Clinton County Court Records

Clinton County court records are legal documents that provide insight into various court cases handled in the county. They are managed by the administrative arm of the county's courts and encompass data from civil, criminal, probate, and family law proceedings.

Court records typically contain information relating to a case adjudicated in the county court, including case numbers, names of plaintiffs and defendants, hearing dates, summaries of legal arguments, court decisions, and verdicts. Where the case in question is criminal, the encompassing information will include charges, indictments, pleas, and sentencing information. On the other hand, civil case records often involve lawsuits, property disputes, or contract disagreements. Whatever the case, these documents prove critical in legal research, background checks, and understanding court decisions in Clinton County, Indiana.

Are Court Records Public in Clinton County?

Yes, under Indiana's Public Records Act, court records in Clinton County are considered public records. According to this law, any written, recorded, or stored information created, received, maintained, or filed by the judiciary is accessible to the public unless exempted by statute or court order. Records typically exempt from public disclosure include:

• Juvenile court records
• Documents containing confidential financial data
• Medical records created by healthcare providers
• Records protected under Indiana Supreme Court confidentiality rules
• Autopsy records (photos, videos, or audio recordings)
• Social Security numbers or other sensitive personal information

Clinton County Court Records Search

There are various options for conducting a Clinton County court records search. The most ideal primarily depends on the type of record in question. Record search options include:

• The office of the Clinton County Clerk
• The Indiana Odyssey Case Management System
• The County Recorder's Office

Clinton County Courts

The addresses and contact information of courthouses in Clinton County, Indiana are as follows:

Clinton County Circuit Court
265 Courthouse Sq,
Frankfort, IN 46041
Phone: (765) 659-6335
Fax: (766) 659-6347

Clinton County Superior Court
265 Courthouse Sq,
Frankfort, IN 46041
Phone: (765) 659-6335
Fax: (766) 659-6347

Frankfort City Court
301 E Clinton St,
Frankfort, IN 46041
Phone: (765) 654-5715
Fax: (765) 654-7773

Clinton County Criminal and Civil Records

Criminal history records for Clinton County, Indiana, are primarily maintained by the Indiana State Police (ISP) pursuant to Indiana Code § 10-13-3. The ISP is the central repository for criminal history information across the state. Under Indiana law, limited criminal history searches will provide inquirers with information regarding Class A misdemeanor and felony arrests, charges, and dispositions within Indiana's jurisdiction.

Interested parties may request a name-based limited criminal history check online or by mail through the ISP. Online searches require users to register, create an account, and pay the associated fees, which, as of this writing, are $15.70 per record when using a credit card and $15.50 per record with a subscription account.

To submit a mail-in request for a limited criminal history check, applicants must complete the appropriate ISP form and send it, along with the required payment, to:

Indiana State Police
Criminal History Limited Check
P.O. Box 6188
Indianapolis, IN 46206-6188

A fingerprint-based Indiana Full Criminal History check may be requested for a more comprehensive record. This report includes all recorded arrests and dispositions throughout the state. Applicants will be required to schedule an appointment for fingerprinting at an approved ISP location to proceed with this option.

Similarly, the primary custodian of criminal and civil court files in Clinton County is the Clerk of the Clinton County Circuit Court. Unless sealed by court order pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-5.5, these records are considered public. Individuals may submit requests in person, by mail, or utilize the Indiana Odyssey Case Management System at mycase.in.gov to search for case information online.

When requesting records, inquirers must provide details such as the case number, the names of the parties' involved, or their attorney’s names to facilitate the record search. Requests to the Clerk's office will be addressed to:

Clerk of the Clinton County Circuit Court
Clinton County Courthouse
265 Courthouse Square
Frankfort, IN 46041
Phone: (765) 659-6335

Clinton County Marriage Records

Under Indiana Code § 31-11, marriage records serve as legal documentation of a marital union. The Clinton County Clerk's Office issues and archives Clinton County marriage licenses and certificates. These records detail the couple's names, the ceremony's date and place, officiant information, and witnesses.

To obtain a certified copy of a marriage license or certificate, visit or write to the Clinton County Clerk's Office. Requests should contain the full names of both spouses and the exact date of the marriage as well as its location. Certified copies may be made available to eligible requesters for a fee. However, only the county clerk or authorized state agencies may issue certified marriage records.

Older marriage records may be accessible through the Indiana State Library or online genealogy databases for historical or genealogical research.

Clinton County Divorce Records

Under Indiana Code § 31-15 (the state’s act guiding the dissolution of marriage), divorce records are maintained by the Clinton County Clerk as part of the civil case files. These documents confirm the legal termination of a marriage and often include settlement details, property distribution, child custody arrangements, and the court's final order.

To request certified copies of divorce decrees, individuals may visit the Clinton County Clerk's Office in person or submit a written request by mail. Requests should include both parties' full names and the approximate divorce date.

The Indiana Odyssey Case Management System provides online access to case summaries and, in some instances, digitized documents, though these may not be certified. For older divorce records, consult the Indiana State Library. Certified copies, required for official purposes such as proof of divorce, are only obtainable through the Clerk's Office.

Clinton County Birth and Records

Under Indiana Code § 16-37, birth and death certificates are considered vital records. The Clinton County Health Department and the Indiana Department of Health maintain these documents, including essential details like legal names, birth or death dates, parent information for births, and cause of death information.

Interested persons may request certified copies of birth and death certificates by submitting completed application forms and payment in person or by mail to:

Clinton County Health Department
400 E Clinton St.
Frankfort, IN 46041
Phone: (765) 659-6385 ext. 1300

Applicants must provide proof of identity and meet eligibility requirements, as birth certificates are typically restricted to the subject of the record, immediate family members, legal guardians, or other authorized individuals. However, death records may be accessed by persons who can prove a direct tangible interest in the record.

Statewide requests can be made through the Indiana Department of Health. This also requires submitting the state's birth certificate or a death certificate. Applications should be accompanied by a payment of $10 for birth certificates or $8 for death certificates and $4 for additional copies in both cases. Applications may be addressed to:

Indiana Department of Health
2 N. Meridian St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 233-1325

Clinton County Probate Court Records

In Clinton County, probate cases are overseen by the Circuit Court and recorded by the Clerk's Office. These records detail the administration of estates, the validation of wills, guardianships for minors or those who cannot care for themselves, and the resolution of related disputes.

Requests for probate files may be made in person at the Clerk's Office or through mail. Inquirers will be required to provide information to facilitate the record search. Probate case information can be searched online using the Indiana Odyssey Case Management System.

Clinton County Property Records

Clinton County property records are maintained per the provisions of the Indiana Code § 36-2-11. These records encompass deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and real estate surveys within county limits. They establish proof of ownership, document changes in title, and record any encumbrances.

The Clinton County Recorder's Office is the county’s official custodian of property records. Interested parties may request copies in person or search online databases that catalog deeds and other related documents. Property details such as parcel numbers, addresses, or the legal description of the land are typically required to locate records efficiently. Property record requests may be addressed to:

Clinton County Recorder's Office
265 Courthouse Square, Suite 302
Frankfort, IN 46041
Phone: (765) 659-6325

For valuation and assessment information, the Clinton County Assessor's Office provides details on property taxes, assessments, and appeals.

Clinton County Court Records Online

Certain third-party websites like Indianacourtrecords.us also facilitate public access to Clinton County court records. However, these sites are typically restricted from publicizing information regarding sensitive or sealed cases, such as those involving juveniles or confidential matters per Indiana Code § 5-14-3. While third-party platforms are a convenient remote search option, users are advised to verify the accuracy and completeness of such records.