Sullivan County Family Court Records
Sullivan County family court records, including dissolution of marriage, child custody, child support, and paternity filings, are maintained at the Sullivan County Courthouse in Sullivan, Indiana. The county clerk's office is the official keeper of all these records. Indiana's free MyCase system makes many records searchable online, and the clerk's office is open for in-person requests Monday through Friday.
Sullivan County Quick Facts
Sullivan County Family Court Records at the Clerk's Office
The Sullivan County Clerk is the official custodian of all family court records in the county. Every dissolution case, custody petition, child support order, and paternity filing goes through the clerk's office in Sullivan. Staff accept new filings, assign case numbers, collect court costs, and maintain both physical and electronic case files. Sullivan County is a western Indiana county, and the courthouse serves all residents of the county for family court matters.
To get a certified copy of a court order, contact the clerk's office. Copies cost $1 per page. Certification adds $3 per document. Staff can search records by party name or case number. Bring a valid photo ID. The clerk cannot give legal advice, but staff can point you to available forms and tell you how to request specific documents.
Sullivan County uses Indiana's circuit court structure. Family law cases are governed by statutes including IC 31-15 for dissolution of marriage and IC 31-17 for custody and parenting time. All original case records are filed at the courthouse in Sullivan.
| Clerk's Office | Sullivan County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | Sullivan County Courthouse 100 Courthouse Square Sullivan, IN 47882 |
| Phone | 812-268-4657 |
| 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; personal checks not accepted |
Note: Certified copies of final dissolution decrees are not available for download. You must request them through the Sullivan County Clerk's office in person or by mail.
Searching Family Court Records in Sullivan County
Indiana's free public case search, MyCase, lets you search Sullivan County family court cases by party name, case number, or attorney. The system shows basic case information including filing dates, case type, and upcoming hearings. No account is needed, and it is available at any hour at no cost.
Sullivan County does not operate its own separate court records website. The Indiana Courts Public Records Portal is the statewide entry point for all court record searches. From there you can reach MyCase and find guidance on how to request records that are not in the electronic system. Older paper records, sealed documents, and exhibits are only accessible at the courthouse in Sullivan. Call ahead if you need pre-digital records so staff can retrieve those files before your visit.
For in-person records searches, go to the clerk's office at the Sullivan County Courthouse on Courthouse Square. Staff can locate records by name or case number. Knowing the approximate filing year helps the search go faster. Call 812-268-4657 before visiting if you need older documents not yet in the digital system.
The Indiana Courts Trial Courts Directory lists all Indiana county courts with contact details and case type information. Use this directory to confirm which court handles specific family law matters in Sullivan County.
The Indiana Courts How to Request Records page explains the process for obtaining official court documents in Indiana.
The page covers options for online requests, in-person visits, and mail requests to county clerks.
Sullivan County Child Support and Paternity
Child support in Sullivan County is calculated under the Income Shares Model established by IC 31-16. The court uses both parents' gross incomes to set a support amount that reflects what the child would have received if the family had remained intact. All support orders become part of the public case record at the clerk's office in Sullivan.
The Indiana Child Support Bureau offers Title IV-D services to Sullivan County families at no cost. These services are available to all families, not just those receiving public assistance. The Child Support Bureau can help locate a non-custodial parent, establish paternity, and petition the court to set or modify a support order. Enforcement options include wage withholding, tax refund intercepts, and license suspension.
For quick case updates, call the Indiana Child Support Hotline at 800-840-8757. The automated system runs all day and night. Live staff are available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. You can check payment history, confirm case status, and ask about upcoming hearings through this line.
Paternity cases in Sullivan County are filed under IC 31-14. Legal paternity must be established before the court can enter a child support or custody order for a child born outside of marriage. The clerk's office in Sullivan processes these filings alongside all other family court cases.
Note: The Child Support Bureau handles financial support matters only. Custody, parenting time, and property division are handled through separate court proceedings.
Legal Help in Sullivan County
Sullivan County residents who cannot afford an attorney for family court matters have several options for free or low-cost help. Indiana Legal Services provides free civil legal assistance to income-qualifying residents across the state. Attorneys handle dissolution, custody, and protection order cases. Contact Indiana Legal Services to check eligibility and find the office serving Sullivan County.
The Indiana Courts Self-Service Legal Center offers free guides, forms, and step-by-step instructions for common family court actions. The center covers dissolution of marriage, custody changes, and child support petitions. It is written for people who represent themselves and is straightforward to follow.
The Parenting Time Helpline gives free guidance on Indiana's parenting time guidelines. Licensed attorneys answer questions about visitation schedules, parenting plans, and how courts handle disputes. Call 844-836-0003. The line is open Monday through Friday from noon to 5:00 p.m.
The Indiana State Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service for residents who need private legal help. If your Sullivan County family court case involves contested issues or significant assets, a private attorney can help you navigate the process. The bar can connect you with a family law attorney in the area.
Cities in Sullivan County
Sullivan County is a rural county in western Indiana. Sullivan is the county seat and the largest city in the county. Other communities in the county, including Shelburn and Farmersburg, file all family court cases at the courthouse in Sullivan. No city in Sullivan 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 at the courthouse in Sullivan.
Nearby Counties
Sullivan County is in western Indiana and borders several neighboring counties. Your county of residence at the time of filing determines jurisdiction for most family court matters.