Anderson Family Court Records
Anderson family court records are filed and kept at the Madison County Government Center in downtown Anderson. Madison County is the county seat, and the clerk handles all dissolution, custody, child support, and paternity cases for the city. You can search records online through MyCase or visit the clerk in person. Indiana law makes most family court records available to the public, so anyone can look up case information without a special reason.
Anderson Quick Facts
Where Anderson Family Court Records Are Filed
All family court cases for Anderson residents go to the Madison County Circuit and Superior Courts. The courthouse and clerk's office are at the Madison County Government Center on East 9th Street in downtown Anderson. This is the only place to file new cases or get copies of existing family court records in Anderson. The clerk's office keeps records for dissolution of marriage, child custody, child support, paternity, and protection orders.
| Court | Madison County Circuit and Superior Courts |
|---|---|
| Address | Madison County Government Center 16 E 9th St, Anderson, IN 46016 |
| Phone | 765-641-9443 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | madisoncounty.in.gov |
The Madison County Government Center is located in the center of Anderson, close to city hall. Bring a photo ID when you visit. The clerk can look up cases by name or case number and provide plain or certified copies. Plain copies cost $1 per page. Certified copies cost more. Call ahead to confirm current fees and what to bring before making the trip.
If you are filing a new case, the clerk will tell you which forms you need and how much the filing fee is. Fees vary by case type. Child support modifications and paternity petitions each have their own costs. The clerk cannot give legal advice, but staff can direct you to the right forms and explain the filing process for family court cases in Anderson.
Searching Anderson Family Court Records
The fastest way to search family court records in Anderson is through MyCase, Indiana's public court records portal. MyCase is free to use. You can search by party name or case number and see case status, hearing dates, and basic party information. Most family court cases in Madison County are available on MyCase, though some records involving minors may be restricted.
To search MyCase, go to public.courts.in.gov/mycase and enter a name or case number. Results show all courts in Indiana, so you may want to filter by Madison County. Case details include the type of case, dates of filings, and current status. You will not always see full document text online, but you can find out if a case exists and then request copies from the clerk.
For full documents, visit the Madison County Clerk at 16 E 9th St in Anderson. Staff can pull the full case file and make copies on request. If you need certified copies for a legal matter, ask specifically for certified copies when you make your request. The clerk accepts cash and check for copy fees.
Types of Family Court Records in Anderson
Anderson family court records cover several types of cases. Each type has its own legal rules under Indiana law. The Madison County courts handle all of these case types for Anderson residents.
Dissolution of marriage cases are the most common type of family court record. Indiana calls divorce "dissolution of marriage" under IC 31-15. These cases cover the end of the marriage, property division, and debt allocation. When children are involved, the case also covers initial custody and support orders. Most dissolution records are public once filed unless the court seals specific documents.
Child custody and parenting time cases are filed under IC 31-17. These can be part of a dissolution case or filed separately. Parents who were never married can also file for custody in Madison County. The court's goal is always the best interest of the child. Parenting time schedules, modification requests, and relocation petitions all become part of the case record.
Child support cases fall under IC 31-16. The court uses the Indiana Child Support Guidelines to set the amount. Enforcement actions, income withholding orders, and modification petitions are all filed in Madison County. Paternity cases, governed by IC 31-14, establish legal fatherhood when parents were not married. Protection orders are also part of the family court record in Anderson.
Child Support in Anderson
Child support in Anderson is handled through the Madison County courts and the Indiana Child Support Bureau. Once a court order is in place, the Child Support Bureau tracks payments and helps with enforcement. You can reach the statewide child support hotline at 800-840-8757 for questions about your case or payment history.
The Indiana Child Support Bureau website at in.gov/dcs/child-support lets you view payment records and account information online. If you need to modify a support order, you file a petition with the Madison County Clerk. You must show a substantial change in circumstances, such as a change in income or the child's needs. The clerk can point you to the right forms to start a modification in Anderson.
For parents who need help collecting support or dealing with non-payment, the prosecutor's office can assist with enforcement through wage garnishment and other legal tools. Call the Madison County Clerk at 765-641-9443 to ask about next steps for support enforcement in Anderson.
Legal Help for Anderson Residents
Several resources are available to Anderson residents who need help with family court cases. Some are free. Others charge a fee based on income.
Indiana Legal Services provides free civil legal help to low-income Indiana residents. Family law cases, including custody and support matters, are among the most common types they handle. You can apply online or call to see if you qualify. The Indiana Self-Service Legal Center at in.gov/courts/selfservice has free forms and guides for people who want to handle their own case without a lawyer. The site covers dissolution, custody, support, and protection orders.
The Indiana Parenting Time Helpline is a free service for parents with questions about parenting time schedules and disputes. Call 844-836-0003 to speak with a mediator or advisor. This service does not provide legal advice but can help parents work through scheduling issues before they become court matters in Anderson. The Indiana State Bar also has a lawyer referral service for residents who need to find a family law attorney.
Nearby Cities
Madison County Family Court Records
Anderson is the county seat of Madison County, and all family court filings for the city go through the Madison County courts. For the full county overview, courthouse details, related record types, and more resources, visit the Madison County family court records page.