Tippecanoe County Court Records
What Is Tippecanoe County Court Records
Tippecanoe County court records are official documents created and maintained by the courts operating within Tippecanoe County, Indiana. These records document legal proceedings, judgments, and other official actions taken by the courts. Pursuant to Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records, these documents serve as the official record of court activities and are maintained through the Odyssey Case Management System, which is utilized by a majority of Indiana courts including those in Tippecanoe County.
Court records typically include:
- Case filings and pleadings
- Court orders and judgments
- Hearing transcripts
- Evidence presented in court
- Docket entries documenting case progression
- Administrative records related to court operations
The Tippecanoe County Clerk's Office is responsible for maintaining these records in accordance with state law and court rules. The records are created and preserved to ensure transparency in judicial proceedings, document legal decisions, and provide historical documentation of court activities.
Tippecanoe County Clerk's Office 301 Main Street, Lafayette, IN 47901 (765) 423-9326 Tippecanoe County Official Website
Are Court Records Public In Tippecanoe County
Court records in Tippecanoe County are generally considered public documents in accordance with the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code § 5-14-3) and the Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records. Members of the public have the legal right to inspect and obtain copies of most court records, with certain exceptions established by law.
The following guidelines apply to public access of court records in Tippecanoe County:
- Most court records are available for public inspection during regular business hours at the Tippecanoe County Courthouse
- Access is governed by Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records, which establish uniform standards for public access
- Certain records may be restricted from public view to protect privacy, safety, or other compelling interests
Records that may be restricted from public access include:
- Juvenile court records (except as provided in Indiana Code § 31-39-2)
- Adoption records
- Mental health proceedings
- Records sealed by court order
- Information deemed confidential by state or federal law
- Records containing personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers
Persons seeking access to court records must comply with local court rules and procedures. The Tippecanoe County courts balance the public's right to access with individual privacy concerns and the efficient administration of justice.
How To Find Court Records in Tippecanoe County in 2025
Members of the public seeking court records in Tippecanoe County in 2025 may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county has implemented modern systems to facilitate public access while maintaining record integrity.
In-person requests may be submitted at:
Tippecanoe County Courthouse 301 Main Street, Lafayette, IN 47901 Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (765) 423-9326
The process for obtaining court records includes:
- Completing a records request form available at the Clerk's Office
- Providing case number, party names, or other identifying information
- Paying applicable fees for copies or certified documents
- Allowing processing time for record retrieval and preparation
For records from specific courts, requestors may contact:
Tippecanoe Circuit Court 301 Main Street, Lafayette, IN 47901 (765) 423-9061
Tippecanoe Superior Courts 301 Main Street, Lafayette, IN 47901 (765) 423-9062
Pursuant to Indiana Code § 33-37-5-1, fees may apply for copies of court records. As of 2025, standard copy fees are $1.00 per page, with certified copies available for an additional fee. Payment methods include cash, credit card, or money order made payable to the Tippecanoe County Clerk.
How To Look Up Court Records in Tippecanoe County Online?
Tippecanoe County provides digital access to court records through several online platforms. The primary method for accessing Tippecanoe court records online is through the Odyssey Case Management System, which has been implemented countywide.
To access records electronically, users may:
- Visit the mycase.in.gov portal, which provides public access to the Odyssey system
- Search by case number, party name, attorney, or filing date
- View case summaries, docket entries, and some document images
- Monitor case status and upcoming court dates
The online system offers the following features:
- 24/7 access to public court information
- Real-time updates as new information is entered
- Ability to search across multiple case types
- Options to print or save search results
Users should note the following limitations:
- Some documents may not be available in full text format
- Certain confidential or sealed records are not accessible online
- Historical records predating the Odyssey implementation may have limited availability
- Technical assistance is available by contacting the Clerk's Office during regular business hours
For federal cases involving Tippecanoe County residents, the PACER system provides access to U.S. District Court and Bankruptcy Court records for the Northern District of Indiana.
Can You Search Tippecanoe County Court Records for Free?
Tippecanoe County provides limited free access to court records through several channels, though certain services may incur fees. Members of the public should be aware of the following free and fee-based options when searching for court records.
Free access options include:
- In-person inspection of non-confidential court records at the Tippecanoe County Courthouse during regular business hours
- Basic case information searches through the public access terminals located in the Clerk's Office
- Limited online searches through mycase.in.gov, which provides basic case information without charge
- Assistance from court staff in locating publicly available records (though staff cannot provide legal advice)
Fee-based services include:
- Printed copies of court documents ($1.00 per page as established by Indiana Code § 33-37-5-1)
- Certified copies of court records ($1.00 per page plus certification fee)
- Extensive research assistance requiring staff time (fees vary based on complexity)
- Subscription services for high-volume users or attorneys
The Tippecanoe County Clerk's Office maintains a fee schedule that is available upon request. Fee waivers may be available for indigent persons pursuant to Indiana Code § 33-37-3-2, which allows courts to waive fees upon showing of financial hardship.
What's Included in a Tippecanoe County Court Record?
Tippecanoe County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings conducted within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained in accordance with Indiana Administrative Rule 9 and include standardized components across different case types.
A typical court record contains:
- Case initiation documents (complaints, petitions, indictments)
- Party information including names, addresses, and attorney representation
- Chronological Case Summary (CCS) documenting all actions and filings
- Court orders, judgments, and decrees
- Pleadings, motions, and responses filed by parties
- Evidence admitted during proceedings
- Hearing and trial transcripts when prepared
- Financial information including fees, costs, and payments
- Case disposition and outcome information
Additional documents may include:
- Summonses and service of process documentation
- Witness lists and exhibits
- Jury information (for applicable cases)
- Probation reports (in criminal matters)
- Child support worksheets (in family law cases)
- Settlement agreements (when filed with the court)
The Odyssey Case Management System standardizes record formats across Tippecanoe County courts, though the specific content varies by case type. Records are maintained in both electronic and physical formats, with ongoing digitization efforts to improve accessibility.
How Long Does Tippecanoe County Keep Court Records?
Tippecanoe County retains court records according to schedules established by the Indiana Supreme Court and state law. Retention periods vary based on case type, significance, and legal requirements.
The following retention periods apply to common record types:
- Felony cases: Permanent retention for murder and Class A felonies; 55 years for other felonies
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Civil cases: 20 years after final disposition
- Domestic relations cases: 50 years after final disposition
- Probate matters: 75 years after final disposition
- Small claims: 10 years after final disposition
- Traffic infractions: 10 years after final disposition
Certain records receive permanent retention, including:
- Order books and judgment dockets
- Naturalization records
- Adoption records
- Mental health commitment records
- Records deemed historically significant
The Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records govern both retention and destruction procedures. When records reach the end of their retention period, they may be destroyed following specific protocols that ensure confidentiality and proper documentation of the destruction process.
Digital records in the Odyssey system are subject to the same retention schedules as physical records. The Tippecanoe County Clerk's Office coordinates with the Indiana Archives and Records Administration to ensure compliance with all retention requirements.
Types of Courts In Tippecanoe County
Tippecanoe County's judicial system consists of multiple courts with distinct jurisdictions and responsibilities. These courts operate under the authority of the Indiana Judicial Branch and handle various case types according to state law.
The county court structure includes:
- Tippecanoe Circuit Court: The court of general jurisdiction handling major civil cases, felonies, and family law matters
- Tippecanoe Superior Courts (1-7): Courts handling specific case types including criminal, civil, small claims, and traffic cases
- Tippecanoe County Magistrate Court: Assists the Circuit and Superior Courts with preliminary hearings and other proceedings
- Tippecanoe County Juvenile Court: Specialized division handling juvenile delinquency and child welfare cases
Federal cases involving Tippecanoe County residents may be heard in:
United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana Lafayette Division 230 N. Fourth Street, Suite 209, Lafayette, IN 47901 (765) 420-6250 Northern District of Indiana
United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Indiana Hammond Division 5400 Federal Plaza, Suite 2300, Hammond, IN 46320 (219) 852-3570 Northern District Bankruptcy Court
Each court maintains its own records, though all Tippecanoe County courts utilize the Odyssey Case Management System for record-keeping. Court administration is coordinated through the Tippecanoe County Court Administrator's Office located at the county courthouse.
What Types of Cases Do Tippecanoe County Courts Hear?
Tippecanoe County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters in accordance with jurisdictional authority established by Indiana law. The courts process thousands of cases annually across multiple categories.
Circuit Court cases include:
- Major civil litigation with damages exceeding $10,000
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Dissolution of marriage and family law matters
- Probate and estate administration
- Guardianships and adoptions
- Mortgage foreclosures
- Civil commitments
Superior Court cases include:
- Civil disputes with damages under $10,000
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations and infractions
- Small claims (monetary disputes up to $10,000)
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Protective orders
- Minor felonies (in designated courts)
Specialized dockets within these courts include:
- Drug Court: Alternative sentencing program for non-violent offenders with substance abuse issues
- Veterans Court: Specialized treatment court for military veterans
- Mental Health Court: Diversion program for defendants with mental health conditions
- Family Recovery Court: Focused on child welfare cases involving parental substance abuse
Case assignment follows local rules established by the Tippecanoe County courts and approved by the Indiana Supreme Court. These rules govern case allocation, special judge selection, and court reporter services.
How To Find a Court Docket In Tippecanoe County
Court dockets in Tippecanoe County provide chronological listings of scheduled court proceedings and case activities. These dockets are accessible through multiple channels to facilitate public awareness of court operations.
To access current court dockets, interested parties may:
- Visit the Tippecanoe County Courthouse and view public docket displays posted outside each courtroom
- Request docket information from the Clerk's Office during regular business hours
- Access online docket information through the mycase.in.gov portal
- Subscribe to docket notification services for attorneys and frequent court users
Daily dockets typically include:
- Case numbers and party names
- Scheduled hearing times and courtroom locations
- Type of proceeding (arraignment, pre-trial conference, motion hearing, trial)
- Presiding judge or magistrate
- Attorney information when applicable
For specialized information about upcoming court proceedings, contact:
Tippecanoe County Court Administration 301 Main Street, Lafayette, IN 47901 (765) 423-9101
The Odyssey Case Management System provides real-time updates to docket information as changes occur. Parties to cases and their attorneys receive formal notifications of schedule changes through official court communications.
Which Courts in Tippecanoe County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Tippecanoe County, all courts currently operate as courts of record, meaning they maintain official transcripts and documentation of proceedings. This represents a change from historical practices when certain limited-jurisdiction courts did not maintain complete records.
Prior to judicial reorganization, the following were not courts of record:
- Justice of the Peace courts (abolished statewide)
- City courts (no longer operating in Tippecanoe County)
- Town courts (not established in Tippecanoe County)
Under current Indiana law, all Tippecanoe County courts maintain official records through:
- Court reporters who create verbatim transcripts of proceedings
- Electronic recording systems that capture audio of court sessions
- The Odyssey Case Management System for documentation of all case activities
- Physical case files maintained by the Clerk's Office
This comprehensive record-keeping ensures:
- Availability of transcripts for appeals
- Documentation of judicial decisions and rationales
- Preservation of testimony and evidence
- Transparency in court operations
All courts in Tippecanoe County operate under the authority of the Indiana Supreme Court and follow standardized record-keeping practices established by the Indiana Office of Judicial Administration.
Lookup Court Records in Tippecanoe County
Search Tippecanoe County court records online
Access the Odyssey Case Management System
Find Tippecanoe County court information
Search federal court records for Northern Indiana
Visit the Tippecanoe County official website