Find Family Court Records in Hendricks County
Hendricks County family court records are filed and kept by the Hendricks County Clerk at the courthouse in Danville, Indiana. The clerk's office manages all official filings for dissolution of marriage, child custody, child support, paternity, and protection orders. Indiana's statewide MyCase system provides free online access to public case information, while the clerk handles in-person requests, certified copies, and filing assistance during regular office hours.
Hendricks County Quick Facts
Hendricks County Family Court Records at the Clerk's Office
The Hendricks County Clerk is the official keeper of all family court records in the county. Every case that runs through the circuit or superior courts, including dissolution of marriage, legal separation, child custody modifications, paternity filings, and protection order petitions, is processed and stored by this office. Staff accept new filings, assign case numbers, collect filing fees, and maintain the permanent case record in both electronic and paper form.
Hendricks County is one of Indiana's fastest-growing suburban counties, lying directly west of Indianapolis. That growth means a steady and increasing volume of family court filings year over year. The courthouse in Danville handles cases from Plainfield, Avon, Brownsburg, and all other communities in the county. If you need a certified copy of any final order or decree, the clerk's office is the right place. Copies run $1 per page. Certification adds $3 per document. You can visit in person or submit a mail request with payment.
Family law matters in Hendricks County are governed by Indiana state statutes. Dissolution of marriage is handled under IC 31-15, which covers filing requirements, the mandatory 60-day waiting period, and property division rules. Custody and parenting time are addressed under IC 31-17, which directs courts to decide custody based on the best interests of the child. All case filings under these statutes are on record at the Danville courthouse.
| Clerk's Office | Hendricks County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | Hendricks County Courthouse 500 E Main St Danville, IN 46122 |
| Phone | 317-745-9385 |
| 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 accepted |
Note: Certified copies of divorce decrees cannot be obtained online. You must contact the Hendricks County Clerk at 317-745-9385 to request a certified copy of any final court order.
Searching Family Court Records in Hendricks County
Indiana's free public case search tool, MyCase, covers Hendricks County and every other county in Indiana. Search by party name, case number, or attorney. Results show filing dates, case type, assigned judge, and hearing schedules. No login is required, and the system is available around the clock.
The Indiana Courts Public Records Portal gives more detail on what is public, what is restricted, and how to request documents that are not in the electronic system. Not every case document appears in MyCase. Sealed filings, confidential records, exhibits attached to hearings, and older paper files are not accessible online. For anything not in the system, call the clerk at 317-745-9385. If a case is old enough to be in paper-only storage, staff may need advance notice to pull the file. Calling ahead saves time.
The Indiana Courts Trial Courts Directory lists all county courts statewide with contact details and division information. You can use it to confirm which court division in Hendricks County handles your specific type of family law case.
The Indiana Self-Service Legal Center provides forms and guidance for people searching or filing family court records on their own.
The center is operated by the Indiana Office of Court Services and covers dissolution, custody, and child support filings.
Hendricks County Child Support Services
Child support in Hendricks County follows the Income Shares Model under IC 31-16. The court combines both parents' incomes and calculates a proportional support amount based on what the child would have received in an intact household. Support orders are part of the family court record and are on file with the clerk's office in Danville.
The Indiana Child Support Bureau provides Title IV-D services throughout the state, including Hendricks County. Any family can use these services, not just those receiving public assistance. The Child Support Bureau assists with locating non-custodial parents, establishing paternity, setting new support orders, modifying current orders, and enforcing payment. Enforcement tools include wage withholding, tax refund intercepts, and suspension of licenses. Services are provided at no cost to families who qualify.
For quick case information, call the Indiana Child Support Hotline at 800-840-8757. Automated service runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Live staff are available Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., for more detailed help with case status, payments, and hearings.
Paternity cases in Hendricks County are filed under IC 31-14. A court cannot issue child support or custody orders for a child born outside of marriage until paternity is legally established. The clerk's office handles paternity filings the same way it handles other family court matters.
Legal Help in Hendricks County
If you qualify by income, Indiana Legal Services provides free civil legal assistance for family court matters, including dissolution, custody, and protection orders. Contact them to check eligibility and find which office serves the Hendricks County area.
The Indiana Courts Self-Service Legal Center has court-approved forms and plain-language guides for dissolution, custody changes, and child support petitions. The center does not offer legal advice, but the materials are written to help self-represented people navigate Indiana courts without an attorney.
Questions about parenting time and visitation? The Parenting Time Helpline is free and staffed by licensed attorneys. Call 844-836-0003, Monday through Friday, noon to 5:00 p.m. They can explain Indiana's parenting time guidelines and help you understand what courts expect in a parenting plan.
For private legal help, the Indiana State Bar Association runs a referral service. Contested cases involving custody, substantial assets, or complex facts benefit from professional representation. The bar can connect you with a family law attorney practicing in Hendricks County.
Cities in Hendricks County
Hendricks County includes several growing communities west of Indianapolis. Plainfield is the county's largest qualifying city. Residents of Plainfield, Avon, Brownsburg, Danville, and other towns in Hendricks County all file family court cases at the courthouse in Danville. Avon and Brownsburg are among the larger unincorporated and incorporated communities in the county that use the clerk's office for all family law filings.
Nearby Counties
Hendricks County borders several central Indiana counties. If you are not sure which county has jurisdiction over your case, your county of residence at the time of filing is usually the right place to start.