Hammond Family Court Records
Hammond family court records are maintained by the Lake County Clerk's office and cover all divorce, custody, child support, and paternity cases for Hammond residents. Hammond is one of the largest cities in Lake County and sits in the northwest corner of Indiana along the Illinois border. All family court cases for Hammond go through the Lake County Circuit and Superior Courts at the Government Center in Crown Point. You can search cases online at MyCase or contact the clerk's office directly.
Hammond Quick Facts
Where to File Family Court Cases in Hammond
Hammond residents file all family court cases at the Lake County Government Center in Crown Point, located at 2293 N Main St, Crown Point, IN 46307. This is about 20 miles from Hammond. The clerk's main number is 219-755-3460. For domestic relations matters specifically, the Lake County Circuit Court Domestic Relations division is at 219-755-3681. Hammond also has a local city clerk line at 219-933-2857 for city-level services, but county court filings go to Crown Point.
| Court | Lake Circuit and Superior Courts |
|---|---|
| Address | 2293 N Main St, Crown Point, IN 46307 |
| Main Clerk | 219-755-3460 |
| Domestic Relations | 219-755-3681 |
| Child Support Clerk | 219-755-3471 |
| Clerk Website | lakecountyin.gov/departments/clerk-circuit-superior |
One important note about filing in Lake County: in-person case filings require cash or money order. The clerk does not accept personal checks for new case payments made at the window. If you e-file your case, electronic payment is accepted. Plan your payment method before you make the trip to Crown Point. Filing fees for divorce in Lake County are $177, plus a $28 optional sheriff service fee if you want the sheriff to serve the other party.
Family court cases in Hammond follow Indiana statutes. Divorce goes under IC 31-15. Custody and parenting time are governed by IC 31-17. Child support falls under IC 31-16, and paternity cases are filed under IC 31-14. These statutes are statewide, but Lake County courts set their own scheduling and procedures within that framework.
Searching Hammond Family Court Records
Many Lake County family court cases are searchable on MyCase.in.gov, the state's free court case portal. Search by party name or case number to find basic case information including filing dates, hearing schedules, and parties involved. MyCase is the fastest way to check whether a case exists without calling or visiting the courthouse.
To get copies of filed documents, contact the Lake County Clerk at 219-755-3460 or visit the Government Center in Crown Point. Give the clerk the case number or party names. Standard copy fees apply: $1 per page for plain copies. Certified copies cost more. Bring cash or a money order for any in-person payment. The Civil Division handles many family matter inquiries at 219-755-3488, and the Domestic Relations division at 219-755-3681 handles questions specific to divorce and custody.
The Indiana Courts Public Records Portal provides guidance on how to access Indiana court records, including what is public, what is restricted, and how to submit a formal request. For most standard family court records from Hammond, contacting the Lake County Clerk directly is the right first step.
Family Court Cases in Hammond
Hammond is one of the most populous cities in Lake County, and the Lake County courts see a significant volume of family law cases from Hammond residents each year. Divorce is common. Under IC 31-15, Indiana uses a no-fault divorce standard. The only ground is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. Neither side has to prove wrongdoing. After filing, there is a 60-day waiting period before the court can enter a final decree. During this time, temporary orders can address who stays in the home, who pays which bills, and how children are cared for.
Custody and parenting time cases follow IC 31-17. Hammond's location on the Illinois border means some custody cases involve parents on both sides of the state line. Lake County courts can handle these situations, but cross-state custody matters can be more complicated. If one parent moves to Illinois, Indiana courts may still retain jurisdiction depending on when and how the case was filed. Talk to an attorney if your case involves parents in different states.
Paternity cases under IC 31-14 let parents establish a legal parent-child relationship through the courts. Once paternity is established, custody, parenting time, and support can all be set in the same case. Voluntary paternity acknowledgment is also an option if both parents agree and sign the required forms.
Modifications to custody and support orders are filed at the Lake County Government Center. If your circumstances have changed since the original order, you can petition the court to review it. Significant changes in income, housing, or the child's needs are common reasons for modification requests from Hammond residents.
Child Support in Hammond
Child support in Hammond is handled under IC 31-16. The Lake County Prosecutor's office administers Title IV-D child support services for families in Hammond. These services cover establishing paternity, setting up support orders, locating non-custodial parents, and enforcing payment. The Clerk Child Support office at 219-755-3471 processes support payments for families with active Lake County court orders.
For statewide child support help, contact the Indiana Child Support Bureau at 800-840-8757. The bureau can answer questions about payment status, how support amounts are calculated, and how to enforce an order if the other parent is not paying. This hotline serves all Indiana counties, including Lake County. For Hammond residents with cross-state support orders involving Illinois parents, the bureau coordinates with Illinois agencies through federal enforcement mechanisms.
Note: Child support and parenting time are separate. The IV-D office does not handle parenting time. For parenting time help, call 844-836-0003.
Legal Help in Hammond
Indiana Legal Services provides free civil legal help to qualifying low-income residents in Lake County, including Hammond. They assist with divorce, custody, and domestic violence cases. Income limits apply, but the organization serves a wide range of people who cannot afford a private attorney. Contact them to find out if you qualify and what help they can give.
The Indiana Self-Service Legal Center has free court forms and step-by-step guides for common family law matters. It is designed for people who want to handle their own cases without paying an attorney. If your divorce is uncontested and you and the other party agree on the main issues, the self-help center gives you everything you need to file correctly in Lake County.
The Indiana State Bar at inbar.org has a lawyer referral service for residents who need paid help. First consultations through the referral program are often available at a reduced rate. For parenting time questions, the Parenting Time Helpline at 844-836-0003 is a free phone resource. The Indiana Trial Courts directory lists contact information for all Lake County court divisions so you can reach the right office for your specific case type.
Nearby Qualifying Cities
Hammond is in the northwest corner of Indiana, in Lake County. Several qualifying cities are close by.
Lake County Family Court Records
Hammond is in Lake County. All family court filings for Hammond residents go through the Lake County Circuit and Superior Courts in Crown Point. For more on the county court system and filing resources, visit the Lake County page.