St. Joseph County Court Records Search

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    St. Joseph County, located in northern Indiana with its county seat in South Bend, operates one of the more complex local court systems in the state. The county maintains three distinct courts — the Circuit Court, the Superior Court, and the Probate Court — each with multiple divisions spread across several buildings in South Bend and Mishawaka. The County Clerk’s Office serves as the custodian of records for all three courts, collecting, indexing, and preserving the documents generated by civil, criminal, family, and probate proceedings.

    Indiana provides several pathways for the public to research court case information. Official court resources, clerk offices, and online databases each offer access to case filings, docket entries, and other judicial records. The state judiciary operates an online case search tool, and IndianaStateCourts.us can help users locate publicly available case information across Indiana counties. In-person searches at the local clerk’s offices and public access terminals inside the courthouses remain available for those who prefer direct access.

    How to Look Up a Court Case in St. Joseph County?

    There are three primary methods for locating a court case in St. Joseph County: online through the state’s case management system, in person at the Clerk’s Office, or by contacting the clerk by phone or mail.

    Online via MyCase

    The Indiana judiciary maintains the MyCase portal, which provides free public access to non-confidential case information statewide, including St. Joseph County. To search:

    1. Visit the portal and select the Case tab.
    2. Choose a search method — by case number, party name, or citation/reference number.
    3. Select St. Joseph from the county dropdown.
    4. Enter the relevant search criteria and submit.

    Results display case numbers, filing dates, case type, court assignment, parties, charges (in criminal cases), chronological case summaries, financial data, and available documents. Many documents can be viewed and downloaded directly.

    Users can also check daily court dockets for upcoming hearing schedules.

    In Person at the Clerk’s Office

    The St. Joseph County Clerk operates three locations:

    LocationAddressPhone
    South Bend (Main)101 S. Main Street, Lower Level, South Bend, IN 46601(574) 235-9635
    Mishawaka219 Lincolnway West, Suite 101, Mishawaka, IN 46544(574) 256-6202
    Probate Division1000 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, IN 46601(574) 235-9635, ext. 7045

    Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

    Walk-in visitors can request to inspect or copy court records at any location. Requesters should bring as much identifying information as possible — party names, case numbers, approximate filing dates, and case type — to speed the retrieval process.

    By Mail

    Written requests may be sent to the Clerk’s Office at 101 S. Main Street, South Bend, IN 46601. Include the case number or party names, a description of the documents needed, and a return address. Contact the office at (574) 235-9635 to confirm current fees and accepted payment methods before mailing a request.

    Copy Fees

    Under Indiana law, the Clerk may charge up to $1.00 per page for copies of court records, $1.00 per certification, and $3.00 for an authenticated copy. The St. Joseph County Archives and Records Center charges $0.05 per page for copies of archived public records. Marriage and divorce record copies are available through the Official Records Online Portal or in person.

    Are Court Records Public in St. Joseph County?

    Court records in St. Joseph County are presumptively public under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA), codified at Indiana Code § 5-14-3. The Indiana Supreme Court has also adopted specific rules governing public access to judicial records, notably Rule 5 of the Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records, which establishes both the public’s right to inspect records and the categories of information that must remain confidential.

    Additionally, Indiana Judicial Conduct Rule 2.17 governs the management of public access to recordings of legal proceedings, ensuring that access does not interfere with court operations.

    Records excluded from public access include:

    • Records sealed or withdrawn by court order under the APRA
    • Mental health case records filed under Indiana Code § 12-26
    • Paternity case records
    • Juvenile court records (Indiana Code § 31-39-2)
    • Trade secrets and confidential financial information
    • Medical records created by health service providers
    • Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, PINs, and passwords
    • Contact information and dates of birth of witnesses or victims in criminal, juvenile, and civil protection cases
    • Personal information of child witnesses in sexual offense cases
    • Sexually explicit photographs, films, or recordings filed as evidence
    • Case records declared confidential by rules adopted by the Indiana Supreme Court

    A more detailed explanation of these exclusions is available through the Public Access to Court Records Handbook published by the Indiana Office of Judicial Administration, as well as the court system’s bench card on records excluded from public access.

    St. Joseph County Criminal Court Records

    Criminal matters in St. Joseph County are heard primarily by the Superior Court’s Criminal Division and the Traffic and Misdemeanor Division, as well as the Circuit Court for certain designated case types. Felony cases are handled at Courthouse 3, while misdemeanors and traffic offenses are processed at the Traffic and Misdemeanor Division.

    Criminal Division – Courthouse 3
    Address: 129 South Main Street, South Bend, IN 46601
    Phone: (574) 235-5484
    Fax: (574) 235-1816

    Traffic and Misdemeanor Division
    Address: 112 South Lafayette Boulevard, 2nd Floor, South Bend, IN 46601
    Phone: (574) 235-9100
    Fax: (574) 245-6603

    Traffic Violations Bureau – Mishawaka
    Address: 219 Lincolnway West, Mishawaka, IN 46544
    Phone: (574) 256-6330

    Searching Criminal Court Records

    Criminal case records can be searched for free through the MyCase portal. Enter the defendant’s name or case number and select St. Joseph County. Results will show charges, case status, hearing history, dispositions, and financial obligations. Many criminal court documents are viewable online.

    For certified copies or records not available online, contact the Clerk’s Office at (574) 235-9635 or visit in person during regular hours.

    Arrest Records and Inmate Information

    The St. Joseph County Police Department maintains arrest records through its Records Division. Background checks are conducted by U.S. Mail. Requesters must submit:

    • A copy of a valid photo ID
    • A Social Security number
    • A cashier’s check or money order for $8.00
    • A self-addressed, stamped envelope

    Mail requests to:

    St. Joseph County Police Department
    Attn: Records Division
    401 W. Sample Street
    South Bend, IN 46601
    Phone: (574) 245-6535
    Email: records@sjcpd.org

    Current booking information is available through the department’s inmate search page, which lists individuals currently held at the St. Joseph County Jail.

    Statewide Criminal History Reports

    The Indiana State Police serves as the state’s primary repository for criminal history records. Available searches include:

    • Limited Criminal History (LCH): A name-based search returning Indiana felony and misdemeanor arrest information. Requires the subject’s name, date of birth, race, and gender. Fee is $15 per record ($15.70 by credit card).
    • National Full Criminal History: A fingerprint-based search covering all U.S. states. Details are available on the ISP criminal history services page.
    • FBI Identity History Summary: Available directly from the FBI for $18.

    St. Joseph County Civil Court Records

    Civil cases in St. Joseph County are divided between the Superior Court’s Civil Division and the Circuit Court, depending on case type. The Circuit Court, acting as a court of general jurisdiction, handles civil disputes including contracts, personal injury, injunctions, administrative appeals, and estate regulation. The Superior Court’s Civil Division hears additional civil matters, and the Small Claims Division handles lower-value disputes.

    Superior Court – Civil Division (Courthouse 1)
    Address: 101 South Main Street, South Bend, IN 46601
    Phone: (574) 235-9648
    Fax: (574) 235-1863

    Civil Division – Mishawaka
    Address: 219 Lincolnway West, Mishawaka, IN 46544
    Phone: (574) 256-6202

    Small Claims Division – South Bend (Courthouse 2)
    Address: 112 S. Lafayette Boulevard, 1st Floor, South Bend, IN 46601
    Phone: (574) 235-9635 or (574) 235-9794

    Small Claims Division – Mishawaka
    Address: 219 Lincolnway West, 2nd Floor, Mishawaka, IN 46544
    Phone: (574) 235-9635 or (574) 256-6215

    Searching Civil Court Records

    Civil case information is available through the MyCase portal. Select the appropriate search tab, enter a case number or party name, and filter by St. Joseph County. Results display pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, and other docket entries.

    In-person copies of civil court records can be obtained at the Clerk’s Office. The case type reference guide published by the county explains which court division handles specific types of civil disputes.

    Court Filing Fees

    St. Joseph County court filing fees were updated effective July 1, 2023. Selected civil filing fees include:

    • Civil case initial filing: $157.00 (plus $10.00 per additional defendant beyond the first, unless e-filed)
    • Pre-judgment service of summons by Sheriff: $28.00

    Fees are payable at the Clerk’s Office at 101 South Main Street, South Bend. Contact the office for a complete fee schedule.

    Court Forms

    Self-represented litigants can access forms through the Indiana Court Assistance Office and the St. Joseph County local rules, which are governed by Local Rule LR71-TR72-103 and related provisions.

    St. Joseph County Family Court Records

    Family law cases in St. Joseph County are adjudicated by both the Circuit Court and the Probate Court, depending on the matter. The Circuit Court’s Domestic Relations Counseling Bureau Court (DRCB) handles dissolution of marriage (divorce), child custody, child support, paternity, annulment, and domestic violence petitions filed on the civil side. The Probate Court’s Family Justice Center oversees additional family matters including divorce, child support, and visitation rights.

    Civil Protective Order Court
    Address: 101 S. Main Street, Room 151, South Bend, IN 46601
    Phone: (574) 235-9661
    Fax: (574) 235-9656

    Child Support Division
    Address: 227 West Jefferson Boulevard, 6th Floor, South Bend, IN 46601
    Phone: (574) 235-9786
    Fax: (574) 235-9097

    Accessing Family Court Records

    Many family court records are confidential under Indiana law, particularly paternity records, juvenile proceedings, and records containing personal identifiers of child witnesses. Divorce case filings that are part of the public record can be searched through the MyCase portal by selecting St. Joseph County and filtering by case type.

    For records not available online or subject to confidentiality restrictions, requesters may need a court order or must be a party to the case. Contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court at (574) 235-9635 for guidance on obtaining restricted family court documents.

    Marriage Licenses and Records

    The St. Joseph County Clerk issues marriage licenses at the South Bend and Mishawaka offices. Applicants must pre-apply online and then visit the Clerk’s Office in person to complete the process. Both parties must appear with valid photo identification.

    • Fee (Indiana residents): $25 plus $4 per copy
    • Fee (out-of-state residents): $65 plus $4 per copy
    • Military applicants: $4 copy fee waived
    • Payment methods: Cash, money order, or debit/credit card (3% surcharge for card payments)

    Once issued, a marriage license remains valid for 60 days.

    Certified copies of existing marriage licenses and divorce decrees can be ordered in person at the Clerk’s Office or through the Official Records Online Portal. The Archives and Records Center also provides request forms for marriage records and divorce decrees. Copies of divorce decrees cost $1 per page plus $3 for certification.

    Birth and Death Records

    Birth and death certificates in St. Joseph County are issued by the St. Joseph County Department of Health, not the court system. Certified copies cost $15 each, payable by cashier’s check or money order.

    Requests can be made in person, by mail, or online:

    The Indiana State Department of Health also processes mail and phone requests for vital records. The first certificate is $10 with additional copies at $4 each.

    St. Joseph County Probate Court Records

    St. Joseph County is unique in Indiana as the only county that operates a standalone Probate Court. Presided over by Judge Loris Zappia, the Probate Court exercises jurisdiction over estates, wills, trust administration, guardianship, conservatorship, adoptions, paternity, and protected persons. The court also holds jurisdiction over all juvenile matters, including the operation of the Thomas N. Frederick Juvenile Justice Center.

    Probate Court
    Address: 1000 South Michigan Street, South Bend, IN 46601
    Phone: (574) 235-5378 (Court) / (574) 235-5437 (Judge’s Chambers)
    Fax: (574) 235-5382

    Probate Court Clerk
    Address: 1000 South Michigan Street, Juvenile Justice Center, South Bend, IN 46601
    Phone: (574) 235-9635, ext. 7045 / (574) 235-5371
    Fax: (574) 235-5501

    Searching Probate Records

    Probate case information can be accessed through the Quest Case Management Portal, which is a confidential system requiring user registration. Alternatively, the statewide MyCase portal may contain some probate case data depending on the case type and confidentiality status.

    In-person requests for probate records can be made at the Probate Court Clerk’s office during regular hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.). Copies may also be ordered by mail or phone.

    Types of Probate Records Available

    • Petitions for probate of wills and letters of administration
    • Estate inventories and accountings
    • Guardianship and conservatorship petitions and orders
    • Adoption decrees (confidential — access restricted to parties and by court order)
    • Trust administration filings
    • Juvenile case records (confidential under Indiana Code § 31-39-2)
    • Paternity determinations

    Confidentiality Restrictions

    Juvenile records, adoption files, and certain guardianship proceedings are not open to public inspection. Individuals seeking access to these records typically must demonstrate standing as a party to the case or obtain a court order authorizing release.

    For questions about probate record availability, contact the Probate Court Clerk at (574) 235-9635, ext. 7045, or visit the St. Joseph County Courts directory for additional contact information and resources.