Find Family Court Records in Allen County
Allen County family court records are filed and maintained at the clerk's office inside the Allen County Courthouse in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The office processes more than 60,000 new cases each year and manages over $107 million in financial transactions, making it one of the busiest court clerk operations in the state. Whether you need a copy of a dissolution decree, a custody order, or a child support record, this page explains where to look and how to get it.
Allen County Quick Facts
Allen County Family Court Records and the Clerk's Office
Christopher M. Nancarrow serves as the Allen County Clerk. His office administers all official court records, collects and disburses child support payments, collects court costs, processes marriage license applications, prepares certified copies, and maintains the Judgment Docket. This is a broad set of responsibilities, and the volume of work reflects Allen County's size as the second most populous county in Indiana.
The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It closes for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. If you plan to visit in person, arrive before 11:30 a.m. or after 1:00 p.m. to avoid the break. The office handles a large number of walk-in requests each day, so coming early in the morning usually means a shorter wait.
Family court cases in Allen County are governed by Indiana statutes including IC 31-15 for dissolution of marriage and IC 31-17 for custody and parenting time matters. All filings under these chapters become part of the public record maintained by the clerk. Certified copies cost $1 per page plus $3 per document for certification.
The Allen County government website provides an overview of county offices and services, including links to the clerk and court system.
The county portal connects residents to court resources, public meeting information, and department contact details.
| Clerk | Christopher M. Nancarrow, Allen County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | Allen County Courthouse 715 S Calhoun St Fort Wayne, IN 46802 |
| Phone | 260-449-7245 |
| Clerk Website | allencountyclerk.in.gov |
| Court Records | allencountycourt.org |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 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 to download online. Contact the clerk's office directly to get a certified copy of any final decree filed in Allen County.
Searching Allen County Family Court Records Online and In Person
Indiana's MyCase system is the primary online tool for searching Allen County family court records. You can look up cases by party name, case number, or attorney name. The system shows filing dates, case types, hearing schedules, and basic case status without needing to create an account. MyCase is free and available at any time.
Allen County also maintains its own court records access at allencountycourt.org. This site provides additional resources specific to the local court system, including information on electronic filing, court calendars, and local court rules. Using both the county site and MyCase together gives you the most complete picture of a case's history.
For in-person access, the clerk's office at 715 S Calhoun St is your best option. Staff can search by name or case number and pull physical files for review. Older records that predate electronic filing may only exist in paper form. For large or complex records requests, calling 260-449-7245 ahead of your visit helps the staff prepare.
The Indiana Courts Public Records Portal also provides statewide guidance on how to access court records and what to expect when submitting a request. Allen County's new records system has increased transparency and made it easier for residents to access public information, a reflection of the county's status as the first in Indiana to earn the "Certified Welcoming" designation.
Allen County Child Support Records and Services
Child support in Allen County is calculated using Indiana's Income Shares Model under IC 31-16. The Allen County Prosecutor's Child Support Division handles Title IV-D services, which include locating non-custodial parents, establishing paternity, and setting and enforcing support orders. These services are available at no cost to qualifying families.
The Child Support Division operates out of Room 200 at the Allen County Courthouse, 715 S Calhoun St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802. Hours match the clerk's office: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a lunch closure from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There are several phone lines depending on your need. The main IV-D line is 260-449-4027. The Customer Response Team answers general questions at 260-449-7136. For tax intercept inquiries specifically, call 260-449-7648.
One important point the Division makes clear: the Title IV-D Program handles child support financial matters only. It does not assist with custody, visitation, or property settlement. Those issues require a private attorney. The Division can locate a non-custodial parent and get a support order in place, but parenting time arrangements and custody decisions are handled separately through the family court.
For statewide child support information and account access, the Indiana Child Support Bureau is available online. The Child Support Hotline at 800-840-8757 operates 24 hours a day through an automated system, with live staff available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Paternity cases in Allen County follow IC 31-14 and are filed through the clerk's office like all other family court matters.
The Allen County Prosecutor's Child Support Division FAQ explains what services are available and what families can expect from the Title IV-D program.
The FAQ addresses common questions about locating parents, setting orders, and the limits of what the program can do for families.
Note: The Child Support Division's FAQ states directly that custody and visitation help falls outside the scope of the IV-D program. Contact a private attorney or use the court's self-service resources for those matters.
Legal Help in Allen County
Several legal aid organizations serve Allen County residents who need help with family court matters. Indiana Legal Services provides free civil legal assistance to income-qualifying individuals. Their attorneys handle dissolution, custody, protection orders, and other family law issues. Contact them to confirm eligibility and to find out how to schedule an appointment for Allen County cases.
The Indiana Courts Self-Service Legal Center has forms and guides for the most common family court filings. If you are representing yourself in a dissolution or custody case, the self-service materials walk you through each step. This is not a substitute for legal advice, but it gives you a clear starting point for understanding what forms to file and what to expect at a hearing.
The Parenting Time Helpline connects callers with licensed attorneys who can answer questions about Indiana's parenting time guidelines. The line is free and open Monday through Friday from noon to 5:00 p.m. Call 844-836-0003. This is a useful resource if you have questions about what a standard parenting schedule looks like or how courts handle disputes over access.
For those who want to hire a private attorney, the Indiana State Bar Association offers a lawyer referral service. Fort Wayne has a well-established legal community with many family law practitioners. A referral from the state bar can help you find an attorney experienced in Allen County court procedures and local rules.
Cities in Allen County
Allen County is home to Fort Wayne, Indiana's second-largest city. All family court cases from communities throughout Allen County, including New Haven, Woodburn, Grabill, and Leo-Cedarville, are filed at the courthouse in Fort Wayne.
Nearby Counties
Allen County is bordered by several counties in northeastern Indiana. Each county has its own clerk's office and handles family court filings for its own residents.