St. Joseph County Court Records

Rule 3 of the Indiana Court Rules categorizes "Court Records" as both case and court administrative records. In this regard, “Case Records” refer to official documents, information, and other materials created, received, gathered, or managed by the St. Joseph County Clerk of Court regarding a specific court case.

Generally, court files are maintained in various formats such as papers, microfilm, electronic, and audio recordings, regardless of the nature in which they were created or received. A typical St. Joseph County court record provides comprehensive information regarding civil or criminal cases.

This includes documents filed by the case parties or generated by the court during legal proceedings. Such documents include evidentiary materials, exhibits, lis pendens records, transcripts, judgments, motions, petitions, orders, subpoenas, affidavits, judgment dockets, and execution dockets,

As part of the Indiana court records family, St. Joseph court records promote public trust in the justice system. Hence, it ensures that the judiciary remains just, accountable, and transparent. Likewise, attorneys and legal researchers can study past cases to build legal precedents for future proceedings and appeals. Further, these records are critical reference materials for judges, juries, the press, and members of society.

Court records can be accessed through the county clerk of court as a part of St. Joseph County Public Records.

Are Court Records Public in St. Joseph County?

Yes. Court records are public in St. Joseph County. According to the Access to Public Records Act (APRA), Indiana Code 5-14-3, individuals can request information regarding court activities and details of a court case.

Still, public access to St. Joseph court records is governed by court order, court rule, statute, or policy—for example, Rule 5 of the Rules on Access to Court Records. This rule guides the circulation of all court records regardless of the manner of creation, means of collection, and form of maintenance.

Further, the court system manages public access to recordings of legal proceedings within appropriate provisions, and without interference with the normal operation of the court. This is in keeping with Indiana Judicial Conduct Rule 2.17.

However, certain court records and information are excluded from public perusal in entirety, temporarily or permanently subject to court permission. This includes the following:

• Court records that are withdrawn or sealed per the Access to Public Records Act.
• Mental health case information filed under I.C. § 12- 26.
• Paternity records.
• Juvenile court records (IC 31-39-2)
• Court records containing trade secrets and confidential financial information
• Case records withdrawn from public disclosure by rules adopted by the Indiana Supreme Court
• Medical records and charts created or compiled by a health service provider
• A person’s social security number, bank account number, personal identification number, and password.
• Recordings, film, and photographs showing a person’s uncovered genitals, female post-pubescent nipple.
• Photographs, films, and similar mediums showing an individual engaging in or being subjected to a sexual affair.
• Contact information, and dates of birth of witnesses or victims in juvenile, criminal, or civil protection services.
• Personal information of child witnesses involved in sexual offense cases.

Finally, interested persons can visit the Public Access to Court Records Handbook for more information regarding public access to St. Joseph County public records.

St. Joseph County Court Records Search

Anyone looking to perform a St. Joseph County Court records search can explore the following places:

• The local courthouse or St. Joseph County Superior Court where a case was filed.
• The St. Joseph County Clerk of Court.
• The Indiana Court Online Case Access Database.
• Third-party aggregate website.

St. Joseph County Court Records Search by Name

A court records search by name reveals information concerning an ongoing or closed case using only a case party's name, whether a person or business. This type of search option is often preferred by people who do not have the case number of the legal proceedings they wish to research. Requesters will generally need at least the first or last name of the defendant or plaintiff to facilitate the search. Still, providing other case details like case type, filing date, and case status can affect the retrivial process.

Under Rule 77 and LR71-TR72-103, the St. Joseph County Clerk's Office is authorized to collect, and maintain all case records from the county's superior, circuit, and probate courts. Moreso, the clerk may preserve court records in any preferred form, i.e., paper, microfilm, and electronic (if allowed under Administrative Rule 7(B)), regardless of a record's original state.

Anyone can conduct this type of search by visiting the clerk’s office where the case was filed, in person, by mail, via phone, or online. This could be either the circuit, superior, or probate court. People who are unsure where their case was filed can contact the Clerk's Office at (574) 235-9635

St Joseph County Courts

St. Joseph County accommodates Superior, Circuit, and Probate courts. Below are their physical addresses:

Circuit Court
101 South Main Street
South Bend, IN 46601
Phone: (574) 235-9551
Fax: (574) 245-6618

South Bend Magistrate
101 South Main Street
Room 140
South Bend, IN 46601
Phone: (574) 235-9551
Fax: (574) 235-9656

Civil Protective Order Court
101 S Main Street
Room 151
South Bend, IN 46601
Phone: (574) 235-9661
Fax: (574) 235-9656

Mishawaka Magistrate
219 Lincolnway West
County Services Building
Mishawaka, IN 46554
Phone: (574) 235-9551
Fax: (574) 256-6240

Superior Court
St. Joseph County Superior Court - Civil Division Courthouse 1
101 South Main Street
South Bend, IN 46601
Phone: (574) 235-9648
Fax: (574) 235-1863

Civil Division- Mishawaka
219 Lincoln Way West
Mishawaka, IN 46544
Phone: (574) 256-6202

Criminal Division Courthouse 3
129 South Main Street
South Bend, IN 46601
Phone: (574) 235-5484
Fax: (574) 235-1816

Traffic & Misdemeanor Division
112 South Lafayette Boulevard
2nd Floor
South Bend, IN 46601
Phone: (574) 235-9100
Fax: (574) 245-6603

Traffic Violations Bureau
219 Lincoln Way West
Mishawaka, IN 46544
Phone: (574) 256-6330

Small Claims Division- South Bend Courthouse 2
112 S. Lafayette Boulevard
1st Floor
South Bend, IN 46601
Phone: (574) 235-9635 or (574) 235-9794

Small Claims Division- Mishawaka
Physical Address:
219 Lincolnway West
County Services Bouldegard
2nd Floor
Mishawaka, IN 46544
Phone: (574) 235-9635 or (574) 256-6215

Probate Court
1000 South Michigan Street
St. Joseph Probate Court
South Bend, IN 46601
Phone: (574) 235-5378
Fax: (574) 235-5382

Probate Court Clerk
1000 South Michigan Street
Juvenile Justice Center
South Bend, IN 46601
Phone: (574) 235-5371
Fax: (574) 235-5501

Child Support Division
227 West Jefferson Boulevard
6th Floor
South Bend, IN 46601
Phone: (574) 235-9786
Fax: (574) 235-9097

St. Joseph County Superior Court Case Search

St. Joseph County Superior Court is the county’s court for general affairs. The superior court is categorized into five divisions known as the criminal trial, civil trial, small claims, traffic & misdemeanor, and Mishawaka Divisions. They preside over the following cases:

• Felony Criminal Cases
• Misdemeanor trials
• Traffic complaints are conducted.
• Small claims.
• Domestic violence
• Mental Health Cases

St. Joseph County Clerk's office

Residents and visitors who wish to inspect and request copies of St. Joseph court records from the superior court can visit the St. Joseph County Clerk's office during business hours. The Office collects and disseminates information regarding filed and closed cases. Persons of interest can inspect these case records online and order copies through the clerk's office in person, by mail, and by telephone.

Using the Indiana’s Online Case Search Portal

The State of Indiana maintains an Online Case Search portal where interested persons can obtain information regarding filed, active, and closed cases heard in the superior court. Users can navigate the case tab (name tab, and attorney tab) to choose a search option (search by case number, search by party name, or search by attorney) and select St. Joseph County to retrieve case records.

People can search the portal with search parameters, such as case, citation, reference numbers, first and last name, birth date, attorney name, and bar number. Search results reveal various case information, including case number, date filed, dispositions, reference number, case status, case type, court, parties to the case, bond, charges, chronological case summary, and financial information.

However, anyone who needs copies of case documents can visit or contact the County Clerk's office at:

101 South Main Street
The basement of Court House
South Bend, IN 46601

Or

Mishawaka Division
219 Lincoln Way West
County Services Annex
2nd Floor
Mishawaka, IN 46544
Phone: (574) 256-6202

Finally, case parties can check the daily court dockets for information on their next court appearance.

St. Joseph County District Court Records

In several US states, a county district court is a local judiciary authorized by statutes to handle only specific cases. However, the St. Joseph County court system does not have any courts explicitly named "district courts”. Instead, the region operates a circuit court instituted by the Indiana General Assembly in 1830 under the 1851 Indiana Constitution.

As a court of general jurisdiction, the St. Joseph County Circuit Court hears civil and criminal cases. The types of cases adjudicated by the Circuit Court are designated by St. Joseph County local rule depending on the annual weighted caseload conditions specified by the Indiana Supreme Court.

Thus, the circuit court exclusively oversees civil disputes, such as contracts, personal injury, marriage divorce, child support, civil protective orders, injunctions, regulation of estates, and administrative appeals. Likewise, the criminal jurisdiction of the court also handles criminal nonsupport and welfare fraud.

Case records from the St. Joseph Circuit Court can be obtained through the Clerk of the Circuit Court's office. The custodian provides in-person, and online record retrieval methods. As explained earlier, people can access the online Case Search portal provided by the state judiciary.

St. Joseph County Criminal Records

People can get St. Joseph County criminal records through the county, state, or federal law enforcement agency. These records provide comprehensive details of a person’s past involvement with the criminal justice system, from St. Joseph County arrest to charges, court trials, and incarceration.

To request a St. Joseph criminal record check, one can start by submitting a request to the records division of the St. Joseph County police department that conducted the arrest and seizure. Generally, the record division conducts background checks via US Mail.

Requesters will be required to provide a photo ID, Social Security Number, money order or cashier's check of $8, and a self-addressed stamped envelope or contact address to return the record. One can submit requests for criminal record checks to:

St Joseph County Police Department
Attn: Records Division
401 West Sample Street
South Bend, IN.46601
Phone: (574) 245-6535

Another place to conduct a criminal record search is at the Indiana State Police. As the primary repository for criminal records, the ISP provides comprehensive statewide criminal records. Subjects of records can request a name-based search, fingerprint-based Indiana Full Criminal History, or fingerprint-based National Full Criminal History

Each search option offers certain benefits. For example, a Limited Criminal History report provides only information regarding a person’s felony and misdemeanor arrests within the State of Indiana. This search option requires a subject's name, date of birth, race, gender, and if necessary, Social Security Number and place of birth at $15 per record subscriber and $15 and 70 cents per credit card payment.

However, this report does not cover criminal history information from other US states. To get a complete criminal history that covers all US states, requesters may consider getting a fingerprint-based National Full Criminal History.

The system will generally provide the following results:

• On file
• Not on file
• No records found

Unlike the LCH report, the National Full Criminal History report is fingerprint-based. Alternatively, persons of interest can request directly from the FBI for $18.

St. Joseph County Criminal Court Case Lookup

Criminal court case records contain details of criminal cases adjudicated in any St. Joseph court, like the superior or circuit court. These records are typically created from materials and events recorded during a criminal case proceeding. In St. Joseph County, the county clerk is the chief custodian of all criminal court case records.

Hence, interested persons can submit a request to the St. Joseph County Clerk to perform a criminal court case lookup. One may also visit public.courts.in.gov/mycase to find criminal cases for free.

Get St. Joseph County Civil Court Records

Any person desiring to get St. Joseph County civil court records may query the Circuit Clerk's Office in person. Further, the state’s case search portal provides civil case information on open and closed cases within the county court. Users can perform a civil case record search on the website by entering a case party’s name, case number, reference number, or attorney number.

St. Joseph County Family Court Records

The Domestic Relations Counseling Bureau Court (DRCB) of the St. Joseph County Circuit Court adjudicates all domestic complaints submitted to the county judicial system. This includes cases like child custody, paternity, annulment, dissolution of marriage (divorce), child support, and domestic violence.

Individuals may contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court to get family court records of family law cases filed in St. Joseph County. The office offers walk-in, email, phone, and online inquiries to citizens and residents. However, confidential family court records generated during family case proceedings are not part of St. Joseph County public records.

In this case, requesters may need to obtain a court order or be a case party to obtain undisclosable family case documents and information.

St. Joseph County Dissolution of Marriage Records

Dissolution of marriage records are legal files generated during and after a couple legally annul their marriage. This proves that the marriage is no longer legally existent. Such records include divorce certificates, divorce decrees, documents, and information collected, or created during the dissolution of marriage hearings.

In St. Joseph County, divorce matters are filed in the Superior Court, and Circuit Court. Therefore, persons of interest can obtain dissolution of marriage records from the St. Joseph County Clerk's office. Finally, people requesting certified and non-certified copies of divorce decrees can follow the outlined steps below to get them.

St. Joseph County Marriage and Divorce Records

Anyone requesting marriage and divorce records in St. Joseph County can follow the outlined process below. St. Joseph County marriage and divorce records are typically open for public access and retrieval. Thus, members of the public can view divorce cases through the Indiana online case search system, or order them online through any of the recommended websites.

Marriage Records

The St. Joseph Circuit Court Clerk’s office is the first point of visit for interested individuals to obtain certified copies of a marriage license. Individuals can either apply for a marriage license at the Main Clerk's Office in South Bend or the Mishawaka Clerk's Office.

Further, the circuit court makes provisions for couples to pre-apply for a marriage license. online service for couples to pre-apply for a marriage license. However, one or both of the intending couples must be residents of St. Joseph County or getting married within the county.

Requesters can complete the court’s Online Marriage License Application (OMLA) before visiting the Clerk's office to shorten waiting time. Notably, filling out the paperwork takes about 15 - 20 minutes. Still, if one pre-applies online, they must visit the Clerk's office to get their marriage license. In Joseph County, a marriage license can be issued on the same day of application. Once issued, the marriage is valid for 60 days. Thus, if the applicants do not marry within that duration, the license will expire.

To obtain the license, the clerk may request valid identification information (a valid driver's license, state-issued ID card, or military identification), an original certified birth certificate, and a passport to certify that the parties are at least 18.

If any of the intending parties is 17 years old or younger, then both parents must assent to the marriage by signing the marriage application. Also, if any or both applicants have been previously married, they must fill out the month, year, and manner of marriage dissolution (for instance, death, divorce, or annulment).

St. Joseph County marriage license costs $25 if any or both of the applicants reside in Indiana. However, if the parties reside out of Indiana, the fee is $65 payable in cash or a money order Certifed copies cost $4, including $1 for a copy of the license and $3 for the certification.

Additionally, applicants can fill out and submit the marriage license form provided by the Archive and Records Center.

Divorce Records

To request divorce records in St. Joseph County, applicants can follow the above process. Certified and uncertified divorce decrees cost $1 per page and $3 for a certified copy of the divorce decree.

Applicants can place orders for marriage and divorce records through the Official Records Online Portal. Finally, individuals can also complete and submit the online divorce decree form provided by the Archive and Records Center.

St. Joseph Birth and Death Records

To obtain birth and death records in St. Joseph County requesters must prove their eligibility by presenting proofs of show identification. For instance, valid state ID, evidence of relationship, or direct interest (parent, legal guardians, grandparent, sibling over 18 years or court order).

Birth records are generally ordered for several benefits and transactions including insurance, school enrollment, and banking services. On the other hand, death records are necessary for wills and estate claims.

Eligible persons can order birth and death records in person, by mail, or online through the St. Joseph County Department of Health. Certified copies of birth and death certificates can be obtained by completing and submitting an electronic form provided by the department. Copies of certified birth and death certificates cost $15 each, payable to St. Joseph County Department of Health by cashier’s check or money order.

Applicants can mail the form and payment to:

St. Joseph County Department Of Health
8th Floor County-City Building
227 West Jefferson Boulevard
South Bend, Indiana 46601-1870
Phone: (574) 235-9639
Fax: (574) 235-9960

Meanwhile, inquirers can request birth and death certificates online with a credit card authorization form. One may be required to upload a picture of their ID and credit card information.

Lastly, the Indiana State Department of Health provides several options for people to obtain birth and death certificates via mail, or phone. The department does not offer walk-in services. Generally, the first certificate costs $10 and $4 for additional copies payable to the Indiana Department of Health.

St. Joseph County Probate Court Records

In Indiana, St Joseph County is the only county with a probate court. St. Joseph County Probate Cout is a court of special jurisdiction overseeing probate cases regarding a decedent’s real estate settlement, wills, trust administration, guardianship, adoptions, delinquency, protected persons, and paternity disputes.

The Family Justice Center of the court also handles domestic matters like divorce, child support, and visitation rights. In general, the probate court is vested with legal authority to adjudicate juvenile matters including the administration of the Juvenile Justice Center.

Anyone can inspect and retrieve probate case records and information via the Quest Case Management Portal. The portal is confidential and for only registered users. Alternatively, one can visit the Probate Court Clerk in person or order copies by mail, telephone, or in person.

St. Joseph County Property Records

St. Joseph County property records provide details of real and personal property situated in the county. This includes property attributes, ownership history, tax and liens information, and sales transaction details.

Residents and visitors can query the St. Joseph County Assessor’s office for personal property and tax information. The office maintains Property Record Card Search and Data Extract Search Information web pages providing comprehensive real estate data in St. Joseph County.

St. Joseph County Court Records Online

Third-party websites like Indianacourtrecords.us aid users in streamlining the search for St. Joseph County court records online. An important advantage is the user-friendly interfaces which make finding case information manageable.

One may easily comb the website for multiple search results regarding counties in Indiana, not just St. Joseph County. Thus, providing a convenient approach to finding court case records without visiting the various courthouses or government websites. Further, these websites are run by private entities that collate information from several government repositories, including courthouses.

While most third-party websites often offer a free search, one may only inspect or make copies of the records after paying a nominal fee. Transaction fees are within the discretion of the website owners.