Elkhart County Public Records /Elkhart County Court Records

Elkhart County Court Records

What Is Elkhart County Court Records

Court records in Elkhart County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3, these records constitute public information maintained by government agencies for the administration of justice.

Court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and responses
Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case status
Judicial orders and final judgments
Transcripts of court proceedings
Evidence and exhibits admitted during trials
Sentencing and disposition records
Probation reports (with certain restrictions)
Marriage dissolution decrees
Probate filings and estate settlements

These records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics (birth/death certificates), and tax assessments, which are maintained by other county departments. Court records specifically document judicial proceedings and decisions.

In Elkhart County, court records are maintained by several courts within the judicial system:

Elkhart Circuit Court
Elkhart Superior Courts (Divisions 1-6)
Elkhart County Probate Court
Elkhart County Small Claims Court

These courts handle various case types including civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, and small claims disputes. The Indiana Judicial Branch provides oversight for all courts within the county, ensuring proper record maintenance according to state standards.

Are Court Records Public In Elkhart County

Court records in Elkhart County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA), which establishes the presumption that government records, including court documents, should be available for public inspection and copying. Additionally, Administrative Rule 9 of the Indiana Rules of Court specifically governs access to court records.

The following court records are typically available for public access:

Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sensitive information)
Criminal case files (post-charging)
Judgments, orders, and official court rulings
Court dockets and calendars
Hearing schedules and outcomes
Marriage dissolution records
Probate proceedings

However, Indiana law establishes important exceptions to public access. Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4, certain records are confidential and exempt from disclosure, including:

Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions)
Adoption proceedings
Mental health commitment records
Records sealed by judicial order
Grand jury proceedings
Certain domestic violence and victim information
Social security numbers and other personal identifiers

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana (which includes Elkhart County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state regulations. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system rather than county or state portals.

How To Find Court Records in Elkhart County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Elkhart County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county maintains both in-person and digital access options to accommodate various research needs.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

Elkhart County Clerk's Office
101 N. Main Street, Suite 205
Goshen, IN 46526
574-535-6430
Elkhart County Clerk

Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

When requesting records in person:

Provide case numbers when available (significantly expedites the process)
Bring valid photo identification
Be prepared to complete a written request form if the record is not immediately accessible
Expect to pay copying fees ($1.00 per page for standard documents)

For remote access, Elkhart County offers several digital options:

Access the Indiana Courts Portal for case information
Utilize the MyCase public access system for searchable court records
Contact the Clerk's office by phone to request document copies by mail (additional fees apply)
Submit email requests to the appropriate court division (response times vary)

For specialized records, contact the specific court division directly:

Elkhart Circuit Court
315 S. Second Street
Elkhart, IN 46516
574-523-2305

Elkhart Superior Court 1
315 S. Second Street
Elkhart, IN 46516
574-523-2311

Elkhart Superior Courts 2-6
101 N. Main Street
Goshen, IN 46526
574-535-6462

Pursuant to Indiana Administrative Rule 9(G), certain confidential information may be redacted from public records. Requestors seeking complete, unredacted records must file a petition with the appropriate court demonstrating legitimate need for access.

How To Look Up Court Records in Elkhart County Online?

Elkhart County provides comprehensive digital access to court records through several online platforms maintained by the Indiana Judicial Branch. These systems allow for remote research of case information without visiting the courthouse.

The primary online resources include:

MyCase Public Portal

This statewide system provides access to most court records filed in Elkhart County. Users may search by:
- Case number
- Party name
- Attorney
- Date range
To access records through MyCase:
- Navigate to public.courts.in.gov/mycase
- Select "Elkhart County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter search criteria in the appropriate fields
- Review search results and select specific cases for detailed information
- View case chronology, parties, hearings, and dispositions
Odyssey Case Management System

For more detailed document access, the Odyssey system provides:
- PDF copies of filed documents (for a fee)
- Complete case histories
- Financial information related to cases
Access requires registration through the Indiana Courts Portal.
Elkhart County Clerk's Website

The Clerk maintains a searchable database for:
- Marriage records
- Probate cases
- Small claims filings
This resource is particularly useful for specialized record types not fully integrated into the statewide system.

When using online systems, users should note that pursuant to Indiana Administrative Rule 9(G)(2)(b), certain information is automatically redacted from public view, including:

Social Security numbers
Account numbers
Personal identification numbers
Dates of birth
Names of minor children

For complete access to unredacted documents, users must file a formal request with the court demonstrating legitimate need for the information.

How To Search Elkhart County Court Records for Free?

Indiana law provides for free public inspection of court records under the Access to Public Records Act (APRA). While copying fees may apply, viewing records is available at no cost through several channels.

Free access options include:

In-Person Inspection

Members of the public may visit the Elkhart County Clerk's Office during regular business hours to view court records without charge. Public access terminals are available for searching case information in the following locations:

Elkhart County Courthouse
101 N. Main Street
Goshen, IN 46526
574-535-6430
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Elkhart County Courts Building
315 S. Second Street
Elkhart, IN 46516
574-523-2305
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
MyCase Public Access

The Indiana Judicial Branch provides free basic case information through the MyCase public portal. This system allows users to:
- Search cases by name, case number, or attorney
- View case chronologies and hearing dates
- Check case status and disposition
- Access party information
While document viewing may require fees, the case information itself is available at no cost.
Elkhart County Law Library

Located within the Elkhart County Courthouse, the law library provides free access to:
- Public terminals for case searches
- Reference assistance for locating records
- Legal research materials to supplement court record information
Elkhart County Law Library
101 N. Main Street, 3rd Floor
Goshen, IN 46526
574-535-6479
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Public Library Access

The Elkhart Public Library system offers free internet access where patrons can utilize the MyCase system:

Elkhart Public Library
300 S. Second Street
Elkhart, IN 46516
574-294-7071

While basic record searches are free, users should note that pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8, fees may apply for:

Document copies ($1.00 per page)
Certified copies ($1.00 plus $1.00 per page)
Electronic document delivery ($1.00 per document)
Research assistance ($20.00 per hour after first hour)

What's Included in a Elkhart County Court Record?

Court records in Elkhart County contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include several standard components as prescribed by Indiana Trial Rule 77.

A typical court record contains:

Case Initiation Documents

Complaints or petitions
Summonses
Service of process documentation
Initial appearances (criminal cases)
Charging information or indictments

Procedural Documentation

Chronological Case Summary (CCS) - the official record of all case events
Docket entries showing all filings and court actions
Scheduling orders and continuances
Discovery notices and motions
Pretrial conference summaries

Substantive Filings

Motions and supporting memoranda
Responses and replies to motions
Affidavits and declarations
Exhibits and evidence logs
Expert witness disclosures

Court Decisions and Orders

Judicial rulings on motions
Findings of fact and conclusions of law
Final judgments and decrees
Sentencing orders (criminal cases)
Post-judgment modifications

Trial Records

Jury selection documentation
Witness lists
Transcript requests and filed transcripts
Verdict forms
Exhibits admitted into evidence

Post-Judgment Materials

Notices of appeal
Satisfaction of judgment filings
Enforcement proceedings
Probation reports (with restrictions)

In accordance with Indiana Administrative Rule 9(G), certain information is automatically excluded or redacted from public court records, including:

Social Security numbers
Account numbers
Personal identification numbers
Medical records
Child abuse and neglect records
Tax records

For specialized case types, additional documents may be included:

Probate Cases

Wills and codicils
Inventories of estate assets
Claims against estates
Distribution plans
Guardian/conservator reports

Family Law Cases

Parenting time schedules
Child support worksheets
Financial declaration forms
Qualified domestic relations orders
Custody evaluations (often confidential)

How Long Does Elkhart County Keep Court Records?

Elkhart County maintains court records according to the Indiana Supreme Court Records Retention Schedule, which establishes mandatory timeframes for preserving various document types. These retention periods ensure historical preservation while managing storage constraints.

The retention schedule varies by case type and document importance:

Permanent Retention

All Circuit Court order books and judgment dockets
Criminal felony cases (Class A, B, and Level 1-5 felonies)
Murder cases
Civil judgments
Adoption records
Mental health commitment proceedings
Probate estate files
Guardianship records
Marriage dissolution decrees
Paternity determinations
Real estate title proceedings

Extended Retention (55+ years)

Criminal Level 6 felony cases: 55 years after final disposition
Juvenile delinquency records: 75 years after final disposition
Child in Need of Services (CHINS) cases: 75 years after final disposition

Medium-Term Retention (10-20 years)

Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
Civil plenary cases: 20 years after final disposition
Small claims judgments: 20 years after satisfaction
Protective orders: 10 years after expiration

Short-Term Retention (2-5 years)

Traffic infractions: 2 years after final disposition
Ordinance violations: 5 years after final disposition
Small claims dismissals: 5 years after disposition
Civil dismissals: 5 years after disposition

Pursuant to Indiana Administrative Rule 7, the Clerk of Elkhart County may convert paper records to electronic format for long-term storage after specified periods. Once properly digitized according to Supreme Court standards, original paper documents may be destroyed while maintaining the electronic version for the remainder of the retention period.

For records with historical significance, the Clerk coordinates with the Indiana Archives and Records Administration to ensure preservation beyond standard retention periods. Researchers seeking historical court records may need to contact:

Indiana State Archives
6440 E. 30th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46219
317-591-5222

Types of Courts In Elkhart County

Elkhart County's judicial system consists of multiple courts with distinct jurisdictions and case assignments. These courts operate within Indiana's unified court system as established by Article 7 of the Indiana Constitution.

Elkhart Circuit Court
315 S. Second Street
Elkhart, IN 46516
574-523-2305
Elkhart Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

The Circuit Court is Elkhart County's court of general jurisdiction, handling major civil cases, felony criminal matters, and specialized proceedings including probate and juvenile cases.

Elkhart Superior Court 1
315 S. Second Street
Elkhart, IN 46516
574-523-2311
Elkhart Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Superior Court 1 primarily handles major civil litigation and felony criminal cases.

Elkhart Superior Court 2
101 N. Main Street
Goshen, IN 46526
574-535-6462
Elkhart Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Superior Court 2 focuses on domestic relations cases, including divorce, custody, and support matters.

Elkhart Superior Court 3
101 N. Main Street
Goshen, IN 46526
574-535-6463
Elkhart Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Superior Court 3 handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and small claims matters.

Elkhart Superior Court 4
101 N. Main Street
Goshen, IN 46526
574-535-6464
Elkhart Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Superior Court 4 primarily addresses civil collections, landlord-tenant disputes, and protective orders.

Elkhart Superior Court 5
315 S. Second Street
Elkhart, IN 46516
574-523-2315
Elkhart Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Superior Court 5 handles criminal misdemeanors and traffic cases.

Elkhart Superior Court 6
315 S. Second Street
Elkhart, IN 46516
574-523-2316
Elkhart Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Superior Court 6 focuses on criminal cases and specialized problem-solving court programs.

Elkhart County Probate Court
101 N. Main Street
Goshen, IN 46526
574-535-6460
Elkhart Probate Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

The Probate Court handles estates, guardianships, and related matters.

The court hierarchy for cases originating in Elkhart County follows this progression:

Elkhart Circuit/Superior Courts (trial courts)
Indiana Court of Appeals
Indiana Supreme Court

For federal matters, cases would proceed through:

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana (South Bend Division)
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
U.S. Supreme Court

What Types of Cases Do Elkhart County Courts Hear?

Elkhart County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters according to jurisdictional assignments established by Indiana Code § 33-29 and § 33-33-20. Each court within the county system handles specific case types based on subject matter and severity.

Circuit Court Cases

Major felony criminal prosecutions (Level 1-5 felonies)
Complex civil litigation exceeding $10,000
Juvenile delinquency proceedings
Child in Need of Services (CHINS) cases
Termination of parental rights
Adoptions
Mental health commitments
Estate administration and probate matters
Guardianships and conservatorships
Appeals from administrative agencies

Superior Court Cases

Criminal prosecutions (felonies and misdemeanors)
Civil litigation (both major and minor claims)
Domestic relations (divorce, custody, support)
Protective orders and restraining orders
Evictions and landlord-tenant disputes
Small claims (up to $10,000)
Traffic violations and infractions
Ordinance violations
Name changes
Specialized dockets (drug court, veterans court)

Case assignment among the Superior Courts follows this general pattern:

Superior Court 1

Major civil litigation
Level 1-4 felony criminal cases
Civil tort claims

Superior Court 2

Family law matters
Dissolution of marriage
Child custody and support
Paternity establishment
Protective orders in family cases

Superior Court 3

Misdemeanor criminal cases
Traffic violations
Small claims proceedings
Civil collections under $10,000

Superior Court 4

Civil collections
Mortgage foreclosures
Contract disputes
Landlord-tenant cases
Protective orders

Superior Court 5

Criminal misdemeanors
Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) cases
Traffic infractions
Ordinance violations

Superior Court 6

Criminal cases
Drug Court program
Veterans Court program
Mental Health Court program

Probate Court

Estates and inheritance matters
Will contests
Trust administration
Guardianships
Conservatorships
Adult protective services

The case assignment system operates under Indiana Administrative Rule 1(B), which allows the courts to establish local rules for the distribution of cases. Elkhart County's local rules provide for specialized dockets and subject-matter expertise among judges while ensuring equitable workload distribution.

How To Find a Court Docket In Elkhart County

Court dockets in Elkhart County provide essential information about scheduled hearings, case status, and judicial assignments. Members of the public may access docket information through several channels established by the Elkhart County courts.

The most efficient methods for accessing court dockets include:

Online Docket Search

The MyCase public portal provides comprehensive docket information for most Elkhart County cases. Users may:
- Search by case number, party name, or attorney
- View chronological case summaries showing all docket entries
- Check upcoming hearing dates and times
- Verify judicial assignments
- Monitor case status and recent filings
This system is updated daily and represents the most current information available.
Courthouse Public Terminals

For those without internet access, public terminals are available at:

Elkhart County Clerk's Office
101 N. Main Street, Suite 205
Goshen, IN 46526

Elkhart County Courts Building
315 S. Second Street
Elkhart, IN 46516

These terminals provide access to the Odyssey case management system with complete docket information.
Weekly Court Calendars

Each court publishes a weekly schedule of hearings, which is available:
- On bulletin boards outside each courtroom
- At the Clerk's Office public counter
- Through the Indiana Courts Portal (registration required)
These calendars list all scheduled matters by date, time, and case number.
Direct Court Contact

For specific docket inquiries, contact the appropriate court directly:

Circuit Court Administration
574-523-2305

Superior Courts Administration
574-535-6462

Court staff can provide hearing dates and basic case status information.

When searching for docket information, users should note:

Case numbers follow the format: 20D01-2301-CT-000123 (court identifier-year-case type-sequential number)
Hearing times are subject to change; verification on the day of proceedings is recommended
Some sensitive case types (juvenile, adoption) have restricted docket access
Pursuant to Indiana Administrative Rule 9(D)(2), certain proceedings may be closed to the public

For attorneys and frequent users, the Indiana Courts Portal provides enhanced docket management features, including personalized calendars and automated notifications of schedule changes.

Which Courts in Elkhart County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Elkhart County, all currently operating courts are designated as courts of record pursuant to Indiana Code § 33-33-20. This designation means these courts maintain official transcripts and records of all proceedings, which can be used for appellate review.

A "court of record" is defined under Indiana law as a court where:

Proceedings are recorded verbatim by court reporters or electronic means
Official transcripts can be produced from these recordings
Judgments and orders are formally entered into permanent records
The court follows rules of procedure established by the Indiana Supreme Court
Appeals from the court's decisions are based on the official record

Historically, Elkhart County operated several courts not of record, including:

Justice of the Peace Courts (abolished statewide in 1975)
City Courts (discontinued in Elkhart County)
Town Courts (never established in Elkhart County)

Currently, all judicial proceedings in Elkhart County take place in courts of record:

Elkhart Circuit Court
Elkhart Superior Courts 1-6
Elkhart County Probate Court

This uniform designation as courts of record ensures that:

All proceedings have complete documentation
Parties maintain full appeal rights
Court decisions create precedent within jurisdictional limits
Records are preserved according to state retention schedules

For historical research involving former courts not of record, limited documentation may be available through:

Elkhart County Historical Museum
304 W. Vistula Street
Bristol, IN 46507
574-848-4322

Elkhart County Genealogical Society
P.O. Box 358
Elkhart, IN 46515

These organizations maintain some historical court documents from discontinued courts, though records are not comprehensive.

Lookup Court Records in Elkhart County

Indiana Judicial Branch: Elkhart County - Local Courts

Indiana Judicial Branch: Searching MyCase

Indiana Courts Portal