjudicate certain misdemeanor and infraction cases within their municipal boundaries.
Online case lookup: Criminal case information can be searched on the MyCase portal at no charge. When searching, select the “Criminal & Citation” filter to limit results to criminal matters. The results display case status, charges, scheduled hearing dates, and disposition information for non-confidential cases.
In-person requests: Individuals may visit the Clerk’s office at 1905 Reliance Road, Goshen, during business hours. A name or case number and a valid photo ID may be required.
Criminal history records are distinct from court case records and are governed by IC 10-13-3. These records are maintained at the county, city, and state levels.
The Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office Records Division issues limited criminal history reports:
Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office — Records Division
Address: 26861 County Road 26, Elkhart, IN 46517
Phone: (574) 891-2100
Email: Records@ElkhartCountySheriff.com
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Limited criminal history report | $3 |
| Criminal incident report | $3 |
| Fingerprint card | $10 |
| Crash report | $12 |
Mail requests require a completed Limited Criminal History Check form. Payment is accepted in cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card. Checks and money orders must be payable to the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office.
City police departments also issue limited criminal history reports in person. The Goshen Police Department charges $7 for this service and requires a photo ID.
For statewide criminal history searches, the Indiana State Police (ISP) operates a centralized repository. Online options include a name-based search at $15 per record (or $15.70 by credit card), which covers Indiana felony and misdemeanor arrests, and a fingerprint-based search that captures all arrests, charges, and dispositions statewide. Mail requests to the ISP cost $7 and must be submitted with a completed Request Form to:
Indiana State Police — Criminal History Limited Check
P.O. Box 6188
Indianapolis, IN 46206-6188
Phone: (317) 233-1325
Criminal filing costs in Elkhart County are set by statute. Per the Indiana Trial Court Fee Manual, total criminal case fees are $189 (or $217 when the Sheriff’s service-of-process fee of $28 is included). Infraction and ordinance violation fees total $139 ($167 with sheriff service). Expungement petitions cost $157.
Elkhart County Civil Court Records
Civil case jurisdiction in Elkhart County belongs primarily to the Circuit Court, Superior Court No. 2, and Superior Court No. 5. The county’s small claims division handles disputes that do not exceed $10,000, offering a simplified and relatively inexpensive process that does not require an attorney.
Filing fees are established under Indiana Code Title 33, Article 37. According to the Elkhart County filing-fee schedule, the key civil costs are:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil case (Circuit/Superior Court) | $157 (or $185 with sheriff service) |
| Small claims (first defendant) | $97 (or $87 if e-filed; $125 at the Clerk window per local instructions) |
| Each additional defendant | $10 |
| Jury fee (Civil Tort and Civil Plenary) | $75 |
Small claims filings require a completed Statement of Claim form, available through the Access to Justice Center. Once filed, cases are placed on a Pre-Trial Conference docket where mediation is attempted before any trial.
Searching civil records online: The MyCase portal provides free access to non-confidential civil case records. Users should select the “Civil” filter to isolate civil filings. Results include case summaries, party names, filing dates, docket entries, and financial balances.
In-person requests: Civil records can be obtained at the Clerk’s office at 1905 Reliance Road, Goshen. After a judgment is entered and paid in full, it must be released in the Clerk’s office even if payment was made directly to the judgment creditor. A judgment release form is available from the Clerk.
E-filing through Indiana’s electronic filing system is the standard method for attorneys and is available to self-represented parties as well.
Elkhart County Family Court Records
The Elkhart County Unified Family Court consolidates all family-related matters under a single judicial framework. The division hears dissolution of marriage (divorce), legal separation, annulment, paternity, guardianship, adoption, custody, grandparent visitation, name and gender marker changes, non-criminal protection orders, Title IV-D child support, juvenile delinquency, and Child in Need of Services (CHINS) cases. Related cases involving the same family are bundled before one judicial officer to improve coordination.
Dissolution of marriage: Filing a dissolution or legal separation petition — whether with or without children — costs $177. Both parties must meet Indiana’s residency requirement (at least six months in the state and 60 days in the county). The Clerk’s office is open Monday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Self-represented litigants can obtain fillable dissolution forms through the Access to Justice Center.
Marriage licenses: The Elkhart County Clerk’s marriage license office issues licenses at both the Goshen and Elkhart locations. Both applicants must appear in person with a photo ID. Applicants can begin the process through the online application portal, then schedule an appointment to complete the paperwork. Fees are $25 for Indiana residents, $65 when one party resides out of state, and $4 for each certified copy. The license is valid for 60 days.
Marriage record searches: The Indiana Marriage License Public Lookup allows free searches by name and marriage-year range. Historical marriage information is also available through the Indiana State Library’s digital portal.
Protective orders: Victims of domestic or family violence, stalking, or sex offenses may file for a civil protection order at no cost. Paperwork is coordinated through the Elkhart County Victim Assistance Office at (574) 523-2237. An advocate assists with preparing the petition for electronic filing. No criminal charges need to be filed for a protective order to be issued. Protective orders can be requested against more than one person, but each is a separate case.
Child support: The Elkhart County Prosecutor’s office may intervene in family law matters to establish paternity, set or modify child support, or enforce existing orders under Title IV-D. When the Prosecutor intervenes, matters are referred to the Title IV-D Commissioner.
Birth and death records: The Elkhart County Health Department Vital Records Office maintains birth and death records from 1882 to the present for events that occurred in Elkhart County. Records are restricted to persons with a direct interest (parents, spouses, adult children, grandparents, siblings, guardians, attorneys, or authorized agents).
Elkhart County Health Department — Vital Records Office
Address: 608 Oakland Avenue, Elkhart, IN 46516-2116
Phone: (574) 523-2107
Fax: (574) 523-2162
Hours: Monday 8:00 a.m. – 4:50 p.m., Tuesday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 3:50 p.m.
| Certificate Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified birth certificate | $18 |
| Non-certified birth certificate | $10 |
| Certified death certificate | $18 |
| Non-certified death certificate | $10 |
| Paternity affidavit | $80 |
Online orders can be placed through the county’s Permitium portal. Payment at the office is accepted in cash, certified check, money order, or credit/debit card (with convenience fee). Personal checks are not accepted.
Records may also be obtained from the Indiana Department of Health, Division of Vital Records by mail using Form 49607 (birth) or Form 49606 (death). The first birth certificate costs $10, the first death certificate $8, and additional copies $4 each.
Elkhart County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Elkhart County are heard within the court system at the Elkhart County Judicial Center. The Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains all probate records, including estates, wills, guardianships, and trust proceedings.
Probate filing fees are governed by IC 33-37-4-7. The base probate cost is $177 (or $205 with sheriff service). Key probate-related fees include:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Probate costs (opening estate) | $177 |
| Sheriff service of process (if applicable) | $28 |
| Certified copy | $4 |
Indiana law requires that a decedent’s original will be deposited with the Clerk of the Circuit Court within ten days of death, per Florida Statutes §732.901 — more precisely, Indiana Code Title 29 governs wills and estates. There is no fee for depositing a will; a receipt costs $7 if requested.
Probate proceedings generally fall into two categories. Supervised administration involves the appointment of a personal representative who must obtain court approval for significant estate transactions. Unsupervised administration allows the personal representative to act without continuous court oversight once appointed. A small estate affidavit may be used when the total value of assets is modest, and formal administration may not be required.
Searching probate records: The MyCase portal includes probate case records. Users should select the “Probate” filter when searching by name, case number, or attorney. In-person requests at the Clerk’s office require a name or case number and a valid photo ID.
Guardianship: Indiana law requires attorney representation for most guardianship proceedings. The Elkhart County Unified Family Court handles guardianship of minors and incapacitated adults. Filing fees follow the standard probate cost structure. The court provides guardianship forms through the Access to Justice Center and through the Indiana Judicial Branch Self-Service Legal Center.
For legal assistance, self-represented individuals may consult Indiana Legal Help, which offers free resources, form-completion tools, and referral information for residents who cannot afford private counsel. The Elkhart County courts strongly recommend consulting with an attorney before filing any probate or guardianship matter.