Washington County Court Records Search
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Washington County, Indiana is a south-central Indiana county with Salem as its county seat. The county's court system includes a Circuit Court, a Superior Court, and a Sheriff's Office — each playing a distinct role in generating, maintaining, and providing access to court and law enforcement records. Whether you're researching a criminal case, tracking down a divorce decree, tracing a probate matter, or obtaining a certified copy of a court filing, knowing which office to contact and what to expect from the process will save you considerable time.
If you're just getting started, IndianaStateCourts.us can help direct you to publicly available case information across Indiana's court system. Beyond that statewide resource, records may be accessed through the clerk's office in person, online through official court portals, or at public access terminals at the courthouse.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Washington County?
Washington County court cases are searchable through two main official channels, plus the county clerk's office directly.
Indiana MyCase (Free Online Portal)
The Indiana MyCase portal — operated by the Office of Judicial Administration — offers free public access to case information for courts statewide, including both Washington County trial courts. You can search by party name or case number. MyCase displays case dockets, hearing dates, and basic case details, though it does not provide access to restricted or confidential records. Official certified copies must still be obtained directly from the clerk.
Doxpop (Subscription-Based Search)
Doxpop is an Indiana-specific legal data platform offering access to current and historical court cases from Indiana county courts. It provides more robust search tools than the free MyCase portal — including attorney-based searches — and supports electronic filing for those who need it.
In-Person at the Clerk of Courts Office
The Washington County Clerk of Courts is the primary record-keeper for all court records in the county. Staff can help you locate records and obtain copies. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Washington County Clerk of Courts:
| Address | 801 S. Jackson Street, Suite 102, Salem, IN 47167 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (812) 883-5748 |
| clerk@washingtoncounty.in.gov | |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| Clerk | Stephanie K. Rockey |
Are Court Records Public in Washington County?
Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (IC § 5-14-3) establishes that records held by public agencies — including courts — are presumed open for public inspection and copying unless a specific statutory exemption applies. For court records specifically, the governing framework is the Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records, which controls what is publicly accessible, what requires a formal petition to unseal, and what is permanently excluded from disclosure.
Under those rules, the following categories of records are excluded from public access or may be released only in redacted form:
- Mental health records and substance abuse treatment records
- Investigative materials not yet tied to a charged criminal case (such as unexecuted search warrants and subpoenas)
- Paternity records created between July 1, 1941, and July 1, 2014
- Records containing attorney-client privileged communications
- Sensitive personal identifiers, including Social Security numbers and financial account information
- Graphic images involving crime scenes or victims that could constitute a privacy violation
In practice, most criminal case filings, civil judgments, small claims dockets, and divorce decrees are generally publicly available. When a request is made for records excluded from public access, those records remain confidential until the court rules on any formal petition for access, per Rule 9 of the Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records.
Washington County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Washington County are handled by both the Circuit Court and Superior Court. The Circuit Court, which constitutes the 42nd Judicial Circuit under Indiana law, holds unlimited trial jurisdiction in all cases unless exclusive or concurrent jurisdiction is expressly granted to another court. The Superior Court, established in 1986, exercises concurrent jurisdiction with the Circuit Court on all criminal matters.
Washington County Circuit Court:
| Address | 801 S. Jackson Street, Suite 103, Salem, IN 47167 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (812) 883-5302 |
| Fax | (812) 896-0827 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| Judge | Hon. Larry Medlock |
Washington County Superior Court:
| Address | 801 Jackson Street, Suite 101, Salem, IN 47167 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (812) 883-4949 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| Judge | Hon. Dustin Houchin |
Criminal court records — including indictments, pleas, sentencing orders, and docket entries — are maintained by the Clerk of Courts and are searchable through the Indiana MyCase portal. To obtain paper or certified copies directly, visit the clerk's office or submit a written request. Standard paper copies cost $1.00 per page; certified copies carry an additional $3.00 per document certification fee.
Arrest Records and Law Enforcement Reports
Arrest records in Washington County are maintained by the Washington County Sheriff's Office, not the court clerk. Arrest records are distinct from court case records — an arrest does not necessarily result in a court filing, and arrest records may be accessible when corresponding court records are not yet available or don't yet exist.
To request an incident or accident report from the Sheriff's Office:
- Contact the Records Division at (812) 883-5999, extension 2223 or Option 1.
- The fee for an incident or accident report is $12.00.
- Audio or photo disks from an incident cost $25.00 each.
- Fees are payable in cash (exact change required) or by credit/debit card in person with valid identification (a convenience fee applies for card payments).
The Sheriff's Office is located at 801 S. Jackson Street, Salem, IN 47167, and maintains administration office hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Washington County Civil Court Records
Civil matters — including contract disputes, landlord-tenant cases, civil collections, and personal injury claims — are filed in either the Circuit or Superior Court depending on how the 2026 Washington County Local Rules assign the case.
Civil case records are maintained by the Clerk of Courts and are publicly searchable through the MyCase portal. Copies of civil filings may be requested at the clerk's office for $1.00 per page, plus $3.00 for certification if required.
Small Claims Court
Small claims in Washington County may be filed in either the Circuit or Superior Court through the Clerk of Courts office. Key parameters for small claims include:
- The monetary limit is $6,000 plus court costs (general); $8,000 if the plaintiff is an individual, and $1,500 if the plaintiff is a corporation.
- The filing fee is $97.00 (service by certified mail), paid at the time of filing.
- An additional $10.00 applies per each additional defendant.
- If service by sheriff is required, an additional $28.00 is charged.
- Claims may be filed in the county where the defendant resides or where the transaction occurred.
- Judgments bear interest at 8% per year and create a lien on the losing party's real estate.
Indiana's Small Claims Rules govern procedure. Parties must appear at the hearing in person, along with any witnesses, and should bring all supporting documentation for the court file.
Property Records
Washington County property records — including deeds, mortgages, and land transfers — are maintained by the Washington County Recorder's Office. The Recorder's Office provides several options for online land record searches, accessible through the county's online tools portal. Property assessment records and property assessment cards are maintained by the Washington County Assessor's Office.
Washington County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Washington County — including divorce, dissolution of marriage, child custody, child support, protective orders, and adoptions — are handled by both the Circuit and Superior Courts. The Superior Court explicitly holds jurisdiction over divorces, guardianships, and protective orders. Juvenile matters, however, fall exclusively under Circuit Court jurisdiction; the Superior Court does not share concurrent jurisdiction for juvenile cases.
Divorce and Dissolution Records
Divorce case files and dissolution decrees are maintained by the Clerk of Courts. Most divorce records are publicly accessible once finalized. You can search by party name through the Indiana MyCase portal, and certified copies can be requested at the clerk's office for $1.00 per page plus the $3.00 certification fee per document.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses and marriage records are issued and maintained by the Clerk of Courts. Washington County marriage records are generally public and can be requested by anyone, regardless of their relationship to the parties named. A marriage license costs $29.00 for at least one Washington County resident applicant, which includes one certified copy. Additional certified copies of a marriage record cost $4.00 per copy.
For information on obtaining a marriage license, the Washington County marriage license page provides current eligibility and application details.
Protective Orders
Domestic violence protective orders and other civil protection orders are filed and processed through the Washington County Superior Court. Case records related to protective orders are generally part of the public court record unless specifically sealed by the court under the Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records.
Birth and Death Records
Birth records in Washington County are not public under IC § 16-37-1-10, which designates birth record information as confidential. Eligible requesters include the person named on the record, immediate family members, legal guardians, legal representatives, and those authorized by court order.
The Washington County Health Department Vital Records Division handles all birth and death record requests. The office is located at:
Washington County Health Department
806 Martinsburg Road, Suite 100
Salem, IN 47167
Phone: (812) 883-5603
Fee Schedule for Vital Records:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $10.00 per copy |
| Death Certificate (standard) | $15.00 per copy |
| Death Certificate (genealogy) | $5.00 per copy |
Requests may be submitted in person during office hours or by mail. Mail-in birth record requests must include a completed Birth Record Application and a copy of acceptable identification. Mail-in death record requests require a completed Death Certificate Application and acceptable ID. Death records may only be obtained by immediate family members, legal guardians, legal representatives, or persons with a recognized direct interest in the record.
Washington County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Washington County — including the administration of decedents' estates, will filings, guardianship appointments, conservatorships, and trust proceedings — are filed in either the Circuit Court or the Superior Court through the Clerk of Courts office. Both courts handle these matters, and Washington County Local Rules determine which court a specific probate filing will be assigned to.
Estate cases are initiated by filing with the Clerk of Courts at the Washington County Justice Center. The Indiana General Assembly's Index of Estate Laws governs substantive probate procedures statewide, including the administration of intestate and testate estates. Filing fees for guardianship cases and estate matters are listed on the county's court case filing fees page and are subject to change; check with the clerk's office directly to confirm current amounts.
Searching and Accessing Probate Records
Probate case files that are not subject to confidentiality restrictions can be searched through the Indiana MyCase portal by party name or case number. In-person access at the Clerk of Courts office is also available. Copies of probate documents follow the same fee structure as other court records: $1.00 per page for standard copies and $3.00 per document for certified copies.
If you need certified letters testamentary, letters of administration, or small estate affidavits for use with third-party agencies such as financial institutions, paper-certified copies bearing the clerk's original ink stamp are generally required rather than electronic versions. Ask the clerk to confirm the format required before placing your request.
Online payment of certain court-related amounts — including fines and fees — is available through the clerk's court payment portal linked from the Clerk of Courts website.