Madison County Court Records

Madison County court records are official records of court proceedings. They contain information on all actions, motions, documents, and papers submitted in criminal or civil cases. Court records typically include transcripts, exhibits, electronic recordings, orders, jury verdicts, logs, affidavits, pleadings, orders, warrants, and other materials filed and maintained by the court in relation to a case.

Madison County court records are a vital part of Indiana Court Records. They are especially useful for appellate court judges. Access to these records is essential for promoting transparency and integrity in the Indiana court system.

Are Court Records Public in Madison County?

Yes. In line with the provisions of the Indiana Access to Public Records Act, any person may inspect and request copies of public records of any public agency during its regular business hours (IC 5-14-3-3). Such agencies cannot deny or prevent an individual from exercising their right to freedom of information without due cause. Additionally, courts or other public agencies that maintain online or electronic court records are required by law to make reasonable efforts to provide requesters with all such data as may be contained in those forms.

Under the Access to Public Records Act, public agencies can deny access to court records where such disclosure would:

• Endanger the life and safety of any person or the public
• Interfere with a person’s right to a fair trial
• Create bias or prejudice concerning the claim or defense presented by a party
• Disrupt ongoing law enforcement investigations.

The Act further instructs public agencies to redact information such as records relating to minors (persons less than 18 years old), personal medical information, victims of crime, witnesses, and the identity of confidential informants (IC 5-14-3-5). The court may also seal or expunge court records upon petition of a record holder subject to statutory requirements. Confidential and sealed/expunged records are not public records.

Madison County Court Records Search

Interested persons can look up Madison County court records at the following places:

• The relevant county courthouse
• The county court clerk’s office
• The Indiana Judicial Branch Case Search System
• Third-party, public record search websites.

Madison County Court Records Search by Name

Court records in Madison County can be identified using name-based search terms, such as the case name, individual or business party name, and the name of the attorneys in the case.

A researcher can perform a name-based search once they have sufficient information about the record they need and can identify the court in custody of that record. It is advisable to contact the court clerk to confirm the availability of the record, mail process and procedures, copying and search fees, and other formalities that may be required for in-person or mail requests. Then, the searcher may visit the Clerk’s Office to submit their record request.

Interested persons may also perform a Madison County court records search online at the Indiana Judiciary Case Search website. This case search tool allows users to search by individual or business name as well as the name of the attorney. To find case information online, input the first, last, or middle name of the party, select Madison County in the “court” section, select case type, and click search. One may also look up Madison County court records by case number, citation number, or cross-reference number.

Madison County Courts

The Madison County court system consists of multiple divisions of county circuit courts and city courts. Below is the court directory, comprising all court locations and contact information for Madison County courthouses.

Madison County Circuit Court 1
16 East 9th Street
Room 405
Anderson, IN 46016
Phone: (765) 641-9436
Fax: (765) 640-4216

Madison County Circuit Court 2
16 East 9th Street
Room 407
Anderson, IN 46016
Phone: (765) 641-9627
Fax: (765) 608-9711

Madison County Circuit Court 3
16 East 9th Street
Room 409
Anderson, IN 46016
Phone: (765) 641-9632
Fax: (765) 641-9698

Madison County Circuit Court 4
16 East 9th Street
Room 304
Anderson, IN 46016
Phone: (765) 641-9490
Fax: (765) 641-1364

Madison County Circuit Court 5
16 East 9th Street
Room 304
Anderson, IN 46016
Phone: (765) 641-9496
Fax: (765) 641-1364

Madison County Circuit Court 6
16 East 9th Street
Room 404
Anderson, IN 46016
Phone: (765) 641-9622
Fax: (765) 640-4217

Anderson City Court
1034 Main Street
Anderson, IN 46016
Phone: (765) 648-6085
Fax: (765) 648-5910

Elwood City Court
1505 South "B" Street
Elwood, IN 46036
Phone: (765) 552-2655
Fax: (765) 552-8381

Madison County Circuit Court Case Search

The Madison County Circuit Court typically handles civil, criminal, domestic relations, and probate cases. These may include small claims, contract disputes, torts, misdemeanors, felonies, divorce, parental rights, child custody, child abuse, adoption, guardianship, estate administration, wills, and juvenile matters. The circuit court is also an appellate court. The court receives appeals from the Anderson and Elwood City Courts. This court has judicial authority to issue writs, petitions, injunctions, and other judicial orders.

Madison County circuit court records may be accessed at the circuit court clerk's office. The clerk can retrieve case information on civil, criminal, family law, probate, and appeals based on the records' availability and whether or not they are subject to public disclosure.

According to the Access to Public Records Act, record custodians must make reasonable efforts to provide copies of electronic records upon request. Hence, individuals may request any record of the circuit court regardless of the form in which it is stored. Requesters may be required to complete application forms and provide information that particularly describes and can specifically identify the record sought. If the option to submit public record requests by mail is available, the mail must include the sender’s identity, address, and all applicable search, copying, certification, and postage fees.

Alternatively, Madison County circuit court records are available online at Mycase.IN.gov. This is the Indiana Judiciary’s case management system. Interested persons can find case information here by case number, party name, or by attorney.

Madison County District Court Records

Madison County, Indiana, does not have a district court. Court records are in the custody of the circuit court clerk or at the city courthouse. Individuals may visit the Madison County Circuit Courthouse or the Anderson or Elwood City Court to inquire about the availability of court records. Madison County court records may also be available online at the Indiana Judiciary Case Management System.

Madison County Criminal Records

The Madison County Sheriff maintains criminal records, such as inmate inquiries, Madison county arrest records, arrest warrants, and arrest records, within his jurisdiction. Individuals can look up information about inmates by their names, booking/inmate numbers, booking dates, and housing facilities. The inmate inquiry website contains images of inmates, names, custody status, scheduled release dates, race, gender, date of birth, height, weight, and booking history. The Sheriff’s office also publishes warrant information and a list of the most wanted persons in the county.

Individuals may also perform a state criminal history check through the Indiana State Police. The Indiana State Police offers access to a limited criminal history search containing only felonies and arrests for Class A misdemeanors within Indiana. This is an online search service that costs between $15 - $15.70 per search. Records are displayed as PDFs and shall expire 14 days after the search.

Madison County Criminal Court Case Lookup

Madison County criminal court case information is available at public terminals at the county or city courthouse where the case was decided. It may also be retrieved at the state judiciary case search website.

Get Madison County Civil Court Records

Madison County civil court records are created during personal and private suits between individuals or businesses. They can be between multiple parties. Civil court cases usually concern family law, domestic relations, contracts, property, intellectual property, insurance, small claims, physical or personal injury, and torts (negligence, trespass, defamation, nuisance, occupiers liability). Civil cases in Madison County are within the circuit court's purview. Hence, they may be retrieved from the county courthouse and the office of the circuit court clerk.

Madison County Family Court Records

Madison County family court records include decisions on matters such as dissolution of marriage, child custody, child support, child abuse and neglect, visitation rights, termination of parental rights, spousal support, paternity, guardianship, adoption, and domestic violence. The circuit courts have original jurisdiction over family law matters. Therefore, such records are in the custody of the circuit court clerk and may be retrieved therefrom.

Family court records are often confidential or sensitive, especially those involving minors. Confidential records, juvenile records, and records involving persons under 18 are not restricted from public disclosure. They may only be accessed by legal guardians, parents, court staff, legal representatives, etc.

Madison Dissolution of Marriage Records

Dissolution of marriage, divorce decrees, legal separation, and other related cases are handled by the Madison County Circuit Court. To obtain a divorce decree, contact the circuit court clerk for information about the fees, requirements for access, and other formalities. Then, complete all the necessary paperwork, provide the names of the divorced parties, and pay the required fees.

Madison County Marriage and Divorce Records

Indiana provides public access to marriage licenses issued within the state. Interested persons can find Madison County marriage licenses through the Indiana Marriage License E-file project. Searchers must provide the applicants' names and the marriage year range on the license and then select the county-issued (Madison County).

Marriage and divorce records are filed and maintained by the Madison County Circuit Court clerk and are not typically available online. To request a copy of a Madison County divorce record or a certified marriage certificate, contact or visit the circuit court clerk's office.

Madison Birth and Death Records

The Madison County Health Department’s Vital Records Division is in charge of disseminating birth and death records.

To obtain a copy of a Madison County birth certificate, walk into the health department during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm) with a copy of the application form, a valid ID, a $15 fee for each copy needed and a self-addressed stamped event. Only the following persons are qualified to receive birth certificates in Madison County: the individual named on the certificate, parents, grandparents, siblings, spouses, an adult child, grandchild, great-grandchild, legal guardian, child protective services representative, or an individual with a valid court order.

Likewise, Madison County Death certificates cost $15 per copy. To obtain a copy from the health department, simply download and complete the application form, then submit it by mail or in person at:

Madison County Health Department
206 East 9th Street,
Anderson, Indiana 46016
Phone: (765) 641-9524
Email: healthdept@madisoncounty.in.gov.

Madison County Probate Court Records

The Madison County Circuit Court handles all probate proceedings in the county, including estate administration, appointment of guardians for minors, conservatorship, and administration of trusts. To obtain probate records in Madison County, visit the circuit court clerk. The clerk staff will provide the necessary information and guidance needed to find the information sought. Madison County probate records may also be available online at the Indiana Judiciary Case Management Website (mycase.IN.gov).

Madison County Property Records

Madison County residents can access property information through the Madison County Recorder. The County Recorder maintains copies of property documents, including deeds, mortgages, liens, leases, subdivisions, plats, surveys, land contracts, and maps.

Interested persons can use the public access terminals at the County Recorder’s Office during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Copies of property records cost $5 per page. One may also find property documents for free online; however, the searcher must provide the document name as it was recorded, the document number, and the type.

Madison County Recorder’s Office
16 East 9th Street
Anderson, IN 46016
Room 205
Phone: (765) 641-9613

Property and tax information may also be retrieved from the Madison County Auditor, County Treasurer, and the County Assessor. The Madison County Assessor maintains both real and personal property records. The information available at the assessor’s property records search site includes sales records, assessed value, property class, property address, property size and description, year built, parcel acreage, total living area, district name, and the neighborhood where the property is located.

Madison County Assessor’s Office
16 East 9th Street
Anderson, IN 46016
Phone: (765) 641-9401
Fax: (765) 608-9707

Madison County Court Records Online

Third-party public records sites are useful search tools. They allow researchers to find case information across multiple jurisdictions. These search tools broaden the scope and results pool for the searcher, giving them access to a wider database from different states in the US. The standard search criteria for third-party sites like Indianacourtrecord.us are case number, party name, and court location.

Although third-party sites can be helpful in research, some have major demerits. Unlike government sites, these search platforms are often charged per search or are subscription-based. The information available is generally not as comprehensive or complete as that from the courthouse. Also, they do not always receive information firsthand. What this means is that it may take some time after a case has been decided before it becomes available on these websites. Finally, individuals have to be careful about sharing personal information on these websites to avoid data privacy breaches.