Vigo County Court Records Search
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Vigo County, with its county seat in Terre Haute, operates a multi-tiered court system that includes a Circuit Court, six Superior Court divisions, a Juvenile Court, and the Terre Haute City Court. The Clerk of the Vigo Circuit Court serves as the central recordkeeper for virtually all county-level court proceedings, maintaining case files for civil, criminal, family, juvenile, and probate matters. Whether you need to verify the status of a pending case, obtain a certified copy of a judgment, or review historical filings, knowing which office holds the records and how to access them is the first step.
Indiana court records are searchable through several channels, including local clerk offices, courthouse public-access terminals, and state-operated online tools. The Indiana judiciary maintains the MyCase portal, which allows the public to look up case information across courts statewide by name, case number, or attorney. The Vigo County government also provides a dedicated Court Records page with contact details for placing records requests. IndianaStateCourts.us may further help users locate publicly available court case information and other judicial resources relevant to Indiana.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Vigo County?
There are three principal ways to search for Vigo County court cases: online, in person, and by telephone.
Online Search — MyCase
The statewide MyCase website, operated by the Indiana Office of Judicial Administration, is the most direct online tool. It covers Circuit, Superior, and Juvenile Court cases filed in Vigo County, as well as Terre Haute City Court cases filed from August 2011 onward.
- Navigate to MyCase.
- Select the search type — by party name, case number, or attorney.
- For a county-specific search, filter results by selecting Vigo County from the court location menu.
- Review the case summary, which typically shows the case number, parties, case type, filing date, status, and scheduled hearings.
- Where available, court documents may be viewable or downloadable directly from the case entry.
All Vigo County case numbers begin with “84” (the county’s FIPS code). Circuit Court cases carry the prefix 84C, while Superior Court cases use 84D followed by the division number.
In-Person Search
Visitors can review court records at the Clerk’s office on the first floor of the Vigo County Courthouse during business hours. Public-access terminals are available for docket lookups.
Clerk of the Vigo Circuit Court
Address: 33 South 3rd Street, Courthouse, 1st Floor, Terre Haute, IN 47807
Phone — Court Records: (812) 231-4499
Phone — Civil Filings: (812) 462-3211
Phone — General / Payments: (812) 462-3215
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Telephone Requests
For court record inquiries, call the Records Division directly at (812) 231-4499. Staff can confirm case status, verify amounts owed, and provide guidance on obtaining copies.
Copy Fees
Under Indiana Code § 33-37-5-1, the Clerk collects a fee of $1.00 per page for preparing a transcript or copy of any court record. Certification adds an additional fee of $3.00 per document under IC § 33-37-5-3. Payment in person is accepted by cash, money order, or cashier’s check. Online payments for judgments, restitution, and court fees can be made through the Clerk’s online payment portal using Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express (note: bonds and child support cannot be paid online). Always verify the amount owed on MyCase or by calling the Clerk before submitting payment, as overpayments may result in a processing fee of up to $3.00.
Are Court Records Public in Vigo County?
Indiana’s Access to Public Records Act (APRA), codified at Indiana Code § 5-14-3, establishes the general rule that records maintained by government agencies — including courts — are open for public inspection and copying during regular business hours. The Clerk of the Vigo Circuit Court, as the statutory “Keeper of the Records”, is obligated to make court documentation available upon request unless a specific exemption applies.
Records That Are Public
Most case filings, docket entries, orders, judgments, and other documents in civil, criminal, and probate proceedings are accessible to any member of the public without a requirement to show a particular interest or purpose.
Records That Are Restricted or Confidential
Indiana law carves out a number of exemptions under IC § 5-14-3-4 and related statutes. Records that may be withheld or are accessible only to qualified individuals include:
- Sealed and expunged criminal records — Once a court grants a petition to seal or expunge under IC § 35-38-9, those records are no longer available to the general public.
- Juvenile proceedings — Case files from Juvenile Court are confidential and may only be inspected by parties, their attorneys, or individuals authorized by court order.
- Adoption records — Sealed upon finalization under IC § 31-19-19.
- Mental health records — Commitment and treatment records maintained by the court are restricted.
- Investigatory records of law enforcement — Active investigation files held by the Sheriff’s Office or police may be exempt from disclosure.
- Records containing personal identifiers — Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and other sensitive data may be redacted under Indiana Administrative Rule 9.
- Protection order petitions — Certain identifying information in protective-order filings may be restricted to protect the safety of petitioners.
No fee may be charged for the right to inspect a public record. Under IC § 5-14-3-8, photocopies may not exceed $0.10 per page when requested under APRA. However, the separate court-record copy fees under IC § 33-37-5-1 ($1.00 per page) apply when the Clerk prepares certified or formal copies of court documents.
Vigo County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Vigo County are distributed among several courts depending on the severity of the offense.
Felony Cases
Felony prosecutions — from Level 1 through Level 6 — are handled primarily by the Circuit Court and Superior Court Divisions I, III, V, and VI. Each of these divisions holds criminal hearings on a set weekly schedule:
| Court | Judge | Criminal Hearings |
|---|---|---|
| Superior Court Division I | Charles Johnson | Daily at 9:00 AM |
| Superior Court Division III / Circuit Court | — | Daily at 10:00 AM |
| Superior Court Division V | Matthew Sheehan | Mon–Thu 11:00 AM & 1:30 PM; Fri 9:30 AM |
| Superior Court Division VI | — | Mon–Thu 1:30 PM; Fri 11:00 AM |
All of these divisions are located at the Vigo County Courthouse, 33 South 3rd Street, Terre Haute, IN 47807. The general courthouse phone is (812) 462-3211, and the fax is (812) 462-3285.
Misdemeanor and Lower-Level Cases
Superior Court Division IV handles misdemeanors (Class A through D), Level 5 and Level 6 felonies — particularly domestic battery and invasion-of-privacy charges — as well as ordinance violations.
Superior Court Division IV
Address: 33 S. 3rd Street, 2nd Floor (north end), Terre Haute, IN 47807
Phone: (812) 462-3263
Fax: (812) 232-5183
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed 12:00 – 1:00 PM)
Beginning October 1, 2025, new misdemeanor charges that were previously handled by Terre Haute City Court are being directed to Division V at the Courthouse. Anyone with an existing City Court case should continue appearing at City Court unless notified otherwise.
Terre Haute City Court
Address: 17 Harding Avenue, Room 100, City Hall, Terre Haute, IN 47807
Phone: (812) 244-2153
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Court in session at 8:30 AM
City Court handles certain traffic offenses and city ordinance violations. Fines and payments can be made online through the nCourt payment portal or by phone at (812) 514-8035.
Sheriff’s Office and Arrest Records
The Vigo County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records.
Vigo County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 600 West Honey Creek Drive, Terre Haute, IN 47802
Phone: (812) 462-3226
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Criminal filing fees in Indiana are set by statute. Under the Indiana Trial Court Fee Manual, total criminal court costs amount to $189.00 (or $217.00 if the sheriff’s service-of-process fee of $28.00 is included). These costs are assessed to convicted defendants and include the criminal costs fee ($120.00 under IC § 33-37-4-1), document storage fee ($5.00), automated record keeping fee ($20.00), jury fee ($6.00), and several other statutory surcharges.
Vigo County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation, contract disputes, personal injury claims, mortgage foreclosures, and collection actions are heard across multiple Superior Court divisions as well as the Circuit Court. The Clerk of the Vigo Circuit Court maintains all civil case files and processes new filings through its Civil Filings division.
Where to File and Search Civil Records
All civil filings are submitted to the Clerk’s office. For questions regarding civil filings, call (812) 462-3211. Civil case dockets and documents can be searched online through MyCase by entering the case number (formatted as 84D0X-XXXX-XX-XXXXX) or by party name.
Civil Filing Fees
The statewide fee structure for civil cases, as published in the Indiana Trial Court Fee Manual, applies in Vigo County:
| Case Type | Total Filing Fees |
|---|---|
| Civil action (plenary) | $157.00 |
| Civil action with sheriff service | $185.00 |
| Small claims (non-Marion County) | $97.00 ($87.00 if e-filed) |
| Civil tort or civil plenary (jury fee) | Additional $75.00 |
Additional civil action service fees of $10.00 per defendant beyond the first named defendant may apply under IC § 33-37-5-28.
Small Claims
Superior Court Division IV is the primary venue for small-claims matters in Vigo County. Filing fees for small claims total $97.00 (or $87.00 when filed electronically) under IC § 33-37-4-6, which includes the $35.00 filing fee, a $10.00 service fee per named defendant, and the standard array of document storage, automated record keeping, and judicial fees.
Property Records
For property-related searches such as deeds, mortgages, and liens, the Vigo County Recorder’s Office maintains the official records.
Vigo County Recorder
Address: 199 Oak Street, Terre Haute, IN 47807
Phone: (812) 462-3301
Fax: (812) 232-2219
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
The Vigo County Assessor maintains property assessment data, and parcel-level information can be searched through the county’s Beacon GIS platform, which allows lookups by owner name, address, or parcel number.
Vigo County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Vigo County — including dissolution of marriage, child custody, child support, parenting time, property division, emancipation, and protection orders — are adjudicated by multiple Superior Court divisions. Divisions I, II, III, V, and VI all carry family law caseloads. Division II, in particular, handles family law as a primary focus alongside probate and other civil matters.
Searching Family Court Records
Family court dockets can be viewed on MyCase. Copies of divorce decrees, custody orders, protection orders, and other family law documents can be obtained from the Clerk’s office at (812) 231-4499. Due to the sensitive nature of family proceedings, access to certain records — particularly those involving juveniles, protection orders, or sealed matters — may be restricted. Requesters should be prepared to present identification and, in some situations, proof of their relationship to the case.
Child Support Payments
The Clerk of the Circuit Court collects and disburses child support payments for Vigo County. The county’s Child Support Payments page provides information on making payments, including remote payment options.
Marriage Licenses
The Marriage Office of the Clerk of the Vigo Circuit Court issues marriage licenses by appointment only. Call (812) 462-3211 to schedule. Both applicants must appear in person, and all applicants are required to e-file their application in advance through the Indiana Judicial Branch marriage portal using a desktop or laptop computer.
Key marriage license details:
- Fee: $25.00 for Vigo County residents (one or both parties); $65.00 for out-of-state residents
- Payment: Cash only
- Validity: 60 days from the date of issuance
- Required ID: Valid driver’s license, state-issued ID, or passport
- Additional requirements: Social Security numbers for both applicants (kept confidential under IC § 31-11-4-4); proof of current address if it differs from ID; final divorce decree or death certificate if previously married
See the county’s Marriage Requirements document for complete eligibility details and special circumstances involving applicants under 18, incarcerated individuals, or military personnel.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates are not court records but are frequently requested alongside family law matters. These vital records are maintained by the Vigo County Health Department’s Vital Statistics office.
Vigo County Health Department — Vital Statistics
Address: 171 Oak Street, Terre Haute, IN 47807
Phone: (812) 462-3442
Email: VCHD.vitals@vigocounty.in.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:15 AM – 3:45 PM
Requests for birth and death certificates must be made in person or by mail — the office does not accept requests by email, fax, or phone. The fee is $10.00 per certified copy, payable by cash, money order, or cashier’s check made out to the Vigo County Health Department. No personal checks or credit/debit cards are accepted. Vigo County birth and death records date back to 1882.
For birth certificate applications and instructions, visit the birth certificate page. For death certificate requests, visit the death certificate page. Two forms of identification are required for birth certificate requests (one photo, one non-photo), while death certificate requests require one photo ID. Eligibility restrictions apply — only certain relatives, legal representatives, and individuals with a lawful purpose may obtain certified copies.
Statewide vital records can also be ordered through the Indiana Department of Health at $8.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy.
Juvenile Court
The Vigo County Juvenile Court handles delinquency cases, children-in-need-of-services (CHINS) proceedings, paternity actions, guardianships, and support issues involving minors. The Juvenile Court is located separately from the main courthouse.
Vigo County Juvenile Court
Address: 202 Crawford Street, Terre Haute, IN 47807
Phone: (812) 462-3251
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Juvenile records are confidential and not available to the general public.
Vigo County Probate Court Records
Indiana does not have a separate probate court. In Vigo County, probate matters — including the administration of decedent estates, guardianship of incapacitated adults, and proceedings involving wills and trusts — are handled by the Superior Court divisions that carry probate jurisdiction. Divisions I, II, and III all hear probate cases, with Division II having a particular concentration of estate and guardianship proceedings.
Types of Probate Records
Records maintained in probate proceedings include petitions for the administration of estates, wills (admitted or contested), letters testamentary and letters of administration, estate inventories, accountings, guardianship petitions, and final settlement orders.
Filing Fees for Probate Cases
The statewide probate filing fee totals $177.00 (or $205.00 with sheriff service), as set by the Indiana Trial Court Fee Manual. This includes the probate costs fee of $120.00 under IC § 33-37-4-7(a), along with document storage, automated record keeping, judicial salary, and other standard statutory fees.
How to Search and Request Probate Records
Probate case information is searchable online through MyCase. Enter the decedent’s name or case number and filter by Vigo County to locate filings. For certified copies of wills, estate documents, or guardianship orders, contact the Clerk of Courts at (812) 231-4499 or visit the office in person at 33 South 3rd Street, Terre Haute, IN 47807.
Mail requests should be sent to the Clerk of the Vigo Circuit Court at the courthouse address. Include the full name of the decedent or ward, the approximate date of death or filing, and the case number if known. Enclose the copy fee of $1.00 per page plus $3.00 per document for certification, payable by check or money order to the Vigo County Clerk of Courts.