Court records in Bartholomew County, Indiana can be searched through several channels. BartholomewCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also search records through the state's MyCase online portal, visit the Bartholomew County Clerk's office in person at 234 Washington St., Columbus, IN, or use public-access terminals at the courthouse. The Indiana Judicial Branch's Bartholomew County page provides additional contact details and resources.
Bartholomew County Court System & Jurisdictions
Bartholomew County is part of the ninth judicial circuit of Indiana under IC 33-33-3. The county operates three trial-level courts, each handling distinct case types. Understanding which court holds the docket you need is the first step in any records search.
Circuit Court
The Bartholomew County Circuit Court has general jurisdiction and handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases (including tort, contract, and real property disputes)
- Domestic relations matters (divorce, custody, paternity)
- Guardianship and mental health proceedings
- Juvenile delinquency and child-in-need-of-services (CHINS) cases
- Appeals from lower courts and administrative agencies
Superior Court 1
Established under IC 33-33-3, Superior Court 1 shares concurrent jurisdiction with the Circuit Court over many civil and criminal matters. It commonly handles:
- Felony and misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil litigation
- Infractions and ordinance violations
- Protective orders
Superior Court 2
Superior Court 2 also exercises concurrent jurisdiction and typically manages:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Small claims (disputes up to $10,000 under Indiana law)
- Civil collections and evictions
- Traffic and ordinance violations
All three courts sit at the Bartholomew County Courthouse in Columbus. Cases are assigned across the courts based on internal case-allocation rules, so if you are unsure which court holds a particular filing, search by party name or case number on MyCase rather than guessing the court division.
Bartholomew County Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's court schedule in Bartholomew County, use the following resources:
- Indiana MyCase portal — Search mycase.in.gov by case number or party name. Each case record lists upcoming hearing dates, times, and the assigned courtroom.
- Contact the court directly — The Indiana Judicial Branch's Bartholomew County page lists phone numbers for the Circuit Court and both Superior Courts. Call the court clerk's division to confirm a specific hearing or ask about daily docket postings.
- Courthouse postings — Daily dockets are typically posted at the Bartholomew County Courthouse. Arrive early if you need to check the schedule for a same-day hearing.
Indiana courts do not maintain a single statewide calendar website, so MyCase is the most reliable online tool. Keep in mind that hearing dates can change; always verify with the court if you have an obligation to appear.
How to Get a Copy of a Bartholomew County Court Document
The Bartholomew County Clerk of Courts is the custodian of all court records generated by the Circuit Court and both Superior Courts. You can obtain copies through three channels:
Online
Many non-confidential documents are viewable through MyCase. Some filings can be downloaded directly. Not all documents are imaged in the system — older cases or sealed records will not appear online.
In Person
Visit the Clerk's office to request copies at the counter. Bring the case number or the full names of the parties involved. Staff can print uncertified or certified copies while you wait for most active cases.
By Mail
Send a written request that includes the case number (or party names and approximate filing date), the specific document you need, whether you want a certified or uncertified copy, and a return address. Include payment by check or money order payable to the Bartholomew County Clerk.
Certified vs. uncertified copies: A certified copy bears the Clerk's seal and signature, making it valid for legal proceedings, background checks, or filing with another agency. An uncertified copy is a plain photocopy suitable for personal reference. Ask the clerk which type you need before ordering.
Records That May Be Restricted
Under Indiana Access to Court Records Rule 5, certain records are excluded from public access, including:
- Sealed cases and expunged records
- Juvenile proceedings (most filings)
- Mental health records
- Records containing Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, or other protected personal identifiers
- Grand jury materials
If you are unsure whether a record is publicly available, submit a public records request through the county's website and the Clerk's office will respond with what can be released.
Bartholomew County Court Records Fees & Payment
Indiana law sets baseline fees for court record services. The table below reflects standard charges you can expect at the Bartholomew County Clerk's office. Confirm current amounts with the Clerk, as fees may be updated by statute or administrative order.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (per document) | $1.00 per page (certification fee may apply) |
| Uncertified photocopy | $1.00 per page |
| Certification / seal | Typically included with certified copy fee; confirm with Clerk |
| Court record search (by Clerk staff) | Contact Clerk for current fee |
| Online case search (MyCase) | Free |
Payment methods: The Clerk's office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders for in-person and mail requests. Ask about credit or debit card acceptance when you call, as policies may vary. For any questions about fees or payment, contact the Bartholomew County Clerk at 812-379-1600.
Historical or archived county records — including older court documents that have been transferred out of active storage — may be available through the Bartholomew County Archives Department. Contact the Archives office if the Clerk's office indicates a record has been archived.