Porter County, Indiana court records are available through several channels. PorterCourt.us allows you to search for public information on court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through the state's official system MyCase, directly at the clerk's office, or on public terminals in the courthouse in Valparaiso. Below is a practical guide to the county's court system, hearing schedules, obtaining document copies, and paying fees.
Porter Court System & Jurisdictions
Several courts operate in Porter County, each handling specific categories of cases. The main court is the Porter Circuit Court, which has general jurisdiction. It handles serious criminal cases (felonies), complex civil lawsuits, and child custody cases.
In addition to the Circuit Court, there are four Superior Courts:
- Superior Court 1 — civil cases, including dissolution of marriage, custody disputes, and protective orders.
- Superior Court 2 — criminal cases, including Class A misdemeanors and some felonies.
- Superior Court 3 — small claims cases (up to $10,000 under Indiana law), traffic violations, and misdemeanors.
- Superior Court 4 — juvenile cases, mental health cases, and some criminal cases.
Probate court — the process of resolving inheritance cases — is usually under the jurisdiction of the Circuit Court. Traffic violation cases most often go to Superior Court 3. If you are unsure which court is handling your case, contact the clerk's office or use the search on the Indiana Judicial Branch page for Porter County.
Porter Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out the date of the next hearing — today, tomorrow, or this week — the fastest way is to use the online system. Porter County provides free access to adult court case records, where you can search by last name, case number, or traffic ticket number. The system shows scheduled hearing dates.
Additionally, the statewide portal MyCase is available. It displays case information, including hearing schedules and some documents. The search is free.
If the online information is incomplete or you want to clarify details:
- Call the clerk's office at 219-465-3400.
- Visit the courthouse in person — public terminals are available during business hours.
- For questions about jurors or a specific hearing date, Indiana Judicial Branch recommends contacting the local court directly.
The schedule may change. The judge has the right to reschedule hearings, so check the information the day before the planned date.
How to Get a Copy of a Porter Court Document
There is a difference between a regular and a certified copy. A regular copy is simply a printout of a document from the case. A certified copy has the clerk's seal and confirms authenticity — it is required by banks, government agencies, and other courts.
Online
Some documents are available for viewing and downloading through MyCase for free. However, not all documents are uploaded to the system, and certified copies cannot be obtained online.
In Person or by Mail
To obtain a certified copy, contact the Porter County Clerk's Office:
For a mail request, include the full name of the party in the case, the case number (if known), the type of document, and a return address. Include payment in the form of a money order. Confirm the exact amount in advance by phone.
Copies of marriage or divorce documents are requested separately through the marriage records department of the clerk's office — by email or phone.
Access Restrictions
Not all records are public. Juvenile cases, some family cases, and sealed cases have restricted access according to Indiana Administrative Rule 9. The clerk will inform you if the requested document is not available to the public.
Porter Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court documents in Indiana are regulated by several sources, including IC 33-37 and court administrative rules. Below are approximate fees relevant to Porter County. We recommend confirming exact amounts with the clerk's office, as they may change.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Regular copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy | $5.00 and up (depending on the document) |
| Record search (by name) | Check with the clerk's office |
| Civil case filing fee | Varies depending on the type of case |
| Small claims filing | Varies |
Accepted payment methods are usually cash, money order, and, in some cases, credit or debit card. An additional fee may be charged when paying by card. For mail requests, use only a money order — personal checks are not always accepted.
Attorneys file documents exclusively through the e-filing system; individuals without an attorney can file documents directly with the clerk's office. Necessary forms and documents are available on the county's website and the Indiana Judiciary self-help portal.