Hancock County Divorce Records Search
Hancock County divorce records are filed with and maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk in Greenfield, covering all dissolution of marriage cases in this central Indiana county east of Indianapolis. Use Indiana's MyCase system for a free online search, or contact the Hancock County Clerk directly to request copies.
Hancock County Quick Facts
Hancock County Clerk of Courts
Lisa Eberhardt Lofgreen is the Hancock County Clerk and the official keeper of all circuit court records in the county. Her office in the Greenfield courthouse maintains every divorce and dissolution of marriage case filed in Hancock County. The clerk issues certified copies, accepts new case filings, and handles court fee payments.
Contact the Hancock County Clerk:
- Address: 9 East Main St, Room 213, Greenfield, IN 46140
- Phone: 317-477-1109
Call or visit during business hours with both party names and an approximate filing year in hand. That helps staff locate the right case efficiently. Clerk staff can assist with finding records and processing copy requests but cannot advise you on legal matters related to your case.
Search Hancock County Divorce Records Online
Indiana's MyCase system is the fastest way to search Hancock County divorce records at no cost. The system is statewide and includes Hancock County cases. Search by name or case number to find dissolution filings, their status, and public docket entries. The tool runs 24 hours a day and does not require an account.
MyCase shows you what is publicly available in the court system. You can track case progress, see what documents have been filed, and confirm whether a divorce was finalized. It does not, though, give you certified copies. For those, you need to contact Lisa Eberhardt Lofgreen's office at 317-477-1109.
If you are looking for a Hancock County divorce case from many years ago, call the clerk before making the trip. Older records may be stored separately or on microfilm. The clerk can confirm availability and let you know what steps to take to access older records.
Filing for Divorce in Hancock County
To file a dissolution petition in Hancock County, at least one spouse must have lived in Indiana for six months and in Hancock County for at least three months before the filing date. IC 31-15-2-6 sets this rule. Courts will not proceed with a divorce if the residency requirement is not met at the time of filing.
Filing fees for a standard dissolution case run up to $177. If you cannot afford the fee, ask the clerk's office about a fee waiver. You will need to provide a financial affidavit showing your income and household costs. The court reviews your situation and decides whether to waive or reduce the amount.
After the petition is filed, Indiana's mandatory 60-day waiting period begins. Under IC 31-15-2-10, no court in Indiana can finalize a divorce before those 60 days are up. This applies to every case in the state, whether both parties agree on all terms or not. Use that time to complete financial disclosures and finalize your settlement.
What Is in a Hancock County Divorce Record
Every Hancock County divorce file starts with the petition for dissolution of marriage. As the case moves through the court, the file can grow to include a respondent's answer, financial affidavits, temporary orders, a parenting plan, a property and debt settlement agreement, and eventually the final divorce decree.
The final decree is the most important document. It is signed by the judge and officially ends the marriage. It also contains all the orders the court made about property, debt, spousal support, custody, and child support. Certified copies of the decree are needed for name changes, remarriage, financial account updates, and similar purposes.
Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (IC 5-14-3) makes most court records public. Divorce files are generally accessible. Sealed records or portions involving minors may be restricted. Ask the clerk what is publicly available in a specific case before making a request.
Copy Fees and How to Request Hancock County Records
Plain copies at the Hancock County Clerk's office cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies run $3 to $5 more per certification. Call 317-477-1109 before your visit to confirm current fees and make sure the record you need is accessible. This avoids a wasted trip if the file is in storage or needs time to pull.
In-person requests are taken at 9 East Main St, Room 213, Greenfield. If visiting is not possible, ask whether the clerk accepts written mail requests. Include your contact information, the case name and number if you have it, and payment in any mail request.
Indiana Divorce Law and Hancock County Cases
Hancock County divorces are governed by Indiana Code Title 31, specifically the dissolution of marriage article at IC 31-15. Indiana is a no-fault divorce state. You do not have to prove the other spouse did anything wrong. Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage is the recognized ground.
Property is divided under the equal division rule in IC 31-15-7-5. Courts start from a presumed 50-50 split of all marital property and debts. Either party can present evidence for a different split, and the judge can deviate from 50-50 when the facts warrant it.
Child custody in Hancock County follows the best interest of the child standard. Courts may consider each parent's relationship with the children, living situations, work schedules, and other factors. Child support is set using Indiana's Child Support Rules and Guidelines.
The statute text is at iga.in.gov/legislative/laws/2023/ic/titles/31.
Hancock County Legal Help and State Court Resources
Use the Indiana Courts directory at in.gov/courts/directory to find contact details for Hancock County courts. For guidance on the records request process, see in.gov/courts/public-records.
If you need free legal help, Indiana Legal Help has resources for Hancock County residents. Legal aid organizations serving this area can help with self-represented divorce filings and provide guidance on court forms and procedures.
The Indiana Courts website has a local court resource page for Hancock County with additional information.
This page provides current information on the courts in Hancock County and can help you confirm which court handled a specific case or identify who to contact for filings in Greenfield.