Find Family Court Records in Wells County
Wells County family court records are kept by the Wells County Clerk at the courthouse in Bluffton, Indiana. The clerk's office handles all filings for dissolution of marriage, child custody, child support, paternity, and protection orders. Many records are available through Indiana's free online search tool, and the clerk can assist you in person during regular business hours. Cases filed in Wells County follow Indiana's statewide family law procedures, and residents can access case status, hearing dates, and basic filing information without a court account.
Wells County Quick Facts
Wells County Clerk's Office and Family Court Records
The Wells County Clerk is the official keeper of all family court records in the county. Every case filed in the circuit or superior court goes through this office. That includes dissolution of marriage, custody matters, parenting time disputes, paternity actions, and domestic protection orders. The clerk accepts new filings, assigns case numbers, collects court costs, and maintains the case files that form the public record for Wells County.
If you need a certified copy of a court order, the clerk's office is the place to get it. Standard copies cost $1 per page. Certification of a document adds $3 per document. You can request records in person or by mail. Mail requests should include a brief written description of what you need, along with a check or money order made out to the Wells County Clerk. Personal checks may not be accepted, so confirm payment options by phone before mailing a request.
Wells County uses Indiana's circuit court structure for family law matters. The circuit court has jurisdiction over cases filed under IC 31-15 for dissolution of marriage and legal separation, and under IC 31-17 for child custody and parenting time. Staff at the clerk's office can search for cases by party name or case number, though they do not give legal advice.
| Clerk's Office | Wells County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | Wells County Courthouse 102 W Market St Bluffton, IN 46714 |
| Phone | 260-824-6570 |
| 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; confirm personal check policy by phone |
Note: Certified divorce decrees are not downloadable online and must be requested directly from the clerk's office in Bluffton.
The Indiana Courts Public Records Portal provides an overview of the tools available for accessing case records statewide.
The portal connects users to MyCase and guidance from the Indiana Office of Court Services.
Searching Wells County Family Court Records Online
Indiana offers a free public case search tool called MyCase. You can use it to look up family court cases by party name, case number, or attorney. The tool shows filing dates, case type, hearing schedules, and basic case status. No account is needed for public record searches, and the system is available at any time. Wells County family court cases are included in the statewide MyCase database.
Wells County does not maintain a separate county-level court records website. The Indiana Courts Public Records Portal is the main hub for finding case information and for learning how to request records not available online. Not every document is posted electronically. Sealed filings, older paper records, and physical exhibits may only be viewed at the courthouse. The How to Request Records page walks through the formal request process step by step.
For in-person searches, visit the clerk's office at the Wells County Courthouse during business hours. Staff can pull case files by name or number. If you are looking for older records from before electronic filing, call ahead at 260-824-6570 so the clerk can locate paper files before your visit. The Indiana Courts Trial Courts Directory lists contact details for every county court in the state if you need to confirm which court handles a particular type of matter.
The MyCase public search portal allows anyone to look up Indiana court cases without creating an account.
Wells County family court filings appear in the MyCase system alongside all other Indiana court records.
Child Support Services in Wells County
Child support in Wells County is set under IC 31-16, which uses Indiana's Income Shares Model. Both parents' incomes go into the formula. The resulting order reflects what the child would likely have received if the household had stayed intact. Support orders are part of the family court file and are kept on record with the Wells County Clerk.
The Indiana Child Support Bureau provides Title IV-D services to families in Wells County. The bureau can help locate a non-custodial parent, establish a support order through the court, and enforce existing orders when payments fall behind. Tools include wage withholding, tax refund intercepts, and license suspension. These services are available to any family in need, not just those who receive public benefits. You can reach the Child Support Hotline at 800-840-8757 seven days a week through the automated system, with live staff available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Paternity cases in Wells County are governed by IC 31-14. A court must establish legal paternity before entering any custody or child support order for a child born outside of marriage. Paternity filings go through the clerk's office at the Wells County Courthouse just like other family court actions.
Note: The Child Support Bureau handles financial support matters only. Custody and parenting time decisions are separate and require either the court's self-service resources or a private attorney.
Legal Help for Wells County Residents
If you cannot afford a lawyer, Indiana Legal Services may be able to help. They provide free civil legal assistance to income-qualifying residents across Indiana, including family law matters such as dissolution, custody, and protection orders. Contact their office to see if you qualify and to find out which location serves Wells County.
The Indiana Courts Self-Service Legal Center has forms, guides, and step-by-step instructions for common family court actions. You can find materials on dissolution of marriage, custody modifications, and child support petitions. The center does not offer legal advice, but the resources are clear and practical for people who represent themselves in court.
The Parenting Time Helpline offers free guidance on Indiana's parenting time guidelines. Attorneys staff the line and can answer questions about visitation schedules and parenting plans. Call 844-836-0003, Monday through Friday, noon to 5:00 p.m. The call is free. The Indiana State Bar Association runs a referral service for people who need a private attorney for more complex matters like contested divorces or significant asset division.
Cities in Wells County
Wells County is a smaller rural county in northeastern Indiana. Communities in the county include Bluffton, Ossian, Markle, and Uniondale. None of these communities meet the 25,000 population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site. All residents of Wells County file family court cases at the Wells County Courthouse in Bluffton, regardless of which town they live in. The clerk's office and all family court services are located there.
Nearby Counties
Wells County borders several counties in northeastern Indiana. If you are not certain which county has jurisdiction over your family court matter, your county of residence at the time of filing is generally the correct place to file.