Search LaPorte County Divorce Records
LaPorte County divorce records are filed with the Circuit Court Clerk and are available through two office locations in Indiana. Whether you need to find a case, get a copy of a final decree, or request documents for a pending matter, the clerk's offices in La Porte and Michigan City both serve the public and maintain official court records.
LaPorte County Quick Facts
Where LaPorte County Divorce Records Are Kept
Clerk Heather Stevens is the official custodian of court records for LaPorte County. LaPorte County is one of the few counties in Indiana with two clerk office locations serving the public. The main office is at 813 Lincolnway, Suite 105, La Porte, IN 46350. Phone for the La Porte office: 219-326-6808, Ext. 2471. The second location serves residents in the eastern part of the county at 300 Washington Street, Michigan City, IN 46360. Phone for the Michigan City office: 219-874-5611, Ext. 7729. Both offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Having two locations makes it easier for people in Michigan City and the surrounding area to access clerk services without making the drive to La Porte. Courts are split between the two locations as well. The Circuit Court and Superior Courts 2 and 3 are based in La Porte. Superior Courts 1 and 4 are based in Michigan City. If your case was assigned to a Michigan City court, you can handle most clerk functions at the Michigan City office.
The official clerk's page for LaPorte County is at laporteco.in.gov. It includes contact details, hours, and information on how to access records and file documents in the county.
The LaPorte County clerk page at the county website provides details on both office locations and the services available at each.
The LaPorte County Circuit Court Clerk operates offices in both La Porte and Michigan City to serve the full county.
How to Search LaPorte County Divorce Records
The Indiana Supreme Court's free public access site, MyCase Indiana, covers LaPorte County divorce cases. MyCase uses the Odyssey Case Management System, which is a fully integrated case and financial management system deployed statewide. You can search by name or case number and see filing dates, party names, case type, and documents filed. No account is needed and there is no charge to search. Some document images are viewable online; others require an in-person or mail request to the clerk.
For in-person access, visit either the La Porte or Michigan City office during business hours. Staff can help locate cases, pull files, and process copy requests. For mail requests, send your written request to 813 Lincolnway, Suite 105, La Porte, IN 46350. Include both parties' full names, the approximate year of filing, and prepaid payment for copies. If your case was filed in a Michigan City court, you can also address the request to 300 Washington Street, Michigan City, IN 46360.
The Indiana Courts public records guide walks through the formal request process. Indiana Legal Help offers free assistance if you need help understanding family law documents or your rights under Indiana law.
LaPorte County Divorce Filing Requirements
To file for divorce in LaPorte County, at least one spouse must have lived in Indiana for six months and in LaPorte County for at least three months before the petition is filed. This requirement is set by Indiana Code 31-15-2-6. If the county residency requirement is not met, the LaPorte County courts cannot accept the petition.
Indiana's 60-day waiting period under IC 31-15-2-10 applies in LaPorte County as it does in every Indiana county. No final decree can be entered until 60 days from the filing date have passed, regardless of whether both parties have reached full agreement. Most uncontested cases in LaPorte County move toward final resolution as soon as the waiting period closes.
You file your petition at the clerk's office and receive a case number. The case is then assigned to a court. Indiana has over 400 trial courts statewide, with LaPorte County home to multiple courts between its two locations. The court assignment depends on which court has jurisdiction based on the nature of the case and the location of the parties.
Indiana is a no-fault state. The basis for filing is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. No fault has to be shown. The case proceeds through property division and, if children are involved, custody and support matters, before the court issues a final decree.
Fees for LaPorte County Divorce Records
Filing a dissolution of marriage petition in LaPorte County costs in the range of $157 to $177 depending on the specific case type. This covers the initial filing. Additional costs may arise for service of process, motions, and other case-related filings.
Copy fees are $1.00 per page for standard copies. Certified copies cost an additional $3 to $5 per document. Call the La Porte office at 219-326-6808 Ext. 2471 or the Michigan City office at 219-874-5611 Ext. 7729 to confirm current fees before sending payment. Mail requests must include advance payment. Confirm accepted payment methods when you call, as options can vary.
Public Access to LaPorte County Divorce Records
LaPorte County divorce records are public under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act, IC 5-14-3. You do not need to be a party to the case to view or request copies. No reason is required. Access is open to any member of the public as a matter of Indiana law.
Some parts of divorce files are restricted. Family law cases involving minor children may have sealed sections related to custody evaluations or child welfare. The clerk handles restrictions on a case-by-case basis and can tell you what portions of a specific file are accessible.
Search online at MyCase Indiana for free. For copies or in-person access, contact either the La Porte office at 219-326-6808 Ext. 2471 or the Michigan City office at 219-874-5611 Ext. 7729. See the Indiana Courts directory for verified contact information and court listings for LaPorte County.
Cities in LaPorte County
Michigan City is the only city in LaPorte County above the population threshold with a dedicated page on this site.