Crown Point Family Court Records
Crown Point family court records are filed at the Lake County Government Center on North Main Street, which serves as the seat of Lake County government. The Lake County Clerk handles all dissolution, custody, child support, paternity, and protection order cases for Crown Point and surrounding communities. You can search many records online through MyCase, and full case files are available at the clerk's office during business hours.
Crown Point Quick Facts
Where Crown Point Family Court Cases Are Filed
Crown Point is the county seat of Lake County, and all family court cases for the city go through the Lake County Circuit and Superior Courts. The Lake County Government Center at 2293 N Main St in Crown Point is where the clerk's office is located. All family court filings, including dissolution of marriage, custody, child support, paternity, and domestic relations cases, are recorded and maintained at this address.
| Court | Lake County Circuit and Superior Courts |
|---|---|
| Address | Lake County Government Center 2293 N Main St, Crown Point, IN 46307 |
| Phone | 219-755-3460 |
| Domestic Relations Division | 219-755-3681 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | lakecountyin.gov |
Lake County courts handle a high volume of family cases. The Domestic Relations Division can be reached directly at 219-755-3681 for questions specific to family court matters. Note that in-person filings at the Lake County clerk's office require payment by cash or money order. If you file electronically, the court accepts electronic payments. Call ahead to confirm the current filing fee and payment options before visiting.
Crown Point City Court also handles some local matters, and can be reached at 219-662-3243. However, dissolution, custody, and other major family law cases go to the Lake County Circuit or Superior Court, not city court. If you are not sure where your case belongs, the clerk's office at the Lake County Government Center can direct you to the right place.
Searching Crown Point Family Court Records
The free online portal for Indiana court records is MyCase. You can search by name or case number at public.courts.in.gov/mycase. Filter by Lake County to see results for Crown Point cases. Case details include the type of case, filing date, hearing schedule, and current status. Most family court records in Crown Point are available through MyCase. Some records involving minor children or sealed documents may show limited information.
For full document access, visit the Lake County Clerk in person at the Government Center. Staff can pull case files by name or case number and make copies on request. Plain copies cost $1 per page. Certified copies are available at a higher rate. For child support records specifically, the clerk's child support line at 219-755-3471 handles payment questions and account inquiries separate from the main clerk number.
The Indiana Courts public records portal has general guidance on requesting court records across the state. Lake County family court records are generally open to the public under Indiana's access rules, so most people do not need a special reason to request a copy of a family court document filed in Crown Point.
Family Court Case Types in Crown Point
Lake County courts in Crown Point handle all major types of family law cases under Indiana state law. Each type has its own code section, and records for each are held by the Lake County Clerk.
Dissolution of marriage cases follow IC 31-15. These records cover property division, debt, spousal maintenance, and, when children are involved, initial custody and support orders. Indiana calls divorce "dissolution of marriage." The full case file is public once filed in Lake County unless specific documents are sealed. Most dissolution records are available to anyone who asks.
Child custody and parenting time cases are governed by IC 31-17. These can be part of a dissolution case or filed on their own. Parents who were never married can file for custody in Lake County. The court applies the best interest of the child standard. Parenting plans, modification requests, and relocation petitions all become part of the public record in Crown Point.
Child support cases are handled under IC 31-16. Indiana uses a guidelines-based formula to set support amounts. Paternity actions, filed under IC 31-14, establish legal fatherhood for children born outside of marriage. Protection orders, emergency custody motions, and contempt proceedings also create court records in Crown Point and Lake County.
Child Support in Crown Point
Child support matters in Crown Point are handled through the Lake County courts. The Lake County Prosecutor's office assists with enforcement. The clerk's child support line at 219-755-3471 handles payment inquiries. For statewide account information, the Indiana Child Support Bureau at in.gov/dcs/child-support lets you view payment history online. The state child support hotline is 800-840-8757.
If a paying parent is behind on support in Crown Point, the Lake County Prosecutor can pursue enforcement through wage garnishment, contempt proceedings, and license suspension. To start an enforcement action or file a modification of an existing support order, contact the Lake County Clerk at 219-755-3460. A modification requires proof of a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant shift in either parent's income.
Legal Help in Crown Point
Indiana Legal Services provides free civil legal assistance to income-qualified residents in Lake County. Family court matters, including dissolution, custody, and protection orders, are among the most common cases they handle. You can apply on their website or call to check eligibility.
The Indiana Self-Service Legal Center at in.gov/courts/selfservice has free forms and guides for people who want to handle their own family court case without a lawyer. This covers dissolution, custody, child support, and protection orders. The Indiana Parenting Time Helpline at 844-836-0003 provides free guidance for parents with parenting time questions. Trained advisors can help parents talk through scheduling issues. For residents who need a private attorney, the Indiana State Bar has a referral service that can connect you with a family law attorney serving Lake County.
Nearby Cities
Lake County Family Court Records
Crown Point is the county seat of Lake County, and all family court filings for the city go through the Lake County courts. For the full county overview, courthouse details, filing fees, and additional resources, visit the Lake County family court records page.