Search Washington County Family Court Records
Washington County family court records are maintained by the Washington County Clerk at the courthouse in Salem, Indiana. The clerk handles all filings for dissolution of marriage, child custody, child support, and paternity. Indiana's free MyCase portal provides online access to many case records, and the clerk handles certified copies and in-person requests during regular business hours.
Washington County Quick Facts
Washington County Family Court Records at the Clerk's Office
The Washington County Clerk is the official keeper of all family court records in the county. Washington County is located in southern Indiana, and the circuit court handles all family law matters. The clerk's office at 99 W Public Square in Salem accepts filings, assigns case numbers, collects court costs, and maintains all official case documents. This office is the starting point for anyone who needs to file a new family court case or get documents from an existing one. All original filings are stored at the Salem courthouse.
Certified copies of court orders are available at the clerk's office. Copies cost $1 per page. Certification is an additional $3 per document. Staff can look up records by party name or case number. Bring a valid photo ID when you visit. The clerk's staff cannot offer legal advice, but they can tell you what forms are used for common filings and help you navigate the file request process.
Dissolution of marriage cases in Washington County are filed under IC 31-15. Custody and parenting time matters fall under IC 31-17. Child support orders follow the Income Shares Model in IC 31-16. All of these case types are filed with and maintained by the clerk in Salem. Paternity cases, filed under IC 31-14, go through the same office.
| Clerk's Office | Washington County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | Washington County Courthouse 99 W Public Square Salem, IN 47167 |
| Phone | 812-883-5748 |
| 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 |
The Indiana Courts Public Records Portal gives statewide guidance on court records access and explains how to submit formal records requests for documents not available online.
The Indiana Courts parenting time helpline connects families with licensed attorneys who answer questions about Indiana parenting guidelines at no charge.
The helpline is staffed Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m.
Note: Sealed orders and final divorce decrees are not available for download from any online state system. Request those directly from the Washington County Clerk at 812-883-5748.
How to Search Washington County Family Court Records
The best free tool for searching Washington County cases is MyCase. Search by party name, case number, or attorney. The system shows case type, filing date, court division, and scheduled hearings. No account is required. The system is available 24 hours a day and covers most active and recent cases from Washington County courts.
Washington County does not run its own separate online records portal. The Indiana Courts Trial Courts Directory lists the Washington County circuit court with current contact details. Use this if you need to confirm a phone number or verify which division handles a specific type of case. The directory is kept current by the state.
For in-person searches, go to the clerk's office at 99 W Public Square in Salem during business hours. Staff pull records by name or case number. If you need records that predate electronic filing, call ahead at 812-883-5748 so staff can locate the paper file before your visit. For mail requests, send a written request with party names, approximate year, and a money order or cashier's check to the courthouse address. Processing times vary based on request volume.
The Indiana Courts Self-Service Legal Center provides free forms and step-by-step guides for Indiana residents handling their own family court matters.
The center covers dissolution, custody, and support filings for those who represent themselves.
Child Support in Washington County
Child support orders in Washington County are set under Indiana's Income Shares Model in IC 31-16. Both parents' gross incomes are used to calculate the support amount. Once the court enters the order, it is filed with the clerk and becomes part of the permanent family court record. Modifications require a new petition and typically need to show a substantial change in income or circumstances.
The Indiana Child Support Bureau provides free Title IV-D services to Washington County families. The bureau helps establish support orders, locate non-custodial parents, and enforce orders through wage withholding, tax refund intercepts, and license suspensions. These services are available to all Indiana families, not just those on public assistance. The bureau works with the Washington County circuit court to process cases.
For quick updates, call the Child Support Hotline at 800-840-8757. Automated service is available 24 hours a day. Live staff answer Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. You can check payment history and case status without going to the courthouse in Salem.
Paternity cases in Washington County are filed under IC 31-14. Paternity must be established before the court can enter a custody or support order for a child born outside of marriage. Both voluntary acknowledgment and court-ordered testing are available. The clerk's office in Salem processes paternity filings the same as other family court matters.
Note: The Child Support Bureau handles financial support orders only. Custody and parenting time questions go through the circuit court and may require separate legal assistance.
Legal Help in Washington County
Indiana Legal Services provides free civil legal help to income-qualifying residents. Their attorneys handle dissolution, custody, and protection order cases. Contact the organization to find out which office serves Washington County and whether you meet the income requirements. Southern Indiana offices are typically the point of contact for Washington County residents.
The Indiana Courts Self-Service Legal Center offers free forms and instructions for people who represent themselves in family court. You can find dissolution forms, custody modification petitions, and child support request forms on the site. The materials are written in plain language and are a practical starting point for those who are new to the family court process.
The Parenting Time Helpline at 844-836-0003 is available Monday through Friday from noon to 5:00 p.m. Licensed attorneys on the line answer questions about Indiana's parenting time guidelines and visitation disputes. The service is free. This is a good resource for quick guidance before you decide whether to file a motion or work something out directly with the other parent.
For private legal help, the Indiana State Bar Association can refer you to a family law attorney. Washington County is a smaller county, so attorneys in nearby larger counties such as Clark, Floyd, or Lawrence may also serve the Salem area. The bar can help you find someone with experience in southern Indiana family courts. Private counsel is especially worth considering for contested cases or situations involving domestic violence.
Cities in Washington County
Washington County is a smaller southern Indiana county. Communities including Salem, Campbellsburg, and Hardinsburg all file family court cases at the Washington County Courthouse. No city in the county meets the population threshold for a dedicated records page, but all residents have full access to the clerk's office and court services in Salem.
Nearby Counties
Washington County is in southern Indiana and shares borders with several neighboring counties. Your county of residence at the time of filing determines which court handles your family case.