Tippecanoe County Court Records Search
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Tippecanoe County is located in west-central Indiana, with Lafayette serving as the county seat and home to Purdue University. The county’s court system includes the Tippecanoe Circuit Court and seven Superior Courts, each with defined jurisdictional responsibilities. The Tippecanoe County Clerk of Courts is the official custodian of all court records generated across these courts, maintaining filings, orders, judgments, and docket information for criminal, civil, family, juvenile, and probate proceedings.
Residents and nonresidents of Indiana can search for Tippecanoe County court records through several channels, including clerk offices, courthouse public-access terminals, and state-operated online databases. The Indiana courts case search platform, mycase.in.gov, provides free access to non-confidential case information from courts statewide that use the Odyssey case management system, including all Tippecanoe County courts. IndianaStateCourts.us may also assist users in locating court directories and publicly available case data. In addition to these statewide tools, the Tippecanoe County Clerk offers an Internet Service Request portal for submitting record requests directly to the office.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Tippecanoe County?
There are multiple ways to locate case information in Tippecanoe County, whether online, in person, or by written request.
Online Case Search
The primary online tool is Indiana’s MyCase system, which draws from the Odyssey case management platform used by all Tippecanoe County courts. Users can search by case number, party name, or attorney name. For optimal results, the Clerk’s office recommends entering a last name and first initial rather than a full name, and avoiding date-of-birth or Social Security number fields, as these are not populated in most records. Case listings include docket entries and case status updates, though users should note that a case listing alone does not indicate a conviction — the docket text must be reviewed to determine the outcome.
The Clerk also accepts record requests through the Internet Service Request portal, where users can submit specific document requests electronically. Once a request has been processed, the requester receives an email notification and can then pay through the Clerk’s PayGov payment portal.
In-Person Visits
Record seekers may visit the Clerk’s office in person at:
Tippecanoe County Clerk’s Office
Address: 301 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Lafayette, IN 47901
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1665, Lafayette, IN 47902
Phone: (765) 423-9326
Fax: (765) 423-9194
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On the first Tuesday of each month, the office stays open until 6:30 p.m. The office stops accepting payments, new case filings, and marriage license applications 30 minutes before closing. Enter the courthouse through the south-side entrance on Columbia Street, where security screening is conducted.
Written Requests
Requests for court records can be submitted in writing to the Clerk’s mailing address or through the Internet Service Request portal. A written request should include enough detail for the Clerk to identify the record, such as party names, case number, or filing date. The Clerk charges fees for copies and searches, and a convenience fee of 3% applies to all credit and debit card payments, with a minimum convenience fee of $1.00 for transactions under $33.00. Accepted card types include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
Filing Fees
The Clerk publishes a complete filing fee schedule covering all case types. Key filing fees include:
| Case Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil Cases | $157.00 |
| Criminal Court Costs | $185.00 |
| Divorce (Dissolution of Marriage) | $177.00 |
| Estates | $177.00 |
| Adoption | $157.00 |
New cases may be filed in person Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and until 6:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. The Tippecanoe County local rules of court and Indiana’s case type reference guide provide additional guidance on proper filings.
Are Court Records Public in Tippecanoe County?
Court records in Tippecanoe County are presumed open to the public under two overlapping legal frameworks: the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (IC 5-14-3) and the Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records, particularly Rule 5, which governs what must be excluded from public access within the judicial branch.
Under the Access to Public Records Act, all persons — Indiana residents and nonresidents alike — have the right to inspect and copy public records held by government agencies, including the Clerk of Courts. Requesters may be charged reasonable fees for search time and copying.
However, Indiana law and court rules mandate that certain records and categories of information be excluded from public access entirely or shielded through redaction. Under Rule 5, records excluded from public access include:
- Entire mental health cases filed under IC 12-26
- Paternity records created between July 1, 1941, and July 1, 2014
- Investigative requests and process unrelated to pending criminal proceedings (such as sealed search warrants)
- Guardian ad litem reports, parenting coordinator reports, and custody evaluation reports
- Medical and mental health treatment records compiled by providers
- Drug and substance abuse records governed by 42 CFR Part 2
- Photographs or recordings depicting nudity or sexual conduct
Rule 5 also requires redaction of complete Social Security numbers, full account numbers, PINs, and passwords from publicly filed documents unless necessary to the disposition of the case. Names of child witnesses in sex offense cases must be replaced with initials, and addresses, dates of birth, and phone numbers of witnesses and victims in criminal, juvenile, and civil protection order proceedings are excluded from public access.
Attorneys and parties filing documents containing confidential information must follow specific procedures — paper filings use green paper, and electronic filings must be designated as confidential. A separate ACR Form identifying the Rule 5 grounds for exclusion must accompany each confidential filing.
The Tippecanoe County Board of Commissioners has adopted a Public Records Policy and an optional Access to Public Records Request form to facilitate public records requests directed to county departments. The Indiana Public Access Counselor provides guidance on public access issues to both the public and government officials.
Tippecanoe County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Tippecanoe County are distributed across multiple courts. Superior Court 1 handles general criminal matters and also operates the Forensic Diversion Court for felony defendants with mental health conditions. Superior Court 2 hears major criminal cases, and its Magistrate assists with criminal initial hearings, bail settings and reviews, and expungement petitions. Superior Court 5 handles general jurisdiction felonies, Superior Court 6 processes traffic cases, and the Circuit Court shares jurisdiction over major criminal cases with Superior Courts 1 and 2. A Veterans Treatment Court jointly overseen by the Circuit Court and Superior Court 7 serves eligible veterans.
| Court | Judge | Criminal Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit Court (3rd Floor) | Judge Sean Persin | Major criminal, shared jurisdiction |
| Superior Court 1 (3rd Floor) | Judge Kevin McDaniel | General criminal, Forensic Diversion |
| Superior Court 2 (4th Floor) | Judge Steven Meyer | Major criminal, expungements |
| Superior Court 5 (2nd Floor) | Judge Kristen McVey | General jurisdiction, felony |
| Superior Court 6 (1st Floor) | Judge Michael Morrissey | Traffic |
| Superior Court 7 (3rd Floor) | Judge Daniel Moore | Hybrid caseload |
All courts are housed at the Tippecanoe County Courthouse, 301 Main Street, Lafayette, IN 47901.
Searching Criminal Court Records
Criminal case records can be searched through MyCase by defendant name, case number, or attorney. Requests for certified copies or documents not available online can be submitted through the Clerk’s Internet Service Request portal or in person at the Clerk’s office. Note that juvenile criminal records are not disclosed to the public under Indiana law.
Sheriff’s Office Records
The Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records, incident reports, and background check information separately from the Clerk. The Records Division is located at:
Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office — Records Division
Address: 2640 Duncan Road, Lafayette, IN 47904
Phone: (765) 423-9388
Fax: (765) 423-4155
Email: TCSORecords@tippecanoe.in.gov
Fees for Sheriff’s Office records, established by Ordinance 2011-06-CL, are as follows:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Background Check | $2.00 |
| Crash Report | $8.00 |
| Criminal Incident Report | $0.30 first page, $0.05 per additional page |
| Fingerprinting (non-police business) | $5.00 |
| Jail Arrest Records | $2.00 |
| Certified Incarceration Report | $10.00 |
| Non-Certified Incarceration Report | $2.00 |
Request forms are available on the Sheriff’s website and can be mailed, faxed, emailed, or brought in person. All mailed requests must include a self-addressed stamped envelope, and records will not be released until payment is received.
Indiana State Police Criminal History
For statewide criminal history searches beyond Tippecanoe County, the Indiana State Police offers a Limited Criminal History (LCH) report. The LCH covers felony and misdemeanor arrests statewide. Requesters can submit the Limited Criminal History Form by mail with a $7.00 money order to: Indiana State Police, Criminal History Limited Check, P.O. Box 6188, Indianapolis, IN 46206-6188. The search is also available online for $16.32 (including a $9.32 online processing fee).
Tippecanoe County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Tippecanoe County are primarily heard in Superior Court 1, which exercises general civil jurisdiction, including cases involving debts, contract disputes, personal injury, property matters, discrimination claims, and civil rights actions. The Circuit Court also shares civil jurisdiction over major cases. Superior Court 4, presided over by Judge Mathew Sandy, handles tenancy disputes and small claims matters through the county’s Small Claims Court.
Accessing Civil Court Records
Civil case records — including complaints, motions, orders, and judgments — can be searched on MyCase by party name, case number, or attorney name. Records that do not appear in the online system can be requested through the Clerk’s Internet Service Request portal or in person at the Clerk’s office on the 2nd floor of the courthouse. The civil case filing fee is $157.00. Copy and certification fees apply per the Clerk’s fee schedule, and a 3% convenience fee is assessed on credit/debit card transactions.
Property Records
Property-related records, including assessed valuations and ownership details, are maintained by the Tippecanoe County Assessor’s Office at 20 N. 3rd Street, Lafayette, IN 47901. Online property searches are available through the county’s Beacon-based GIS website, where users can look up parcels by owner name, property address, or parcel number.
Tippecanoe County Family Court Records
Family law cases in Tippecanoe County are assigned to Superior Court 2, which handles dissolution of marriage cases involving children or property division, adoption proceedings, name changes, and domestic violence matters. Superior Court 7 hears dissolution cases that do not involve children or property. Superior Court 3 serves as the county’s designated Juvenile Court, handling juvenile delinquency, CHINS (Children in Need of Services), termination of parental rights, child support, paternity, and guardianship matters. The court also oversees the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) program and juvenile probation services.
Searching Family Court Records
Family court records can be searched through MyCase or requested through the Clerk’s Internet Service Request portal. Note that certain family court records — particularly those involving juveniles, guardianship reports, and custody evaluations — are excluded from public access under Indiana Rule 5. Dissolution of marriage filings carry a $177.00 filing fee. Certified copies of dissolution decrees can be requested online through the Clerk’s portal or in person.
Marriage Licenses and Certificates
The Clerk’s office issues marriage licenses at the courthouse. Both parties must appear in person with valid proof of date of birth (driver’s license, birth certificate, passport, or military ID). The fee structure is:
- Resident fee (at least one party resides in Tippecanoe County): $29.00
- Non-resident fee (neither party is an Indiana resident): $69.00
Payment is accepted in cash or debit/credit card (no personal checks). A service fee applies to card transactions. The license is effective immediately upon issuance and valid for 60 days within Indiana. Applicants must be at least 18 years old; individuals aged 16 or 17 may marry only with juvenile court approval and if the spouse is no more than four years older. Questions can be directed to the marriage clerk at marriage@tippecanoe.in.gov.
Certified copies of marriage certificates can be requested online through the Clerk’s certified marriage record request form.
Birth and Death Records
Vital records for Tippecanoe County are maintained by the Tippecanoe County Health Department, which holds birth and death records dating back to 1882. Records can be requested in person, by mail, or online through VitalChek.
Tippecanoe County Health Department — Vital Records
Address: 1950 S. 18th Street, Lafayette, IN 47905
Phone: (765) 423-9221, ext. 4
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
| Record Type | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $15.00 per copy | Valid photo ID required; protective sleeve included; additional sleeves $3.00 |
| Death Certificate | $15.00 per copy | Valid photo ID required; corrections handled through funeral home |
| Paternity Affidavit | $10.00 per copy | Only parents or adult child may request |
Application forms are available for download from the Health Department’s website, including a Birth Certificate Application and a Death Certificate Application, with Spanish-language versions also available. Mail requests should include the completed application, fee, and a legible photocopy of valid identification. Falsifying an application for an Indiana birth or death certificate is a criminal offense under Indiana Code 16-37-1-12.
Tippecanoe County Probate Court Records
The Tippecanoe Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Sean Persin, holds exclusive jurisdiction over all probate matters in the county. Probate proceedings handled by this court include the administration of estates, guardianships over incapacitated persons, adoptions, and trusts. Since 1826, the Circuit Court has served as the county’s only constitutionally established court, and its probate docket remains one of its primary caseloads.
Searching and Requesting Probate Records
Probate case information is available through MyCase, where users can search by the decedent’s or ward’s name, case number, or attorney name. For certified copies, specific estate documents, or records not displayed online, users can submit a request through the Clerk’s Internet Service Request portal. Requests can also be made in person at the Clerk’s office. The filing fee for opening an estate is $177.00. Copy and certification fees are assessed per the Clerk’s schedule, and a valid government-issued ID may be required.
Probate proceedings in Tippecanoe County follow Indiana’s probate statutes and the county’s local rules of court. Guardianship matters may also be referred to Superior Court 3 under its jurisdiction over juvenile-related guardianships, though the Circuit Court retains primary authority. All court fines and fees, including probate-related charges, can be paid online through the Clerk’s payment system.