Lawrence Family Court Records
Family court records for Lawrence, Indiana are filed and kept by Marion County. Lawrence is a city within Marion County, so all dissolution, custody, child support, and paternity cases for Lawrence residents go through the Marion County court system. The Marion County Clerk maintains these records at facilities in Indianapolis, the county seat. Records are available to the public by request in person, by mail, or through online tools provided by the state and county.
Lawrence Quick Facts
Where Lawrence Residents File Family Court Cases
Lawrence residents file family court cases with Marion County, not through a separate city court. Marion County is the most populous county in Indiana, and its court system is one of the largest in the state. The Marion County Clerk operates out of multiple locations in Indianapolis, and Lawrence residents use these same facilities for all court filings and record requests. The main clerk's office is at the City-County Building in downtown Indianapolis, about 10 miles from Lawrence.
| Court | Marion County Superior Court (Domestic Relations) |
|---|---|
| Main Address | City-County Building 200 E Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204 |
| Records Facility | 1330 Madison Ave, Room W122 Indianapolis, IN 46225 |
| Phone | (317) 327-4740 |
| Urgent Records | (317) 327-4715 |
| clerkpublic@indy.gov | |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | indy.gov |
Marion County has two addresses you should know. The City-County Building handles general clerk functions and new filings. The Madison Avenue facility at 1330 Madison Ave, Room W122 is where many physical records are stored and where in-person record requests are processed. Call ahead at (317) 327-4740 before visiting to confirm which location has what you need. For urgent or same-day requests, use the direct line at (317) 327-4715. Start research at least one hour before closing time to make sure staff can help you.
Marion County also has a Community Justice Campus at 675 Justice Way, Indianapolis, IN 46203 where some case-related filings and court functions are handled. New filings for dissolution cases under IC 31-15 and related matters go through the main clerk's office. If you are unsure where to go, call the main number first.
Searching Lawrence Family Court Records
The free state portal MyCase.in.gov covers Marion County family court cases, including those filed by Lawrence residents. You can search by name or case number. Results show party names, case type, hearing dates, and current status. MyCase does not show document images, but it confirms a case exists and gives you the case number for a full records request. The Marion County court records page at marioncountycourt.org/court-records provides additional search options specific to the county.
To request copies, use the online request form at indy.gov/activity/request-copies-of-court-records, visit the records facility in person, or submit a mail request. Physical copies cost $1 per page. Certified documents cost $3 per document on top of the per-page fee, so a certified one-page document costs $4 total. Marion County accepts cash, money order, cashier's check, and credit or debit card. Personal checks are not accepted. Mail requests should include party names, the case number if known, and a description of what you need.
Juvenile court records are restricted. If your matter involves a juvenile case, you must be a party of record and present a valid ID at the clerk's office to request those files. General dissolution, custody, and support records are public and available without any special authorization.
Family Court Cases for Lawrence Residents
Marion County Superior Court handles dissolution of marriage, child custody, parenting time, child support, paternity, name changes, guardianship, and protective orders for Lawrence residents. The court system is large, with dedicated domestic relations divisions that handle family law cases every day. Records go back many years and include divorce decrees, custody orders, support orders, and all related filings.
Dissolution of marriage cases follow IC 31-15. At least one spouse must be an Indiana resident for six months and a Marion County resident for three months before filing. After filing, there is a 60-day waiting period before the court can enter a final decree. That decree is a public record that includes property division, custody, and support terms. Lawrence residents who need a copy of a divorce decree can request it from the Marion County Clerk using the online form or by visiting in person.
Child custody cases in Marion County follow IC 31-17. Custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child, and courts use the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines when parents cannot agree on a schedule. Paternity cases under IC 31-14 establish legal parentage and can include custody and support orders. All of these records are maintained by the Marion County Clerk and are available to the public.
Child Support for Lawrence Residents
Child support cases for Lawrence residents are handled by Marion County courts under IC 31-16. The Marion County Prosecutor's Child Support Division handles enforcement at the local level. Their office is at 251 E Ohio St, Suite 400, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Call (317) 327-1800 to schedule an appointment. Office hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
The Indiana Child Support Bureau at in.gov/dcs/child-support provides statewide services including support establishment, payment processing, and enforcement. Lawrence residents can apply for services through the state bureau, which coordinates with Marion County on local cases. The Child Support Hotline at 800-840-8757 answers general questions during business hours. For parenting time issues connected to a support case, the Parenting Time Helpline at 844-836-0003 or in.gov/dcs/child-support/parenting-time-hotline provides guidance.
Legal Help for Lawrence Residents
Lawrence residents have access to the same legal resources that serve all of Marion County. These include free legal aid, self-service tools, and attorney referrals.
Indiana Legal Services provides free civil legal help to income-eligible residents and covers family law cases in Marion County. They serve Indianapolis and surrounding cities including Lawrence. Call or visit their website to check eligibility and find out what services are available for dissolution, custody, and protection order cases. Not all case types are available at every location, so confirm before you rely on a specific type of help.
The Indiana Courts Self-Service center at in.gov/courts/selfservice has free court forms and plain-language guides for dissolution, custody modification, support changes, and name changes. These tools work for Marion County cases and can help Lawrence residents file on their own without an attorney. If you want to hire a lawyer, the Indiana State Bar referral service at inbar.org can connect you with a family law attorney who handles Marion County cases. Many offer reduced-rate first meetings.
Nearby Qualifying Cities
Marion County Family Court Records
Lawrence is in Marion County. All family court cases for Lawrence go through Marion County courts. For full county-level details including the records request form, fee schedule, and court divisions, visit the Marion County family court records page.