Gibson County Court Records

Gibson County court records encompass a wide range of documentation generated, filed, or maintained by the courts, the Clerk of the Circuit Court, and various judicial agencies operating within Gibson County, Indiana. These records include case-specific materials, such as pleadings, motions, orders, and judgments, as well as administrative records related to the daily operations and oversight of the judiciary. According to the Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records (notably Ind. Administrative Rule 9), court records are broadly defined and may include any document related to court proceedings, whether directly tied to a specific case or pertaining to broader judicial administration.

Court records in Gibson County serve numerous critical functions:

• Evidence and Legal Research: Attorneys, litigants, and researchers rely on court records for evidence, to understand the legal reasoning behind past rulings, and to examine how statutes and case law are applied in specific scenarios.
• Judicial Oversight and Transparency: Public access to many court records fosters confidence in the judicial process, enabling citizens to review judicial proceedings for fairness, consistency, and adherence to the rule of law.
• Precedent-Setting Materials: Prior case decisions and judgments within Gibson County courts can influence arguments, decisions, and legal strategies in future cases.

Within these records, one may find an array of documents, including but not limited to:

• Case Information: Case numbers, filing dates, case types, names of parties, attorneys, and judges, as well as trial dates and dispositions.
• Legal Filings and Rulings: Complaints, answers, briefs, motions, summonses, subpoenas, trial transcripts, court orders, judgments, and opinions issued by the courts.

Are Court Records Public in Gibson County?

Under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA), codified at Ind. Code § 5-14-3 et seq., most court records maintained by Gibson County courts are open for public inspection and copying. This statutory framework ensures government transparency and grants the public the right to review a wide range of judicial documents. Anyone may request these records from the appropriate court office or clerk.

Exceptions to Public Access
While APRA grants broad rights, certain categories of records are exempt from public disclosure under both state and federal law, as well as pursuant to specific court rules. Per Ind. Administrative Rule 9(G), records may be deemed confidential or restricted if they involve:

• Information declared confidential by state or federal statutes.
• Sealed documents, such as juvenile records or certain expunged criminal files.
• Pending criminal matters or sensitive investigative records.
• Mental health proceedings governed by Ind. Code § 12-26.
• Records related to pretrial release conditions, supervision programs, or specialized problem-solving courts.
• Medical records filed under Indiana Trial Rule 35 or any other health-related information protected by law.

Eligible requesters, such as parties involved in a case, their attorneys, or individuals with a court order, may still gain access to restricted records when legally permissible.

Gibson County Court Records Search

Individuals seeking to review or obtain Gibson County court records have several options:

1. Gibson County Clerk of the Circuit Court:
   The Clerk’s Office is the official record custodian for the Gibson Circuit and Superior Courts. Visitors may request access to public terminals at the courthouse to inspect electronic case files or obtain physical copies of documents for a fee.
2. Online Searches via Indiana’s MyCase Portal:
   The Indiana judiciary offers public access to certain records through the MyCase portal (https://public.courts.in.gov/mycase). By selecting “Gibson County” and narrowing searches by party name, attorney name, or case number, users can find docket information and certain public documents. Not all records will be available online, and some may require a visit to the courthouse.
3. On-Site Public Terminals:
   The courthouse provides computer terminals for public use, allowing case searches and viewing of electronic records maintained by the Clerk.
4. Third-Party Databases and Resources:
   Various commercial and non-governmental websites offer aggregated court record searches. While convenient, these platforms may not be as up-to-date or comprehensive as official government resources.

Gibson County Courts

Gibson County operates one Circuit Court and one Superior Court. Both courts are located at the Gibson County Courthouse:

Gibson County Courthouse
101 N. Main Street
Princeton, IN 47670
Phone: (812) 385-2541
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Gibson County Criminal and Civil Records

The Circuit and Superior Courts hear a wide spectrum of matters—from civil lawsuits involving contract disputes and personal injury claims, to criminal prosecutions initiated by the State. The Clerk’s Office maintains all official court records, making it a primary resource for accessing copies and verifying docket information. Online inquiries through MyCase can also provide a starting point to locate civil or criminal case entries.

Beyond court records, a comprehensive criminal history check may require reviewing records from the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office or local police departments. Indiana’s APRA also applies to many law enforcement documents, though certain restrictions may apply for ongoing investigations or sensitive materials.

Gibson County Marriage Records

Marriage records in Gibson County are preserved and issued by the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Under Ind. Code § 31-11-4-7 and related statutes, these records are generally considered public. Interested persons may request certified copies directly from the Clerk’s Office. Additionally, the Indiana State Library and the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) provide online indexes:

Interested members of the public may use the Indiana Department of Vital Records Index to search for marriage licenses issued statewide since 1993. Requesters can search by the names of the marriage parties and the license issuance year. Visit or contact the Gibson county clerk’s office for older marriage records or certified copies.

Gibson County Divorce Records

Divorce records, like marriage records, are maintained by the Clerk’s Office. They are a matter of public record unless sealed by a court order. Interested persons may request these records by visiting the Clerk’s Office. Basic information about divorce cases may also be accessible through the MyCase portal. To locate specific divorce records online, search under the “Family” case type and choose Gibson County as the jurisdiction.

Gibson County Birth and Death Records

Vital records in Indiana—including birth and death certificates—are primarily governed by Ind. Code § 16-37 and managed by the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) and local health departments.

Gibson County Health Department
203 S. Prince Street
Princeton, IN 47670
Phone: (812) 385-3831

The IDOH began centralized registration of births in 1907. Gibson County Health Department also maintains local records. Certified birth certificates are typically available only to individuals with a direct interest in the record (the named person, immediate family members, or authorized legal representatives). Fees are established by state rules; for current pricing and identification requirements, consult the IDOH website or contact the Health Department directly.
Death certificate requests must also meet certain eligibility criteria. The IDOH and Gibson County Health Department maintain death records. Certified copies are generally issued to immediate family members or those demonstrating a legal or financial interest. Fees and application forms are available on the IDOH website. Applications can be submitted by mail to the IDOH or in person at the County Health Department.

Gibson County Probate Court Records

Probate matters in Gibson County—such as estate administration, guardianships, and wills—are handled by the Circuit Court. Probate case files can be accessed through the Clerk’s Office. Many probate docket entries can also be reviewed via the MyCase portal by selecting “Probate” as the case type. For certified copies or more detailed documents, it is often necessary to visit the Clerk’s Office in person.

Gibson County Property Records

Property-related documents, including deeds, mortgages, and liens, are filed with the Gibson County Recorder’s Office. Property tax records are managed by the Gibson County Treasurer’s Office.

Gibson County Recorder’s Office
101 N. Main Street
Princeton, IN 47670
Phone: (812) 385-2542

Gibson County Treasurer’s Office
101 N. Main Street
Princeton, IN 47670
Phone: (812) 385-2545

The Treasurer’s Office provides property tax information and may offer online searching tools based on owner name, parcel number, or property address.

Since most property records are public under APRA, interested individuals can request copies from these offices for a nominal fee unless certain exemptions or confidentiality requirements apply.

Gibson County Court Records Online

In addition to state-operated tools, individuals may use independent websites like Indianacourtrecords.us to search for Gibson County court records. While these platforms can be convenient, they may lack the accuracy and comprehensiveness of official sources. The Indiana Courts MyCase portal and Gibson County record custodians are suitable options for retrieving court records for official use.