Lake County Courts Guide

Lake County is the most populous county in Northwest Indiana, home to Gary, Hammond, East Chicago, Merrillville, and the county seat of Crown Point. Its court system is correspondingly large and spread across several locations, which can confuse people trying to figure out where to go. This guide explains the structure in plain English. It is general information, not legal advice.

How the trial courts are organized

Like every Indiana county, Lake County has two main trial courts:

• Lake Circuit Court and Lake Superior Court together handle the county's cases. Lake Superior Court is divided into divisions, including civil, criminal, county (which includes small claims and minor matters), and juvenile divisions.
• The County Division courtrooms, located in Crown Point, Gary, Hammond, and East Chicago, handle small claims, evictions, traffic, and similar everyday matters close to where people live.

Where to file your type of case

• Small claims and evictions are generally handled in the County Division courthouse for the area, Crown Point, Gary, Hammond, or East Chicago. See our small claims and eviction guides for the process.
• Civil lawsuits, family law (divorce, custody), and larger cases are handled by the Circuit and Superior courts, with central operations at the Lake County Government Center in Crown Point.
• Criminal cases go to the criminal divisions of Lake Superior Court.

The Clerk and e-filing

The Lake County Clerk maintains court records and handles filings. Indiana courts now use mandatory electronic filing for most documents through the state e-filing system, though self-represented people can often still file in person or get help at the clerk's office. Check the county's official court information through lakecountyin.gov and the statewide Indiana courts site for current addresses, hours, and procedures before you go.

Self-help and free resources

If you do not have a lawyer, the Indiana Self-Service Legal Center has official forms and step-by-step guides. The Lake County Bar Association offers a lawyer referral service, and income-eligible residents can get free civil legal help through the organizations on our Find Free Legal Help page, including the Indiana Legal Services office in Merrillville.

Looking up a Lake County case

Most Indiana court records are public and can be searched online through mycase.IN.gov, which lets you find case filings, hearing dates, and outcomes by name or case number across Lake County courts. If you are a party, this is the fastest way to confirm your next hearing. Court filing fees vary by case type, and Lake County, like the rest of Indiana, allows people who cannot afford the fee to request a waiver based on financial hardship. Ask the clerk for the current fee schedule and the waiver form, and keep copies of everything you file.

Practical tips for court day

Confirm the exact courthouse and courtroom before you travel, since Lake County has several. Arrive early, allow time for security screening, dress neatly, bring your paperwork and evidence organized, and silence your phone. If you cannot make a date, contact the court immediately rather than simply missing it, because a missed hearing often means losing by default. For neighboring counties, see our Porter County guide.