Find Family Court Records in Plainfield
Plainfield family court records are filed and kept at the Hendricks County Courthouse in Danville, the county seat of Hendricks County. Even though Plainfield is larger than many county seats, all family court filings for city residents go to the Danville courthouse. The Hendricks County Clerk maintains all dissolution, custody, child support, and paternity records for the county. You can search records online through MyCase or visit the clerk in person at 500 E Main Street in Danville.
Plainfield Quick Facts
Where Plainfield Family Court Records Are Filed
All family court cases for Plainfield residents are filed at the Hendricks County Circuit and Superior Courts in Danville. The courthouse and clerk's office are at 500 E Main Street, Danville, IN 46122. This is where you go to file new cases or get copies of existing records. The clerk keeps all family court documents, including dissolution of marriage, child custody orders, child support cases, paternity filings, and protection orders. Danville is about 15 miles west of Plainfield, so plan for the drive when you need to visit in person.
| Court | Hendricks County Circuit and Superior Courts |
|---|---|
| Address | Hendricks County Courthouse 500 E Main St, Danville, IN 46122 |
| Phone | 317-745-9385 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | hendrickscounty.in.gov |
Bring a photo ID when you go to the Hendricks County Courthouse. Staff can search by name or case number and make copies of documents on request. Plain copies cost $1 per page. Certified copies cost more. Call 317-745-9385 before your visit to ask about current fees and what you need to bring. Parking is available near the courthouse in Danville.
Hendricks County is one of Indiana's faster-growing suburban counties. New cases are filed regularly, and the court system handles a growing number of family law matters. If you are filing for the first time, the clerk's office can point you to the right forms for your type of case. The clerk cannot give legal advice, but staff can explain the filing process and direct you to self-help resources.
Searching Plainfield Family Court Records
The quickest way to find family court records for Plainfield cases is through MyCase, the free Indiana public court records portal. Search by party name or case number and see case status, filing dates, and hearing information. Most Hendricks County family court records are available on MyCase. Some cases involving minors may have limited public access. No account or fee is needed to search.
At the search page at public.courts.in.gov/mycase, enter the name you want to find, then filter by Hendricks County. The results show the type of case, which court division it is in, and the current status. If you only need to confirm a case exists or find a case number, MyCase will often give you that. For full document copies, you need to contact the Hendricks County Clerk directly.
To get copies from the Hendricks County Clerk, you can visit in person at 500 E Main Street in Danville. Staff will pull the file and make copies. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. If you plan to request records by mail, call 317-745-9385 first to get the right address and payment process for written requests. The clerk accepts cash and checks at the window.
Types of Family Court Records in Plainfield
Plainfield family court records cover multiple case types. Each one follows specific rules under Indiana law, and all are handled through the Hendricks County courts.
Dissolution of marriage is the most common family court case. Indiana law calls divorce "dissolution of marriage" under IC 31-15. A dissolution covers the end of the marriage, how property is split, and how debt is handled. When children are involved, the case also sets the initial custody and support terms. Dissolution records are generally public in Indiana, though the court can seal specific documents when circumstances call for it.
Child custody and parenting time cases fall under IC 31-17. These may be filed as part of a dissolution or as a separate matter. Parents who were never married can also go to Hendricks County court to set custody. The court looks at the best interest of the child when deciding custody arrangements. Parenting time schedules, modification petitions, and relocation notices all become part of the formal case record in Plainfield.
Child support orders are set under IC 31-16, using state guidelines to calculate the amount. If you need to change an existing order, you file a modification petition with the Hendricks County Clerk. Paternity cases are governed by IC 31-14 and establish legal fatherhood when parents were not married at the child's birth. Protection orders are also part of the family court record system in Hendricks County.
Child Support in Plainfield
Child support cases for Plainfield residents are handled through the Hendricks County courts and the Indiana Child Support Bureau. Once a court sets a support order, the bureau tracks payments and enforces the order when needed. The statewide child support hotline is 800-840-8757. Call it for questions about payment status, account balances, or how to report non-payment.
You can check your child support payment history online at in.gov/dcs/child-support. The site also has information on how support amounts are calculated and what happens when a parent falls behind. To modify an existing order, you need to file a petition with the Hendricks County Clerk and show a real change in circumstances. Call 317-745-9385 to ask which forms you need to start a modification in your case.
When a parent does not pay support, enforcement tools include wage withholding, tax refund intercept, license suspension, and contempt of court filings. The Hendricks County Prosecutor handles enforcement through the county. The Indiana Child Support Bureau can also coordinate with other states when the paying parent lives outside Indiana. The bureau's interstate program helps track down and collect support across state lines.
Legal Help for Plainfield Residents
Several resources can help Plainfield residents who need assistance with family court cases. Some are free, and others work on a sliding scale based on income.
Indiana Legal Services offers free civil legal help to low-income Indiana residents, including family law cases like dissolution, custody, and protection orders. Apply online or call to find out 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 an attorney. The site covers the most common family court case types in Indiana.
The Indiana Parenting Time Helpline at 844-836-0003 is free and open Monday through Friday from noon to 5 PM. It offers guidance on parenting time schedules and visitation disputes without charging a fee. The service does not take cases but can explain the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines and help parents avoid court conflicts. The Indiana State Bar can connect Plainfield residents with a local family law attorney through its lawyer referral service when full legal help is needed.
Nearby Qualifying Cities
Hendricks County Family Court Records
Plainfield is in Hendricks County, and all family court filings for the city go through the Hendricks County Courthouse in Danville. For the full county overview, courthouse details, related record types, and more local resources, visit the Hendricks County family court records page.