How to File Forms with the Court in Person

Before deciding on how to file your court forms, review the handout attached at the bottom of the page called, “How to Prepare to File your Court Forms”. If after reviewing the handout you decide to e-file instead of filing in person, click “How to File Electronically File Forms with the Court” found on the right side of the page under Helpful Resources and Tools.

Filing a form in court has legal consequences. You must understand what you are filing and everything you file must be truthful. Review the words you’ve written in your form and be sure they are correct, then print those forms.

Forms must be signed before they are filed with the court. If filing an agreement, the agreement needs to be signed by both parties in front of a notary public. Many banks and libraries have a notary public available. A notary public will charge a small fee.

A filing fee is what the court charges to file forms with the court. A filing fee waiver asks the court to waive (not charge) a filing fee because you cannot afford to pay it. Indiana law allows you to avoid paying a filing fee if you meet certain requirements. Some cases, like Waiver of BMV Reinstatement Fees and Non-Conviction Expungements, do not have filing fees. Filing Fee Waiver instructions and form are attached below. For family law cases, use the Family Filing Fee Waiver instructions and form. The cost to file a new case in civil court: $157. If you want the sheriff to serve the papers on the other parties, the cost to file a new case in civil court with sheriff service of process: $185.

Every court is a little different. Some courts require you to bring one, two, or three copies of each document. Some courts prefer you not to bring any copies. You might choose to contact your local court to see how many copies to bring or to check your local court rules.

Bring the forms and filing fee to the court where the forms need to be filed. Most county courts are located in the county courthouse. If you need help finding a court, contact the court.