Lawrence County Court Records

Lawrence County court records are crucial resources for individuals seeking information on legal proceedings, historical records, or legal compliance in Indiana. These records document the activities and rulings of the courts, providing transparency and accountability in the judicial system.

Key types of information in Lawrence's court records include:

• Criminal records: Document arrests, charges, hearings, convictions and sentences. A subset of these includes Lawrence County arrest records detailing arrests and related legal actions
• Civil Records: include disputes related to property, contracts, and family law.
• Probate records: Cover estate administration, wills, and guardianship cases.
• Marriage and divorce records: document vital life events and legal agreements
• Property records: Provide information on ownership, boundaries, and tax assessments.

Are Court Records Public in Lawrence County?

Under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (APRA), most Lawrence County court records are open to the public. This act ensures that government records, including Judicial documents, are accessible to Indiana residents, promoting transparency and civic engagement. However, access to certain records may be restricted to protect sensitive information or comply with private laws, including:

• Juvenile Records: per Indiana Code §31-39, these records are confidential unless authorized by the court.
• Expunged Records are also sealed and are inaccessible without a specific court order under Indiana Code §35-38-9.
• Mental health or medical records are also protected by State and federal laws, including HIPAA.
• Family Court documents: Some information, such as custody agreements, are restricted to safeguard minors.

Lawrence County Court Records Search

Individuals seeking Lawrence County court records have several options for conducting searches:

In-person searches:

Visit the Lawrence County Clerk of Courts office, where court staff assist with locating records. Providing case numbers or party names expedites the process.

Online searches:

The Indiana Odyssey Case Management System offers an online search platform where users may access case summaries, filings, and court dates.

Mail-in requests

Written requests may be submitted to the Clerk of Courts with details such as case numbers or names, including fees for document copies or certifications.

Lawrence County Courts

Lawrence County operates within Indiana's unified judicial system, which includes trial and appellate courts. These courts handle a wide range of legal matters, from minor infractions to major civil and criminal cases. Key courts in Lawrence County include the circuit court, which handles Probate, civil, criminal, and juvenile cases. Others include the superior court, which manages Civil disputes, traffic violations, and misdemeanors.

Lawrence County Circuit Court

916 15th Street,
Bedford, IN 47421

Lawrence County Superior Court

916 15th Street,
Bedford, IN 47421

Lawrence County Criminal and Civil Records

Lawrence County criminal records provide detailed accounts of criminal proceedings from arrest to sentencing. These records include:

• Arrest warrants and booking information
• Charges and indictments
• Court hearings and verdicts.

The Lawrence County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, while court records are available through the court clerk.

Civil Records involve noncriminal disputes such as property disagreements, contract breaches, and family law cases. They include:

• Case filings and motion.
• Court judgments and settlements

To access these records, visit the Clerk of Court or Search through Indiana's online case management system.

Lawrence County Marriage Records

Marriage records in Lawrence County document the legal union of couples and are part of the county’s vital records. These records are maintained by the Lawrence County Clerk of Court and are essential for legal or genealogical purposes. To obtain a Lawrence County marriage certificate:

• Visit the clerk's office in person or submit a mail request
• Provide the full names of both parties and the marriage date.
• Pay the required fees for certified copies.

Marriage records are typically accessible to the public unless sealed by court order.

Lawrence County Divorce Records

Divorce records document the legal dissolution of marriages, including custody arrangements and Property settlements. These records are maintained by the Lawrence Clerk of Court. To obtain divorce records:

• Provide the names of both parties and their approximate divorce date.
• Submit a request in person or by mail to the Clerk’s office.
• Pay any applicable fees for certified copies.

Divorce records are public unless confidentiality is mandated by the court.

Lawrence Birth Records

Lawrence County birth records are critical for establishing identity, obtaining official documents, and verifying eligibility for services. Managed by the Lawrence County Health Department and the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), access to these records is regulated under Indiana Code §16-37-1. Only authorized individuals may access birth records. Authorized individuals are:

• The individual named on the record
• Immediate family members.
• Legal representatives.

To obtain a Lawrence County birth certificate:

• Submit proof of eligibility.
• Provide the individual's full name, birth date, and parents’ names.
• Pay the required fee.

Lawrence Death Records

Death records are vital for settling estates, insurance claims, and genealogical research. In Lawrence County, these records are managed by the Health Department and governed by Indiana Code § 16-37-3. To obtain death records:

• Provide the deceased's name, date of birth, and proof of eligibility.
• Certified copies are available to immediate family or legal representatives.

Death records are a key component of Lawrence's vital records.

Lawrence County Probate Court Records

Probate records document the distribution of estates, guardianships, and related legal matters. These records are maintained by the Lawrence County Circuit Court. To access Probate records:

• Contact the Clerk of Court with the case name or docket number
• Pay any required fees for file reviews or certified copies

Lawrence County Property Records

Property records document ownership, transfers, and tax assessments for real estate in Lawrence County. These records maintained by the Lawrence County Recorder’s Office include:

• Survey and maps
• Deeds and titles
• Property tax histories

To access property records:

• Visit the Recorder's office in person.
• Use the county's online property search tools.

Lawrence County Court Records Online

The Indiana Odyssey Case Management System provides online access to Lawrence County Court records. Users may search by name, case number, or hearing date. Third-party websites like Indiana Court Records may also offer additional convenience for accessing Lawrence County public records. These platforms provide ease of use but may not always guarantee accuracy or completeness.