Clark County Indiana Court Records Search gives people direct access to civil, criminal, and family law cases filed in the Clark County Circuit and Superior Courts. The official MyCase portal at mycase.in.gov serves as the main gateway for viewing docket numbers, filing dates, and downloadable PDF copies of selected court documents. Attorneys must use this system to submit new filings electronically through a guided process that checks bar numbers, picks the correct court division, and collects filing fees online. The Indiana Courts Statistics Office regularly publishes data on case volumes, average resolution times, and clearance rates broken down by case type including probate, juvenile, and other categories.
All public docket entries appear in the MyCase search tool with full case numbers, party names, charges, and exact timestamps. However, sealed juvenile records, adoption files, and law enforcement investigative reports stay hidden under Indiana confidentiality laws. People who need restricted documents can visit the Clerk’s Office on the third floor of the Clark County Government Building at 501 East Court Avenue, Room 137, Jeffersonville, IN 47130. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Staff provide paper copies after checking ID and charge a small fee per page. The office keeps both digital records dating back to 1909 and physical files for cases before 1990.
How to Use the MyCase Portal for Clark County Court Records
The MyCase portal is the fastest way to find Clark County court records online. Anyone can search without an account, but creating a free profile unlocks extra features like saved searches and email alerts. To start, go to mycase.in.gov and type a name, case number, or company into the search box. Results show all matching civil, criminal, and family cases with key details like filing date, case status, and parties involved. Click any result to see the full docket sheet with every motion, hearing, and order filed in that case.
For attorneys, the system requires electronic filing for all new cases. The step-by-step wizard asks for your Indiana bar number first, then guides you through picking the right court division, uploading documents in PDF format, and paying fees with a credit card. Pro se litigants can also choose to e-file, though paper filing remains available. The portal updates nightly, so new filings appear within 24 hours. Users can download up to 10 documents per day for free before hitting the limit.
Types of Records Available in Clark County
Clark County maintains complete records for all case types heard in its courts. Civil cases include lawsuits over money, property disputes, and contract disagreements. Criminal records cover everything from traffic tickets to felony charges with full arrest details, court dates, and final outcomes. Family law files contain divorce decrees, child custody orders, and adoption paperwork. Probate cases include wills, estate settlements, and guardianship appointments. Juvenile cases are mostly sealed but some non-identifying information may be available.
Each record type has different access rules. Most adult criminal and civil cases are fully public. Family law documents often have redactions to protect children’s names and addresses. Probate files become public 50 years after the person’s death. The oldest records date back to September 1909 when the current filing system began. Digital copies exist for nearly all cases since 1990, while older files require in-person requests. Certified copies cost $0.35 per page, and plain copies are free.
Visiting the Clark County Clerk’s Office in Person
The Clerk’s Office handles all physical record requests at 501 East Court Avenue, Room 137, Jeffersonville, IN 47130. Staff assist walk-in visitors Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You’ll need valid photo ID to request any documents. For certified copies, bring the exact case number if possible—this speeds up the process significantly. If you don’t have the number, staff can search by name, but this takes longer and costs extra.
Payment options include cash, check, or credit card with a small processing fee. Large requests may take several days to fulfill. The office also offers same-day service for urgent needs like upcoming court appearances. All visitors must pass through security screening before entering the lobby. The building is fully accessible with ramps, elevators, and assistive listening devices available upon request.
Understanding Record Restrictions and Confidentiality
Not all Clark County court records are open to the public. Indiana law protects certain sensitive information from disclosure. Sealed juvenile records stay confidential forever unless a judge orders otherwise. Adoption files contain only non-identifying details like medical history and birth date. Law enforcement investigative reports remain private while active investigations continue. Some mental health and domestic violence cases also have partial or full sealing.
Even when records are technically public, personal details like Social Security numbers, bank account info, and children’s names get redacted from online documents. If you need unredacted copies for legal purposes, you must file a motion with the court explaining why the information is necessary. Judges review these requests carefully and rarely approve broad access. Always check the docket sheet first—it will note if any documents in that case are sealed or restricted.
Clark County Court Structure and Jurisdiction
Clark County operates two main courts under the Eighth Judicial District. The Circuit Court handles major cases including felony crimes, large civil lawsuits over $6,000, and complex family matters like divorce with significant assets. The Superior Court deals with misdemeanors, small claims under $6,000, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felonies. Both courts share the same building at 501 East Court Avenue but have separate clerks and calendars.
Ten elected judges preside over these courts with support from thirty-plus staff members. Nicholas Karaffa serves as Court Administrator, managing budgets, technology upgrades, and daily operations. Three fully equipped trial rooms offer real-time transcription services for hearings and trials. Jury duty notifications and schedules are posted online monthly. All court forms are available for free download from the county website.
Requesting Certified Copies and Official Documents
Certified copies carry the Clerk’s official seal and signature, making them valid for legal use like passport applications or immigration paperwork. To request these, complete the “Copy Request Form” on the clerk’s website and email it to records@clarkcounty.in.gov. Include the case number, document type needed, and preferred format—digital or paper. Processing takes three business days for local requests and up to ten days for out-of-state mail.
Fees are $0.35 per page for certified copies, with a minimum charge of $5. Plain copies without certification are free. Payment must accompany the request. For urgent needs, call (812) 285-6244 during business hours to ask about rush service. The office also provides exemplification—a special certification for international use—for an additional $10 per document.
Criminal Records vs. Court Records in Clark County
Many people confuse criminal records with court records, but they’re different. Criminal records come from law enforcement agencies and show arrests, warrants, and charges. Court records come from the judicial system and show what happened after charges were filed—hearings, plea deals, trials, and sentences. Both are public in most cases, but only court records include full docket sheets and official rulings.
To get criminal records, contact the Clark County Police Department at 501 East Court Avenue. They charge $5 for searches covering up to ten pages. Court records require contacting the Clerk’s Office instead. Always check both sources when doing background checks—an arrest doesn’t always lead to charges, and charges don’t always result in convictions.
Property and Land Records Through the Recorder’s Office
While not strictly court records, property documents often end up in court cases involving disputes, foreclosures, or liens. The Clark County Recorder’s Office maintains all land records including deeds, mortgages, easements, and tax liens. Their online portal offers 24/7 access to search by parcel number or owner name and download certified PDFs instantly.
Attorneys and title companies can file new documents electronically through Simplifile.com, reducing processing time to under fifteen minutes. The office charges standard recording fees based on page count and document type. Historical records go back over a century, with most post-1990 documents available digitally. For older files, staff retrieve paper archives within one business day.
Free and Third-Party Record Sources
Besides official channels, several free resources aggregate Clark County court data. PubRecord.org offers downloadable PDFs of civil judgments, traffic tickets, and small claims from six local courts without registration. CountyOffice.org provides summaries and links to request forms. These sites don’t replace official records but help with preliminary research.
Be cautious with third-party background check services—they often mix data from multiple counties or include outdated information. Always verify critical details against the Clerk’s Office or MyCase portal. Free sources typically exclude sealed cases and recent filings still being processed.
Statistical Data and Court Performance Metrics
The Indiana Courts Statistics Office publishes monthly reports on Clark County’s judicial performance. Recent data shows average disposition times of 90 days for civil cases and 60 days for criminal misdemeanors. Felony cases take longer, averaging 180 days from filing to resolution. Clearance rates—the percentage of new cases resolved within a year—hover around 85% for both courts.
Case volume breaks down roughly as: 40% civil, 35% criminal, 15% family, 7% probate, and 3% juvenile. These numbers help track trends like rising eviction filings or declining DUI cases. The public can access full datasets through the state courts website for academic or policy research.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clark County Court Records
How far back do Clark County court records go?
Clark County maintains court records dating back to September 1909 when the modern filing system began. Digital copies exist for nearly all cases since 1990. Older records require in-person requests to the Clerk’s Office, where staff retrieve paper files from secure archives. Some very old probate and land records may have gaps due to fires or natural disasters in the early 20th century.
Can I search court records by name without a case number?
Yes, the MyCase portal allows name-based searches for all public cases. Type the full name as it appears in court filings—mispellings may return no results. The system shows all matching cases across civil, criminal, and family courts. For best accuracy, include middle initials or suffixes like “Jr.” If you know the approximate filing year, use the date filter to narrow results.
Are juvenile records ever available to the public?
Almost never. Indiana law seals all juvenile court records to protect minors’ privacy. Only judges, attorneys, and authorized social workers can access them. Even parents need court permission to view their child’s file in most cases. Exceptions exist for serious crimes like murder, where some details may become public after adjudication, but identities remain protected.
What’s the difference between a docket sheet and a case file?
A docket sheet lists every event in a case—filings, hearings, rulings—like a timeline. It’s usually the first thing you see in MyCase. A case file contains the actual documents: complaints, motions, evidence, transcripts. Docket sheets are always public; case files may have restricted items. Request the full file if you need specifics beyond what’s listed on the docket.
How much does it cost to get court records?
Plain copies from the Clerk’s Office are free. Certified copies cost $0.35 per page with a $5 minimum. Criminal record searches from the police department cost $5 flat for up to ten pages. Online downloads through MyCase are free for the first ten documents per day. Rush service and exemplification add extra fees. Always ask for a fee estimate before submitting large requests.
Can I file court documents online without a lawyer?
Yes, pro se litigants can use the MyCase e-filing wizard to submit documents electronically. The system guides you through each step, but doesn’t provide legal advice. Paper filing remains an option if you prefer. Note that some complex filings like appeals may require additional forms only available at the Clerk’s Office. Free self-help resources are offered through the Indiana Courts website.
What if I find incorrect information in a court record?
Contact the Clerk’s Office immediately with proof of the error—like a corrected judgment or official letter. Staff will review and update the record if verified. For serious mistakes affecting your rights, file a motion with the court asking for correction. Keep copies of all communications. The Indiana Supreme Court mandates that all records be accurate, so errors are taken seriously and usually resolved quickly.
Clark County Government Building
501 East Court Avenue
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Phone: (812) 285-6244
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Official Website: https://www.co.clark.in.us/index.php/clark-county-indiana-government/clark-county-indiana-clerk-s-office