Find Family Court Records in Kokomo
Kokomo family court records are filed and kept at the Howard County Courthouse. Howard County handles all dissolution of marriage, custody, child support, and paternity cases for Kokomo residents. Kokomo is the county seat, so the courthouse is located right in the city. The Howard County Clerk maintains these records and can provide copies to anyone who asks. Many records are also searchable online through the state's free MyCase portal.
Kokomo Quick Facts
Where to File Family Court Records in Kokomo
The Howard County Courthouse is on North Main Street in downtown Kokomo. This is where you file all family law papers, including petitions for dissolution, motions to modify custody, and requests for child support orders. Since Kokomo is the county seat of Howard County, the courthouse is right in the city and easy to reach. The Howard County Clerk's office on the main floor handles record requests and new filings. All family court cases for Kokomo go through this courthouse regardless of which court division they are assigned to.
| Court | Howard County Circuit and Superior Courts |
|---|---|
| Address | Howard County Courthouse 100 N Main St, Kokomo, IN 46901 |
| Phone | (765) 456-2200 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | howardcountyin.gov |
The courthouse is in the heart of downtown Kokomo. Street parking and nearby lots are available. Bring a photo ID when you come to request records or file new papers. The clerk's office closes at 4:30 PM, so plan your visit earlier in the day if possible. For questions about what records are available before you make the trip, call (765) 456-2200.
Howard County uses its Circuit Court and multiple Superior Courts to manage family law cases. The Indiana Judicial Branch site at in.gov/courts/local lists the specific court divisions in Howard County and the judges who handle family matters in Kokomo.
Searching Kokomo Family Court Records Online
Indiana's free court records system is at MyCase.in.gov. You can search Howard County cases by party name or case number without paying anything. Results show the names of the parties, the case type, hearing dates, and the current case status. MyCase does not display every document in the file, but it is enough to confirm a case and get the case number you need for a full records request from the clerk.
The Indiana Courts Public Records Portal at in.gov/courts/public-records explains how to request copies from any Indiana county. The how-to page at in.gov/courts/public-records/how-to-request walks through mail and in-person request steps. For Howard County, you can also request records directly by calling the clerk at (765) 456-2200. Copy fees are $1 per page. Certified copies require an additional $3 per document. Bring cash, a check, or a money order if you pick up copies in person in Kokomo.
If you cannot find what you need through MyCase, call the Howard County Clerk. They can search by name, case number, or approximate filing date. This is useful when you do not know the exact case number but need Kokomo family court records from a specific time period.
Family Court Cases Handled in Kokomo
Howard County courts handle all types of family law cases for Kokomo residents. The range includes dissolution of marriage, legal separation, child custody, parenting time, child support, paternity, and protective orders. Each case type creates a public record that the clerk maintains and that is available to anyone who requests it under Indiana's open records rules.
Dissolution of marriage cases follow IC 31-15. At least one spouse must live in Indiana for six months and in Howard County for three months before filing. The petition starts the case, and a 60-day waiting period follows before the court can issue a final decree. During that wait, the court can enter temporary orders on custody, support, and use of the family home. The final decree divides property, sets custody arrangements, and establishes support amounts. All of these documents are part of the Kokomo family court record once filed.
Custody and parenting time cases follow IC 31-17. Indiana courts decide custody on the best interests of the child standard. Parenting time schedules follow the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines when parents cannot agree on their own. Courts in Kokomo also handle paternity cases under IC 31-14, which set up legal parent-child relationships for children born outside of marriage and can include custody and support orders in the same proceeding.
Child Support Records in Kokomo
Child support cases in Kokomo are handled by the Howard County courts under IC 31-16. Support is calculated using the Indiana Child Support Guidelines, which weigh each parent's income, the number of children, and the custody split. The Howard County Prosecutor's Child Support Division works with the state bureau to enforce orders when a parent falls behind.
The Indiana Child Support Bureau at in.gov/dcs/child-support helps families in Kokomo establish and collect support. You can apply for services through their office, which can help with locating a noncustodial parent, setting up wage withholding, and pursuing past-due amounts. The Child Support Hotline at 800-840-8757 connects you with a caseworker during business hours. If you have questions about parenting time that relate to support, the Parenting Time Helpline at 844-836-0003 provides guidance as well.
Legal Help for Kokomo Residents
Kokomo residents have access to several legal help resources for family court matters. These range from free legal aid to self-service tools that let you handle your own case.
Indiana Legal Services provides free legal help to income-qualified residents and handles family law cases including dissolution, custody, and protection orders. Eligibility is based on income, and not all case types may be available in every region. Call or check their website to find out if you qualify for help with your Kokomo family court matter. The Indiana Courts Self-Service center at in.gov/courts/selfservice has free, ready-to-use forms and plain-language guides for dissolution, custody, support modifications, and name changes. These forms work for Howard County cases. You print them, fill them out, and bring them to the clerk in Kokomo.
If you need an attorney, the Indiana State Bar at inbar.org runs a referral service that can match you with a family law lawyer in the Kokomo area. Many attorneys offer a short first meeting at a reduced cost, which can help you decide whether to hire someone or handle the case yourself.
Nearby Qualifying Cities
Howard County Family Court Records
Kokomo is in Howard County. All family court filings for the city go through the Howard County Circuit and Superior Courts. For full county-level details on fees, court divisions, and related records, visit the Howard County family court records page.