Monroe County Court in Indiana operates as a unified Circuit Court with nine judicial divisions under Judicial District 20, covering the case categories that a Monroe County Superior Court and Circuit Court would handle separately in other Indiana counties. The Charlotte Zietlow Justice Center at 301 N College Ave, Bloomington, IN 47404 houses the Monroe County Circuit Court, Clerk of Court, and supporting offices Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Monroe County court phone number for the Circuit Court is (812) 349-2615, and the Monroe County clerk of court answers at (812) 349-2614. The Monroe County judge directory lists nine sitting judges plus a Commissioner, with the Monroe County court calendar, Monroe County jury duty details, and a juror message line at 812-349-5879. Monroe County ADA accommodations and Monroe County court interpreter requests route through the court’s administrative office. Local rules, annual reports, court reporter guidelines, and Monroe County court forms remain available through the county website, and the Monroe County courthouse address serves probation, the Monroe County public defender, and the Monroe County district attorney.
Monroe County Court records are searchable through the Odyssey public portal at mycase.in.gov. Visitors run a Monroe County court case lookup by entering a full case number or the first three letters of a last name. The system excludes juvenile and mental health matters under Access to Court Records Rule 5. Monroe County e-filing runs through Odyssey File and Serve, with technical support reachable at Support@odysseyfileandserve.zendesk.com. Public users can pull Monroe County criminal court records, review the Monroe County court docket, and download Monroe County court forms from the Document Center. Specialized divisions handle Monroe County family court filings, Monroe County divorce records, Monroe County child custody petitions, Monroe County restraining order requests, and Monroe County name change applications. Separate dockets exist for Monroe County probate court, Monroe County small claims court, the Monroe County eviction process, and Monroe County traffic court. The Monroe County district attorney coordinates with the Monroe County public defender on criminal matters. Bond money release protocols, which affect every Monroe County bail bondsman transaction, require a Court Order before the Clerk disburses funds. Monroe County legal aid listings and Monroe County court fees with a $25.00 late charge on overdue balances remain posted online.
Monroe County Court Case Search and Records Lookup
Public access to Monroe County Court records runs through the Indiana Odyssey statewide case management portal. Visitors searching for Monroe County court case lookup results can use the live portal to pull criminal, civil, family, probate, small claims, and traffic docket entries filed in Bloomington, Indiana.
Steps Searching Method
- Open the official portal at https://mycase.in.gov and select “Search” from the top menu.
- Click the “Case Search” link and choose “Monroe County” from the county dropdown list.
- Enter a full case number, the first three letters of a last name, or a business name in the party search field.
- Apply filters by case type (criminal, civil, family, probate, small claims, traffic) and date range.
- Review the returned Monroe County court docket entries, party names, charge descriptions, and hearing dates.
- Click the case number link to open the full docket sheet and view filed documents available for public download.
Records Excluded from Public Search
- Juvenile matters sealed under Indiana Access to Court Records Rule 5
- Mental health commitment cases
- Adoption proceedings and paternity filings before finalization
- Trade secret and confidential financial information
- Sealed records subject to a specific court protective order
Monroe County Court E-Filing System
Electronic filing for Monroe County Court submissions goes through the Odyssey File and Serve platform. Attorneys and self-represented litigants use this portal to submit new petitions, proposed orders, motions, and supporting exhibits for every division of the Monroe County Circuit Court.
Steps to File Electronically
- Create a registered account at https://www.tylertech.com/ for Monroe County Court e-filing submissions.
- Select “Indiana” and “Monroe County” from the jurisdiction dropdown.
- Choose the appropriate case category: civil, criminal, family, probate, small claims, or traffic.
- Upload documents in PDF format, ensuring each filing complies with Monroe County local rules.
- Pay filing fees through the portal using a credit card, debit card, or attorney trust account.
- Receive a confirmation email with a filing stamp and any assigned hearing date.
E-Filing Technical Support
Users encountering portal errors or filing rejections can contact Odyssey File and Serve technical support at Support@odysseyfileandserve.zendesk.com. The support team handles document upload failures, payment processing issues, and service of process questions for Monroe County Court submissions.
Monroe County Court Divisions and Jurisdiction
Monroe County Court operates as a unified Circuit Court under Indiana Judicial District 20, with nine judicial divisions handling matters that a Monroe County Superior Court would manage in counties with separate trial court structures. The Charlotte Zietlow Justice Center at 301 N College Ave, Bloomington, IN 47404 houses all judicial divisions and the Clerk of Court office.
Judicial Division Structure
- Division 1: Civil and plenary matters
- Division 2: Criminal felony cases and post-conviction relief
- Division 3: Family law including Monroe County divorce records and Monroe County child custody petitions
- Division 4: Domestic relations and Monroe County restraining order requests
- Division 5: Juvenile delinquency and status offenses
- Division 6: Probate court including wills, estates, and guardianships
- Division 7: Small claims court and civil collections up to the statutory limit
- Division 8: Traffic court infractions, misdemeanor criminal matters, and ordinance violations
- Division 9: Mental health commitments and civil protective orders
Monroe County Judge Directory
Each division is presided over by a sitting judge elected to a six-year term. A full-time Commissioner hears initial proceedings in civil, small claims, and protective order hearings. The complete Monroe County judge directory with assignment schedules is published on the county court website and updated after each election cycle.
Monroe County Court Hours and Schedule
The Charlotte Zietlow Justice Center operates on a set weekly schedule for in-person filings, payments, and clerk services. Filings submitted after 4:00 p.m. on weekdays receive a next-business-day filing stamp per Monroe County local rule.
Court Location Operating Hours
| Day | Clerk Office Hours | Court Session Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | Closed | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed | Closed |
Holiday Closures
The Monroe County Court closes on New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving (Thursday and Friday), and Christmas Day. Emergency hearings continue during closures for matters involving public safety.
Monroe County Court Fees and Cost Schedule
Fees for civil filings, criminal bond actions, certified copies, and record searches are set by Indiana statute and Monroe County local rule. Payments are accepted in cash, money order, business check, or credit card through the Odyssey portal.
Standard Monroe County Court Fees
| Service | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Civil filing fee (new complaint) | Set by Indiana Trial Rule 3 |
| Small claims filing (under $1,500) | Set by Indiana Small Claims Rule 2 |
| Small claims filing ($1,500 to statutory limit) | Set by Indiana Small Claims Rule 2 |
| Probate estate opening | Set by Indiana Probate Rule 4 |
| Marriage license application | Set by Indiana Code 31-11-4 |
| Certified copy of court order | Per page rate set by county |
| Record search (per name per year) | Set by Indiana Code 33-37-5 |
| Court reporter transcript (per page) | Set by Indiana Code 33-37-5 |
| Returned check fee | Set by Indiana Code 34-24-3 |
| Late payment surcharge (overdue balance) | $25.00 |
Fee Waivers and Deferrals
Indiana Trial Rule 77 allows indigent litigants to request a fee waiver using the Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis. Approval eliminates filing costs for civil, small claims, and family court actions. Monroe County Court reviews each petition within five business days of submission.
Monroe County Court Department Directory and Phone Extensions
Each Monroe County Court office maintains a direct phone line routed through the main courthouse switchboard. Callers can dial the main number and request the specific division or use the direct extensions below for faster service.
Department Contact Lines
| Department | Phone Number | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit Court main line | (812) 349-2615 | Scheduling and judge assignment |
| Clerk of Court | (812) 349-2614 | Filings, payments, records |
| Jury message line | (812) 349-5879 | Reporting status, deferrals |
| Probation Department | (812) 349-2640 | Probation reporting, supervision |
| Public Defender | (812) 349-2645 | Public defense case inquiries |
| Prosecutor (District Attorney) | (812) 349-2670 | Criminal charging decisions |
| Bailiff Office | (812) 349-2610 | Building security, in-custody matters |
| Court Reporter Coordinator | (812) 349-2625 | Transcript orders |
Monroe County Family Court and Domestic Relations
The Monroe County family court division presides over dissolution of marriage, child custody, parenting time, child support, paternity, adoption, and name change petitions. All filings in this division must include a completed case information form and parenting class certificate where applicable.
Common Family Court Filings
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (with or without minor children)
- Verified Petition for Paternity Establishment
- Petition for Allocation of Parental Rights and Responsibilities (Monroe County child custody)
- Motion for Provisional Orders for temporary custody, support, or possession
- Petition for Order of Protection (Monroe County restraining order)
- Verified Petition for Name Change (adult or minor)
- Petition for Adoption (related, stepparent, adult, or foreign-born)
- Motion to Modify or Enforce existing support or custody orders
Divorce Records Access
Final dissolution decrees become part of the permanent Monroe County divorce records archive. Certified copies of divorce decrees are available from the Clerk of Court office for a per-page fee. The Odyssey portal displays case disposition information, hearing transcripts, and the final decree for cases filed after the electronic records conversion date.
Monroe County Criminal Court Records
Criminal case records for felonies, misdemeanors, and ordinance violations are maintained in the Odyssey system. Public users can search for Monroe County criminal court records by defendant name, case number, or charge code.
Criminal Court Process Steps
- Initial Hearing: Arraignment, bond review, and appointment of counsel if indigent
- Discovery Phase: Exchange of evidence between the Monroe County district attorney and defense counsel
- Plea Negotiation or Pretrial Conference: Resolution discussions or scheduling of motions
- Motions Hearing: Suppression, severance, or other pretrial motions
- Trial or Guilty Plea: Bench or jury trial on the charges
- Sentencing: Imposition of sentence, fines, costs, or probation terms
Bond and Bail Information
Bond money release protocols for every Monroe County bail bondsman transaction require a signed Court Order before the Clerk disburses funds. Surety bondsmen must present a power of attorney and verification of premium payment. The Clerk’s office processes bond exoneration after case disposition or court authorization.
Monroe County Probate Court
The Monroe County probate court division handles estate administration, wills, trusts, guardianships, and protective proceedings for incapacitated adults. Informal probate estates follow the Indiana Probate Code supervised procedure rules.
Common Probate Filings
- Petition for Probate of Will and Issuance of Letters Testamentary
- Petition for Appointment of Personal Representative (intestate estate)
- Inventory and Appraisement of Estate Assets
- Notice to Beneficiaries and Creditors
- Petition for Final Settlement and Distribution
- Petition for Appointment of Guardian for Minor or Incapacitated Person
- Petition for Sale of Real Property from Estate
- Petition to Determine Heirs (intestate succession)
Small Estate Affidavit Procedure
Estates valued under the Indiana statutory small estate limit may bypass full probate administration by filing a Small Estate Affidavit with the Monroe County probate court. This streamlined process transfers personal property and certain accounts without court supervision.
Monroe County Small Claims Court
Monroe County small claims court provides a simplified forum for civil disputes involving money damages up to the statutory jurisdictional limit. Cases are heard by a Commissioner or designated judge using informal procedures designed for self-represented litigants.
Small Claims Court Filing Requirements
- Completed Notice of Claim form with defendant contact details
- Original and two copies of the claim document
- Filing fee paid at the Clerk of Court window or through Odyssey File and Serve
- Service of process on the defendant by certified mail or sheriff service
- Appearance at the scheduled hearing date with supporting evidence and witnesses
Common Small Claims Matters
- Unpaid consumer debts and credit card balances
- Security deposit disputes with landlords
- Property damage and contract performance claims
- Repair services and home improvement disputes
- Returned check recovery actions
Monroe County Eviction Process
Residential eviction actions in Monroe County proceed under Indiana Code 32-31 and follow the possession hearing timeline. Landlords must serve a proper notice to quit before filing the eviction complaint with the Monroe County small claims court or civil division.
Eviction Filing Steps
- Serve a written Notice to Quit with the statutory cure period
- File a Verified Complaint for Possession with the Clerk of Court
- Pay the civil filing fee and obtain a summons
- Arrange service of the summons on the tenant by sheriff or certified mail
- Attend the eviction hearing with lease, notice, and payment records
- Obtain a Judgment for Possession if the court rules in the landlord’s favor
- Request a Writ of Possession to the Monroe County Sheriff for execution
Monroe County Traffic Court
Monroe County traffic court handles infractions, written warnings, and traffic-related misdemeanors. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles receives conviction reports that can affect driving privileges and insurance rates.
Resolving a Traffic Citation
- Enter a not guilty plea and request a hearing through the Odyssey portal
- Pay the scheduled fine before the hearing date to close the matter without a conviction
- Attend traffic school if eligible under the Monroe County diversion program
- Appear at the scheduled court date with photo identification and any supporting documents
Defensive Driving School Eligibility
The Monroe County Court offers a defensive driving diversion for first-time traffic offenders charged with certain moving violations. Completion of the approved course results in case dismissal, provided the defendant meets eligibility requirements and submits proof of course completion before the deadline.
Monroe County Court Forms and Document Center
Standardized court forms for every division are available in the Monroe County Court Document Center. Self-represented litigants can download templates for family law, civil, small claims, probate, and criminal matters without charge.
Available Form Categories
- Family Court: Dissolution packets, parenting plans, financial affidavits, child support worksheets
- Civil: Complaints, summons, answers, motions, requests for default judgment
- Probate: Petitions for probate, inventories, small estate affidavits, guardianship packets
- Small Claims: Notice of claim, affidavits, witness subpoenas, satisfaction of judgment
- Criminal: Petitions to seal records, motions for early termination of probation
- Traffic: Traffic school enrollment forms, time-pay requests, proof of compliance
Form Download Instructions
Forms open as fillable PDFs compatible with Adobe Reader and most browser-based PDF tools. Filers must complete the form on a computer before printing for signature, then submit the signed document to the Clerk of Court or through Odyssey File and Serve.
Monroe County Jury Duty
Jurors for the Monroe County Circuit Court receive summons by mail approximately 30 days before the service date. The juror message line at (812) 349-5879 allows prospective jurors to check reporting status, request postponements, or claim exemptions.
Jury Service Process
- Complete the online juror questionnaire within 10 days of receiving the summons
- Call the juror message line the evening before service for reporting instructions
- Report to the Charlotte Zietlow Justice Center jury assembly room by 8:30 a.m. on the service date
- Remain available for the full service day or until released by the presiding judge
- Receive compensation per Indiana Code 33-37-11 for each day of service
Jury Exemptions and Deferrals
Statutory exemptions apply to active duty military, certain elected officials, and individuals over the age of 70 who request exemption. Medical hardships, financial hardship, and prior jury service within 24 months qualify as grounds for deferral to a later term.
Monroe County ADA Accommodations and Court Interpreters
Requests for Monroe County ADA accommodations and court interpreter services route through the court’s administrative office. The court provides reasonable modifications for individuals with disabilities and certified interpreters for limited English proficiency parties in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
How to Request an Accommodation
- Contact the Court ADA Coordinator at least 5 business days before the scheduled hearing
- Submit the request in writing using the official ADA Request Form from the court website
- Specify the accommodation needed: interpreter language, sign language, mobility access, or auxiliary aid
- Provide supporting documentation from a medical provider or licensed professional when applicable
Available Accommodations
- Certified foreign language interpreters for civil and criminal hearings
- American Sign Language interpreters for deaf or hard of hearing parties
- Accessible courtroom seating, ramps, and assistive listening devices
- Documents in large print or alternative formats on request
- Service animal accommodation in all public areas of the courthouse
Monroe County Public Defender and District Attorney
Indigent criminal defendants in Monroe County receive legal representation through the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office. The Monroe County district attorney prosecutes felony and misdemeanor charges filed in the Circuit Court divisions.
Public Defender Eligibility
The Monroe County Public Defender serves defendants who face incarceration and meet the Indiana Public Defender Commission income guidelines. Eligibility is determined at the initial hearing through a financial affidavit submitted to the court.
Public Defender Service Areas
- Felony defense from initial hearing through sentencing
- Misdemeanor defense in Monroe County traffic court and criminal divisions
- Juvenile delinquency representation
- Probation violation hearings and post-conviction relief
- Mental health commitment defense under Division 9 jurisdiction
District Attorney Case Review
The Monroe County district attorney reviews police reports, evaluates evidence, and files formal charges in criminal cases. Victim-witness advocates within the office provide support for victims throughout the prosecution process, including case status updates and court appearance notifications.
Monroe County Legal Aid Resources
Civil legal aid providers in Monroe County offer free or low-cost legal services to qualifying residents. Services cover housing disputes, family law matters, consumer protection, public benefits, and elder law issues.
Available Legal Aid Providers
- Indiana Legal Services: Statewide civil legal aid for low-income residents
- Indiana Disability Rights: Legal advocacy for individuals with disabilities
- Indiana Justice Project: Criminal record expungement and pardon assistance
- Volunteer Lawyer Program: Pro bono civil representation through the Monroe County Bar Association
- Indiana Protective Order Project: Free representation in protective order hearings
Self-Help Legal Resources
The Monroe County Court Self-Help Center provides procedural assistance, form review, and courtroom orientation for self-represented litigants. Staff attorneys cannot provide legal advice but can direct visitors to relevant statutes, local rules, and form templates.
Monroe County Court Reporter and Notary Services
Official court reporters create the verbatim transcript of every court proceeding. Transcript requests require completion of the Transcript Order Form and prepayment of the per-page fee set by Indiana Code 33-37-5.
Court Reporter Services
- Daily transcript of felony and high-profile civil trials
- Expedited transcript delivery for appellate deadlines
- Electronic transcript delivery in PDF or text format
- Audio recording requests when no court reporter is present
Notary Public Services at the Clerk’s Office
The Monroe County Clerk of Court office provides notary public services for court filings at no additional charge. Visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification and sign documents in the presence of the notary. The office does not provide notary services for documents unrelated to court filings.
Contact, Local Details, and Map
The Monroe County Circuit Court centralizes its trial divisions, criminal records, domestic filings, and state public access counters within the Charlotte Zietlow Justice Center in downtown Bloomington, Indiana. Operating under the unified Indiana Judicial Branch framework, the County Clerk manages master filing repositories and fine collection windows for all active judicial benches.
- Official County Portal: co.monroe.in.us (Monroe County Government Site)
- Online Case Record Search: mycase.in.gov (Indiana MyCase Public Access Portal)
Primary Court Division & Contacts
| Department / Office | Verified Phone | Physical & Mailing Address | Operational Hours |
| Monroe County Clerk | (812) 349-2614 | 301 N. College Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47404 | 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday |
| Circuit Court Administration | (812) 349-2615 | 301 N. College Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47404 | 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday |
| Jury Management Services | (812) 349-2621 | 301 N. College Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47404 | 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday |
Court Location Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Monroe County Court in Bloomington, Indiana serves as the local judicial hub for residents across Monroe County. The Circuit Court operates as a unified court with nine divisions, handling traffic violations, felonies, small claims, family matters, and probate cases. Citizens can search public dockets online, file new cases electronically, and view court forms through the county website.
How do I search for a case in Monroe County Court?
You can search Monroe County Court cases online through the Indiana Odyssey statewide portal at http://mycase.in.gov/. To begin, type the full case number, or enter the first three letters of the last name followed by an asterisk before submitting. The system displays pending and closed dockets, covering civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters filed at the Charlotte Zietlow Justice Center. Juvenile paternity cases filed before July 1, 2014 may not appear. Call (812) 349-2615 if you need help locating a record.
What are the hours and phone number for the Monroe County Clerk of Court?
The Monroe County Clerk of Court operates from the Charlotte Zietlow Justice Center, located at 301 N College Ave, Bloomington, IN 47404. Office hours run Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, and Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. You can reach the office by phone at (812) 349-2615 for office questions, send a fax to (812) 349-2791, or dial 812-349-5879 for juror messages. Court Administrator Lisa Abraham supervises daily operations and the staff directory online.
How is the Monroe County Circuit Court organized?
The Monroe County Circuit Court works as a unified court with nine judicial divisions and one commissioner handling every category of case. Current judges sit across Division I through Division IX, covering Geoffrey J. Bradley, Valeri Haughton, Christine Talley Haseman, Catherine B. Stafford, Mary Ellen Diekhoff, Kara E. Krothe, Holly M. Harvey, Emily A. Salzmann, and Darcie L. Fawcett. Bret D. Raper serves as Commissioner. The Office of Court Services and Probation Department support the divisions.
What types of cases does Monroe County Court handle?
Monroe County Court hears a wide range of civil and criminal matters at the Charlotte Zietlow Justice Center. Civil case types include AD (Adoption), CC (Civil Collection), CT (Civil Tort), DC (Domestic Relations with Children), DN (Domestic Relations No Children), GU (Guardianship), MF (Mortgage Foreclosure), SC (Small Claim), and TS (Tax Sale). Criminal categories cover felonies, misdemeanors, juvenile delinquency, and post-conviction relief petitions. Small claim and eviction filings pass through the same court system.
Why are some Monroe County court records not available online?
Access to Court Records Rule 5 restricts public viewing of certain Monroe County Court records through the Odyssey portal. Juvenile and mental health matters stay sealed from public search at mycase.in.gov to protect privacy. Juvenile paternity cases filed before July 1, 2014 may not display in the online system due to legacy database limits. Anyone needing restricted records must contact the Clerk’s office directly by phone at (812) 349-2615 or visit during posted office hours for guidance.