Elkhart County Family Court Records
Elkhart County family court records are filed with the Elkhart County Clerk at the courthouse in Goshen, Indiana. The clerk's office handles all dissolution of marriage, custody, child support, paternity, and protection order cases for the county. Many Elkhart County records are searchable online through Indiana's free MyCase portal, and the clerk's office in Goshen assists with records that require in-person access.
Elkhart County Quick Facts
Elkhart County Family Court Records at the Clerk's Office
The Elkhart County Clerk is the official custodian of all family court records in the county. Cases filed under IC 31-15 for dissolution of marriage, cases under IC 31-17 for custody and parenting time, and paternity actions under IC 31-14 are all maintained by the clerk at the Goshen courthouse. Staff accept filings, assign case numbers, collect fees, and keep both paper and electronic files as part of the public record. If you need a certified copy of a court order or divorce decree, the clerk's office is the right place to start.
Copies cost $1 per page. Certified documents carry a $3 fee each. Staff can look up records by party name or case number. Bring a valid ID when you visit in person. The clerk cannot provide legal advice but can direct you to official forms and the correct court division for your case type.
Elkhart County has multiple court divisions, including circuit and superior courts that handle family law matters. If you are not sure which court holds your case, the clerk's office staff can help you find the file. The courthouse is located on Main Street in downtown Goshen.
| Clerk's Office | Elkhart County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | Elkhart County Courthouse 101 N Main St Goshen, IN 46526 |
| Phone | 574-523-2385 |
| 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 |
Note: Older records, sealed files, and physical exhibits may not be available online. Contact the clerk at 574-523-2385 before making a trip to confirm the record you need is accessible in person.
Searching Elkhart County Family Court Records
Indiana's free public case search tool, MyCase, allows you to search Elkhart County family court records by party name, case number, or attorney. No account is needed for public searches. The system shows case type, filing date, and hearing schedule. It is available around the clock. MyCase covers most active and recent Elkhart County cases. Some older filings or sealed records may not appear online.
The Indiana Courts Public Records Portal explains how to request records not available electronically. You can also use the portal to access MyCase and find guidance on which documents are restricted versus publicly available. Elkhart County does not operate its own separate online case search system. For paper records, call ahead at 574-523-2385 so staff can retrieve the file before you arrive.
The Trial Courts Directory lists current contact details for all Elkhart County court divisions. If you are unsure which division holds your case, the directory can point you in the right direction. The How to Request Records guide on the Indiana Courts website also explains the full process for obtaining copies of family court documents.
The Indiana Courts Public Records Portal links to MyCase and provides instructions for requesting documents from the Elkhart County Clerk's office in Goshen.
Elkhart County Child Support and Paternity
Child support in Elkhart County is governed by IC 31-16. Courts use the Income Shares Model, which calculates support based on both parents' gross incomes. The goal is to provide the child with the same financial support they would have received if the parents had stayed together. All support orders are part of the family court record and are on file with the Elkhart County Clerk.
The Indiana Child Support Bureau handles Title IV-D services for families who need help with support cases. The bureau can open a case, locate a non-custodial parent, set or modify an order, and enforce payments through wage withholding, tax intercept, and license suspension. These services are available to all families regardless of public assistance status. Call the Child Support Hotline at 800-840-8757. The automated line runs 24 hours a day; live staff answer weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Paternity cases in Elkhart County are filed under IC 31-14. Paternity must be established before the court can issue a child support or custody order for children born outside of marriage. Parents may sign a voluntary acknowledgment at the hospital or file a paternity action through the circuit or superior court clerk in Goshen.
Note: The Child Support Bureau covers support matters only. Custody and parenting time are decided through separate family court proceedings at the Elkhart County Courthouse.
Legal Help in Elkhart County
Income-eligible residents may qualify for free legal help through Indiana Legal Services. Their attorneys handle dissolution, custody, and protection order matters. Contact them to check eligibility and find the office that serves Elkhart County.
The Indiana Courts Self-Service Legal Center has free forms and guides for dissolution of marriage, custody modifications, and child support petitions. The center is a good first stop for people who plan to represent themselves. Materials are organized by case type and include step-by-step instructions.
The Parenting Time Helpline connects callers with licensed attorneys at no cost. They answer questions about Indiana's parenting time guidelines, holiday schedules, and how courts handle disputes. Call 844-836-0003, Monday through Friday from noon to 5:00 p.m.
For private legal help, the Indiana State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service. A private family law attorney can be especially important when your case involves contested custody, domestic violence concerns, or significant property disputes.
Cities in Elkhart County
Elkhart County includes two qualifying cities with dedicated pages. All family court cases for residents of these cities are filed at the Elkhart County Courthouse in Goshen. Visit the individual city pages for location-specific information and resources.
- Elkhart - Indiana's fourth-largest city, located in northern Elkhart County
- Goshen - County seat of Elkhart County
Other communities in the county, including Nappanee, Middlebury, and Wakarusa, also file cases through the Elkhart County Courthouse in Goshen.
Nearby Counties
Elkhart County is in northern Indiana near the Michigan state line. Your county of residence at the time of filing determines the correct jurisdiction for most family court matters.