Allen County Court Records
What Is Allen County Court Records
Allen County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records are maintained by the Allen County Courts and include a comprehensive collection of case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-2, court records are defined as "public records" created, received, retained, maintained, or filed by or with a court.
Court records differ from other public records such as:
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Tax records
- Voter registration information
In Allen County, court records are maintained by several courts within the judicial system:
- Allen Circuit Court
- Allen Superior Court (including Civil, Criminal, Family Relations, and Small Claims divisions)
- Allen County Probate Court
These courts handle various types of cases including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family law matters, probate cases, and traffic violations. The Clerk of the Allen Circuit and Superior Courts serves as the official custodian of these records, responsible for their maintenance, preservation, and accessibility to the public.
Are Court Records Public In Allen County
Court records in Allen County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code § 5-14-3). This statute establishes the presumption that all government records, including court records, are open for public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by law.
The following court records are typically available for public access:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Final dispositions
However, certain records may be restricted or sealed pursuant to state law or court order. According to Indiana Administrative Rule 9, the following records are generally excluded from public access:
- Juvenile court records
- Adoption records
- Mental health proceedings
- Certain family court matters
- Records containing sensitive personal information
- Grand jury proceedings
- Records sealed by judicial order
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana (which includes Allen County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state regulations. The Indiana Judicial Branch provides comprehensive guidance on public record access policies applicable to all courts within the state.
How To Find Court Records in Allen County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Allen County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Allen County Clerk's office serves as the primary custodian of court records and provides multiple avenues for record retrieval.
To obtain court records in person:
- Visit the Allen County Clerk's office located at the Allen County Courthouse
- Complete a public records request form
- Provide case number, party names, or other identifying information
- Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for regular copies, additional fees may apply for certified copies)
- Wait for staff to retrieve the requested documents
Allen County Clerk's Office
715 S. Calhoun Street, Room 200
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
(260) 449-7245
Clerk of the Allen Circuit and Superior Courts
For remote requests:
- Submit a written request via mail, email, or fax to the Clerk's office
- Include specific case information and contact details
- Enclose payment for applicable fees
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing
Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3(b), the Clerk's office must respond to all public records requests within a reasonable time, not to exceed seven days. For more complex requests, additional time may be required.
The Allen County Public Records Request portal provides an official channel for submitting requests to various county departments, including the courts.
How To Look Up Court Records in Allen County Online?
Allen County offers several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically. The primary online resources include:
-
myCase - Indiana's statewide court records portal
- Access at public.courts.in.gov/mycase
- Search by case number, party name, attorney, or business name
- View case summaries, chronological case summaries, and scheduled hearings
- Access documents filed after implementation of electronic filing
- Create free account for enhanced features
-
Allen County Clerk's Records Search
- Available through the Allen County Clerk's website
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date
- Access civil, criminal, family, and probate cases
- View basic case information and register of actions
-
Odyssey Public Access
- Indiana's court case management system
- Access at public.courts.in.gov
- Search across multiple counties including Allen County
- View case status, party information, and scheduled events
To conduct an online search:
- Select the appropriate portal based on record type
- Enter search criteria (case number, name, date range)
- Review search results and select specific cases for detailed information
- Note that document images may require in-person requests or additional fees
- Be aware that certain case types may not appear in online searches due to confidentiality restrictions
The Indiana Judicial Branch provides comprehensive guidance on navigating these online systems and understanding the limitations of digital record access.
How To Search Allen County Court Records for Free?
Indiana law guarantees the right to inspect public records without charge, as established in Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8(c). While fees may apply for copies or certified documents, the following free options are available for searching Allen County court records:
-
In-Person Inspection
- Visit the Allen County Clerk's office during regular business hours
- Request to view specific case files at public access terminals
- No fee for viewing records, only for obtaining copies
- Staff assistance available for locating records
-
Free Online Resources
- myCase - Free basic searches without registration
- Odyssey Public Access - No-cost access to case information
- Allen County Courts website - Free access to court calendars and basic case information
-
Public Law Library Resources
- Allen County Law Library located in the courthouse
- Public access computers with free search capabilities
- Reference assistance from library staff
- Access to legal research databases that may include court records
Allen County Law Library
715 S. Calhoun Street, Room 110
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
(260) 449-7255
While basic searches are free, users should be aware that:
- Document images may not be available online
- Extensive searches may require staff assistance
- Certified copies and document reproduction incur fees
- Some records may only be accessible in person
The Indiana Judicial Branch Public Records portal provides additional guidance on free access options throughout the state.
What's Included in a Allen County Court Record?
Allen County court records typically contain a comprehensive collection of documents and information related to legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include:
-
Case Initiation Documents
- Complaints or petitions
- Summonses
- Indictments or informations (in criminal cases)
- Initial appearance records
- Filing date and case number assignment
-
Party Information
- Names and contact information for all parties
- Attorney information and appearances
- Service of process documentation
- Witness lists
-
Chronological Case Summary (CCS)
- Sequential listing of all events and filings
- Hearing dates and outcomes
- Judicial assignments
- Filing timestamps
-
Legal Documents
- Motions and responses
- Briefs and memoranda
- Affidavits and declarations
- Discovery documents (when filed with the court)
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Transcripts of proceedings
-
Judicial Actions
- Orders and rulings
- Judgments and decrees
- Findings of fact and conclusions of law
- Sentencing information (in criminal cases)
- Probation terms and conditions
-
Financial Information
- Filing fees paid
- Court costs assessed
- Fines and restitution orders
- Payment records
- Fee waivers or deferrals
-
Case Disposition
- Final judgments
- Settlement agreements (when filed)
- Dismissal orders
- Verdict forms
- Appeal information
Pursuant to Indiana Administrative Rule 9(G), certain sensitive information may be redacted or excluded from public access, including Social Security numbers, account numbers, personal identification numbers, and confidential information protected by state or federal law.
How Long Does Allen County Keep Court Records?
Allen County maintains court records according to the retention schedules established by the Indiana Supreme Court and codified in Indiana Administrative Rule 7. These schedules vary by record type and case classification:
Permanent Retention Records:
- Circuit Court Order Books
- Judgment Dockets
- Complete case files for:
- Murder and Class A felony cases
- Civil judgments affecting title to real estate
- Adoption proceedings
- Estate proceedings
- Guardianship cases
- Mental health commitments
- Juvenile proceedings resulting in adult prosecution
Extended Retention Periods:
- Criminal felony cases (non-Class A): 55 years after final disposition
- Criminal misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Civil cases (general): 20 years after final disposition
- Domestic relations cases: 25 years after case closure
- Small claims proceedings: 10 years after judgment
- Traffic violations: 10 years after disposition
- Infraction cases: 5 years after final disposition
Shorter Retention Periods:
- Dismissed cases: 2-5 years depending on case type
- Probation records: 10 years after discharge
- Court recordings and transcripts: 55 years for felonies, 10 years for other cases
- Exhibits: Returned to parties after appeal period or maintained according to case type
The Allen County Clerk's office is responsible for implementing these retention schedules and maintaining archival records. After the retention period expires, records may be transferred to the Indiana Archives and Records Administration for historical preservation or properly destroyed according to state guidelines.
Researchers seeking historical court records beyond the standard retention periods should contact:
Indiana State Archives
6440 E. 30th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46219
(317) 591-5222
Types of Courts In Allen County
Allen County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and responsibilities:
Allen Circuit Court
715 S. Calhoun Street, Room 300
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
(260) 449-7602
Allen Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The Circuit Court handles major civil cases, domestic relations matters, juvenile proceedings, mental health cases, and certain criminal cases. It also oversees the IV-D Child Support Division.
Allen Superior Court - Civil Division
715 S. Calhoun Street, Room 201
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
(260) 449-7544
Allen Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The Civil Division handles major civil litigation, collections, evictions, foreclosures, and tort claims.
Allen Superior Court - Criminal Division
715 S. Calhoun Street, Room 110
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
(260) 449-7171
Allen Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The Criminal Division handles felonies, misdemeanors, and operates specialized courts including Drug Court, Veterans Court, and Mental Health Court.
Allen Superior Court - Family Relations Division
715 S. Calhoun Street, Room 220
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
(260) 449-7984
Allen Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The Family Relations Division handles divorce, custody, support, protective orders, and other family law matters.
Allen Superior Court - Small Claims Division
1 West Superior Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
(260) 449-7131
Allen Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The Small Claims Division handles civil cases with claims up to $10,000, landlord-tenant disputes, and evictions.
The court hierarchy in Indiana proceeds from these trial courts to the Indiana Court of Appeals and ultimately to the Indiana Supreme Court for appellate review.
What Types of Cases Do Allen County Courts Hear?
Allen County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions:
Allen Circuit Court
- Major civil litigation (unlimited monetary value)
- Domestic relations (divorce, custody, support)
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Child in Need of Services (CHINS) cases
- Adoptions
- Guardianships
- Mental health commitments
- Probate matters (estates, trusts, wills)
- Certain felony criminal cases
Allen Superior Court - Civil Division
- Major civil litigation (unlimited monetary value)
- Contract disputes
- Personal injury claims
- Property disputes
- Collections
- Mortgage foreclosures
- Administrative appeals
- Civil protective orders
Allen Superior Court - Criminal Division
- Felony criminal cases
- Misdemeanor offenses
- Traffic violations
- Preliminary hearings
- Bail hearings
- Sentencing
- Probation violations
- Specialized dockets (Drug Court, Veterans Court)
Allen Superior Court - Family Relations Division
- Divorce proceedings
- Child custody determinations
- Child support establishment and enforcement
- Parenting time issues
- Protective orders
- Name changes
- Paternity establishment
- Grandparent visitation
Allen Superior Court - Small Claims Division
- Civil claims up to $10,000
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Eviction proceedings
- Consumer claims
- Property damage cases
- Contract disputes (small value)
- Debt collection (small value)
Case assignment within the Allen County court system follows Indiana Trial Rule 75, which governs venue and jurisdiction. The Allen County Courts website provides detailed information about each court's specific caseload and specialized dockets.
How To Find a Court Docket In Allen County
Court dockets in Allen County provide a chronological listing of scheduled hearings, filings, and case events. Members of the public can access these dockets through several methods:
-
Online Docket Access
- Visit myCase for statewide court records
- Search by case number, party name, or attorney
- View upcoming hearings and previously scheduled events
- Access chronological case summaries showing all docket entries
- Filter by date range or event type
-
Courthouse Electronic Displays
- Digital displays in courthouse lobbies show daily hearing schedules
- Organized by courtroom, judge, and time
- Updated in real-time to reflect schedule changes
-
Clerk's Office Inquiry
- Visit the Allen County Clerk's office during business hours
- Request docket information for specific cases or courtrooms
- Access public terminals for self-service docket searches
-
Court Call System
- Call the specific court division (numbers listed in "Types of Courts" section)
- Provide case number or party name
- Request hearing date information
-
Weekly Court Calendars
- Published schedules of upcoming hearings
- Available at courthouse information desks
- Organized by judge and courtroom
For specialized dockets such as criminal arraignments or small claims proceedings, contact:
Allen Superior Court - Criminal Division
715 S. Calhoun Street, Room 110
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
(260) 449-7171
Allen Superior Court - Small Claims Division
1 West Superior Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
(260) 449-7131
Pursuant to Indiana Administrative Rule 9(D), court dockets are presumptively open to public access unless specifically excluded by court order or statute.
Which Courts in Allen County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Indiana's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined by Indiana Code § 33-33-2-1 as a court that maintains formal documentation of all proceedings, including verbatim transcripts or recordings that can be used for appellate review. Courts not of record typically handle minor matters with simplified procedures and do not maintain comprehensive transcripts.
Currently, all courts operating within Allen County are courts of record, including:
- Allen Circuit Court
- Allen Superior Court (all divisions)
Prior to judicial reorganization, Allen County maintained Justice of the Peace courts and certain municipal courts that were not courts of record. However, these have been absorbed into the unified court system. All current Allen County courts:
- Maintain verbatim records of proceedings
- Employ court reporters
- Create and preserve official transcripts
- Maintain comprehensive case files
- Issue formal written orders and judgments
- Are subject to appeal to higher courts
It is important to note that while all Allen County courts are courts of record, certain proceedings within these courts may be conducted with simplified procedures, particularly in small claims matters. However, these proceedings still maintain official records as required by Indiana Small Claims Rule 11.
For questions regarding court procedures and record-keeping practices, contact the Allen County Courts administration.
Lookup Court Records in Allen County
Allen County Courts - Indiana Judicial Branch
Clerk of the Allen Circuit and Superior Courts