Lawrence Indiana Divorce Records

Lawrence, Indiana divorce records are filed and maintained by the Marion County Circuit Court Clerk in Indianapolis -- Lawrence is a city within Marion County's Unigov structure, and all dissolution of marriage cases for Lawrence residents go through the Marion County court system.

Marion County and Lawrence Divorce Records

Lawrence is a city on the northeast side of Indianapolis, fully within Marion County. Under Indiana's Unigov system -- the consolidated city-county government created in 1970 -- Marion County and Indianapolis share many administrative functions. For divorce records, this means all Lawrence cases are part of the Marion County court system, not a separate Lawrence city system.

The Marion County Circuit Court Clerk's office is at 200 E. Washington St, Suite W122 in downtown Indianapolis. This is the office that handles all Marion County dissolution of marriage filings, including those from Lawrence residents. The drive from Lawrence to the City-County Building in Indianapolis is typically 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic.

Marion County operates under Judicial District 13. The county has a Circuit Court and numerous Superior Courts, all of which can hear divorce cases. The clerk maintains records for all courts in a unified system. A major change in Marion County came in December 2025 when the new Community Justice Campus opened at 675 Justice Way. Some court functions relocated there. If you are attending a specific hearing, confirm the courtroom location. For record requests and the clerk's administrative office, 200 E. Washington St remains the primary contact.

The Marion County Clerk's website at indy.gov/agency/marion-county-clerks-office has current information on services, hours, and online options. Check this page before making the drive downtown.

Marion County Clerk Contact Info

The Marion County Circuit Court Clerk is Kate Sweeney Bell, based in Indianapolis.

• Clerk: Kate Sweeney Bell
• Address: 200 E. Washington St, Suite W122, Indianapolis, IN 46204
• Phone: 317-327-4740
• Website: indy.gov/agency/marion-county-clerks-office

Office hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Hours can vary around court holidays. Call 317-327-4740 before making the trip if you have questions about specific records or services.

How to Search Lawrence Divorce Records

Indiana's statewide case search at mycase.in.gov is the fastest starting point. Marion County cases, including those filed by Lawrence residents, appear here. Search by name or case number at no cost. You can check case status, hearing history, and some document images. Use this to confirm a case exists and get the case number before going downtown.

The Marion County Clerk's website has additional tools and information specific to Marion County. Check it for any online record request options or access to Marion County's own document system. The county's larger caseload means more resources are typically available for online access than in smaller counties.

For in-person access, go to Suite W122 at 200 E. Washington St in Indianapolis. Bring photo ID. Staff can look up cases by name or case number. You can review case files at the office at no charge. Document copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies add a $3.00 to $5.00 fee per document.

Mail requests are accepted. Send your written request with party names, year, and a check or money order for fees to the clerk's office. Include a return envelope. Processing times vary with volume, so plan ahead if you have a deadline.

Divorce Filing Requirements for Lawrence Residents

Indiana Code 31-15-2-6 requires that one spouse have lived in Indiana for six months and in Marion County for three months before filing. Lawrence is in Marion County. Time spent living in Lawrence counts as Marion County residency for this purpose. Confirm your dates are correct before filing a petition.

Indiana Code 31-15-2-10 sets a 60-day waiting period after the petition is filed. The judge cannot enter a final decree until those 60 days pass. This applies to both contested and uncontested cases. The wait starts on the date the petition is filed, not on the date the other party is served.

Filing fees in Marion County are approximately $157 to $177 depending on the case type. The clerk's office can confirm the exact fee when you call or arrive. Additional service fees may apply in some cases.

Types of Divorce Records Available

Marion County Clerk files for Lawrence divorce cases include:

• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage -- the opening document
• Summons and service records -- confirming notice to the other party
• Provisional orders -- temporary rulings on custody or support
• Settlement agreements -- negotiated terms agreed to by both parties
• Final decree of dissolution -- the court's binding closing order
• Post-decree orders -- modifications or enforcement actions after the divorce

Some records involving children may be restricted. The clerk can advise on what is available for public access in any specific case.

Fees and Access

MyCase is free. Document copies at the courthouse are $1.00 per page. Certified copies add $3.00 to $5.00 per document as a certification fee. You will need a certified copy of the final decree for name changes on a driver's license, passport, or financial accounts.

For legal help, Indiana Legal Help covers Marion County. Indiana Legal Services and other organizations serving Indianapolis and Marion County can assist Lawrence residents with family law matters.

The Marion County Clerk at 200 E. Washington St in Indianapolis manages all Lawrence divorce records. Visit indy.gov/agency/marion-county-clerks-office for current hours and online access options.

Nearby Indiana Cities

Marion County Court Resources

All Lawrence divorce cases are filed in Marion County. Visit the county page for more resources.