Court records in Allen County, Indiana can be found through several access points. AllenCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also search records through the state's Indiana Courts Case Search (MyCase) portal, visit the Allen County Clerk's Office in person, or use public terminals at the courthouse. The Indiana Judicial Branch public records page offers additional guidance on locating court documents statewide.
Allen Court System & Jurisdictions
Allen County operates multiple trial courts, each handling distinct case types. Understanding which court manages a particular matter is essential before searching for docket information.
Allen Circuit Court
The Allen Circuit Court is the county's general-jurisdiction trial court. It hears:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases (including tort, contract, and real property disputes)
- Domestic relations and family law matters
- Estates and probate proceedings
- Guardianship cases
Allen Superior Court
The Allen Superior Court is divided into several divisions that manage high-volume caseloads:
- Criminal Division — felony and misdemeanor cases, including drug offenses and OWI charges
- Civil Division — lawsuits, collections, mortgage foreclosures, and civil protection orders
- Family Relations Division — divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, and juvenile matters (delinquency, CHINS)
- Small Claims Division — disputes where the amount in controversy generally does not exceed $10,000
Traffic infractions and ordinance violations are typically handled through the misdemeanor or small claims divisions. Probate matters — wills, estate administration, and trust disputes — are heard in the Circuit Court.
If you are unsure which court has your case, start with a search on MyCase, which covers all Allen County trial courts.
Allen Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's court schedule in Allen County, use these approaches:
- MyCase — Visit the Indiana Courts Case Search, look up a specific case number or party name, and view scheduled hearing dates listed on the case detail page.
- Contact the court directly — The Indiana Judicial Branch Allen County page provides contact information for each court. Call the appropriate division to confirm hearing times or ask about daily calendars.
- Visit the courthouse — Daily dockets are typically posted at the Allen County Courthouse. Public terminals in the Clerk's Office also allow calendar lookups.
Court calendars can change due to continuances, emergency motions, or judicial reassignment. Always confirm a hearing date directly with the court if you need to appear.
How to Get a Copy of a Allen Court Document
The Allen County Clerk of the Allen Circuit and Superior Courts is the official custodian of all trial court records in the county. Here is how to obtain copies:
Online
Search for your case on MyCase. Some documents — such as chronological case summaries and certain orders — can be viewed or printed at no charge. Not all filings are available online; sealed, confidential, or older records may require an in-person request.
In Person
- Visit the Allen County Clerk's Office at the courthouse.
- Provide the case number or the names of the parties involved.
- Request either a certified or uncertified copy. Certified copies bear the Clerk's seal and signature and are typically required for legal proceedings. Uncertified copies are suitable for personal reference.
- Pay the applicable fee at the counter.
By Mail
Send a written request that includes the case number (or party names and approximate filing date), the specific documents needed, whether you need certified or uncertified copies, and a return address. Include a check or money order payable to the Allen County Clerk. Mail requests to:
Processing times for mailed requests vary. Call the Clerk's Office to confirm current turnaround times and fees before mailing.
What Records Are Restricted?
Under Indiana law, certain records are not publicly accessible, including:
- Sealed or expunged cases
- Juvenile delinquency records (with limited exceptions)
- Adoption records
- Records subject to a court-issued protective order
- Certain mental health and substance abuse records
If you need access to a restricted record and believe you are legally entitled to it, contact the Clerk's Office or consult an attorney. The Allen County Public Records Request page provides guidance on submitting formal requests under Indiana Code 5-14-3 (the Access to Public Records Act).
Allen Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Allen County are set by Indiana statute and local court order. The table below reflects commonly cited fees under Indiana Code § 33-37 and the Clerk's posted schedule. Contact the Allen County Clerk's Office to confirm current amounts, as fees may be updated by legislative action or administrative order.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $1.00 per page plus certification fee |
| Certification fee | $5.00 per certificate |
| Court record search (by Clerk staff) | Varies; contact Clerk's Office |
| Online case search (MyCase) | Free |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, money order, and in many cases credit/debit cards are accepted at the Clerk's counter.
- By mail: Check or money order payable to "Allen County Clerk."
Fees for certified copies can add up when multiple documents are needed. If you are requesting several items, ask the Clerk's Office for a cost estimate before placing your order. For warrant-related inquiries, the Allen County FAQ on warrants notes that the Sheriff's Warrant Division can be reached at (260) 449-7636, and court record copies are available through the Clerk.