Miami County Court Records

Miami County court records serve as official documentation of legal proceedings held within the county's judicial system. These records typically include pleadings, motions, rulings, transcripts of oral testimonies, filed exhibits, judgments, and other materials generated during civil, criminal, probate, and other judicial actions. Members of the public may review these documents to locate information such as party names, attorneys of record, filing and hearing dates, case numbers, charge details, and the nature of the claims or offenses.

The Miami County Clerk’s Office, acting as the custodian of court records for the Circuit and Superior Courts, maintains these documents as part of the broader Indiana judiciary archives. Individuals can request access to these records through multiple avenues, including online case search tools, in-person inspections, mail-in requests, and certified copy purchases. These resources support a wide array of needs, ranging from personal legal matters and historical research to verifying precedents and ensuring transparency in the judicial process.

Are Court Records Public in Miami County?

Pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code § 5-14-3 et seq.), most Miami County court records are presumed open to the public. Under IC § 5-14-3-3, record custodians must make these records accessible unless a specific statute, court rule, or judicial order deems them confidential. Requests for records that contain sensitive or legally protected information may be denied or granted only with redactions.

Types of Confidential or Restricted Records may include:

• Information that identifies victims or confidential informants in sensitive cases
• Records sealed or expunged in accordance with Indiana Code § 35-38-9, such as certain criminal history documents following a successful expungement petition
• Most juvenile case records and files stemming from Child in Need of Services (CHINS) proceedings or guardianship matters
• Personal identifiers like Social Security numbers, bank account details, medical records, and other private data protected by state or federal law
• Records relating to child custody, adoption, child support, and other family law matters that are deemed confidential by statute or court rule
• Any additional documents that a judge has ordered sealed, taking into account the public interest and the privacy or safety of individuals involved

Only authorized parties—such as the litigants, their attorneys, judges, certain government agencies, and law enforcement—may access these restricted files in their entirety. In some instances, publicly released records may have sensitive data redacted to balance the public’s right to know with personal privacy rights.

Miami County Court Records Search

Miami County’s Circuit Court and Superior Courts I and II handle a variety of cases, including felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, civil disputes, probate proceedings, family law matters, and traffic violations. The division of case types between courts may be guided by local rules or administrative orders. The Miami County Local Rules of Court, accessible via the Indiana Judiciary’s website, outline jurisdictional allocations and filing procedures.

To search for cases online, the Indiana Supreme Court provides the mycase.IN.gov portal, commonly known as “MyCase”. This free statewide database offers basic docket information. Users can search by:

• Party name
• Attorney name
• Case number or citation number
• Case type and status
• Filing date range

Upon locating a case, the user may find details such as the parties involved, charges, scheduled hearings, filings, and case events. Some documents, like public pleadings and orders, may be viewable online, while others must be requested directly from the Clerk’s Office.

For those preferring an in-person search or needing certified copies, visit or contact:

Miami County Clerk’s Office
Miami County Courthouse
25 North Broadway
Peru, IN 46970
Phone: (765) 472-3901

The Clerk’s Office can assist with inspecting physical files, processing copy requests, and providing guidance on locating the correct records. Fees for copies and certifications are generally set according to Indiana Code § 33-37-5 and any local fee schedules. Please inquire with the Clerk’s Office for the most current rates.

Miami County Courts

A brief overview of the court system in Miami County, including the types of courts present. The highlight of this section should be the addresses of all the courts in the county.

See courtreference.com

Miami County Criminal and Civil Records

Criminal cases originate in the Miami County Circuit and Superior Courts. These may include felony charges, misdemeanor matters, traffic offenses, and probation-related proceedings. The MyCase portal enables searches for pending and closed cases, revealing charge details, bond information, and case outcomes.

For arrests, warrants, and incident reports, the Miami County Sheriff’s Office and local police departments maintain records. The Sheriff’s Office can often confirm inmate custody, bond conditions, and arrest details. However, complete criminal history information for employment or licensing purposes may be obtained through the Indiana State Police’s Limited Criminal History Search or fingerprint-based background checks authorized by state law.

Civil Court Records in Miami County
Civil cases, including small claims, landlord-tenant disputes, contract actions, personal injury suits, and probate matters, are filed in the Circuit Court or either of the Superior Courts depending on the nature and amount in controversy. To research these records, individuals can:

• Use MyCase to identify the status, filings, parties, and judgments in ongoing or concluded civil matters
• Visit the Clerk’s Office to inspect civil case files in person
• Request certified copies from the Clerk’s Office for legal use

Miami County Marriage Records

Marriage licenses are issued by the Miami County Clerk, and records of marriages solemnized within the county are preserved for future reference. Certified copies of marriage records can be obtained by contacting the Clerk’s Office. Under Indiana Code § 31-11, these records are generally available to the public unless sealed by court order.

When requesting a certified copy, be prepared to provide identifying information such as the full names of both spouses and the approximate date of marriage. Fees apply for certified copies, and requesters may need to present a valid ID and complete an application.

Miami County Divorce Records

Divorce records, including decrees and associated case filings, are maintained by the court where the proceeding occurred. These documents can be critical for legal name changes, enforcing property division, or verifying the terms of custody and child support. Individuals seeking certified copies should contact the Clerk’s Office. While basic information may be available online, certified copies of the decree itself generally must be obtained directly from the court.

Miami County Birth and Death Records

Vital records (birth and death certificates) are regulated under Indiana Code § 16-37-1 and may only be issued to eligible parties with a direct and legitimate interest. The Miami County Health Department is responsible for maintaining and issuing these records. Typically, only the individual named on the record (if over 18), their parent, a close relative, or a legal representative is eligible to receive a certified copy.

Miami County Health Department
35 German Street
Peru, IN 46970
Phone: (765) 472-3901 (ext. for Vital Records)

A valid photo ID and proof of relationship or legal interest may be required. Fees apply per copy of birth or death certificates. In some instances, the Health Department or a designated third-party vendor may offer online or mail-in request options.

Miami County Probate Court Records

Probate matters involve the distribution of assets after death, the appointment of personal representatives, and the guardianship of minors or incapacitated adults. These cases are typically heard in the Circuit Court. Records often include wills, inventories of the estate, and court orders directing the payment of debts and the distribution of property to heirs.

Probate records, barring any sealed or confidential information, are accessible through the Clerk’s Office or via MyCase for basic docket information. Certified copies of wills, letters of administration, or guardianship orders can be requested from the Clerk.

Miami County Property Records

Property and land records, including deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats, are filed with the Miami County Recorder’s Office. Assessment data, which helps determine local property taxes, is maintained by the County Assessor. Geographic Information System (GIS) data is managed by the relevant county office, offering detailed geographic and property-based information online.

For property records, contact:

Miami County Recorder’s Office
25 North Broadway
Peru, IN 46970
Phone: (765) 472-3901

Miami County Assessor’s Office
25 North Broadway
Peru, IN 46970
Phone: (765) 472-3901

Availability of online searches and associated fees vary. Official websites or in-person visits can clarify the process for retrieving and copying property-related documents.

Miami County Court Records Online

Some non-governmental websites like Indianacourtrecords.us compile and provide public records, including court, property, and criminal records. While such services may offer convenient consolidated searches, they do not maintain official affiliations with Miami County or the State of Indiana. Users should verify any third-party information against official sources to ensure accuracy and completeness.