Spencer County Family Court Records
Spencer County family court records, including dissolution of marriage, child custody, child support, and paternity cases, are filed at the Spencer County Courthouse in Rockport, Indiana. The county clerk's office is the official custodian of all these records. You can search many cases through Indiana's free MyCase system, or visit the clerk in person at the courthouse during regular business hours.
Spencer County Quick Facts
Spencer County Family Court Records at the Clerk's Office
The Spencer County Clerk is the official keeper of all family court records filed in the county. Every dissolution case, custody petition, child support order, and paternity filing goes through the clerk's office in Rockport. Staff accept filings, assign case numbers, collect court costs, and maintain the official record for each case. Spencer County is a southwestern Indiana county along the Ohio River, and the courthouse in Rockport serves the entire county.
To get a certified copy of a court order, contact the clerk's office. Copies cost $1 per page. Certification is $3 per document. Staff can search records by party name or case number. Bring a valid photo ID when visiting. Clerk staff cannot give legal advice, but they can show you available forms and help you understand what documents you need to request.
Spencer County courts handle family law matters under Indiana statutes including IC 31-15 for dissolution of marriage and IC 31-17 for custody and parenting time decisions. The county website at spencercounty.in.gov offers general county information and links to county offices including the clerk.
| Clerk's Office | Spencer County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | Spencer County Courthouse 200 Main St Rockport, IN 47635 |
| Phone | 812-649-6027 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| Copy Fees | $1 per page; $3 certification per document |
| County Website | spencercounty.in.gov |
The site includes links to vital records, marriage license requirements, and other services available through the county.
Note: Certified copies of dissolution decrees are not available for download. You must request them through the Spencer County Clerk's office directly.
Searching Family Court Records in Spencer County
Indiana's free public case search, MyCase, allows you to search Spencer County family court cases by party name, case number, or attorney name. The system shows filing dates, case type, and hearing schedules. No registration is required, and it is available around the clock at no cost.
Spencer County does not maintain a separate local court records site beyond the statewide system. The Indiana Courts Public Records Portal is the main access point for all Indiana county court information. From there you can reach MyCase and get guidance on requesting records that are not available electronically. Older paper filings, sealed documents, and exhibits are only available at the courthouse in Rockport. Call ahead if you need records that predate the electronic system so staff can pull those files.
For in-person record searches, visit the clerk's office at the Spencer County Courthouse on Main Street in Rockport. Staff can locate records by name or case number. Knowing the approximate filing year helps narrow the search. Call 812-649-6027 before coming if you need older files not yet in the electronic system.
The Indiana Courts Trial Courts Directory lists all Indiana county courts with contact information and case type details. Use it to confirm which court handles specific family law matters in Spencer County.
Spencer County Child Support and Paternity
Child support in Spencer County is calculated under the Income Shares Model established by IC 31-16. The court uses both parents' incomes to set a support amount that mirrors what the child would have received if the family had stayed together. All support orders become part of the official case file at the clerk's office in Rockport.
The Indiana Child Support Bureau provides Title IV-D services for Spencer County families. These services are free and available to all families, not just those receiving government assistance. The Child Support Bureau can help locate a non-custodial parent, establish paternity, and petition the court to set or change a support order. Enforcement tools include wage withholding, tax refund intercepts, and driver's license suspension.
The Indiana Child Support Hotline is available at 800-840-8757. The automated system runs all day, every day. Live staff answer calls Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. You can get payment history, case status updates, and information about upcoming hearings through this line.
Paternity cases in Spencer County are filed under IC 31-14. Establishing legal paternity is required before the court can issue child support or custody orders for a child born outside of marriage. The clerk's office in Rockport handles these filings alongside all other family court cases.
Note: The Child Support Bureau focuses on financial support matters only. Custody, parenting time, and property issues are handled separately through court proceedings.
Legal Help in Spencer County
Spencer County residents who need help with family court matters and cannot afford an attorney have several options. Indiana Legal Services provides free civil legal assistance to income-qualifying residents statewide. Their attorneys handle dissolution, custody, and protection order cases. Contact Indiana Legal Services to see if you qualify and to find the office that serves Spencer County.
The Indiana Courts Self-Service Legal Center provides free forms, guides, and step-by-step instructions for common family court actions. You can find materials on dissolution of marriage, custody changes, and child support petitions. The center is designed for people who represent themselves and is plain and easy to use.
The Parenting Time Helpline is a free resource for questions about Indiana's parenting time guidelines. Licensed attorneys are on the line to answer questions about visitation, parenting plans, and resolving disputes. Call 844-836-0003. Hours are Monday through Friday from noon to 5:00 p.m.
The Indiana State Bar Association has a lawyer referral service for people who need a private attorney. Spencer County residents with contested or complex family cases can use this service to find a family law attorney in the area.
Cities in Spencer County
Spencer County is a rural county in southwestern Indiana along the Ohio River. Rockport is the county seat and the location of the courthouse. Other towns in the county, including Chrisney and Grandview, file all family court cases at the Spencer County Courthouse. No city in Spencer County meets the population threshold for a dedicated city records page. All county residents have full access to the clerk's office and family court services in Rockport.
Nearby Counties
Spencer County is in southwestern Indiana and borders several neighboring counties along the Ohio River region. Your county of residence at the time of filing is the correct jurisdiction for most family court matters.