Lake County Family Court Records
Lake County family court records are maintained by the Lake Circuit and Superior Court Clerk at the Lake County Government Center in Crown Point, Indiana. The clerk's office handles dissolution of marriage, custody, child support, paternity, and protection order filings for one of Indiana's largest and most active court systems. Many records are searchable online through Indiana's MyCase system, and the clerk's office handles in-person requests during regular business hours.
Lake County Quick Facts
Lake County Family Court Records at the Clerk's Office
The Lake County Clerk serves all circuit and superior court divisions for Indiana's second most populous county. The domestic relations division specifically handles family law cases, and the clerk processes every dissolution, custody, support, and paternity filing that comes through the system. Staff assign case numbers, collect fees, and maintain both paper and electronic files for every case. The clerk's office is the place to get certified copies of any court order.
Copies cost $1 per page. Certification adds $3 per document. Lake County has a specific payment rule for in-person filers: cash or money order only. Personal checks are not accepted at the counter for in-person transactions. If you file electronically, you can use electronic payment methods. Bring a valid ID to any in-person visit. Staff cannot provide legal advice, but they can confirm what is in the file and explain your options for getting a copy.
Lake County has both a circuit court and multiple superior courts. Family cases, including dissolution matters filed under IC 31-15 and custody cases filed under IC 31-17, are heard through these courts. The clerk also maintains a dedicated child support division that can be reached at 219-755-3471. For general clerk inquiries, call 219-755-3460. The county's main website is at lakecountyin.gov.
| Clerk's Office | Lake Circuit/Superior Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | Lake County Government Center 2293 N Main St Crown Point, IN 46307 |
| Phone | 219-755-3460 |
| Child Support Division | 219-755-3471 |
| Domestic Relations | 219-755-3681 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| Copy Fees | $1 per page; $3 certification per document |
| Payment (In Person) | Cash or money order only; no personal checks |
Note: In-person filings and fee payments at the Lake County Government Center require cash or money order. Electronic filings allow electronic payment. Plan accordingly before you make the trip.
The Lake County Clerk's Office page at lakecountyin.gov provides direct access to department contacts and resources for the circuit and superior courts.
The page lists division phone numbers and can help you reach the right part of the clerk's office for your specific case type.
Searching Family Court Records in Lake County
Indiana's MyCase system provides free public access to Lake County family court case information. Search by party name, case number, or attorney name to find basic case details, docket entries, and hearing dates. No account is needed. The system is available around the clock and covers most active case types including dissolution, custody, and paternity.
Many Lake County court records are available through MyCase. The Indiana Courts Public Records Portal is the main statewide gateway and links to MyCase and related tools. Not all documents are online. Older paper files, sealed records, and exhibits must be reviewed in person at the Government Center in Crown Point. Call the clerk at 219-755-3460 before visiting so staff can prepare the file.
Lake County also has individual court contacts for each division. The Circuit Court Civil Division is at 219-755-3488. The Circuit Court Domestic Relations division is at 219-755-3681. Knowing which division handles your case can save time when you call. For in-person access, go to the Lake County Government Center at 2293 N Main St in Crown Point during business hours. Bring cash or a money order if you plan to pay for copies at the counter.
The Indiana Courts how-to-request guide explains the process for getting official copies of family court documents from counties like Lake.
The guide covers what information to provide, where to submit requests, and expected processing times.
Child Support in Lake County
Lake County child support cases follow the Income Shares Model under IC 31-16. Both parents' incomes factor into the support amount. Lake County has a dedicated clerk child support division at 219-755-3471 that tracks payments and helps with questions specific to Lake County support orders. Support records are part of the official court file and are on file with the clerk.
The Indiana Child Support Bureau provides free statewide Title IV-D services. The Child Support Bureau can locate non-custodial parents, establish new support orders, set up wage withholding, and enforce orders through tax refund intercepts and license suspension. Lake County residents can access these services through the state bureau or through the county's domestic relations division.
Reach the Indiana Child Support Hotline at 800-840-8757 any time. Live staff are available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for questions on specific cases.
Paternity cases in Lake County are filed under IC 31-14. Paternity must be established before custody or support orders can be entered for children born outside of marriage. The clerk's office in Crown Point handles paternity filings along with all other family court cases in the county.
Note: The Child Support Bureau and clerk's child support division handle financial support matters. Parenting time and custody questions require the court or a private attorney.
Legal Help in Lake County
Indiana Legal Services provides free civil legal help to low-income residents. Their attorneys handle dissolution, custody, and protection order cases throughout Indiana, including Lake County. Contact them to check eligibility and find the right office.
The Indiana Courts Self-Service Legal Center has free forms and instructions for common family court matters. You can find dissolution of marriage forms, custody modification guides, and child support petition templates. The center does not give legal advice but makes self-representation manageable.
The Parenting Time Helpline provides free guidance on Indiana's parenting time guidelines from licensed attorneys. Call 844-836-0003, Monday through Friday, noon to 5:00 p.m.
The Indiana State Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service for those who need private representation. Lake County courts handle a high volume of complex family law cases, and a qualified private attorney can help navigate the system.
Cities in Lake County
Lake County is Indiana's second most populous county and includes several large cities. All family court cases filed in any Lake County community are heard through the Lake County circuit and superior courts in Crown Point, regardless of which city the filer lives in.
- Gary, Lake County's largest city
- Hammond, major city in northwestern Lake County
- Hobart, city in southern Lake County
- Crown Point, county seat and government center
- Schererville, community in central Lake County
Other Lake County communities including East Chicago, Munster, Merrillville, Highland, and Lowell file their family court cases at the same Crown Point courthouse.
Nearby Counties
Lake County sits in Indiana's northwest corner, bordering Illinois and Lake Michigan. If you are unsure which county handles your case, your county of residence at the time of filing is the standard starting point.