Adams County Family Court Records
Adams County family court records are maintained by the Adams County Clerk at the courthouse in Decatur, Indiana. The clerk's office handles all official filings for dissolution of marriage, custody, child support, paternity, and protection orders. Indiana courts make many of these records available online, and the clerk can help you find what you need in person as well.
Adams County Quick Facts
Adams County Family Court Records at the Clerk's Office
The Adams County Clerk is the official keeper of all family court records in the county. Every case filed in the circuit or superior court, including dissolution, custody modifications, paternity actions, and protection orders, goes through this office. The clerk's staff accepts filings, assigns case numbers, collects court costs, and maintains the physical and electronic case files that make up the public record.
If you need a certified copy of a family court order, the clerk's office is where you get it. Copies cost $1 per page. Certification adds $3 per document. Staff can search for cases by party name or case number. Bring a valid ID when you visit. The clerk does not give legal advice, but they can tell you what forms exist and where to find them.
Adams County uses the Indiana circuit court structure. The circuit court handles all family law matters for the county. This includes cases filed under IC 31-15 for dissolution of marriage and cases under IC 31-17 for child custody and parenting time. All original case documents are on file at the courthouse in Decatur.
| Clerk's Office | Adams County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | Adams County Courthouse 112 S 2nd St Decatur, IN 46733 |
| Phone | 260-724-2600 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| Copy Fees | $1 per page; $3 certification per document |
| Payment | Cash, money order, or cashier's check; personal checks not accepted |
Note: Divorce decrees are not available for download online. You must contact the clerk's office directly to get a certified copy of a final decree in Adams County.
Searching Family Court Records in Adams County
Indiana provides a free public case search tool called MyCase. This system lets you search for family court cases by party name, case number, or attorney. You can find basic case information, including filing dates, case type, and hearing schedules. MyCase is available around the clock and does not require an account to use for public record searches.
Adams County does not have its own dedicated court records website. The Indiana Courts Public Records Portal is the main access point for statewide case information. From that portal you can link to MyCase and find guidance on how to request records that are not available electronically. Not all case documents are online. Older records, sealed filings, and exhibits may only be available at the courthouse.
To search in person, go to the clerk's office at the Adams County Courthouse during business hours. Staff can pull files by name or case number. If you know the approximate year the case was filed, that helps narrow the search. For records going back before electronic filing, the clerk may need to retrieve paper files from storage. Call ahead at 260-724-2600 if you are looking for older documents so staff can prepare the file before you arrive.
The Indiana Courts also maintain the Trial Courts Directory, which lists contact information for every county court in the state. You can use that directory to confirm which court division handles a specific type of family case in Adams County.
The Indiana Courts Public Records Portal shows the search tools available for accessing case information statewide.
The portal connects users to MyCase and other official court resources maintained by the Indiana Office of Court Services.
Adams County Child Support Services
Child support in Adams County follows the Income Shares Model established under IC 31-16. The court uses both parents' incomes to calculate a support amount that reflects what the child would have received if the family had stayed together. Support orders are part of the family court record and are on file with the clerk's office.
The Indiana Child Support Bureau provides Title IV-D services for families who need help establishing, modifying, or enforcing support orders. These services are available to any family, not just those receiving public assistance. The Child Support Bureau can locate non-custodial parents, establish paternity, and work with the court to set or change an order. Enforcement tools include wage withholding, tax refund intercepts, and license suspension.
For quick questions about your child support case, call the Indiana Child Support Hotline at 800-840-8757. The automated system works 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Live staff are available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. You can check payment history, get case status updates, and ask about upcoming hearings through this line.
Paternity cases in Adams County are filed under IC 31-14. Establishing paternity is the first step before the court can enter a child support or custody order for a child born outside of marriage. The clerk's office in Decatur handles paternity filings just as it handles other family court cases.
Note: The Child Support Bureau handles financial support only. Custody, parenting time, and property division are separate matters that require a private attorney or the court's self-service resources.
Legal Help in Adams County
If you need help with a family court case and cannot afford a lawyer, several resources are available in Indiana. Indiana Legal Services provides free civil legal help to income-qualifying residents. Their attorneys handle family law matters including dissolution, custody, and protection orders. Contact them to find out if you qualify and which office serves Adams County.
The Indiana Courts operate a Self-Service Legal Center with guides, forms, and step-by-step instructions for common family court actions. You can find forms for dissolution of marriage, custody modifications, and child support petitions. The center does not provide legal advice, but the materials are clear and easy to follow for people who represent themselves.
The Parenting Time Helpline offers free guidance on Indiana's parenting time guidelines. Licensed attorneys staff the line and can answer questions about visitation schedules, parenting plans, and how courts handle disputes. Call 844-836-0003. The helpline is open Monday through Friday from noon to 5:00 p.m. at no cost to callers.
The Indiana State Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service for people who need a private attorney. If your case involves significant assets, complex custody questions, or contested issues, a private family law attorney can protect your interests throughout the process. The bar can help you find someone who practices in the Adams County area.
Cities in Adams County
Adams County is a smaller rural county in northeastern Indiana. Cities and towns in the county, including Decatur, Geneva, Berne, and Monroe, all file family court cases at the Adams County Courthouse in Decatur. None of the communities in Adams County meet the 25,000 population threshold for a dedicated city page, but residents of every town have full access to the clerk's office and all family court services at the county courthouse.
Nearby Counties
Adams County shares borders with several neighboring counties in northeastern Indiana. If you are unsure which county handles your case, your county of residence at the time of filing is the correct jurisdiction for most family court matters.