Court records in Hancock County, Indiana can be found through several channels. HancockINCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also search records through the state's official MyCase portal, visit the Hancock County courts page on the Indiana Judicial Branch website, contact the Clerk of Court's office directly, or use public-access terminals at the courthouse.
Hancock Court System & Jurisdictions
Hancock County is part of Indiana's Judicial District 17 and operates two trial-level courts:
- Hancock Circuit Court — This is the county's general-jurisdiction court. It handles felony criminal cases, civil cases (including those exceeding $10,000), family law matters such as divorce and custody, guardianships, estates, and adoptions. Probate matters — wills, estate administration, and trust disputes — are also filed here.
- Hancock Superior Court — Hancock County has superior court divisions that share jurisdiction over criminal, civil, and domestic-relations cases. These courts also hear Class D felonies (now Level 6 under current Indiana law), misdemeanors, infractions, and traffic violations. Small claims cases (disputes up to $10,000) and eviction proceedings are typically filed in superior court as well.
If you are unsure which court handled a particular case, search by party name or case number on MyCase. The results will indicate the specific court and division.
Juvenile matters — delinquency, status offenses, and child-in-need-of-services (CHINS) cases — are heard in the court assigned juvenile jurisdiction. Many juvenile records are confidential under Indiana law and may not appear in public search results.
Hancock Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find today's or upcoming court hearings in Hancock County:
- Visit MyCase and search for a case by party name or case number.
- Open the case detail page. Scheduled hearings, including date, time, judge, and courtroom, are listed under the case's event or calendar entries.
- For broader calendar information, contact the Hancock County courts directly. Staff can confirm hearing times, continuances, or cancellations.
MyCase is updated regularly but is not the official record. If you have questions about jury duty, an upcoming court date, or whether a hearing has been rescheduled, call the court where the case is assigned. Walk-in visitors can also check posted dockets at the Hancock County Courthouse.
How to Get a Copy of a Hancock Court Document
Hancock County court documents — such as case filings, orders, judgments, and disposition records — can be obtained through several methods:
Online
- Some documents are viewable through MyCase. However, not all filings are uploaded, and sealed or confidential documents will not appear. The Indiana Judicial Branch public records page explains what is and isn't available online.
In Person
- Visit the Hancock County Clerk's office at the courthouse. Bring the case number or enough identifying information (party names, approximate filing date) so staff can locate the record. You can request either a plain copy or a certified copy.
By Mail
- Send a written request to the Clerk's office with the case number, document description, and a check or money order for the applicable fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery.
Certified vs. uncertified copies: A certified copy bears the Clerk's seal and signature and is accepted as an official court record for legal proceedings, background checks, or filings in other courts. An uncertified copy is suitable for personal reference. Certified copies cost more and may take slightly longer to prepare.
Certain records are restricted from public access under Indiana Administrative Rule 9, including records involving juveniles, mental health proceedings, adoptions, and cases that have been sealed or expunged.
Hancock Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Hancock County are set by Indiana statute and local administrative order. The table below reflects standard fees; confirm current amounts with the Clerk's office, as they may be updated periodically.
| Service | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (per document) | $1.00 per page plus certification fee |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certification / seal | $5.00 |
| Court record search (per name) | Contact Clerk for current fee |
| Online case search (MyCase) | Free |
Payment methods accepted at the Clerk's office typically include cash, check, and money order. Ask the Clerk whether credit or debit cards are accepted for in-person transactions. Mail-in requests should include a check or money order payable to the Hancock County Clerk.
For criminal background information beyond local court records, the Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History search covers felony and Class A misdemeanor arrests statewide. Current jail roster information for Hancock County can be checked through the INjail Public Portal, and individuals in state custody can be located using the Indiana Department of Correction offender search.