Whitley County
The county of Whitley is positioned within Indiana state. It was established in 1835 and covers a total land area of approximately 338 square miles. The county has a population of about 36,000 residents, making it 49th overall by size within the state. Columbia City, located in Columbia Township, serves as the county seat.
Whitley County's judicial system consists of the Circuit Court and Superior Court. Generally, both courts have original and concurrent jurisdiction over all criminal and civil matters filed in the county. Criminal cases resolved by these courts involve all types of felonies and misdemeanors. Civil matters typically handled by the Circuit Court include adoptions, probate issues, dissolution proceedings, child In need of services (CHINS), juvenile delinquency, and paternity. Likewise, the Whitley County Superior Court hears cases involving traffic infractions, estates, guardianships, divorce, and small claims matters.
Public court records in Whitley County refer to documents and case files generated from legal proceedings handled by the Circuit and Superior Courts. These records are stored electronically or at the Whitley County Courthouse and are maintained by the Clerk of Courts. They include court orders, dockets, case transcripts, witness statements, motions, and other documents filed with the Clerk. Additionally, the Clerk is tasked with administering official court records to members of the public. However, confidential court records, such as medical reports and juvenile records, are excluded from public access.
In Whitley County, interested persons may access the following types of court records:
- Criminal Court Records
- Civil Court Records
- Small Claims Court Records
- Juvenile Court Records
- Probate Court Records
- Domestic Relations Court Records
Anyone in Whitley County may access court cases and dockets through Indiana's Odyssey case management system or public access computers available at the Whitley County Courthouse. The computers are available during office hours for individuals to look up cases by party name, case number, or case type. The Clerk charges $1 per page for copies of court records, while certified copies are available for $3 each.
