Decatur County Court serves the residents of Greensburg and all of southeastern Indiana through its two main trial divisions: the Circuit Court and the Superior Court. Both courts operate out of the historic Decatur County courthouse at 150 Courthouse Square in Greensburg. The Decatur County court docket covers a wide range of legal matters, from criminal cases and civil disputes to family law, probate, and small claims. To access the Decatur County court docket, users can search court cases using the Indiana Public Courts Portal, which provides online access to non-confidential case information. The Decatur County court clerk, Janet Howell, manages all court filings, case records, and official documents for the county. For those needing to look up Decatur County court records, the clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and can be reached by phone at 812-663-8223. The Decatur County court system also processes online payments for small claims, civil collection, and miscellaneous fees through the My Payment Portal, making it easier for individuals to resolve their cases without visiting the courthouse in person.
Decatur County Court is part of Judicial District 21 in Indiana and follows local rules approved by the Indiana Supreme Court for areas such as special judge selection, court reporter services, and caseload allocation. The Decatur County circuit court handles a broad spectrum of cases, while the Decatur County superior court, presided over by the Honorable Matthew D. Bailey, focuses on both criminal and civil matters as a trial court of general jurisdiction. A Decatur County court magistrate also assists with specific hearings and case types to keep the docket moving efficiently. For individuals navigating the court system, the Decatur County court offers resources like the Self-Service Legal Center and Indiana Legal Help for those who need guidance on forms, procedures, or legal aid. The Decatur County court calendar is managed by the clerk’s office, and updates about holiday schedules or court closures are posted on the county website. Whether you need to search Decatur County court cases, file documents, or request a transcript through TheRecordXchange, the Decatur County court system provides clear pathways to handle your legal needs.
Search Decatur County, Indiana Court Cases and Records
Decatur County Court, Indiana, provides public access to court records, case information, and legal filings through official systems. The Decatur County Courthouse is located at 150 Courthouse Square in Greensburg, Indiana 47240. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding court holidays. This page covers how to search for Decatur County court cases, find forms, understand the court structure, and access official tools without relying on third‑party sites that may charge fees for public records.
Court System Overview for Decatur County, Indiana
Decatur County operates under the Indiana court system, which includes circuit and superior courts. The Decatur Circuit Court handles major civil and criminal cases. The Decatur Superior Court manages additional caseloads. Both courts share the same courthouse building. The clerk of the circuit court maintains all records, dockets, and filing information. Public records are available for viewing during business hours or through the Indiana court portal.
| Court Type | Jurisdiction | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Decatur Circuit Court | Civil, criminal, family, probate | 150 Courthouse Square, Greensburg, IN |
| Decatur Superior Court | Civil, criminal, small claims | 150 Courthouse Square, Greensburg, IN |
| Decatur County Jail | Detention facility | 119 E Railroad St, Greensburg, IN |
- Open the official site at https://www.in.gov/courts/local/decatur-county/
- Select “Decatur County” from the county dropdown
- Enter the person’s last name or case number
- Click “Search” to view matching records
- Click on a case number to see the full docket and documents
Records from the past 10 years are typically available. Older records may require a visit to the courthouse or a request to the clerk’s office. The Decatur County Court does not charge for public inspection of records in person.
Decatur County Court Forms and Filing Procedures
Court forms for Decatur County are available through the Indiana state courts website and the local clerk’s office. Common forms include small claims complaints, protective order petitions, family law filings, and criminal case documents. Forms are provided as PDF files. The clerk’s office can help with basic form questions, but cannot provide legal advice. For legal help, contact a licensed Indiana attorney.
| Form Type | Use | Where to Get |
|---|---|---|
| Small Claims Complaint | File a claim for money under $8,000 | Indiana Self‑Service Center |
| Protective Order Petition | Request a no‑contact or protective order | Decatur County Clerk’s Office or online |
| Family Law Forms | Divorce, custody, support | Indiana Self‑Service Center |
| Criminal Forms | Pro se motions, waivers | Decatur County Clerk’s Office |
Filing fees vary by case type. The Decatur County Clerk accepts cash, check, or credit card. Fee amounts are set by Indiana state law. If you cannot afford filing fees, you may request a fee waiver by filing a Pauper’s Affidavit with the court.
Decatur County Court Docket and Hearing Schedule
Court dockets for Decatur County are published daily on the Indiana public case search system. Docket information includes hearing dates, times, courtrooms, and presiding judges. Parties and attorneys can also check the docket at the courthouse bulletin board. The clerk posts updates as hearings are scheduled.
To find a specific hearing, search mycase.in.gov by case number. The docket tab shows all hearing events. Dockets are also available through the Decatur County official website at decaturcounty.in.gov. The county posts meeting schedules for the commissioners and other local government bodies, but court trial schedules are managed by the judiciary.
Decatur County Court Phone Number and Contact Information
The Decatur County Circuit Court Clerk can be reached by phone during business hours. The main number for the courthouse is (812) 663‑8223. For specific departments, the clerk’s office can direct calls. The physical address is 150 Courthouse Square, Greensburg, IN 47240. The official county website is decaturcounty.in.gov. Public records requests can be made in person or by mail.
Important scam warning: The Decatur County Sheriff’s Office will never call you to say you missed a court date and demand payment. These calls are scams. Hang up and report the call to local law enforcement. Official court notifications come by mail or in person, never by phone, demanding money.
Decatur County Court Records for Genealogy and Research
Historical court records for Decatur County are available for genealogy research. The Indiana State Library and the Family History Library in Salt Lake City hold microfilm copies of older records. Online resources like FamilySearch provide indexed collections of Decatur County marriage, probate, and court records from the 1800s. For recent records, use the Indiana state portal.
- FamilySearch wiki
- https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Decatur_County,_Indiana_Genealogy
| Record Type | Years Available | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage records | 1822–present (indexed to 1920) | FamilySearch wiki |
| Probate records | 1830–1920 | Indiana State Library |
| Criminal case files | 19th century–present | Decatur County Clerk’s Office |
| Court minutes | 1822–present | Decatur County Archives |
FamilySearch is a free resource. The Decatur County Genealogy and Local History Society can also provide for historical research. Contact them through the Decatur County Public Library in Greensburg.
Decatur County Jury Duty
Jury duty in Decatur County is managed by the clerk of the circuit court. Citizens are randomly selected from voter registration and driver’s license records. Jurors receive a summons by mail. The summons includes the reporting date, time, and courtroom number. Jury service usually lasts one day or the length of a trial. Employers in Indiana must give employees time off for jury duty. Pay is set by state law at a small daily amount plus mileage.
If you lose your jury summons, call the Decatur County Clerk at (812) 663‑8223 to confirm your reporting instructions. You can also check the official website for juror information. Failure to appear for jury duty without good cause can result in a contempt of court citation.
Decatur County Court Fine Payment
Traffic tickets and court fines for Decatur County can be paid online through the Indiana state e‑payment portal or in person at the clerk’s office. Online payments accept credit cards and e‑checks. A convenience fee applies. In‑person payments are accepted by cash, check, or money order. Mail payments should include the case number and be sent to the Decatur County Clerk, 150 Courthouse Square, Greensburg, IN 47240.
If you cannot pay a fine in full, you may request a payment plan from the judge. Do not ignore a fine. Failure to pay can lead to a driver’s license suspension or a warrant. The clerk provides information about community service options for those unable to pay.
Decatur County Court E‑Filing System
Attorneys and self‑represented litigants can e‑file documents in Decatur County through the Indiana e‑filing system. The system is mandatory for attorney filers in most civil cases. E‑filing is available 24/7 and provides an instant receipt. The official e‑filing portal. Support is available through the Indiana e‑filing help desk. Document filing fees are the same as paper filing.
Self‑represented parties may also e‑file, though they must register for an account. Paper filing remains an option for individuals without internet access. E‑filed documents must be in PDF format and include all required signatures. The system automatically notifies the court and opposing parties.
Decatur County Court Statistics and Caseload
Decatur County courts process a mix of civil, criminal, and family cases each year. According to the Indiana Office of Judicial Administration, the county handles roughly 3,000 to 4,000 new cases annually. The circuit and superior courts share the workload. Criminal cases make up about 40% of filings. Civil cases account for 30%. Family and probate matters cover the rest. The court maintains a clearance rate above 95% for most case types.
In 2026, Decatur County held primary elections for local offices. Court officials and judges are elected to six‑year terms. The most recent election results are posted on the county website. Election data for Decatur County is available from the Indiana Secretary of State.
How to Get Decatur County Court Records in Person
Visiting the Decatur County Courthouse is the most direct way to obtain court records. The clerk’s office is on the first floor. You can request copies of case documents at the counter. Photocopy fees apply. The clerk can provide copies of docket sheets, filings, judgments, and orders. Certified copies are available for an additional fee.
Bring a case number if you have one. If you do not know the case number, provide the party name. The clerk can search the database for you. Records older than 10 years may require a written request and processing time. The courthouse is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, except holidays.
Decatur County Court Holidays and Closings
The Decatur County Courthouse closes on all state holidays. Observed holidays include New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. Weather closings may occur; check the county website or local news for updates. Court sessions are not held on weekends or holidays. If your court date falls on a holiday, the court will reschedule. Contact the clerk to confirm the new date. The county also posts closing notices on its Facebook page.
Contact, Local Details, and Map
The Decatur County Courthouse houses the local circuit and superior court divisions, along with regional administrative offices. Visitors can access public case records, filing windows, and court services directly at the main courthouse facility in Greensburg, Indiana.
- Official Website: decaturcounty.in.gov (Decatur County Clerk Portal)
- Online Case Search: mycase.in.gov (Indiana Court Case Search)
- Verified Public Phone: (812) 663-8223
- Operational Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday (Excluding Court Holidays)
- Physical Address: 150 Courthouse Square, Greensburg, IN 47240
Frequently Asked Questions
Decatur County Court serves residents of Greensburg and all of Decatur County, Indiana. The court handles criminal, civil, traffic, and family cases. This FAQ answers common questions about contacting the court, searching records, paying fees, and finding forms. Use the official Decatur County Court website or call the Clerk for help.
How do I contact the Decatur County Court in Indiana?
Call the Decatur County Clerk at 812-663-8223. The fax number is 812-662-6627. Visit the Decatur County Courthouse at 150 Courthouse Square, Greensburg, IN 47240. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Decatur Superior Court has a separate phone line at 812-663-8523. Check the county website for holiday closures.
Where is the Decatur County Courthouse located?
The Decatur County Courthouse is at 150 Courthouse Square in Greensburg, Indiana 47240. The building houses the Circuit Court, Superior Court, Magistrate Court, and the Clerk’s office. Parking is available around the square. Enter through the main doors on Courthouse Square. Courtrooms are on the second floor. The Clerk’s office is in Suite 244. The Superior Court is in Suite 219.
How can I search Decatur County court records and cases?
Use the Indiana Public Courts Portal to search Decatur County court cases online. The portal lets you look up cases by name or case number. You can see court dates, filing documents, and case status. The Clerk also maintains paper indexes and records in the courthouse. Visit the Clerk’s office during business hours to search in person. For confidential cases, access may be limited.
Can I pay Decatur County court fees or fines online?
Yes, the Decatur County Clerk accepts online payments for small claims, civil collection, and miscellaneous costs. Go to the Clerk’s page on the county website and click the link for the online payment portal. The system redirects you to My Payment Portal to complete the transaction. This option does not cover child support payments. For traffic tickets or other fees, check the Indiana Public Courts Portal.
What types of cases does Decatur County Court hear?
Decatur County Circuit Court and Superior Court handle criminal cases, civil lawsuits, family matters, and probate. Criminal cases include felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic infractions. Civil cases include small claims, protective orders, divorces, and child support. The court also manages estates, guardianships, and juvenile cases. The Magistrate Court assists with hearings and motions. Child support services are available through a separate office.
How do I get forms for Decatur County Court?
Visit the Indiana Supreme Court Self-Service Legal Center for standard court forms. The Decatur County Clerk’s office provides forms for marriage licenses, passport applications, and protection orders. For probate forms for small estates, use the resources on the Clerk’s webpage. Local court rules are posted on the county site. If you cannot find a form, call the Clerk at 812-663-8223 for guidance.