LaPorte County Court Records
What Is LaPorte County Court Records
Court records in LaPorte County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records are maintained pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3, which governs public records in the state. Court records typically include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.
The LaPorte County court system maintains these records as part of its official duties. Unlike other public records such as property deeds (maintained by the county recorder) or vital records (maintained by the health department), court records specifically document judicial proceedings and decisions.
Court records in LaPorte County are maintained by several courts:
- Circuit Court
- Superior Courts (1, 2, 3, and 4)
- City Courts (Michigan City and La Porte)
- Small Claims Court
These courts handle various types of cases including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family law matters, probate cases, traffic violations, and small claims disputes. Each court maintains records specific to its jurisdiction and case types.
The Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the official custodian of court records in LaPorte County, responsible for maintaining, preserving, and providing access to these documents in accordance with state law.
Are Court Records Public In LaPorte County
Court records in LaPorte County are generally accessible to the public under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (IC § 5-14-3) and the Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records. These laws establish the presumption that court records are open for public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by statute or court rule.
Publicly accessible court records typically include:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Court calendars
However, certain records are excluded from public access under Rule 5 of the Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records. These exclusions include:
- Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions)
- Adoption records
- Mental health proceedings
- Grand jury records
- Records sealed by court order
- Certain personal identifying information
- Records containing information excluded by state or federal law
It is important to note that federal court records (for cases heard in U.S. District Courts) are governed by different access rules than state court records. Federal court records for the Northern District of Indiana, which includes LaPorte County, are accessible through the federal PACER system.
The Indiana Supreme Court has established comprehensive rules governing public access to court records, balancing transparency with privacy concerns and the administration of justice.
How To Find Court Records in LaPorte County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in LaPorte County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the LaPorte County Clerk's Office during regular business hours.
LaPorte County Clerk of the Circuit Court
813 Lincolnway, Suite 105
La Porte, IN 46350
(219) 326-6808
Clerk of the Circuit Court
- Complete a records request form, providing case number, party names, or other identifying information.
- Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for standard copies).
- For certified copies, additional fees apply ($1.00 per certification).
Online Access:
- Access the mycase.in.gov portal for searchable case information.
- Create a free account or search as a guest.
- Search by case number, party name, attorney, or business name.
- Review available case summaries, docket entries, and some document images.
Written Requests:
-
Submit a written request to the Clerk's Office by mail, including:
- Case number or party names
- Specific documents requested
- Contact information
- Payment for applicable fees
-
Allow 7-10 business days for processing.
For Court Transcripts:
- Contact the court reporter for the specific court where the hearing occurred.
- Submit a written request specifying the case and hearing date.
- Pay the applicable transcription fees (rates vary by length).
Pursuant to Indiana law, certain records may require court approval before release. The Clerk's Office can provide guidance on restricted records and necessary procedures for access.
How To Look Up Court Records in LaPorte County Online?
LaPorte County court records are accessible through several online platforms, each providing different levels of access to court information:
Indiana Courts Online Portal (mycase.in.gov):
This is the primary online resource for accessing LaPorte County court records. The mycase.in.gov portal provides:
- Case summaries and chronological case summaries
- Party information
- Scheduled hearings
- Judgment information
- Some document images (for newer cases)
To use this system:
- Navigate to mycase.in.gov
- Select "LaPorte County" from the county dropdown
- Search by case number, party name, business name, or attorney
- Review search results and select specific cases for detailed information
LaPorte County Courts Websites:
The LaPorte County Circuit Court and Superior Court 1 websites provide:
- Court calendars
- Local rules
- Forms
- Contact information for court staff
- Links to the mycase.in.gov portal
Odyssey Public Access:
This system is integrated with mycase.in.gov and provides:
- Case information for all courts using the Odyssey case management system
- Financial information related to cases
- Document images (where available)
Indiana Appellate Case Search:
For appeals from LaPorte County cases:
- Visit the Indiana Courts website
- Select "Appellate Case Search"
- Search by lower court case number or party name
Online access to court records is governed by the Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records, which balance public access with privacy protections. Certain sensitive information and documents may be redacted or unavailable online, requiring in-person requests at the Clerk's Office.
How To Search LaPorte County Court Records for Free?
LaPorte County residents and members of the public may access court records without charge through several methods, as provided under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (IC § 5-14-3-8), which guarantees the right to inspect public records without fee:
Free In-Person Inspection:
- Visit the LaPorte County Clerk's Office during regular business hours:
LaPorte County Clerk of the Circuit Court
813 Lincolnway, Suite 105
La Porte, IN 46350
(219) 326-6808
Clerk of the Circuit Court
- Request to inspect specific case files
- Present identification and complete any required forms
- Review records in designated public viewing areas
Free Online Resources:
-
mycase.in.gov - Indiana's statewide court records portal:
- Free registration for basic searches
- Guest access available without registration
- Search by case number, party name, or business name
- View case summaries, chronological case summaries, and party information at no cost
-
LaPorte County Courts website - Provides:
- Court calendars
- Local rules and procedures
- Contact information
- Links to other free resources
-
Indiana Courts Public Records page - Offers:
- Links to statewide case search tools
- Information about record access policies
- Resources for self-represented litigants
Public Library Access:
The LaPorte County Public Library provides:
- Free internet access to online court record systems
- Assistance with basic searches
- Reference materials on court procedures
While inspection of records is free, fees apply for copies ($1.00 per page), certified copies ($1.00 per certification plus copy fees), and complete case file copies (fees vary by case type and volume). Fee waivers may be available for indigent persons upon proper application to the court.
What's Included in a LaPorte County Court Record?
LaPorte County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but typically include:
Case Initiation Documents:
- Complaints or petitions in civil cases
- Charging documents in criminal cases (information or indictment)
- Summonses and service of process documentation
- Initial hearing records
Pleadings and Motions:
- Answers and responses
- Counterclaims and cross-claims
- Pre-trial motions
- Discovery-related motions
- Dispositive motions (summary judgment, dismissal)
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Preliminary orders
- Temporary restraining orders or injunctions
- Final judgments
- Post-judgment orders
- Sentencing orders in criminal cases
Docket or Chronological Case Summary (CCS):
- Sequential listing of all case events
- Filing dates
- Hearing dates and outcomes
- Judicial assignments
- Service notations
Hearing and Trial Records:
- Witness lists
- Exhibit lists and admitted exhibits
- Transcripts (when prepared)
- Jury instructions (in jury trials)
- Verdict forms
Financial Records:
- Filing fees
- Court costs
- Judgment amounts
- Payment records
- Restitution orders (in criminal cases)
Miscellaneous Documents:
- Affidavits
- Depositions (when filed)
- Expert reports
- Guardian ad litem reports
- Probation reports (in criminal cases)
- Pre-sentence investigation reports (in criminal cases)
Pursuant to the Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records, certain sensitive information may be redacted or filed under seal, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Account numbers
- Personal identifying information of minors
- Medical records
- Confidential information protected by state or federal law
The Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules and access rules.
How Long Does LaPorte County Keep Court Records?
LaPorte County retains court records according to the Indiana Records Retention Schedule for Courts and Clerk of Circuit Court, as established under Indiana Administrative Rule 7. Retention periods vary by record type and case category:
Permanent Retention:
- Circuit Court Order Books
- Judgment Dockets
- Complete case files for:
- Murder and Class A felony cases
- Civil Order of Protection cases
- Adoption proceedings
- Estate proceedings
- Guardianship cases
- Mental health commitment records
- Paternity cases
- Dissolution of marriage with children
Extended Retention (55 years):
- Class B, C, and D felony cases
- Juvenile delinquency cases involving what would be felonies if committed by adults
Medium-Term Retention (20-25 years):
- Misdemeanor cases
- Civil plenary cases
- Mortgage foreclosures
- Tort cases
- Small claims involving judgments
Shorter Retention (5-10 years):
- Traffic infractions
- Ordinance violations
- Small claims without judgments
- Dismissed cases
Special Provisions:
- Expunged records are removed from public access and either sealed or destroyed according to court order and statutory requirements
- Records may be transferred to the Indiana Archives after their active period
- Electronic records are maintained according to the same schedules as paper records
The Clerk of the Circuit Court is responsible for implementing these retention schedules. After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed following proper procedures, including obtaining approval from the Indiana Commission on Public Records.
Researchers seeking historical court records beyond retention periods may need to contact the Indiana State Archives, which maintains selected court records of historical significance.
Types of Courts In LaPorte County
LaPorte County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and responsibilities:
LaPorte Circuit Court
813 Lincolnway, Suite 203
La Porte, IN 46350
(219) 326-6808
LaPorte Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
LaPorte Superior Court 1
300 Washington Street, Suite 334
Michigan City, IN 46360
(219) 874-5611 ext. 7761
LaPorte Superior Court 1
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
LaPorte Superior Court 2
813 Lincolnway, Suite 307
La Porte, IN 46350
(219) 326-6808
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
LaPorte Superior Court 3
813 Lincolnway, Suite 303
La Porte, IN 46350
(219) 326-6808
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
LaPorte Superior Court 4
300 Washington Street
Michigan City, IN 46360
(219) 874-5611
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Michigan City City Court
100 E. Michigan Boulevard
Michigan City, IN 46360
(219) 873-1520
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
La Porte City Court
801 Michigan Avenue
La Porte, IN 46350
(219) 362-2080
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The court hierarchy in Indiana proceeds from local courts to the state's highest court:
- City/Town Courts
- Circuit/Superior Courts
- Indiana Court of Appeals
- Indiana Supreme Court
All LaPorte County courts operate within the 31st Judicial Circuit of Indiana. The Clerk of the Circuit Court serves all courts in the county, maintaining records and providing administrative support for each court's operations.
What Types of Cases Do LaPorte County Courts Hear?
LaPorte County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters, with jurisdiction divided among the various courts as follows:
Circuit Court:
- Major civil cases (damages exceeding $10,000)
- Domestic relations cases (divorce, child custody, support)
- Adoptions
- Estates and probate matters
- Guardianships
- Mental health commitments
- Juvenile matters (delinquency, CHINS, termination of parental rights)
- Major felony criminal cases
Superior Court 1:
- Civil cases (damages exceeding $10,000)
- Domestic relations cases
- Mortgage foreclosures
- Collections
- Torts
- Contract disputes
- Some criminal matters
Superior Court 2:
- Criminal cases (felonies and misdemeanors)
- Civil cases
- Small claims (damages up to $10,000)
- Evictions
Superior Court 3:
- Criminal cases (primarily felonies)
- Civil cases
- Protective orders
- Specialized drug court program
Superior Court 4:
- Criminal cases (primarily misdemeanors)
- Traffic violations
- Civil cases
- Small claims
Michigan City City Court:
- Ordinance violations
- Misdemeanors
- Traffic infractions
- Small claims (limited jurisdiction)
La Porte City Court:
- Ordinance violations
- Misdemeanors
- Traffic infractions
- Small claims (limited jurisdiction)
Case assignment within the county follows local rules established by the judges of the circuit and superior courts. Complex or specialized cases may be transferred between courts to balance caseloads or take advantage of judicial expertise in particular areas of law.
The Indiana Judicial Branch provides oversight and administrative support to all courts within LaPorte County, ensuring consistent application of state laws and court procedures.
How To Find a Court Docket In LaPorte County
Court dockets in LaPorte County, which list scheduled hearings and case events, are accessible through multiple channels:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the mycase.in.gov portal
- Select "LaPorte County" from the dropdown menu
- Search by:
- Case number
- Party name
- Attorney name
- Business name
- View the chronological case summary (CCS) which includes all docket entries
- Check upcoming hearing dates listed in the case information
In-Person Docket Review:
- Visit the LaPorte County Clerk's Office:
LaPorte County Clerk of the Circuit Court
813 Lincolnway, Suite 105
La Porte, IN 46350
(219) 326-6808
Clerk of the Circuit Court
- Request to view the docket for a specific court or case
- Public terminals may be available for electronic docket searches
- Staff can assist with locating specific docket information
Court-Specific Docket Information:
-
Contact the specific court where the case is pending:
- Circuit Court - (219) 326-6808
- Superior Court 1 - (219) 874-5611 ext. 7761
- Superior Court 2 - (219) 326-6808
- Superior Court 3 - (219) 326-6808
- Superior Court 4 - (219) 874-5611
-
Request daily or weekly court calendars, which are public documents
Automated Docket Information:
Some courts offer telephone information systems that provide basic docket information for upcoming hearings.
Attorney Access:
Attorneys registered with the Indiana E-Filing System have enhanced access to docket information through the protected side of the mycase.in.gov portal.
Court dockets are updated regularly but may not reflect very recent filings or schedule changes. For the most current information, direct contact with the court clerk is recommended. Pursuant to Indiana Administrative Rule 9, court dockets are public records with limited exceptions for sealed or confidential cases.
Which Courts in LaPorte County Are Not Courts of Record?
In LaPorte County, certain courts do not maintain official verbatim records of their proceedings, classifying them as "courts not of record" under Indiana law. According to Indiana Code § 33-33-46, which governs the LaPorte County court system, the following are courts not of record:
Michigan City City Court
100 E. Michigan Boulevard
Michigan City, IN 46360
(219) 873-1520
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
La Porte City Court
801 Michigan Avenue
La Porte, IN 46350
(219) 362-2080
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
A "court not of record" is defined by state law as a court that does not create and maintain an official verbatim transcript of all proceedings. These courts:
- Do not routinely employ court reporters
- Maintain case files and basic records of proceedings
- Do not create word-for-word transcripts unless specially requested
- Handle minor offenses and small claims
- Allow for de novo appeals (completely new trials) to courts of record
In contrast, all LaPorte County Circuit and Superior Courts are "courts of record," meaning they:
- Maintain verbatim records of all proceedings
- Employ court reporters
- Create official transcripts that serve as the definitive record of proceedings
- Handle more serious cases
- Appeals from these courts are based on the official record rather than de novo
The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is significant for appeal purposes. When appealing from a court not of record, the case is heard anew in a court of record, without deference to the lower court's findings. Appeals from courts of record are typically limited to reviewing the existing record for legal errors.
Lookup Court Records in LaPorte County
Indiana Judicial Branch: LaPorte County - Local Courts
Circuit Court - La Porte County, Indiana
Superior Court 1 - La Porte County, Indiana
Clerk of the Circuit Court - La Porte County, Indiana
Indiana Judicial Branch: Public Records