Howard County, Indiana Court Records
Howard County court records are documents produced as records of judicial proceedings conducted within the county's court system. These records are from a broad range of materials formulated at every stage of litigation and may include docket sheets, pleadings, orders, motions, judgments, transcripts of proceedings, exhibits admitted into evidence, sentencing records, and any other documents filed with or produced by the court.
The Howard County Clerk's Office is primarily responsible for maintaining court records filed in Howard County. These may include records from Howard County Circuit Court, Howard County Superior Court, Howard County Small Claims Court, Probate Court, and Family Court. One may find that court records can also be linked to other public records. For instance, arrest records may be utilized by a prosecutor during a criminal court case procedure, while some vital records like marriage, death, or birth records may be used as exhibits in a family or probate court case procedure or when a lawsuit is filed.
Are Howard County Court Records Public?
Yes. Howard County court records are, by default, assumed to be open to the public. The Indiana Access to Records Act (Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8) establishes that any person can inspect and copy the public records of any public agency during regular business hours. Also,Indiana Administrative Rule 9 sets the framework for determining accessible court records that are available to the public. Some records are confidential by operation of law and may not be accessed by the general public. They include juvenile records, adoption records, mental health and commitment records, records involving minors, including juvenile delinquency cases, termination of parental rights, and children in need of services. Others include records containing Social Security numbers and other protected personal identifiers and records sealed by court order.
What Information is Available in Howard County Court Records?
The following records are available in Howard County court records.
- Names of the parties involved
- Criminal case docket and disposition (post-adjudication)
- Names of the attorneys and the presiding judge
- Civil complaints, answers, motions, and orders
- Small case findings
- Probate filings, including wills, inventories, and accountings
- Marriage license records
- Property-related filings (deeds, mortgages, liens)
Howard County Court Records Search
Several official channels can be used to access Howard County Court Records. However, the process varies depending on the type of records sought and the court in which the case was filed.
Online Access
In Indiana, members of the public may gain access to non-confidential case information provided through the MyCase portal and other electronic systems. Click the Case tab to search for a court record by case number, the Name tab to search by party name, or the Attorney tab to search for a record by attorney.
In-Person Access
Visitation for in-person searches can be done at the clerk's office during regular business hours. Staff at the public counter can assist with locating case files, providing copies of documents, and directing requesters to the appropriate division. Requesters should have the appropriate case number, party names, or approximate filing date to facilitate the search.
Mail and Phone Requests
Written requests for certified copies or specific documents may be submitted by Mail to the court clerk. Full case caption, case number, a description of the document sought, and a return mail address should be included in your request. Arrangements should be made for payment, or an application copy and certification fees must be included.
Fees for Court Records in Howard County
Accessing public records in Howard County is generally free. Members of the public may conduct online basic court records searches for free via the state's MyCase Portal. However, some costs may be incurred for processing comprehensive or certified copies of these records. Record seekers are required to pay a fee of $1 per page for printed documents from the Clerk's Office. A certification fee of $3 is added to the $1 per page fee.
Howard County Courthouse Locations
All Howard County courts are located in the Howard County Courthouse at 104 North Buckeye Street, Kokomo. All courts observe the same hours
Howard County Circuit Court
104 North Buckeye Street, Suite 114,
Kokomo, IN 46901
Phone: (765) 456-2204
Fax: (765) 456-2267
Howard County Superior Court No. 1
104 North Buckeye Street, Suite 114,
Kokomo, IN 46901
Phone: (765) 456-2204
Fax: (765) 456-2267
Howard County Superior Court No. 2
104 North Buckeye Street, Suite 114,
Kokomo, IN 46901
Phone: (765) 456-2204
Fax: (765) 456-2267
Howard County Superior Court No. 3
104 North Buckeye Street, Suite 114,
Kokomo, IN 46901
Phone: (765) 456-2204
Fax: (765) 456-2267
Howard County Superior Court No. 4
104 North Buckeye Street, Suite 114,
Kokomo, IN 46901
Phone: (765) 456-2204
Fax: (765) 456-2267
Criminal Records Access in Howard County.
The Indiana State Police operates a Limited Criminal History (LCH) search that covers felonies, class A misdemeanors statewide, including those originating in Howard County. An online fee of $15.00 per search plus a credit card processing charge is required. All mail requests must include a money order payable to the Indiana State Police. Furthermore, the Circuit court and all Superior Courts hear all criminal cases. They share jurisdiction over felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions. The Clerk's office maintains the official records of all criminal proceedings. MyCase portal shows non-confidential criminal docket information. Results include charges, hearing schedules, dispositions, and sentencing information for cases that haven't been sealed.
Howard County Probate Records
Howard County probate records include probate, estate administration, trust matters, Conservatorship, and guardianship. These matters are heard in the Circuit Court and the Superior Courts. The office of the clerk manages all probate filings. For an online check, visit the MyCase portal for probate case data. For in-person access, visit the clerk's office or the specific court that handled the case. You can also send a written request by mail with adequate specific details to the Howard County Clerk's Office at 104 North Buckeye Street, Room 202, Kokomo, IN 46901. Be sure to include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you need copies returned by mail.
Howard County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Haward county comprises of divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, domestic violence protective orders, and guardianship. All family court cases are managed by the Circuit Court and the Superior Courts. Members of the public who wish to search for divorce records may visit the MyCase online portal and select Family under the search filters. In-person requests can be made to the Clerk's office or by mail to access copies of divorce decrees. Cases like child custody, settlement details, domestic abuse, financial account data, and Social Security numbers are restricted from public access.
Federal Court Records in Howard County
Federal court records in Howard County are managed in the District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. Court records maintained by this agency may include dockets, motions, and judgments filed in federal courts.
These records can be accessed online through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records PACER. In-person requests can also be made to the office of the clerk of the district court for the Southern District of Indiana.
