Jefferson County Court Records

Jefferson County court records encompass a broad range of legal documents and materials produced and filed as cases progress through the county’s judicial system. Such records typically originate from proceedings held in the Jefferson Circuit Court or the Jefferson Superior Court. They can include complaints, petitions, trial transcripts, charging documents, briefs, motions, judgments, sentencing orders, evidentiary exhibits, and related filings. Each court record serves as an official account of the judicial process, ensuring openness, integrity, and adherence to the rule of law.

Court records in Jefferson County provide insight into how local courts interpret and apply relevant statutes, regulations, and case law. Common details found in court records may include:

• Parties to the Case: Names of plaintiffs, defendants, attorneys, and any intervening parties.
• Case Information: Docket numbers, filing dates, charges, claims, and applicable statutes.
• Disposition Details: Final judgments, settlements, verdicts, sentencing information, and appellate outcomes.

Are Court Records Public in Jefferson County?

Yes. The Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA), codified at Indiana Code §§ 5-14-3-1 to 5-14-3-10, mandates that records created or maintained by public agencies in Indiana are, by default, open and accessible to the public. Since courts are public agencies, most Jefferson County court records fall under the umbrella of APRA and are therefore, accessible to any interested requester.

However, certain records are exempt from public disclosure due to federal and state confidentiality laws, as well as the Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records (see Indiana Administrative Rule 9). For instance, the following categories of records may be withheld or restricted:

• Ongoing Criminal Investigations: Records pertaining to active or ongoing criminal cases.
• Sealed Records: Files ordered sealed by a court.
• Juvenile Case Records: Records of juvenile proceedings, pursuant to I.C. 31-39, are typically confidential.
• Confidential Financial Data: Sensitive financial or identifying information protected by law.
• Records Made Confidential by Statute: Certain information withheld under state or federal statutes.
• Victim Information in Certain Offenses: Personal data of victims in human trafficking, sexual assault, or other serious offenses.

Jefferson County Court Records Search

Individuals seeking to review Jefferson County court records have several options:

1. In-Person at the Jefferson County Courthouse:
   The Jefferson County Courthouse is the official repository for court case files. In-person requesters may visit during regular business hours to review or obtain copies of court records. There may be public access terminals within the courthouse where visitors can search for cases electronically.
2. Indiana MyCase Portal:
   The Indiana judiciary offers the online MyCase portal, allowing users to search for publicly available court case information statewide, including Jefferson County. By visiting https://public.courts.in.gov/mycase, requesters can search cases by party name, attorney name, or case number. To focus on Jefferson County records, users can refine their search by selecting “Jefferson County” as the jurisdiction.
3. Third-Party Aggregators:
   Some independent websites compile and provide access to publicly available court information. While these can be helpful, accuracy and completeness may vary, and they are not official sources.

Jefferson County Courts

Jefferson County is served by both a Circuit Court and a Superior Court, each presiding over a range of civil, criminal, and miscellaneous matters. Both courts are housed within the Jefferson County Courthouse, though each maintains distinct contact information.

• Jefferson County Courthouse
  300 East Main Street
  Madison, IN 47250
• Jefferson Circuit Court
  Phone: (812) 265-8903
• Jefferson Superior Court
  Phone: (812) 265-8930

Jefferson County Criminal and Civil Records

In Jefferson County, the Circuit and Superior Courts share jurisdiction over criminal and civil matters arising within the county. The Jefferson County Clerk’s Office serves as the official custodian of case records generated by these courts. To obtain copies of criminal or civil case records, interested parties may:

1. Visit the Clerk’s Office:
   In-person requests can be made at the Clerk’s Office located in the Jefferson County Courthouse. Requesters should be prepared to provide details to assist with the search, such as a case number, party names, or attorney information. Staff may charge nominal fees for searching, copying, or certifying records, as authorized by Indiana law.
2. Use On-Site Public Terminals:
   The courthouse may have dedicated computer terminals that allow public users to search for case records. This on-site system can streamline the process by enabling visitors to locate relevant case files before requesting copies from the clerk.
3. Indiana MyCase Online Access:
   Non-confidential Jefferson County cases can be searched online through the Indiana MyCase portal. Users can filter by case type (criminal, civil, citation) and jurisdiction to find the desired records.

It is important to distinguish between “court records” and “criminal history records”. While the courts maintain records of case filings, motions, and judgments, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and local law enforcement agencies produce records associated with arrests, bookings, and investigative reports. These law enforcement documents are not always accessible through the courts. To obtain a Jefferson County arrest record or similar non-court criminal information, requesters can visit the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in person during normal business hours. A nominal fee may apply, and government-issued photo identification is typically required.

Jefferson County Marriage Records

In Jefferson County, Indiana, marriage licenses are issued and maintained by the County Clerk’s Office in accordance with Indiana Code § 31-11, which governs the state’s marriage laws. Individuals who wish to obtain Jefferson County marriage records may do so by contacting the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office. Certified marriage records are often required for legal purposes such as name changes, insurance benefits, and certain inheritance matters, while uncertified copies may be used for genealogical or general informational reasons.

Accessing Marriage Records:

• In-Person Requests: Interested persons can visit the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office during normal business hours, typically Monday through Friday. Requesters should provide key details, including the full maiden name of the bride, the full name of the groom, and the exact or approximate date of the marriage.
• Written Requests: Written requests may be submitted by mail. Such requests should include all pertinent information (full names of both parties, marriage date, and requester’s contact details), as well as the appropriate fees. Requesters must also provide a self-addressed stamped envelope if they wish to receive the record by mail.

Fees and Payment:
A nominal fee is charged per page for certified and uncertified copies. As of this writing, fees in many Indiana counties are approximately $1.00 per page plus $3.00 per certification. Payments are generally accepted in the form of cash, money order, credit card, or debit card. It is recommended to contact the Clerk’s Office beforehand to confirm current fees and accepted payment methods.

Jefferson County Clerk’s Office Contact Details:
Jefferson County Clerk’s Office
300 E Main St, Room 203
Madison, IN 47250
Phone: (812) 265-8922

Statewide Online Resources:
The Indiana Marriage License Public Lookup, provided by the Indiana Courts, can be accessed at no cost. This resource allows users to search for marriage records issued throughout the state, including Jefferson County, since the early 1990s.

Jefferson County Divorce Records

Divorce records in Jefferson County are managed by the County Clerk’s Office, as these records originate from local courts under Indiana Code § 31-15 (covering dissolution of marriage). These records can provide certified proof of divorce, which may be needed for matters such as remarriage, financial settlements, or name restoration.

Accessing Divorce Records:

• In-Person and Mail Requests: Individuals may visit the Clerk’s Office or submit a written request by mail to locate a desired divorce record. The request should include the names of both parties, the approximate date of the final decree, and current contact information for the requester.
• Fees: Similar to marriage records, divorce record copies typically cost $1.00 per page plus $3.00 for certification. Payment forms mirror those accepted for marriage records. Always contact the Clerk’s Office to verify the latest fees.

Mail requests should include a self-addressed stamped envelope to facilitate return mailing.

Jefferson County Birth Records

The Jefferson County Health Department is primarily responsible for issuing and maintaining birth records under Indiana Code § 16-37. Birth certificates serve as essential identity documents and may be needed for school enrollment, passport applications, Social Security matters, and other official uses.

Who Can Access Birth Records:

• Certified Copies: Under Indiana law, certified copies of birth records are limited to eligible individuals. These commonly include the subject of the record (if 18 or older), parents listed on the record, legal guardians, spouses, siblings over age 21, and adult children.
• Uncertified Copies: Uncertified or genealogical copies may be released to the general public for informational or family history research.

Fees:
Certified birth certificates in many Indiana counties cost about $15.00, whereas uncertified or genealogical copies may be around $10.00. It is advised to confirm current fees with the Health Department.

How to Request:

• In-Person: Visit the Jefferson County Health Department during normal business hours with a valid government-issued photo ID and any required documentation establishing your eligibility.
• By Mail: Complete a Birth Certificate Application form (available from the Health Department), include the fee via check or money order payable to the “Jefferson County Health Department,” add a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a photocopy of your valid ID. Mail these items to:

Jefferson County Health Department
Attn: Vital Records
715 Green Rd
Madison, IN 47250
Phone: (812) 273-1942

Jefferson County Death Records

The Jefferson County Health Department also maintains death records. Similar to birth records, these documents are governed by Indiana Code § 16-37 and are essential for estate settlements, life insurance claims, genealogy, and other personal or legal matters.

Eligible Requesters:
Certified death certificates may be released to immediate family members, legal representatives, and individuals or entities with a direct interest as defined by Indiana statutes. Uncertified copies, which are purely informational, may be available to the general public.

Fees & Access:
Certified death certificates generally cost around $20.00, while uncertified versions may cost about $10.00. Requesters should verify current pricing with the Health Department.

For mail requests, complete a Death Certificate Application, include the required fee (check or money order), a copy of your valid photo ID, and a self-addressed stamped envelope, and mail them to the Health Department’s address listed above.

Jefferson County Probate Court Records

Probate court records, which involve wills, estate administration, guardianships, and related matters, are under the purview of the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office. These records may be reviewed to understand the distribution of a decedent’s assets, the appointment of executors or guardians, and other estate-related details.

Accessing Probate Records:

• In-Person: Visit the Clerk’s Office to search for probate records. Public access terminals may be available to assist in locating case files.
• Online via MyCase: Indiana’s MyCase portal provides access to non-confidential probate court records. Users can search by case number, party names, or attorney details.
• Fees: Copy and certification fees are generally consistent with other court records.

Jefferson County Property Records

Property records, including deeds, mortgages, and liens, are maintained by the Jefferson County Recorder’s Office and the Assessor’s Office. These records fall under the scope of Indiana’s Access to Public Records Act (I.C. § 5-14-3) and are integral to confirming property ownership, tax assessments, and other real property interests. Indiana property tax and assessment guidelines can be found in Indiana Code § 6-1.1.

Offices Managing Property Records:

• Jefferson County Recorder: Responsible for recording and maintaining land records, deeds, mortgages, and other property-related documents.
• Jefferson County Assessor: Maintains assessments, property values, and tax records.

Contact Details:

• Jefferson County Recorder
  300 E Main St, Room 208
  Madison, IN 47250
  Phone: (812) 265-8907
• Jefferson County Assessor
  300 E Main St, Room 203
  Madison, IN 47250
  Phone: (812) 265-8906

Requests for copies of property records can be made in person or by mail, subject to copying and certification fees. Property data may also be available through online portals maintained by the county or third-party vendors.

Jefferson County Court Records Online

In addition to on-site searches at the courthouse and official county offices, certain Jefferson County court records are available online through third-party sites like Indianacourtrecords.us. While various third-party websites (not affiliated with the government) also aggregate court data, these unofficial sources may be less reliable or out-of-date.