Porter County Court Records

What Is Porter County Court Records

Porter County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of court activities as defined under Indiana Access to Public Records Act § 5-14-3. 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 probation records in criminal matters
• Marriage dissolution decrees and child custody determinations
• Probate filings and estate settlements

Court records are distinct from other public records maintained by Porter County, such as property deeds, vital statistics (birth/death certificates), and tax assessments. The Porter County court system maintains records across multiple jurisdictions, including:

• Porter County Circuit Court
• Porter Superior Courts (1-6)
• Porter County Probate Court
• Porter County Small Claims Court
• Porter County Juvenile Court

These courts generate records pertaining to civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, and traffic violations. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-2, these documents constitute public records subject to specific access provisions established by state law and court administrative rules.

Are Court Records Public In Porter County

Court records in Porter County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Indiana Access to Public Records Act and Administrative Rule 9 of the Indiana Rules of Court. The Indiana Constitution, Article 1, Section 12 establishes that "All courts shall be open," which has been interpreted to provide a presumption of public access to court proceedings and records.

Under current Indiana law, the following court records are typically available for public inspection:

• Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sensitive matters)
• Criminal case files (post-charging, with specific limitations)
• Court dockets and calendars
• Final judgments and orders
• Probate proceedings and estate inventories
• Divorce decrees (excluding financial affidavits and child custody evaluations)
• Small claims filings and judgments

However, pursuant to Indiana Administrative Rule 9(G), certain records are excluded from public access, including:

• Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions)
• Grand jury proceedings
• Adoption records
• Mental health commitment records
• Records containing social security numbers, account numbers, or personal identifying information
• Records sealed by judicial order

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 has jurisdiction over Porter County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state provisions. The Indiana Judicial Branch provides comprehensive guidance on public record access policies applicable to Porter County courts.

How To Find Court Records in Porter County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Porter County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county maintains multiple access points for record retrieval:

In-Person Requests:

• Visit the appropriate court clerk's office during regular business hours
• Complete a record request form specifying the case number or party names
• Present valid photo identification
• Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for standard copies)

Porter County Clerk's Office
155 Indiana Avenue, Suite 209
Valparaiso, Indiana 46383
219-465-3450
Porter County Clerk

Online Access:

• Access the mycase.in.gov portal for most court records
• Search by case number, party name, or citation number
• View case summaries, docket entries, and some document images
• Note that certain documents may require in-person retrieval

Written Requests:

• Submit a written request to the appropriate court clerk
• Include case information, specific documents needed, and contact information
• Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
• Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order)

Certified Copies:

• Request certified copies for official purposes at the clerk's office
• Pay enhanced certification fee ($5.00 per document plus copy costs)
• Allow 1-3 business days for processing certified copy requests

Pursuant to Indiana Administrative Rule 9(D)(4), the clerk may require reasonable advance notice for voluminous requests. Currently, standard processing time for record requests is 3-5 business days, though simple requests may be fulfilled same-day when resources permit.

How To Look Up Court Records in Porter County Online?

Porter County offers comprehensive online access to court records through several digital platforms. The primary resource for accessing Porter County court records online is the Indiana state judiciary's public access system.

mycase.in.gov Portal:

• Navigate to mycase.in.gov
• Select "Porter County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
• Search by party name, case number, or citation number
• View case summaries, chronological case summaries, and scheduled hearings
• Access available document images (not all documents are digitized)

Porter County Court Records Search:

• Visit the Porter County Records portal
• Select "Court Records" from the available options
• Enter search criteria (minimum of last name required)
• Filter results by case type or filing date if needed
• Review case information and available documents

Odyssey Public Access:

• Access through public.courts.in.gov
• Select "Smart Search" for comprehensive results
• Enter party name or case number
• View case status, upcoming hearings, and disposition information
• Note that document images may be limited

E-filing Portal (for attorneys and registered users):

• Log in to Indiana E-filing System
• Access case information and documents for cases where user is a party
• Submit new filings and view case activity
• Receive electronic notifications of case updates

Currently, the online systems provide access to cases filed from approximately 2005 forward, with more recent cases having more comprehensive digital documentation. Older cases may require in-person retrieval at the courthouse. Pursuant to Indiana Administrative Rule 9(G), certain confidential records remain inaccessible through online portals even when they exist in digital format.

How To Search Porter County Court Records for Free?

Indiana law provides for free public inspection of court records pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8(c), which states that "the right to inspect and copy a public record... does not include the right to... a copy of a public record without paying the fee...". In accordance with this provision, Porter County offers several no-cost options for accessing court records:

Free In-Person Inspection:

• Visit the Porter County Courthouse during public hours
• Request to view specific case files at the appropriate clerk's counter
• Present identification and complete a viewing request form
• Examine records under staff supervision at no charge
• Pay only if copies are requested ($1.00 per page)

Porter County Courthouse
16 E Lincolnway
Valparaiso, IN 46383
219-465-3400
Porter County Courts

Free Online Search Options:

• Access the Free Access to Adult Court Case Records portal
• Use public access terminals located in the courthouse lobby (available 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday)
• Visit the Porter County Public Library for free internet access to court record portals
• Utilize the mycase.in.gov system, which provides free basic case information

Public Library Access:

• All Porter County Public Library branches offer free computer access
• Library staff can assist with navigating to court record websites
• Basic search functions are available without fees or registration
• Printing documents incurs standard library printing fees

The Indiana Supreme Court has mandated free public access to basic court information through Administrative Rule 9(D)(1), though fees may be assessed for copies, certification, or extensive research assistance. Currently, all online search functionality for Porter County court records is provided at no cost, though document retrieval may incur fees in some instances.

What's Included in a Porter County Court Record?

Porter County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type. Pursuant to Indiana Administrative Rule 9(C), court records typically include:

Civil Case Records:

• Complaint or petition initiating the action
• Summons and proof of service
• Responsive pleadings (answers, counterclaims)
• Motions and supporting memoranda
• Court orders and rulings
• Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
• Exhibits admitted into evidence
• Final judgment or decree
• Post-judgment collection documents
• Appeal notices and briefs (if applicable)

Criminal Case Records:

• Charging documents (indictment or information)
• Probable cause affidavits
• Bail and bond information
• Pre-trial motions and rulings
• Plea agreements or trial transcripts
• Sentencing orders
• Probation reports (restricted access)
• Restitution determinations
• Post-conviction relief petitions
• Expungement applications (restricted access)

Family Law Records:

• Petition for dissolution of marriage
• Financial disclosure statements (restricted access)
• Parenting time orders
• Child support worksheets and orders
• Property settlement agreements
• Qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs)
• Custody evaluations (restricted access)
• Final dissolution decree
• Post-decree modification petitions

Probate Records:

• Will or intestate administration petition
• Inventory of estate assets
• Claims against the estate
• Personal representative appointments
• Inheritance tax determinations
• Final accounting documents
• Distribution orders
• Estate closing statements

Each court record also contains a chronological case summary (CCS) that serves as the official record of all case activity, listing each document filed and action taken in chronological order. The CCS is maintained pursuant to Indiana Trial Rule 77(B) and provides a complete history of the case from filing to disposition.

How Long Does Porter County Keep Court Records?

Porter County maintains court records according to the Indiana Supreme Court Records Retention Schedule, which establishes mandatory minimum retention periods for various document types. These retention periods vary significantly based on case type and document importance:

Permanent Retention Records:

• All Circuit Court order books and judgment dockets
• Mental health commitment proceedings
• Adoption records
• Guardianship records for minors
• Murder and Class A felony case files
• Civil order books and judgment dockets
• Probate estate settlement records
• Real estate title proceeding records

Extended Retention Records:

• Felony cases (excluding Class A): 55 years after final disposition
• Divorce/dissolution records: 50 years after final decree
• Civil judgments: 20 years after satisfaction
• Juvenile delinquency records: until subject reaches age 21
• Child support records: until youngest child reaches 21 plus 3 years
• Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
• Small claims judgments: 10 years after satisfaction

Standard Retention Records:

• Traffic infractions: 5 years after disposition
• Ordinance violations: 5 years after disposition
• Civil cases without judgments: 3 years after disposition
• Small claims dismissed: 3 years after dismissal
• Administrative appeals: 3 years after final order

Pursuant to Indiana Code § 34-28-5-15, records eligible for destruction must first be microfilmed or digitally archived. Porter County currently maintains digital archives of all court records created after 2005, with ongoing digitization of older records. The Porter County Clerk's Office oversees records retention and can provide information about specific document availability.

Types of Courts In Porter County

Porter County's judicial system consists of multiple courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority. The following courts currently operate within the county:

Porter County Circuit Court
16 E Lincolnway, Suite 209
Valparaiso, IN 46383
219-465-3450
Porter Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Porter Superior Court 1
16 E Lincolnway, Suite 209
Valparaiso, IN 46383
219-465-3468
Porter Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Porter Superior Court 2
16 E Lincolnway, Suite 209
Valparaiso, IN 46383
219-465-3856
Porter Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Porter Superior Court 3
16 E Lincolnway, Suite 209
Valparaiso, IN 46383
219-465-3428
Porter Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Porter Superior Court 4
16 E Lincolnway, Suite 209
Valparaiso, IN 46383
219-465-3404
Porter Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Porter Superior Court 5
3560 Willowcreek Road
Portage, IN 46368
219-762-3413
Porter Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Porter Superior Court 6
3560 Willowcreek Road
Portage, IN 46368
219-762-5411
Porter Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Porter County Juvenile Court
1660 S State Road 2
Valparaiso, IN 46385
219-465-3515
Porter Juvenile Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The court hierarchy in Indiana places these courts under the appellate jurisdiction of the Indiana Court of Appeals and ultimately the Indiana Supreme Court. Cases may be appealed from Porter County courts to the Indiana Court of Appeals, with further discretionary review possible by the Indiana Supreme Court.

What Types of Cases Do Porter County Courts Hear?

Porter County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their specific jurisdictional authority as established under Indiana Code § 33-29-1.5. The distribution of case types among the county's courts is as follows:

Porter Circuit Court:

• Major felony criminal cases
• Complex civil litigation
• Mortgage foreclosures
• Medical malpractice claims
• Administrative agency appeals
• Tort claims against government entities
• Eminent domain proceedings
• Tax appeals and protests

Porter Superior Court 1:

• Civil cases exceeding $10,000 in damages
• Domestic relations matters (divorce, custody)
• Protective orders
• Name changes
• Civil tort claims
• Contract disputes
• Property disputes

Porter Superior Court 2:

• Criminal felony cases
• Criminal misdemeanor cases
• Criminal jury trials
• Post-conviction relief petitions
• Specialized drug court proceedings
• Probation violation hearings

Porter Superior Court 3:

• Civil cases under $10,000
• Small claims proceedings
• Landlord-tenant disputes
• Collections matters
• Civil protective orders
• Replevin actions (property recovery)

Porter Superior Court 4:

• Criminal misdemeanors
• Traffic infractions
• Ordinance violations
• DUI/OWI cases
• Criminal jury trials
• Initial hearings and arraignments

Porter Superior Court 5:

• Criminal cases (Portage division)
• Traffic violations (Portage division)
• Ordinance violations (Portage division)
• Initial hearings and arraignments
• Misdemeanor bench trials

Porter Superior Court 6:

• Small claims (Portage division)
• Civil cases under $10,000 (Portage division)
• Evictions (Portage division)
• Civil protective orders (Portage division)
• Collections matters (Portage division)

Porter County Juvenile Court:

• Juvenile delinquency proceedings
• Children in need of services (CHINS)
• Termination of parental rights
• Adoption proceedings
• Guardianships of minors
• Paternity determinations
• Child support enforcement

Case assignment within the Porter County court system follows local rules established by the courts and approved by the Indiana Supreme Court. In certain instances, cases may be transferred between courts through administrative procedures or judicial discretion to balance caseloads or address specialized legal issues.

How To Find a Court Docket In Porter County

Court dockets in Porter County provide the official schedule of proceedings and case status information. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

• Visit the mycase.in.gov portal
• Select "Porter County" from the jurisdiction menu
• Search by case number, party name, or attorney
• View chronological case summary showing all docket entries
• Check upcoming hearing dates and times
• Review case status and disposition information

In-Person Docket Review:

• Visit the Porter County Clerk's Office
• Request docket information for specific cases
• Review public terminal displays showing daily court calendars
• Obtain printed docket reports for specific courtrooms
• Check bulletin boards outside courtrooms for daily schedules

Telephone Docket Information:

• Call the appropriate court clerk's office
• Provide case number or party name
• Request hearing date and time information
• Verify case status and next scheduled events

Porter County Clerk's Office
155 Indiana Avenue, Suite 209
Valparaiso, Indiana 46383
219-465-3450
Porter County Clerk

Weekly Court Calendar:

• Review the Porter County Court Calendar published online
• Check local legal newspapers for published court calendars
• View posted schedules at courthouse entrances
• Request email notifications for specific cases through mycase.in.gov registration

Pursuant to Indiana Administrative Rule 9(D)(1), court docket information is public record and must be made available for inspection during regular business hours. Currently, docket information is updated in real-time for most Porter County courts, though some proceedings may have delayed reporting of outcomes or continuances.

Which Courts in Porter County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the Indiana judicial system, a "court of record" is defined under Indiana Code § 33-23-1-4 as a court that creates and maintains official transcripts of proceedings, with judgments that cannot be collaterally attacked for procedural errors. Porter County contains both courts of record and courts not of record:

Courts Not of Record in Porter County:

• Porter County Small Claims Court (when operating as a division of other courts)
• City of Portage Ordinance Violation Bureau
• City of Valparaiso Ordinance Violation Bureau
• Town of Chesterton Ordinance Violation Bureau
• Town of Porter Ordinance Violation Bureau

These non-record courts typically handle:

• Minor traffic violations
• Local ordinance infractions
• Parking citations
• Code enforcement matters
• Small claims under specialized procedures

Key characteristics of courts not of record include:

• Proceedings are not transcribed by court reporters
• Judgments may be appealed for de novo review (completely new trial)
• Simplified procedural rules apply
• Hearings are often conducted without formal rules of evidence
• Representation by counsel is optional in most proceedings

All other Porter County courts (Circuit Court and Superior Courts 1-6) are courts of record as established by Indiana Code § 33-33-64-2. These courts maintain complete transcripts of proceedings, follow formal rules of evidence and procedure, and issue judgments that can only be challenged through direct appeal rather than collateral attack.

Appeals from courts not of record in Porter County are typically heard by the Porter County Circuit Court or appropriate Superior Court division, where the matter receives a completely new hearing with full evidentiary procedures.

Lookup Court Records in Porter County

Indiana Judicial Branch: Porter County

County Records Portal

Free Access To Adult Court Case Records

Circuit Courts Information

Indiana Judicial Branch Public Records