Hendricks County, Indiana State Court Records
Hendricks County court records serve as the official historical and legal account of proceedings within the local justice system. These records reveal the actions and decisions of the county’s trial-level courts, providing a transparent view of how the law operates for residents. The Hendricks County Clerk of the Circuit and Superior Courts acts as the primary custodian for these files. The Clerk maintains a variety of case types, including civil, criminal, probate, and traffic.
The Hendricks County judicial system creates and preserves these records in strict accordance with the Indiana Access to Public Records Act and the Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records. These guidelines ensure that the government remains a servant of the people by providing full information regarding official acts. While court records are a vital part of public information, they are distinct from other government files. For instance, the Health Department manages vital records like birth certificates, and law enforcement agencies maintain separate arrest logs.
Are Hendricks County Court Records Public?
Yes. The Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records presume that court records are open for public inspection. This transparency promotes governmental accountability and protects individuals’ due process rights. Most standard case types, including criminal felonies, civil lawsuits, and domestic relations matters like divorce and child support, are available for public viewing.
However, certain records remain restricted to protect sensitive privacy interests or comply with state and federal laws. For example, adoption records are confidential and not available for online or public viewing. Entire mental health cases are also excluded from public access. In some instances, only specific information within a public file is hidden, such as complete Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, or the names of child witnesses in sensitive cases. In addition, paternity records created between July 1, 1941, and July 1, 2014, remain confidential unless a court orders otherwise.
What Information is Available in Hendricks County Court Records?
A typical court record in Hendricks County contains several key components that help a reader understand the lifecycle of a case. Most electronic records include a Chronological Case Summary (CCS), which acts as a sequential log of every action taken by the parties or the judge. This summary lists parties’ names, filing dates, hearing schedules, and brief descriptions of court orders.
Depending on the case type, researchers can also find specific documents like final judgments, motions filed by attorneys, and sentencing orders. Financial information is also frequently included, showing court fees, fines, or judgments owed by the parties, though these balances might not always reflect the most recent payments.
Hendricks County Court Records Search
Hendricks County court records are accessible via several options, depending on the age of the case and the type of information needed:
Online Access
The primary tool for online research is the MyCase portal, which is the state’s case management system. Users can search for non-confidential cases by party name, case number, or attorney name. This system covers the Hendricks County Circuit and Superior Courts, as well as the town courts in Avon, Brownsburg, and Plainfield. While searching is free, some older documents may not be digitized or available for immediate download.
In-Person Access
For records unavailable online or for those who prefer personal assistance, the Hendricks County Clerk’s Office provides public access. The Microfilm Department, located on the second floor of the Hendricks County Courthouse, can help visitors search for civil cases and older archived records. Public terminals are also available within the courthouse to allow individuals to search the Odyssey system directly.
Fees for Court Records in Hendricks County
While many people can view and search records online for free, obtaining physical or certified copies involves certain costs. These fees help cover the administrative expenses of reproducing official documents. The Hendricks County Clerk of the Circuit and Superior Courts is required by law to charge $1 per page, plus $3 per document if certification is required.
Hendricks County Courthouse Locations
The Hendricks County judicial system consists of a Circuit Court and five Superior Courts, all primarily located in Danville. These courts share jurisdiction over many matters, though Superior Courts often handle more specialized divisions like small claims or family law.
Hendricks County Circuit Court
51 West Main Street
Suite 204
Danville, IN 46122
Phone: (317) 745-9231
Fax: (317) 745-9306
Hendricks County Superior Court
51 West Main Street
Suite 204
Danville, IN 46122
Phone: (317) 745-9231
Fax: (317) 745-9306
Avon Town Court
6550 East US Highway 36
Avon, IN 46123
Phone: (317) 272-5478
Fax: (317) 272-5483
Brownsburg Town Court
31 North Green Street
Brownsburg, IN 46112
Phone: (317) 852-1192
Fax: (317) 852-1116
Plainfield Town Court
1075 West Main Street
Plainfield, IN 46168
Phone: (317) 838-3710
Fax: (317) 838-3474
Criminal Records Access in Hendricks County
Persons looking for local criminal case information may find it through the MyCase portal or by visiting the court clerk’s office. These records detail specific charges, court dates, and the outcome of a case.
However, for an official, statewide criminal history check, interested persons must contact the Indiana State Police (ISP). The ISP maintains the central repository for criminal data in Indiana, not the local county courts. The agency’s Limited Criminal History report includes felony and Class A misdemeanor arrests that occurred within the state. Interested persons can request these official reports online through the ISP’s website or by mailing a request to the agency’s Indianapolis office.
Hendricks County Probate Records
Hendricks County probate records document the legal process of settling a deceased person’s affairs and managing the care of protected individuals. The Hendricks County Clerk of the Circuit and Superior Courts acts as the custodian for these estate records, which include wills and other probate filings. Probate records typically cover the administration of estates, trusts, and guardianships/conservatorships for minors or incapacitated adults.
Users can access many recent Hendricks County probate records online through the Indiana MyCase portal. However, while most probate matters are public, certain files remain restricted. For example, Indiana law excludes mental health cases from public access in their entirety. Older files may require an in-person visit to the Microfilm Department at the courthouse.
Hendricks County Family Court Records
Hendricks County family court records cover a wide range of legal matters involving domestic relations. These records include documentation for divorce proceedings, child custody arrangements, child support orders, paternity cases, and protection orders. While the MyCase portal allows the public to search for many non-confidential family cases, access to confidential documents is limited under the Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records.
For instance, adoption records are confidential and never available for public or online viewing. Furthermore, paternity records created before July 1, 2014, generally remain restricted from public access. In public cases, the court may still redact specific details, such as the names of child witnesses in sex offense cases, to protect individual privacy. To obtain certified copies of family court documents, individuals must visit the Clerk’s Office or submit a formal request, as certified versions are not provided through the online portal.
Federal Court Records in Hendricks County
Federal case jurisdiction for Hendricks County falls under the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. These courts handle matters involving federal laws, constitutional issues, and interstate disputes.
The primary method for accessing federal court records is through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system. PACER allows users to search for federal civil, criminal, and bankruptcy cases by party name or case number. While the system provides a comprehensive national index, users must register for an account to view or download case documents.
For those who favor in-person access, the clerk’s office for the Southern District of Indiana is located in Indianapolis. Public terminals are also available at the federal courthouses, allowing individuals to search records directly.