Porter County Court Records

Per Rules of Court Rule 3, Indiana court records comprise both case and court administrative records. Case records are any data, documents, or information created, collected, received, or maintained by a court, court agency, or Clerk of Court that relates to a particular case. Conversely, court administrative records are information about the court's administration and not a specific case. The Clerk’s Office is the custodian of all court records in Porter County. Court records typically contain the following information:

• Case number
• Filing date
• Court
• Case summary
• Case type and status
• Case party full names
• Financial information (balance due date and charge and transaction summary)

Porter County court records provide members of the public with accurate information about what transpired during a judicial proceeding. This is vital when case attorneys dispute what was said or the evidence presented during the proceeding. Court records help to ensure that judicial proceedings are conducted fairly and impartially. This helps judges and lawyers refer to court documents to ensure that proper legal procedures are duly followed. Judges and attorneys use court records as evidence in future legal proceedings. For example, judges can review cases appealed by Town or City Courts to make an informed decision about a case.

Are Court Records Public in Porter County?

Yes. The Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA) and the Indiana Rules of Court’s Rules on Access to Court Records Rule 4 make court records accessible to the public. Per IC § 5-14-3-3, anyone can inspect and copy the public records of any court during the regular business hours of the court. However, the Indiana Rules of Court Rule 5 and Public Access to Court Records Handbook indicate the exclusion of the following court records from public disclosure:

• Medical records
• Paternity records
• Adoption records
• Juvenile records
• Grand jury proceedings
• Sealed and expunged records
• Drug or substance abuse records
• Mental health cases (I.C. § 12- 26)
• Cases opened under the wrong case type
• Acquired immune deficiency syndrome records
• Criminal or juvenile proceedings expungement orders
• Personal information of litigants and children
• Pre-trial release and supervision and problem-solving court supervision records
• Mediation proceedings, mini-trial proceedings, and summary jury trials
• Drug test records that have not been admitted into evidence as part of a public proceeding
• Child abuse records that have not been admitted into evidence during a public court proceeding
• Residential addressed of clerks, judicial officers, and other courts or clerks of court employees
• Jurors and prospective jurors' personal information except when needed by case parties or attorneys.
• Attorney’s work product when representing a public agency, the state, or an individual under I.C. 5-14-3-4(b)(2)
• All examination data like test questions or scoring keys used in administering an employment or licensing examination.
• Arrest and search warrants, indictments, and information that the judge orders are confidential before they are executed and returned to the issuing judge.
• Written petitions to permit marriages without consent and court orders directing the clerk to issue a marriage license to underage persons.
• Guardian and litem/court-appointed special advocate reports, parenting coordinator reports, and custody evaluation reports.
• Complete Social Security Numbers of living persons, account numbers, personal identification numbers, and passwords.
• Investigative requests and processes not related to a pending criminal proceeding, such as subpoenas ad testificandum and subpoenas duces tecum.
• Personal identifying information like addresses, phone numbers, and dates of birth of witnesses or victims in domestic violence, criminal, stalking, juvenile, sexual assault, or civil protection order proceedings.

Porter County Court Records Search

Porter County residents can perform a court records search at the following places:

• The clerk's office
• The Indiana Case Search portal
• The Indiana State Library Search portal
• A third-party public records website
• The specific Superior Court where the case was filed

Porter County Court Records Search by Name

The Porter County Courts disseminates court records online and in person by name. Online requests can be made through the Case Search tool. Click the Name tab to search by party name or the Attorney tab to search by attorney’s last, first, or middle name. Note that the portal only reveals non-confidential court records for free. In-person requests should be done during office hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) in the court where the case was filed. The requester should provide a name to the record staff to process the request. A small fee is required to obtain a copy of a court record in Porter County.

Porter County Courts

The Porter County court system comprises a Circuit Court and 6 Superior Courts. Below is the directory of the courts:

Circuit Court
16 Lincolnway
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone: (219) 465-3425
Fax: (219) 465-3647

Superior Court #1
16 Lincolnway, #338
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Pho: (219) 465-3410
Fax: (219) 465-3648

Superior Court #2
16 Lincolnway 64D02 - 5th Floor
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Pho: (219) 465-3411
Fax: (219) 465-3642
Magistrate: (219) 465-3692
Magistrate (fax): (219) 462-8053

Superior Court #3
3560 Willowcreek Road
Portage, IN 46368
Pho: (219) 759-8232
Fax: (219) 759-6852

Superior Court #4
16 Lincolnway, # 228
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Pho: (219) 465-3412
Fax: (219) 465-3671

Superior Court #5
16 Lincolnway
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Pho: (219) 465-3425
Fax: (219) 465-3647

Superior Court #6
3560 Willowcreek Road
Portage, IN 46368
Pho: (219) 759-8202
Fax: (219) 759-6039

Porter County Superior Court Case Search

Porter County has 6 Superior Courts with original and concurrent jurisdiction in all criminal and civil cases (IC § 33-29-1-1.5). Interested persons can conduct a case search online or in person at any of these Superior Courts. Any Porter County adult case filed at the Superior Court can be found online at the Case Search portal. The search parameters are by case, party, or attorney.

All Porter County Superior Courts are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Therefore, requesters can visit the specific Superior Court where a case was handled during office hours to request court records. A name or case number will be required to process the search. Be ready to pay the necessary fees depending on the number of copies. Contact the appropriate Superior Court for more information about case searches.

Porter County District Court Records

Porter County belongs to Judicial District 2 but has no District Courts. It only has a Circuit and Superior Courts. All court records can be retrieved from the Circuit or Superior Court where the case was filed.

Porter County Criminal Records

Criminal records are confidential in Porter County. However, a criminal justice agency can release Porter County criminal records to non-criminal justice organizations, individuals, or other criminal justice agencies if there is a valid reason (Per IC 10-13-3).

Requesters can begin their criminal records searches by requesting Porter County Arrest Records from the Sheriff’s Office. This service costs $10 and is payable by cash, credit/debit, or money order. Requests can be made in person from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (except holidays) or by mail. Mail requesters must send the subject’s name, date of birth, social security number, and all alias names (maiden, married, etc.), their contact information, mailing address, and money order to the Porter County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) at:

Porter County Sheriff’s Office
2755 St. Rd 49
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Attention: Records

The information contained in a PCSO Arrest Record Check is limited. It only reveals Porter County arrest and booking details and does not include the courts' charging decisions or the outcome of any criminal trials. Record seekers can contact the Porter County Clerk’s Office to obtain the final disposition of any criminal charges. They can also contact the arresting agency or conduct a search on the Odyssey System for recent criminal information.

A complete Porter County criminal record can be retrieved from the Indiana State Police (ISP). The (ISP) has a centralized criminal records search repository that the public may query for criminal information. The available online options are:

• A fingerprint-based search: This search returns records of all arrests, charges, and dispositions within Porter County. Requesters must schedule a fingerprint appointment online or by phone at (877) 472-6917.
• A name-based search: The portal only returns information on felonies and misdemeanor arrests in Porter County. The search criteria are the subject's name, race, date of birth, gender, Social Security Number, and place of birth (optional). Users must create an account and log in to the portal with their email address/username and secured password. This service costs $15 per record subscriber and $15.70 per record Credit Card.

The ISP also disseminates limited criminal history records by mail or in person. This service costs $7 and is payable by checks and money orders. Personal checks are unacceptable. In-person requesters should visit the ISP’s Central Records Division during business hours. Mail requesters must submit a Request Form to the ISP at:

Indiana State Police
Criminal History Limited Check
P.O. Box 6188
Indianapolis, IN 46206-6188

Porter County Criminal Court Case Lookup

Individuals can conduct criminal court case lookups at any court in Porter County. The Circuit Court and Superior Courts provide access to criminal court case records online through the Odyssey System. Inquirers can search for a criminal case by name, case number, traffic citation number, or by attorney. On the portal, scroll to the “Limit search to” area and select the Criminal & Citation button.

Alternatively, record seekers can visit the court where the case was filed during business hours to request a criminal case record. The record staff will require a case number or name to facilitate the search. A valid photo ID may also be required to verify the requester’s information.

Get Porter County Civil Court Records

All Porter County Courts have jurisdiction over civil cases. These records can be obtained online or in person at the court where the case was handled. Here is how to get Porter County civil court records online:

• Go to the Indiana Judicial Branch's official website
• Click the Search Cases button on the homepage
• Search non-confidential civil court cases using the Odyssey case management system.
• Click the Name tab to search by party name, the Case tab to search by case number, or the Attorney tab to search by attorney name or number.
• Select the Civil button to view all civil court cases attached to the search criteria.

Porter County Family Court Records

The Family Court maintains all family court records in Porter County. It handles cases such as divorce, adoption, child support, paternity, guardianship, and name changes. Most family court records are not open to the public. Interested persons can find family court records online via the Indiana Courts’ Case Search Portal. A search can be conducted by name, case, or attorney. Requesters should ensure they narrow their search by selecting the Family button. Alternatively, eligible individuals can visit the Porter County Clerk's Office to request family records in person during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

Porter Dissolution of Marriage Records

In Porter County, dissolution of marriage is used interchangeably with divorce. Inquirers can request certified copies of dissolution of marriage records by visiting the Porter County Clerk’s Office. All in-person visitations should be done between Monday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The record staff will require a name or dissolution of marriage date to process the request. This service attracts search and copy fees. Alternatively, inquirers can use the Case Search Portal provided by the Indiana Judicial Branch to view dissolution of marriage records for free.

Porter County Marriage and Divorce Records

Marriage and divorce records are part of Porter County public records. Therefore, members of the public can obtain a certified copy of marriage and divorce records in person from the Porter County Clerk’s Office. The Office is open from Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Divorce records are available online through the Indiana Case Search portal. Conduct a search by case number, party name, or attorney name or number. Streamline the search by scrolling to the “Court” search area and selecting Porter from the dropdown. Also, select Family from the “Limit search to” area.

The Indiana Courts have a Marriage License Public Lookup where requesters can find Porter County marriage records. Enter at least a last name for either Applicant 1 or Applicant 2. Go to the “County Issued” area and select Porter to view marriage information specific to the county. The Indiana State Library also provides Porter County marriage certificates through its Search Portal. This database is searchable by event, county, or through a general surname search of all records.

Porter Birth and Death Records

The Porter County Health Department’s Vital Records Division is the custodian of birth and death records. The Division issues eligible individuals two types of Porter County birth certificates (standard and long-form birth certificates). Porter County birth records are confidential. They are only open to subjects of record over the age of 18, grandparents, parents, siblings over the age of 18, or legal guardians with proof of guardianship. Requesters must provide a valid ID, such as a photocopy of a driver’s license or state ID, during their requests. Porter County vital records (birth and death records) can be retrieved via the following methods:

• Online: Individuals can request Porter County birth or death records online by filling out the Request for Certified Birth Record or Death Record form. All fields must be filled in to submit the forms. After filling out the form, click the Submit button. Online requests for birth and death records will be mailed to the requester.
• By mail: Birth and death records can also be retrieved by mail. Mail requesters must submit a Birth or Death Record Request Form. The Porter County Health Department recommends sending mail requests via Federal Express or UPS. Mail requests cost $10 per copy, payable by Official Checks or Money Orders. Cash and personal checks are unacceptable.
• In-person: Requesters can visit any of the Vital Records office locations Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Portage location does not provide birth and death records from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. In-person requests can be paid by cash, money order, official checks, credit card, or debit card (additional fees apply). The Vital Records Division offices are located at:

Vital Records Division
155 Indiana Avenue, Suite 104
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone: (219) 465-3525

Portage Office
3590 Willowcreek Rd, Suite C
Portage, IN 46368
Phone: (219) 759-8239
Fax: (219) 759-3901

Porter County Probate Court Records

The Porter County Clerk is the official custodian of probate court records such as wills, orders of the court, judgments, and matters of trust in probate proceedings. Probate court records can be obtained online and in person. Online requests can be made on the Case Search Portal by name, case, or attorney. Regardless of the search option, requesters must select “Porter” in the “Court” area and “Probate” in the “Limit search to” button to view only probate court records maintained in Porter County. In-person requests must be done during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). A name or case number and a valid photo ID may be required to process the request.

Porter County Property Records

Property records are public in Porter County. Some examples of property records available to the public are deeds, plats, mortgages, mechanics liens, subordinations, modifications, releases, powers of attorney, assignments, real estate contracts, annexations, affidavits, final decrees, surveys, military discharges, bonds, and condominiums.

Property records can be retrieved in person at the appropriate record custodian's office. In-person visits can be done from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Most record custodians also issue property records online. Here is how to find property records online:

• Porter County Recorder’s Office: The Office disseminates property records online through official and third-party search portals. A search can be conducted by name, recorded date range, or document type.
• Porter County Assessor’s Office: Requesters can use the Citizen Engagement Portal to view property records maintained by the Assessor’s Office. The search parameters are the owner’s name, address, or property number.
• Porter County Auditor: The Real Property Department partners with a third-party vendor to issue parcel records to members of the public. The search criteria are name, address, parcel number, or duplicate number.
• Porter County Treasurer: Individuals can view tax information online through an approved third-party site. The search criteria are name, address, parcel number, and duplicate number.

Porter County Court Records Online

Porter County residents can find court records online on government and third-party websites. Third-party websites like Indianacourtrecords.us provide court records to the public across various jurisdictions. One major advantage of third-party sites is that they are easy to navigate, requiring only a name to conduct a search. While most third-party sites provide basic search results for free, comprehensive court record reports typically require a small fee.