LaPorte County Divorce Records
What Are LaPorte County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in LaPorte County are official legal documents maintained by the county court system that document the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are created and maintained pursuant to Indiana Code § 31-15-2, which governs dissolution of marriage proceedings in the state. Divorce records typically consist of multiple documents filed throughout the divorce process, from the initial petition through the final decree.
The LaPorte County Circuit Court maintains these records as part of its family law jurisdiction. Divorce records serve several important functions:
- Legal proof of marital status change
- Documentation required for remarriage
- Evidence for name change processes
- Verification for Social Security benefits
- Supporting documentation for loan applications
- Required evidence for immigration matters
- Historical documentation for genealogical research
Divorce records in LaPorte County are processed through the Family Law and Probate division of the Circuit Court. These records contain sensitive personal and financial information about the parties involved, which affects how they are accessed and by whom.
Are LaPorte County Divorce Records Public?
LaPorte County divorce records have a complex public access status that varies by document type and information sensitivity. Under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act, government records are generally presumed public unless specifically exempted by statute. However, divorce records contain both public and confidential components.
The public components of divorce records typically include:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Names of parties involved
- Names of attorneys
- Final dissolution decrees (with certain redactions)
- Court hearing dates and judgments
Restricted or confidential components often include:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account information
- Child custody evaluations
- Certain witness statements
- Sensitive health information
- Information sealed by court order
Access to complete divorce case files is governed by Indiana Administrative Rule 9, which establishes procedures for public access to court records. While the general public may access basic case information, certain sensitive documents may be accessible only to parties to the case, their attorneys, or individuals with a demonstrated legal interest.
The Indiana Judicial Branch maintains standards for public records access that apply to all court records, including divorce proceedings in LaPorte County.
How To Find a Divorce Record In LaPorte County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in LaPorte County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The primary custodian of divorce records is the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
LaPorte County Clerk of the Circuit Court
813 Lincolnway, Suite 105
La Porte, IN 46350
(219) 326-6808
LaPorte County Clerk of the Circuit Court
To obtain divorce records, individuals may:
- Visit the Clerk's office in person during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
- Provide the names of both parties and approximate date of divorce
- Complete a records request form
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $1.00 per page for copies, $5.00 for certification)
For records dating back more than 20 years, requestors may need to contact:
LaPorte County Archives
809 State Street
LaPorte, IN 46350
(219) 326-6808
For certified copies of divorce certificates (not the complete case file), individuals with legal standing may contact the Indiana Department of Health's Vital Records Division.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in LaPorte County Online?
LaPorte County provides limited online access to divorce record information through the Indiana Courts Online Portal. This system allows for basic case information searches but does not provide access to complete document images.
To search for divorce records online:
- Visit the mycase.in.gov portal
- Select "Public Access" option
- Accept the terms and conditions
- Select "LaPorte County" from the dropdown menu
- Search by party name, case number, or attorney
- Filter results by selecting "Domestic Relations" under case types
The online system provides:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Filing dates
- Case status
- Hearing dates
- Basic docket entries
For complete case documents, individuals must still visit the Clerk's office in person or submit a written request. Online searches are subject to the limitations established by Indiana Administrative Rule 9 regarding confidential information.
Certain case details may be restricted in the online system, particularly those involving:
- Child custody matters
- Domestic violence allegations
- Cases with protective orders
- Sealed financial information
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In LaPorte County?
LaPorte County residents seeking free access to divorce records have limited options, as most official record searches involve nominal fees. However, several methods exist to access basic information without charge:
- Public Access Terminals: The LaPorte County Courthouse provides public access computer terminals where individuals may search basic case information at no cost. These terminals are available during regular business hours at:
LaPorte County Courthouse
813 Lincolnway
LaPorte, IN 46350
(219) 326-6808
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Online Case Search: Basic case information is available without charge through the mycase.in.gov portal, though document images are not accessible through this system.
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Public Libraries: The LaPorte County Public Library offers free internet access where individuals may use the public court records portal:
LaPorte County Public Library
904 Indiana Avenue
LaPorte, IN 46350
(219) 362-6156
- Legal Aid Organizations: Qualifying low-income individuals may receive assistance accessing divorce records through:
Indiana Legal Services - South Bend Office
401 E. Colfax Avenue, Suite 116
South Bend, IN 46617
(574) 234-8121
While basic searches may be conducted without charge, fees typically apply for obtaining copies of actual documents pursuant to Indiana Code § 33-37-5-1, which establishes court fee schedules.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In LaPorte County
Divorce records in LaPorte County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents generated throughout the dissolution process. A complete divorce file typically contains:
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Initial Filings:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Summons
- Financial Declaration Forms
- Preliminary Injunction (if applicable)
-
Procedural Documents:
- Proof of Service
- Appearance forms
- Motions and responses
- Court orders on temporary matters
-
Discovery Materials (may be sealed):
- Interrogatory responses
- Deposition transcripts
- Financial disclosures
- Property valuations
-
Child-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting Plan
- Child Support Worksheet
- Custody Evaluation Reports (typically confidential)
- Guardian ad Litem reports
-
Settlement Documents:
- Property Settlement Agreement
- Child Custody Agreement
- Mediation results
-
Final Documents:
- Decree of Dissolution of Marriage
- Child Support Order
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement accounts
- Name Change Order (if applicable)
-
Post-Judgment Filings (if any):
- Modification requests
- Enforcement actions
- Appeals documentation
The final Decree of Dissolution contains the court's final judgment regarding:
- Legal termination of the marriage
- Division of assets and debts
- Spousal maintenance determinations
- Child custody arrangements
- Child support obligations
- Tax filing designations
These records are maintained by the LaPorte County Clerk of the Circuit Court in accordance with state retention schedules.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In LaPorte County?
Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in LaPorte County have several options depending on their specific needs and the intended use of the documentation.
For a certified copy of the Divorce Decree:
- Visit or contact the LaPorte County Clerk's Office:
LaPorte County Clerk of the Circuit Court
813 Lincolnway, Suite 105
La Porte, IN 46350
(219) 326-6808
LaPorte County Clerk of the Circuit Court
-
Provide the following information:
- Full names of both parties as they appear on the divorce record
- Approximate date of divorce (month and year)
- Case number (if known)
- Valid government-issued photo identification
-
Pay the required fee:
- $1.00 per page for copies
- Additional $5.00 for certification
- Payment methods include cash, credit card, or money order
For a Certificate of Divorce (a condensed official document):
Contact the Indiana Department of Health's Vital Records Division:
Indiana Department of Health - Vital Records
2 North Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 233-2700
Indiana Vital Records
For international use, documents may require additional authentication:
- First obtain a certified copy from the County Clerk
- Submit for state authentication through the Indiana Secretary of State
- For use in countries participating in the Hague Convention, request an Apostille
Expedited service is available for an additional fee. Mail requests typically require 2-3 weeks for processing, while in-person requests may be fulfilled the same day depending on workload and staffing.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In LaPorte County?
Under certain circumstances, divorce proceedings in LaPorte County may be granted varying levels of confidentiality. While complete sealing of divorce cases is rare, specific components may be protected from public disclosure pursuant to Indiana Administrative Rule 9(G), which governs confidentiality of court records.
Elements that may qualify for confidential treatment include:
-
Automatically Excluded Information:
- Social Security numbers
- Account numbers
- Personal identification numbers
- Medical records
- Child abuse records
- Victim identification information
-
Information Requiring Petition for Confidentiality:
- Financial records and tax returns
- Trade secrets or proprietary business information
- Sensitive personal matters that would cause significant harm if disclosed
- Information related to domestic violence or stalking concerns
To request confidentiality for divorce proceedings, parties must:
- File a "Request for Exclusion from Public Access" with the court
- Demonstrate compelling evidence that disclosure would create significant risk
- Attend a hearing where the court will balance privacy interests against public access rights
Even when certain documents are sealed, basic case information typically remains public, including:
- Names of parties
- Case number
- Judge assigned
- General nature of the case
- Fact that documents have been sealed
The court applies a balancing test weighing the potential harm to individuals against the strong presumption of public access to court records. Complete sealing of divorce cases is granted only in exceptional circumstances where the court finds that disclosure would create significant risk of substantial harm.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In LaPorte County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in LaPorte County varies significantly based on several factors. Under Indiana law, specifically Indiana Code § 31-15-2-10, courts must observe a minimum 60-day "cooling off" period between the filing of the petition and the final hearing.
Typical timeframes for LaPorte County divorces include:
Uncontested Divorces (No Children):
- Minimum: 60 days from filing
- Average: 2-4 months
- Factors affecting timeline: court calendar, document preparation, financial disclosure completion
Uncontested Divorces (With Children):
- Minimum: 60 days from filing
- Average: 3-6 months
- Additional factors: parenting plan development, child support calculations, potential parenting classes
Contested Divorces:
- Range: 6-18 months
- Highly complex cases: May exceed 18 months
- Factors affecting timeline: discovery disputes, property valuation issues, custody evaluations, court congestion
According to the Indiana Judicial Service Report, the average disposition time for domestic relations cases in LaPorte County is approximately 180 days, though individual cases may vary significantly.
Factors that commonly extend divorce timelines include:
- Complex asset division requiring appraisals or forensic accounting
- Business valuation disputes
- Contested child custody matters requiring evaluations
- Relocation issues
- High-conflict cases requiring multiple hearings
- Court calendar congestion
- Attorney scheduling conflicts
- Mediation or settlement negotiation periods
The LaPorte County Family Court encourages alternative dispute resolution methods to expedite cases when possible.
How Long Does LaPorte County Keep Divorce Records?
LaPorte County maintains divorce records according to the retention schedules established by the Indiana Supreme Court and the Indiana Commission on Public Records. These retention periods ensure the preservation of important legal documents while managing storage requirements.
The retention schedule for divorce records in LaPorte County includes:
Permanent Retention:
- Final Decrees of Dissolution
- Property Settlement Agreements
- Child Custody and Support Orders
- Case Indexes and Dockets
Extended Retention (75 years):
- Cases involving real property transfers
- Cases establishing long-term financial obligations
Medium-Term Retention (20 years after case closure):
- General case files without special circumstances
- Financial disclosure forms
- Procedural motions and orders
Shorter-Term Retention (5-10 years):
- Routine administrative documents
- Scheduling notices
- Temporary orders superseded by final decree
After the applicable retention period expires, non-permanent records may be destroyed according to procedures established in Indiana Administrative Rule 7. However, the final decree and critical case information are maintained permanently.
For historical divorce records (generally those over 75 years old), researchers may need to contact:
LaPorte County Archives
809 State Street
LaPorte, IN 46350
(219) 326-6808
The Indiana State Archives also maintains certain historical court records that may include divorce proceedings from LaPorte County dating back to the county's establishment in 1832.
How To Get a Divorce In LaPorte County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in LaPorte County must follow procedures established under Indiana law. The process varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.
For an uncontested divorce (dissolution by agreement):
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Residency Requirements: At least one spouse must have been an Indiana resident for six months and a LaPorte County resident for three months prior to filing, as required by Indiana Code § 31-15-2-6.
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Initial Filing: Submit the following documents to the LaPorte County Clerk:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Summons
- Financial Declaration Form
- Appearance forms
- Filing fee (approximately $157, with potential waivers for indigent petitioners)
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Service: Ensure proper service of documents to the non-filing spouse.
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Mandatory Waiting Period: Observe the 60-day cooling-off period required by state law.
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Settlement Agreement: Prepare and file a written settlement agreement addressing:
- Property division
- Debt allocation
- Spousal maintenance (if any)
- Child custody, parenting time, and support (if applicable)
-
Final Hearing: Attend a brief final hearing where the judge reviews and approves the agreement.
For contested divorces, additional steps include:
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Temporary Orders Hearing: Establish temporary arrangements for finances, residence, and children.
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Discovery: Exchange financial information and other relevant evidence.
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Mediation: Participate in court-ordered mediation to resolve disputes.
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Pre-Trial Conference: Meet with the judge to narrow issues for trial.
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Trial: Present evidence and testimony on unresolved issues.
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Final Order: Receive the court's decision on all contested matters.
All divorce proceedings in LaPorte County are handled through:
LaPorte County Circuit Court
813 Lincolnway
LaPorte, IN 46350
(219) 326-6808
LaPorte County Circuit Court - Family Law Division
How To Get Divorce Papers In LaPorte County
Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in LaPorte County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms. The required documents include petitions, financial declarations, and various supporting forms.
To obtain divorce papers:
- LaPorte County Clerk's Office: Visit in person to request standard forms:
LaPorte County Clerk of the Circuit Court
813 Lincolnway, Suite 105
La Porte, IN 46350
(219) 326-6808
LaPorte County Clerk of the Circuit Court
-
Indiana Supreme Court Self-Service Legal Center: Access standardized forms online through the Indiana Courts Self-Service Legal Center, which provides downloadable divorce packets with instructions.
-
LaPorte County Law Library: Use reference materials and form books:
LaPorte County Law Library
813 Lincolnway
LaPorte, IN 46350
(219) 326-6808
- Legal Aid Organizations: Seek assistance for qualifying low-income individuals:
Indiana Legal Services - South Bend Office
401 E. Colfax Avenue, Suite 116
South Bend, IN 46617
(574) 234-8121
- Private Attorneys: Consult with family law practitioners who can prepare customized documents.
The basic forms required for filing include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Summons
- Appearance forms
- Financial Declaration Form
- Verification of pleadings
- Child Support Worksheet (if children are involved)
- Parenting Time Worksheet (if children are involved)
Additional specialized forms may be required depending on circumstances:
- Request for Fee Waiver (for low-income filers)
- Temporary Restraining Order (in cases involving domestic violence)
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (for division of retirement accounts)
While standardized forms are available, many individuals benefit from legal consultation to ensure proper completion and filing, particularly in complex cases involving significant assets or child custody issues.
Lookup Divorce Records in LaPorte County
LaPorte County Clerk of the Circuit Court
LaPorte County Family Law and Probate