Court records in Elkhart County, Indiana, can be searched through several channels. ElkhartCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also use official state court resources such as the Indiana MyCase system, visit the Clerk of Court's office in person, or access public terminals at the courthouse. The Indiana Judicial Branch and the Elkhart County Clerk maintain records across civil, criminal, family, and other case types.
Elkhart Court System & Jurisdictions
Elkhart County is part of Indiana Judicial District 5 and operates several courts, each handling specific case types:
- Elkhart Circuit Court — General jurisdiction court handling felony criminal cases, major civil disputes, appeals from lower courts, and guardianship matters.
- Elkhart Superior Courts (1–6) — Multiple divisions cover a broad range of cases. Depending on the division, these courts hear criminal cases (felonies and misdemeanors), civil litigation, family law matters (divorce, custody, paternity, protective orders), juvenile cases, and probate proceedings including estates and wills.
- Small Claims — Handled within certain Superior Court divisions. Small claims cases in Indiana involve civil disputes where the amount sought generally does not exceed $10,000.
- Traffic and Misdemeanor — Infractions, traffic violations, and lower-level misdemeanors are typically processed through designated Superior Court divisions.
If you are unsure which court holds a particular case, searching Indiana MyCase by party name or case number will identify the correct court and division.
Elkhart Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's court schedule in Elkhart County, use these resources:
- MyCase — The Indiana Courts Case Search allows you to look up individual cases and view scheduled hearing dates. Search by case number, party name, or attorney name. Each case's chronological summary typically lists upcoming hearing dates and times.
- Contact the court directly — For daily dockets or courtroom-specific calendars, contact the Elkhart County court where the case is assigned. Court staff can confirm hearing times, courtroom assignments, and whether a hearing has been continued or rescheduled.
- Public terminals — The Elkhart County courthouse has public-access terminals where you can review scheduled hearings and case information during business hours.
Court calendars can change without much notice. If you have an upcoming court date, confirm the time and location by calling the court or checking MyCase the day before.
How to Get a Copy of a Elkhart Court Document
Elkhart County court documents — including case filings, orders, judgments, and disposition records — can be obtained in several ways:
Online
Some documents and case summaries are available at no charge through MyCase. Not all filings are posted online; sealed, confidential, and certain restricted records are excluded. For help navigating the system, see the MyCase search guide.
In Person
Visit the Elkhart County Clerk's office at the courthouse to request copies. Bring the case number if you have it. Staff can locate records by party name if needed.
By Mail
Send a written request to the Clerk's office at the address above. Include:
- Full case number (if known)
- Names of the parties involved
- Description of the document(s) requested
- Whether you need certified or uncertified copies
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
- Payment (check or money order payable to the Elkhart County Clerk)
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions suitable for personal reference.
- Certified copies bear the Clerk's seal and signature, confirming authenticity. These are usually required for legal proceedings, background checks, or filings with other agencies.
You can also submit a public records request through the Indiana Judicial Branch for records maintained by the Office of Judicial Administration, though local court records are generally handled directly by the county clerk.
Elkhart Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court records in Indiana are set by statute (Indiana Code § 33-37). The Elkhart County Clerk's office collects fees for copies, certifications, and searches. The following table reflects standard Indiana statutory fees — contact the Clerk's office to confirm current amounts before submitting payment:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $5.00 (plus per-page copy charges if applicable) |
| Court record search | Contact Clerk for current fee |
| Online case information (MyCase) | Free |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, or money order. Some clerk offices accept credit/debit cards — ask when you visit.
- By mail: Check or money order payable to the Elkhart County Clerk.
- Online: The Indiana Courts Portal allows certain fee payments online for registered users.
Records That May Be Restricted
Under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code § 5-14-3) and Indiana Supreme Court Administrative Rules, certain records are not publicly available:
- Juvenile case records
- Adoption records
- Records sealed or expunged by court order
- Mental health proceedings
- Grand jury proceedings
- Records containing protected personal information (Social Security numbers, account numbers)
If you need a criminal history beyond what court records show, the Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History tool covers felony and Class A misdemeanor arrests statewide. For information about incarcerated individuals, use the Indiana Department of Correction offender locator.