Fulton County Court Records

Fulton County, Indiana, maintains court records that formally document all legal proceedings within its jurisdiction. These records encompass various case types, including criminal, civil, family, probate, and traffic matters. The documentation includes dockets, motions, orders, judgments, and other filings. In criminal cases, court records often include information from Fulton County arrest records, as well as the charges filed and sentencing details. Court records are crucial for several reasons: public transparency, legal research, and background checks.

Are Court Records Public in Fulton County?

Yes. Court records in Fulton County are publicly available under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA) and the Access to Court Records Rules, which permit records held by courts to be disclosed unless they are exempt.

Access to certain records is restricted to maintain confidentiality. This includes juvenile, adoption, and mental health case records, as well as sealed orders and specific domestic violence files. Additionally, some data may be suppressed to protect sensitive information, and confidential records may require specific authorization for viewing.

The Fulton County Clerk of Courts controls access to court records and can offer guidance on which documents are publicly available.

Fulton County Court Records Search

To search for court records in Fulton County, Indiana, individuals have two main options:

• Online Search: Utilize the free, statewide Case Management System (MyCase portal). Searches can be performed using various details, including party names, case numbers, citation numbers, or attorney information.
• In-Person Assistance: Contact or visit the Fulton County Clerk of Courts. This option is helpful for obtaining copies of case files or documents that may not be fully accessible online.

Fulton County Courts

Fulton County is part of the Indiana Court system, which consists of both trial and appellate courts. Fulton County's trial courts include the Circuit Court and Superior Court, which have broad authority over civil and criminal issues. Criminal cases range from misdemeanors to felonies, whereas civil cases include contract disputes, personal injury claims, family law matters, probate proceedings, and small claims. It is worth noting that all court proceedings in Fulton County take place at the Fulton County Courthouse. Below is the courthouse address and contact information.

Fulton County Courthouse
815 Main Street
Rochester, IN 46975
Phone: (574) 223-4824
Fax: (574) 223-8304

Fulton County Criminal and Civil Records

To access criminal and civil court documents in Fulton County, interested parties must first understand the distinction between the two. Criminal records pertain to state prosecutions for law violations, including charges, trials, and convictions. Conversely, civil records detail disputes between private parties, such as those involving contracts and family law. Fulton County arrest records, which result from an arrest, may be included in related criminal case files.

Residents can obtain court records through the MyCase portal or by visiting the Fulton County Clerk of Courts' office. While the MyCase portal offers free access to court case information, some documents may only be available in person. For complete records, individuals may contact the Clerk's office with specific information, and charges may apply for copies or certification.

Fulton County Clerk of Courts
815 Main Street
Rochester, IN 46975
Phone: (574) 223-4824, (574) 223-2912

Fulton County Marriage Records

Marriage records in Fulton County are kept by the Fulton County Clerk of Courts. The Clerk of Courts is in charge of processing marriage applications and issuing marriage licenses for couples planning to marry in Fulton County. The Clerk's Office bills $1 per page for copies and $3 for marriage certification.

It is worth noting that certified copies of marriages from 1958 to the present can be obtained from the Indiana State Department of Health Vital Records Division. Since 1958, the state office has maintained an index of marriages. However, certified copies of marriage certificates can only be obtained from the Clerk of Courts in the county where the marriage license was granted.

Marriage records are normally considered public records, but certified copies may be restricted to the persons involved or their immediate family members.

Fulton County Divorce Records

The Fulton County Clerk of Courts maintains divorce records that document the legal dissolution of marriages, including property distribution and child custody arrangements. Basic divorce case information is available through the Indiana MyCase portal. To obtain the records, persons interested must submit the names of both parties, divorce date, and, if available, case number. The Clerk of Courts charges $3 per document for certification and $1 per page for regular copies.
Divorce records are generally public in Indiana; however, certified copies are typically available only to the parties and their immediate family members.

Fulton Birth Records

Birth records from 1907 onward are held by the Indiana State Department of Health's Vital Records Division. For records prior to 1907, individuals should contact the local health department or historical organizations. While statewide compliance with vital records began around 1920, earlier records exist locally.

To obtain birth records less than 75 years old, the requester must provide proof of relationship with the registrant and a valid ID. A certified copy costs $10, and extra copies cost $4 each.

Birth records are essential documents, serving as a basis for establishing identity and verifying citizenship for purposes such as passport applications. They are also necessary for various legal and administrative activities, including enrolling in school and acquiring a driver's license.

Access to these records is granted to authorized individuals, which include the person named on the certificate, their parents, spouse, children, grandchildren, and siblings, as well as legal representatives and persons who can demonstrate a legal or tangible interest.

Fulton Death Records

In Fulton County, death records are maintained by the Indiana State Department of Health Vital Records Division, beginning from 1907 to the present. Records prior to 1907 may be obtained through county health departments or the Indiana State Library.

Parties eligible to obtain Fulton death records include immediate family members and legal representatives. The cost is $8 for the first certified copy and $4 for each subsequent copy. Applications can be made via mail or in person.

Death documents are necessary for estate settlements, insurance claims, Social Security benefits, and genealogical research. They contain critical information about mortality causes and trends.

Fulton County Probate Court Records

Probate cases in Fulton County fall under the jurisdiction of either the Circuit or Superior Court, as these courts manage matters like guardianships, estate administration, and conservatorships. The Fulton County Clerk of Courts is responsible for maintaining the official probate court records, including wills, inventories, petitions, and final settlements.

While preliminary probate case details are accessible via the Indiana MyCase portal, obtaining full documentation often requires direct contact with the Clerk's Office. To retrieve complete records, individuals will need to provide basic information, such as party names, filing dates, or case numbers.

Probate records are valuable for genealogy research, verifying property ownership, and resolving inheritance disputes. It is important to note that a fee applies to obtain copies or certified documents from the probate court. The Clerk's Office charges $1 per page for copies and $3 per document for certification.

Fulton County Property Records

Property records are managed by the Fulton County Recorder's Office. These records detail ownership transfers, mortgages, liens, warranty deeds, and other transactions. The Recorder's copy fees include $1 for copies 11" x 17" or smaller, $5 for copies larger than 11" x 17", and $5 per certification of document.

Fulton County Recorder's Office
125 E 9th Street
Suite 120
Rochester, IN 46975
Phone: (574) 223-2914
Fax: (574) 223-4734

Additionally, the Auditor and Treasurer offices provide access to property tax assessment information, as well as an online database for searches. These records are helpful for both real estate transactions and historical research.

Fulton County Auditor's Office
125 E 9th Street
Suite 108
Rochester, IN 46975
Phone: (574) 223-2912

Fulton County Court Records Online

Free online access to public court documents in Fulton County, Indiana, is available through the Indiana MyCase portal. Additionally, third-party databases, such as Indianacourtrecords.us, offer streamlined online searches for Fulton County court records. These websites are well known for faster processing times and the provision of centralized databases. However, any information obtained should be checked with official sources for accuracy.