Jasper County Court Records

Jasper County court records are documents produced, maintained, and preserved by courts or their associated agencies within Jasper County, Indiana. Much like other counties in the state, Jasper County courts generate two primary categories of records:

1. Case Records: These include any documents, data, or information related to specific legal proceedings. Examples encompass pleadings, motions, judgments, orders, transcripts, exhibits, and docket entries associated with particular cases.
2. Administrative Records: These materials relate to the overall administration, operation, and management of the judicial branch in Jasper County. Unlike case records, they are not tied to any single legal matter. Administrative records may involve internal policies, court schedules, and general administrative correspondence.

Are Court Records Public in Jasper County?

In accordance with the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code § 5-14-3) and Indiana Administrative Rule 9 governing access to court records, most Jasper County court records are considered open to the public. Interested parties generally have the right to inspect, view, copy, or otherwise use these records. However, certain categories of court records are confidential or exempt from public disclosure. Specifically, the following types of Jasper County court records are commonly restricted:

• Mental health court filings and evaluations, as restricted by Indiana Code and court rules.
• Documents related to pending criminal proceedings or ongoing law enforcement investigations.
• Records revealing personal identifying details of litigants, witnesses, jurors, and minors.
• Court documents that detail sensitive information about victims of sexual offenses.
• Pretrial release and supervision reports, as well as records from problem-solving courts (e.g., drug courts), to protect privacy and ensure fair proceedings.
• Juvenile case records, which are strictly governed by Indiana statute and are generally sealed from the public to protect the privacy and interests of minors.

In addition, a court in Jasper County may, at its discretion, restrict access to certain records if it determines that such action serves a significant public interest or prevents potential harm to an individual or the public.

Jasper County Court Records Search

Interested individuals may search for Jasper County court records through the following avenues:

1. Jasper County Clerk of Courts Office:
   The Clerk’s Office maintains many civil, criminal, and administrative case records.
   Address:
   Jasper County Clerk of the Courts
   Jasper County Courthouse
   115 W. Washington St.
   Rensselaer, IN 47978
   Phone: (219) 866-4929
2. Indiana Odyssey Case Management System:
   This statewide online system (mycase.IN.gov) allows the public to search for and view certain docket information for Jasper County cases.
3. In-Person Public Terminals:
   Visitors to the Jasper County courthouse may use public access terminals to locate and review available case information.
4. Third-Party Online Databases:
   Some independent websites aggregate and provide access to public court records. While these third-party services may offer convenient searching tools, users should verify the accuracy and currency of the information they provide.

Jasper County Courts

Jasper County’s judiciary comprises the Jasper Circuit Court and two Superior Courts, each with defined jurisdictions and responsibilities. The primary courts are located at:

• Jasper Circuit Court
  Jasper County Courthouse
  115 W. Washington St.
  Rensselaer, IN 47978
  Phone: (219) 866-4902
• Jasper Superior Court 1
  Jasper County Courthouse
  115 W. Washington St.
  Rensselaer, IN 47978
  Phone: (219) 866-4971
• Jasper Superior Court 2
  Jasper County Courthouse
  115 W. Washington St.
  Rensselaer, IN 47978
  Phone: (219) 866-4930

These courts handle a broad range of matters, including criminal, civil, family, probate, and juvenile cases, according to their respective jurisdictions defined by Indiana state law.

Jasper County Criminal and Civil Records

Criminal and civil case records in Jasper County are retained by the Clerk’s Office, as well as the court where the case was filed. The Jasper Circuit Court generally manages major civil disputes, more serious criminal offenses, and certain family and probate cases. The Superior Courts address a range of other matters, including lower-level civil claims, misdemeanor offenses, family law issues, and traffic-related cases. Requesters may:

• Submit an in-person request at the Clerk’s Office.
• Request records by mail, providing sufficient identifying details (case number, names of involved parties, and approximate filing dates).
• Access summary information online via the Indiana Odyssey portal.

Jasper County Marriage Records

Marriage records for Jasper County are public records maintained by the Jasper County Clerk’s Office. Indiana Code § 31-11 and related statutes outline the issuance and public availability of these records. Parties requesting marriage records typically must:

• Provide a valid government-issued photo ID.
• Pay applicable fees as established by the Clerk’s Office (often $1 per page and $3 for certified copies).

Jasper County Divorce Records

Divorce records are generated during the dissolution of marriage proceedings in Jasper County courts. While divorce decrees and related filings are generally accessible to the parties involved, certain documents may be sealed or restricted. When requesting these records:

• Provide the full names of both former spouses.
• Supply the approximate date of the divorce filing.
• Identify the specific court in which the divorce was granted.
• Pay the necessary fees for searching and copying certified documents.

Jasper County Birth and Death Records

The Jasper County Health Department’s Vital Records division maintains birth and death certificates (Indiana Code § 16-37-1 et seq.). Individuals entitled to request these records—usually the person named on the record, their immediate family members, or those with a direct legal interest—must:

• Present a valid, government-issued ID.
• Complete the appropriate application form for birth or death records.
• Pay applicable fees as determined by the Health Department.

Jasper County Probate Court Records

Probate matters, including wills, estates, guardianships, and trusts, fall under the jurisdiction of the Jasper Circuit Court (as the probate court division). Probate files may contain sensitive personal and financial information. Generally, only involved parties, their legal representatives, and persons with a direct legal interest may review and obtain copies of these records.

Jasper County Property Records

Property and land records—such as deeds, liens, and property tax information—are maintained by the Jasper County Recorder’s Office and Assessor’s Office. These records are often public, enabling individuals to verify property ownership and assess property value. Requesters can:

• Visit the appropriate county office in person to review or copy records.
• Provide property identification details (parcel number, property address, or owner’s name).
• Pay nominal copying and certification fees, if required.

Jasper County Court Records Online

While Indiana’s statewide case search tool (Odyssey) provides basic docket information, third-party websites like Indianacourtrecords.us may also grant expedited access to Jasper County court records. Before using these resources, verify their credibility and update frequency to ensure you are accessing accurate and current information. Indiana’s administrative rules and codes remain the authoritative standard for ensuring proper access and maintaining the integrity of all court records in Jasper County, Indiana.