Tippecanoe County Court Records
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Tippecanoe County sits in west-central Indiana, with Lafayette 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 its own assigned responsibilities. The Tippecanoe County Clerk of Courts is the official keeper of all court records across these courts — maintaining filings, orders, judgments, and docket information for criminal, civil, family, juvenile, and probate proceedings.
Anyone can search for Tippecanoe County court records, regardless of whether they live in Indiana. Options include visiting the clerk's office in person, using public-access terminals at the courthouse, or searching through state-operated online databases. The Indiana courts case search platform, mycase.in.gov, gives free access to non-confidential case information from courts statewide that use the Odyssey case management system — including all Tippecanoe County courts. IndianaStateCourts.us can also help users find court directories and publicly available case data. The Tippecanoe County Clerk also offers an Internet Service Request portal for submitting record requests directly to the office.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Tippecanoe County?
You have several ways to find case information in Tippecanoe County — online, in person, or by written request.
Online Case Search
Start with Indiana's MyCase system, which pulls from the Odyssey case management platform used by all Tippecanoe County courts. You can search by case number, party name, or attorney name. For the best results, the Clerk's office recommends entering a last name and first initial rather than a full name, and skipping the date-of-birth and Social Security number fields — those fields aren't populated in most records. Case listings show docket entries and case status, but keep in mind that a case appearing in the system doesn't automatically mean there was a conviction. You'll need to read the docket text to find out the outcome.
The Clerk also accepts record requests through the Internet Service Request portal, where you can submit specific document requests electronically. Once your request has been processed, you'll get an email notification and can then pay through the Clerk's PayGov payment portal.
In-Person Visits
If you prefer to visit in person, the Clerk's office is located 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 run 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 you'll go through security screening.
Written Requests
You can mail a written request to the Clerk's mailing address or submit it through the Internet Service Request portal. Include enough detail to identify the record you need — party names, a case number, or a filing date all help. The Clerk charges fees for copies and searches, and a 3% convenience fee applies to all credit and debit card payments, with a minimum convenience fee of $1.00 for transactions under $33.00. The office accepts 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 generally 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 sets out what must be kept out of public access within the judicial branch.
Under the Access to Public Records Act, any person — Indiana resident or not — has the right to inspect and copy public records held by government agencies, including the Clerk of Courts. Fees for search time and copying may apply.
That said, Indiana law and court rules require that certain records and categories of information be withheld entirely or redacted. 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 covered by 42 CFR Part 2
- Photographs or recordings depicting nudity or sexual conduct
Rule 5 also requires that complete Social Security numbers, full account numbers, PINs, and passwords be redacted from publicly filed documents unless they are necessary to the outcome 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 kept out of public access.
Attorneys and parties filing documents that contain 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 make records requests to county departments easier. The Indiana Public Access Counselor offers guidance on public access questions for both the public and government officials.
Tippecanoe County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Tippecanoe County are spread across several courts. Superior Court 1 handles general criminal matters and also runs 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 located at the Tippecanoe County Courthouse, 301 Main Street, Lafayette, IN 47901.
Searching Criminal Court Records
You can search criminal case records through MyCase by defendant name, case number, or attorney. If you need certified copies or documents that aren't available online, submit a request through the Clerk's Internet Service Request portal or stop by the Clerk's office in person. Juvenile criminal records are not available 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 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, set 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 won't be released until payment has been received.
Indiana State Police Criminal History
If you need a statewide criminal history search beyond Tippecanoe County, the Indiana State Police offers a Limited Criminal History (LCH) report covering felony and misdemeanor arrests across Indiana. You 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 (which includes a $9.32 online processing fee).
Tippecanoe County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Tippecanoe County are primarily heard in Superior Court 1, which handles general civil jurisdiction — including debts, contract disputes, personal injury, property matters, discrimination claims, and civil rights actions. The Circuit Court also shares jurisdiction over major civil cases. Superior Court 4, presided over by Judge Mathew Sandy, handles tenancy disputes and small claims 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. If a record doesn't appear in the online system, request it through the Clerk's Internet Service Request portal or visit 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 charged on credit and debit card transactions.
Property Records
Property records — including assessed valuations and ownership details — are maintained by the Tippecanoe County Assessor's Office at 20 N. 3rd Street, Lafayette, IN 47901. You can search parcels online through the county's Beacon-based GIS website by owner name, property address, or parcel number.
Tippecanoe County Family Court Records
Family law cases in Tippecanoe County are divided among several courts based on the type of matter. Superior Court 2 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 don't involve children or property. Superior Court 3 serves as the county's designated Juvenile Court, covering juvenile delinquency, CHINS (Children in Need of Services), termination of parental rights, child support, paternity, and guardianship matters. That court also oversees the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) program and juvenile probation services.
Searching Family Court Records
You can search family court records through MyCase or request them through the Clerk's Internet Service Request portal. Be aware 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 — a driver's license, birth certificate, passport, or military ID will work. Fees are:
- Resident fee (at least one party lives in Tippecanoe County): $29.00
- Non-resident fee (neither party is an Indiana resident): $69.00
The office accepts cash or debit/credit card — no personal checks. A service fee applies to card transactions. The license takes effect immediately and is valid for 60 days anywhere in Indiana. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Individuals aged 16 or 17 may only marry with juvenile court approval and if the spouse is no more than four years older. Direct questions 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 going back to 1882. You can request records 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 can be downloaded 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, the 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. Proceedings handled here include estate administration, guardianships over incapacitated persons, adoptions, and trusts. Since 1826, the Circuit Court has been 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 you can search by the decedent's or ward's name, case number, or attorney name. If you need certified copies, specific estate documents, or records that don't appear online, submit a request through the Clerk's Internet Service Request portal, or visit the Clerk's office in person. The filing fee for opening an estate is $177.00. Copy and certification fees apply 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.