IN · rules
Ind. County Local Rule: tippecanoe-local-rules
tippecanoe-local-rules
TIPPECANOE COUNTY LOCAL RULES OF COURT
Effective January 1, 2026.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. ADMINISTRATIVE RULES
LR79-AR1-1 County Caseload
LR79-AR15-2 Court Reporter Services
LR 79-AR21-3 Criminal Case Reassignment and Special Judges
LR79-AR00-4 Assigned Counsel and Guardian Ad Litem Fees
LR79-AR00-5 Tippecanoe County Court Services Program
LR79-AR00-6 Evidence Handling, Retention, and Disposition
LR79-AR00-7 Cameras and Audio-Video Recording
B. TRIAL RULES
LR79-TR 3.1-1 Withdrawal of Appearance
LR79-TR5-2 Filing
LR79-TR6-3 Extensions of Time
LR79-TR7-4 Continuances
LR79-TR12-5 Motions
LR79-TR73-6 Motion Hour
LR79-TR 73-7 Telephone Conferencing
LR79-TR 77-8 Withdrawal of Original Records
LR79-TR79-9 Special Judge Selection in Civil Cases
C. CRIMINAL RULES
LR79-CR2.6-1 Bail Schedule
LR79-CR4-2 Speedy Trial Requests
APPENDIX A 10-Day No-Contact Order as a Condition of Pre-Trial Release
APPENDIX B NOTICE OF SCHEDULING BOND HEARING
D. JURY RULES
LR79-JR4-1 Local Rule Regarding Jury Rules
E. PROBATE RULES
LR79-PR-1 Scope and Title
LR79-PR-2 Access to Court and Representation
LR79-PR-3 Notice
LR79-PR-4 Bonds
LR79-PR-5 Inventory
LR79-PR-6 Confidentiality
LR79-PR-7 Time Guidelines
LR79-PR-8 Guardianships
LR79-PR-9 Principles Applicable to Fee Determinations
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F. RULES OF FAMILY LAW
LR79-FL00-1 Scope, Citation, and Definition, Cooperative
Approach and Liberal Construction
LR79-FL00-2 Statement of Policy and Purpose
LR79-FL00-3 General Obligations of Cooperation of Attorneys
and Parties
LR 79-FL00-4 Initial and Provisional Hearings
LR 79-FL00-5 Mandatory Website Work for Parents
LR 79-FL00-6 Co-Parenting Class
LR 79-FL00-7 Proof of Compliance
LR 79-FL00-8 Parenting Plan Proposals
LR 79-FL00-9 Protocols after Initial Filing
LR 79-FL00-10 Requirements before Custody Evaluations
LR 79-FL00-11 Case Captioning
LR 79-FL00-12 Form of Summons
LR 79-FL00-13 Judges’ Notice
LR 79-FL00-14 Joint Restraining Order
LR 79-FL00-15 Financial Declaration Form
LR 79-FL00-16 Indiana Child Support Guidelines
LR 79-FL00-17 Preparation of Orders
LR 79-FL00-18 Sanctions
LR 79-FL00-19 Attorney Fee Requests
LR 79-FL00-20 Agreed Matters – Submission
LR 79-FL00-21 Orders Excluding Parent from the Residence
APPENDIX A Certificate of Compliance in Dissolution Cases
APPENDIX B Certificate of Compliance in Paternity Cases
APPENDIX C Parenting Plan Proposal
APPENDIX D Summons and Notice of Hearing in Proceedings
of Dissolution of Marriage
APPENDIX D-1 Summons in Proceedings for Dissolution of
Marriage
APPENDIX E Summons and Notice of Initial Hearing in a
Paternity Case
APPENDIX F Judges’ Notice to Parents Going Through Divorce
APPENDIX G Judges’ Notice to Parents in Paternity Cases
APPENDIX H Financial Declaration Form: Dissolution of
Marriage
APPENDIX I Financial Declaration Form: Paternity and Post-Decree
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Honorable Sean M. Persin Tippecanoe Circuit Court
Honorable Randy J. Williams Superior Court of Tippecanoe County
Honorable Steven P. Meyer Superior Court No. 2 of Tippecanoe County
Honorable Faith A. Graham Superior Court No. 3 of Tippecanoe County
Honorable Mathew S. Sandy Superior Court No. 4 of Tippecanoe County
Honorable Kristen E. McVey Superior Court No. 5 of Tippecanoe County
Honorable Michael A. Morrissey Superior Court No. 6 of Tippecanoe County
Honorable Daniel J. Moore Superior Court No. 7 of Tippecanoe County
A. ADMINISTRATIVE RULES
LR79-AR1-1. County Caseload.
1. Criminal
a. All cases wherein the most serious charge alleged is Murder, a Class A, B, or
C felony or a Level 1, 2, 3, or 4 felony shall be assigned to Tippecanoe
Circuit Court, Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 1, and Tippecanoe Superior
Court No. 2, on a random basis according to the following ratio:
Court Ratio
Tippecanoe Circuit Court 1
Tippecanoe Superior Court 1 2
Tippecanoe Superior Court 2 2
b. For any defendant who has a Class A, B, or C felony or a Level 1, 2, 3, or 4
felony case pending or who is serving a Class A, B, or C felony or a Level 1,
2, 3, or 4 felony sentence, whether executed or suspended, any new case in
which the most serious charge alleged is a Class A, B, or C felony or a Level
1, 2, 3, or 4 felony shall be filed in the court having jurisdiction of the oldest
such prior case. Upon learning that such a case has been filed in the wrong
court, the prosecutor shall within 14 days move to transfer the case to the
proper court.
c. All cases wherein the most serious charge alleged is a Level 5 felony filed
under I.C. 35-42-2-1.3 (Domestic Battery) shall be assigned to Tippecanoe
Superior Court No. 1.
d. All Class D felonies, Level 6 felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions
alleging a violation of Indiana Code Title 9, Traffic Code, except cases in
which the lead charge is Operating While Suspended with Prior Conviction,
a Class A misdemeanor, shall be assigned to Superior Court No. 6 of
Tippecanoe County.
e. All traffic infractions or misdemeanors alleging a violation of Indiana Code
Title 9, Traffic Code ONLY filed against an individual sixteen (16) or
seventeen (17) years of age shall be filed in Superior Court No. 6 of
Tippecanoe County.
f. All other Level 5 felonies, Class D felonies, Level 6 felonies, misdemeanors,
and infractions alleging a violation of Indiana Code not specifically set forth
in these rules shall be assigned to Superior Court No. 4, Superior Court No.
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5 and Superior Court No. 7 of Tippecanoe County in accordance with the
defendant’s date of birth as follows:
Court Date of Birth
Tippecanoe Superior Court 4 1-10
Tippecanoe Superior Court 5 11-20
Tippecanoe Superior Court 7 21-31
i. Escape. Where it is alleged a defendant committed the offense of
Escape or Failure to Return to Lawful Detention (I.C. 35-44.1-3-4)
in violation of an order issued by a Tippecanoe County Court, the
charge of Escape or Failure to Return to Lawful Detention shall be
filed in the court which issued the order.
ii. Where it is alleged a defendant committed the offense of Escape or
Failure to Return to Lawful Detention (I.C. 35-44.1-3-4) in violation
of an order issued by a court in any other county, state or
jurisdiction, the charge of Escape or Failure to Return to Lawful
Detention shall be filed in Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 5.
g. When it is alleged that defendants jointly commit a crime or crimes and the
most serious charge alleged is Murder, the cases shall be assigned together
to Tippecanoe Circuit Court, Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 1 or
Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 1Superior Court No. 2 of Tippecanoe
County on a random basis in the ratio of 1:2:2 set forth above.
h. Where it is alleged that defendants jointly commit a crime or crimes, and
the most serious charge alleged is a Class A, B or C felony or a Level 1, 2, 3,
or 4 felony, their cases shall be filed together in the same court. In any such
cases where one or more of the defendants has a Class A, B or C felony or a
Level 1, 2, 3, or 4 felony case pending or is serving a Class A, B, or C felony
or a Level 1, 2, 3, or 4 sentence, whether executed or suspended, all the
cases shall be filed in the court having jurisdiction of the oldest such prior
case. Any case in which the most serious charge is a Level 5 felony, Class D
felony, Level 6 felony, misdemeanor or infraction shall be filed as specified
above, notwithstanding any charges against co-defendants.
i. When the State of Indiana dismisses a case and chooses to re-file that case,
the case shall be assigned to the court from which dismissal was taken.
2. Civil
a. Commercial Court Eligible. All CE case types shall be assigned to
Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 7.
b. Orders of Protection. All petitions for civil orders of protection shall be
initially filed in Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 5.
c. Collections. All CC case types in which the amount in controversy is greater
than $10,000.00 shall be assigned to Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 1. All
CC case types in which the amount in controversy is less than $10,000.00
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shall be assigned to Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 4 and Tippecanoe
Superior Court No. 5 on a random basis in accordance with the following
ratio:
Court Ratio
Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 4 1
Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 5 1
d. All MF case types shall be assigned to Superior Court No. 2 of Tippecanoe
County.
e. All RF case types shall be assigned to Superior Court No. 5 of Tippecanoe
County.
f. Expungements.
i. Petitions to expunge records under I.C. 35-38-9-1 shall be filed in
the court in which the charges were filed under a new expungement
(XP) cause without the payment of court costs, and if no charges
were filed or the petition includes Section 1 requests from multiple
courts, then said petitions shall be filed in Tippecanoe Superior
Court No. 2 under a new expungement (XP) cause without the
payment of court costs.
ii. Petitions to expunge misdemeanor convictions under I.C. 35-38-9-
2, Class D or Level 6 felony convictions under I.C. 35-38-9-3, less
serious felony convictions under I.C. 35-38-9-4, and certain serious
felony convictions under I.C. 35-38-9-5 shall be filed under a new
expungement (XP) cause with the payment of court costs. Said
petitions shall be filed in the court in which conviction was entered,
unless the petition seeks to expunge causes from multiple courts,
then the petition shall be filed in Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 2.
The payment of court costs is required so long as the petition
includes a request to expunge at least one conviction.
g. Petitions for Specialized Driving Privileges seeking to stay a court ordered
driver’s license suspension shall be filed in the court that imposed the
driver’s license suspension under an MI cause number with payment of
filing fees. All other Petitions for Specialized Driving Privileges shall be filed
in Superior Court No. 6 under an MI cause number with payment of filing
fees.
h. Petitions for Change of Name. All petitions seeking change of name for
adults and children shall be initially filed in Tippecanoe Superior Court No.
5.
i. All civil matters not otherwise assigned in these rules, including PL, CT,
and RA case types, may be filed in Tippecanoe Circuit Court, Tippecanoe
Superior Court No. 1, or Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 2 unless the court
assignment is otherwise determined by statute or rule.
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3. Small Claims/Evictions
a. Civil cases intended to be subject to the small claims rules and
jurisdictional limits, whether filed as SC or EV cases, shall be divided
between Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 4 and Tippecanoe Superior Court
No. 7, as follows:
i. All SC cases involving landlord/tenant issues and EV case types
shall be filed in Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 7.
ii. All SC cases involving other than landlord/tenant issues shall be
filed in Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 4.
b. Civil cases involving landlord/tenant issues exceeding the small claims
jurisdictional limit, whether filed as EV (civil) or other case type, shall be
filed in Tippecanoe Circuit Court, Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 1, or
Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 2.
4. Juvenile
a. Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 3 County exercises juvenile jurisdiction
only. All juvenile case types shall be filed in Tippecanoe Superior Court No.
3.
b. JM cases involving Collaborative Care under I.C. 31-28-5.8 shall be filed in
Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 3 without payment of filing fees. MI cases
involving Petitions for Order Granting Minor Approval to Marry under I.C.
31-11-1-7 shall be filed as a confidential case in Tippecanoe Superior Court
No. 3 with payment of civil filing fees. JM cases involving Petitions for
Waiver of Parental Consent to Abortion under I.C. 16-34-2-4 shall be filed
in Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 3 as a confidential case without payment
of filing fees.
c. Petitions for Establishment of Paternity, Establishment/Enforcement of
Child Support, Legal Separation to Establish Child Support, Reciprocal
Support, Reciprocal Enforcement of Child Support (UIFSA), Modification
of Support under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act, and/or
Enforcement or Registration of Foreign Child Support Order initiated by
State of Indiana IV-D Child Support Office shall be filed in Superior Court
No. 3.
d. Petitions for Establishment of Paternity that are not initiated by the State of
Indiana IV-D Child Support Office may be filed in Tippecanoe Circuit
Court, Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 1, and Tippecanoe Superior Court
No. 2; however, petitions initiated by a pro se party shall be assigned on a
random basis according to the following ratio:
Court Ratio
Tippecanoe Circuit Court 1
Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 1 1
Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 2 1
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e. Petitions to expunge court records concerning a delinquent child or a child
in need of services under I.C. 31-39-8 shall be filed in Tippecanoe Superior
Court No. 3 in the original cause without payment of filing fees. Petitions to
expunge substantiated reports of the Department of Child Services under
I.C. 31-33-27-5 shall be filed in Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 3 under a
JM cause with payment of filing fees. Petitions to expunge juvenile
delinquency records under I.C. 35-38-9-1 shall be filed in the original cause
without payment of filing fees. Petitions to expunge juvenile delinquency
arrests under I.C. 35-38-9-1, without an existing juvenile delinquency case,
shall be filed in Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 3 under a JM cause without
payment of filing fees.
5. Family Law
a. Petitions for dissolution of marriage, with or without children, in which a
fee waiver is requested shall be filed in Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 2.
b. All other petitions for dissolution of marriage with or without children and
petitions for separation may be filed in Tippecanoe Circuit Court,
Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 1, or Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 2.
Petitions initiated by a pro se party shall be assigned on a random basis
according to the following ratio:
Court Ratio
Tippecanoe Circuit Court 1
Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 1 1
Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 2 1
c. Petitions for grandparent visitation shall be filed in the Court with
jurisdiction over any custody/parenting time orders for the child who is the
subject of the request for grandparent visitation. If no prior
custody/parenting time orders have been issued, the petition may be filed
in Tippecanoe Circuit Court, Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 1, or
Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 2. Petitions initiated by a pro se party shall
be assigned on a random basis according to the following ratio:
Court Ratio
Tippecanoe Circuit Court 1
Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 1 1
Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 2 1
d. If it is later discovered that a petition for grandparent visitation was filed in
a court other than the court with jurisdiction over existing
custody/parenting time orders, the matter shall be transferred to the court
with appropriate jurisdiction.
6. Miscellaneous
a. All search warrants and 72-hour holds approved by the Tippecanoe County
Magistrate shall be filed in Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 7.
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b. A judge, by appropriate order, may transfer and reassign to any other court
of record in the county, any pending case, subject to acceptance by the
receiving court.
A case transferred to Tippecanoe County by reason of change of venue from
another county may be assigned to a court by agreement of the parties. In
the absence of such an agreement, the case shall be filed in accordance with
this Local Rule on Case Assignments.
c. Magistrates and Commissioners.
i. The Presiding Judge of Tippecanoe Superior Courts No. 4, 5, 6, and
7 shall assign the Magistrate to serve any of the Tippecanoe Circuit
or Superior Courts in a manner which provides greater assistance to
the courts with greater caseloads.
ii. The Presiding Judge of Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 3 shall
assign the Juvenile Magistrate to serve Tippecanoe Superior Court
No. 3 in a manner necessary to assist with the juvenile caseload.
iii. The Presiding Judge of Superior Court No. 3 of Tippecanoe County
shall assign the IV-D Commissioner to serve Tippecanoe Circuit
Court, Superior Court, Superior Court No. 2 and Superior Court No.
3 in a manner which provides assistance for caseloads involving the
IV-D Child Support Office.
Adopted Aug. 1, 2006, effective Jan. 1, 2007. Amended Nov. 30, 2007, effective Jan. 1, 2008;
amended Jan. 6, 2010, effective Jan. 1, 2010; amended Oct. 10, 2011, effective retroactive to Jan. 1,
2011; amended effective September 1, 2012. Amended effective September 1, 2013. Amended effective
July 1, 2014. Amended effective July 1, 2015. Amended Effective April 1, 2017. Amended effective
January 1, 2020. Amended effective January 1, 2021, Amended effective June 1, 2022, Amended
effective January 1, 2026.
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LR79-AR15-2. Court Reporter Services.
1. Definitions. For the purposes of this rule, all definitions listed in Ind. R. Admin. P.
15(B) shall apply.
2. Salaries and Per Page Fees.
a. Court Reporters shall be paid an annual salary for time spent working
under the control, direction and direct supervision of their supervising
court during any regular work hours, gap hours or overtime hours. The
supervising court shall enter into a written agreement with the court
reporters which outlines the manner in which the court reporter is to be
compensated for gap and overtime hours; i.e. monetary compensation or
compensatory time off regular work hours.
b. Court reporters may contract to prepare transcripts outside the hours in
which their attendance is required and outside hours they perform other
work pursuant to their employment relationship.
i. The maximum per page fee a court reporter may charge for the
preparation of a county indigent transcript shall be $5.00. The
court reporter shall submit a claim to the court reporter of
Superior Court 2, or as otherwise directed by their supervising
Judge, who shall submit the claim to the county for the
preparation of any county indigent transcripts. The ancillary court
department shall have the responsibility of maintaining the
budget for county indigent transcripts.
ii. The maximum per page fee a court reporter may charge for the
preparation of a state indigent transcript shall be $5.00. The court
reporter shall submit the invoice for state indigent transcripts
directly to the state.
iii. The maximum per page fee a court reporter may charge for the
preparation of a private transcript shall be $5.00. The court
reporter shall submit the invoice for private transcripts directly to
the attorney or party requesting the transcription. A deposit in the
amount of the estimated work shall be required from the attorney
or party making a private transcript request.
iv. Request for expedited transcript to be prepared within 24 hours
must be limited to 50 pages and shall be charged at the rate of
$8.50 per page. Request for expedited transcript to be prepared
within 5 days must be limited to 150 pages and shall be charged at
a rate of $7.50 per page. Any request over 150 pages to be
completed within 15 days shall be considered expedited and shall
be charged at the rate of $10.00 per page. Any other expedited
rates may be approved by the Judge of the Court in which the
proceeding originates.
v. An additional labor charge of $25.00 may be assessed for
preparation of each volume and or binder which includes the cost
of all office supplies and electronic submission if required.
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vi. The maximum per page fee a court reporter may charge for
additional copies of a transcript (state indigent or private) shall be
$1.00. The court reporter shall submit the invoice for the
additional transcript copy directly to the attorney or party
requesting the copy.
c. Each court reporter shall report, at least on an annual basis, all transcript
fees received for the preparation of county indigent, state indigent or
private transcripts to the Indiana Supreme Court Office of Court
Administration. The reporting shall be made on forms prescribed by the
Office of Court Administration.
d. A late fee of up to $25.00 may be assessed against any private pay
transcript in the event payment is not made within 10 days from the date of
the Notice of Filing of Transcript.
3. Private Practice.
a. If a court reporter elects to engage in private practice through the recording
of a deposition and/or preparing of a deposition transcript, and the court
reporter desires to utilize the court’s equipment, work space and supplies,
and the court agrees to the use of the court equipment for such purpose, the
court and the court reporter shall enter into a written agreement which
must, at a minimum, designate the following:
i. The reasonable market rate for the use of equipment, work space
and supplies;
ii. The method by which records are to be kept for the use of
equipment, work space and supplies; and
iii. If a court reporter elects to engage in private practice through the
recording of a deposition and/or preparing of a deposition
transcript, all such private practice work shall be conducted
outside of regular working hours.
Amended and approved effective April 7, 2017, amended effective January 1, 2020, amended
effective January 1, 2026.
LR79-AR21-3. Criminal Case Reassignment and Special Judges.
In the event a change of judge is granted pursuant to Indiana Criminal Rule 2.4 or it becomes
necessary to assign another judge in any felony or misdemeanor proceeding, the case shall be
returned to the Clerk of court for random selection of another court from among all the courts in
Tippecanoe County other than Superior Court No. 3. On selection, the case shall be reassigned by the
Clerk to the selected court.
In the event no judge is available for assignment or reassignment of a felony or a misdemeanor case,
such case shall be certified to the Indiana Supreme Court for the appointment of a special judge. In
the event the judge presiding in a felony or misdemeanor case concludes that the unique
circumstances presented in such proceeding require appointment by the Indiana Supreme Court of a
special judge, the presiding judge may request the Indiana Supreme Court for such appointment.
Amended effective June 1, 2010.
Amended effective June 1, 2010.
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LR79-AR00-4. Assigned Counsel and Guardian Ad Litem Fees.
1. Assigned Counsel Fees.
a. Assigned counsel in pauper cases shall be paid by the court at the rate of
$110.00 per hour, or at the rate required to continue receiving
reimbursement from the Public Defense Fund, whichever is greater, unless
state law requires a different rate of payment.
b. Assigned counsel shall submit verified, itemized claims using units of time
no larger than one-quarter hour, detailing the work for which they seek
payment.
2. Guardian Ad Litem Fees.
a. The order appointing a guardian ad litem shall specify the guardian's hourly
fee, the amount of the retainer, and the allocation of the guardian's fee
between the parties.
b. Guardians ad litem may agree with the parties to a case upon the fee they
will charge.
c. If there is a written agreement signed by the parties, or a court order
entered at the time of appointment establishing the guardian's fees, the
court will approve an agreed fee no greater than $250.00 per hour.
d. A fee established by court order entered at the time of appointment or by
written agreement may be enforced by judgment and supplemental
proceedings.
e. In the absence of a written agreement or court order entered at the time of
appointment, the court shall enforce payment at the assigned counsel rate
established by section 1 (a) of this rule.
f. If the guardian is unable to collect his or her fee from the parties, the
guardian may apply for payment to the court. The court shall then conduct
a hearing to determine if the delinquent party is indigent. If the court finds
that the delinquent party is indigent, the court shall order payment of the
guardian's fee from the Family Relations Fund. The payment from the
Family Relations Fund shall be calculated by multiplying the total hours
billed by the guardian by the assigned counsel rate and subtracting the total
amount previously received by the guardian.
Amended Effective January 1, 2026.
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LR79-AR00-5. Tippecanoe County Court Services Program.
Pursuant to I.C. 12-23-14-16 and the Indiana Rules for Court Administered Alcohol and Drug
Programs, Rule 28, the Tippecanoe County Probation Department may collect fees from participants
of the Tippecanoe County Alcohol and Drug Program as follows:
Alcohol and Drug Evaluation $200.00
Case Management $150.00
Transfer Fee $100.00
2nd Case before 1st Case closed $100.00
1st Reschedule Fee $25.00
2nd Reschedule Fee $100.00
Amended effective May 1, 2012. Amended effective August 1, 2015. Amended effective April 1, 2017.
LR 79-AR00-6. Evidence Handling, Retention, and Disposition.
1. Retention and Destruction of Evidence - APPLICATION OF RULE. These Rules
shall apply to the retention of evidence by Tippecanoe Circuit and Superior Courts
unless the Court directs a longer retention period after motion by any party or on
its own motion.
2. Retention Periods for Evidence introduced in Civil Proceedings Including
Adoption, Paternity and Juvenile Proceedings, but not including Ordinance
Violation or Infraction Proceedings. All models, diagrams, documents, or material
admitted in evidence or pertaining to the case placed in the custody of the court
reporter as exhibits shall be taken away by the parties offering them in evidence,
except as otherwise ordered by the court, four (4) months after the case is decided
unless an appeal is taken. If an appeal is taken, all such exhibits shall be retained
by the court reporter for two (2) years from termination of the appeal, retrial, or
subsequent appeal and termination, whichever is later. The Court reporter shall
retain the mechanical or electronic records or tapes, shorthand or stenographic
notes as provided in Administrative Rule 7.
3. Retention Periods for Evidence Introduced in Ordinance Violation, Infraction,
Criminal Misdemeanor, Class D and Class C, Level 4, Level 5, Level 6 Felonies and
Attempts. All models, diagrams, documents, or material admitted in evidence or
pertaining to the case placed in the custody of the court reporter as exhibits shall
be taken away by the parties offering them in evidence, except as otherwise ordered
by the court, three (3) years after the case is dismissed, the defendant found not
guilty, or the defendant is sentenced, unless an appeal is taken, If an appeal is
taken, all such exhibits shall be retained by the court reporter for three (3) years
from termination of the appeal, retrial, or subsequent appeal and termination,
whichever is later, unless an action challenging the conviction or sentence, or post-conviction action, is pending. The Court reporter shall retain the mechanical or
electronic records or tapes, shorthand or stenographic notes as provided in
Administrative Rule 7.
4. Retention Periods for Evidence Introduced in Criminal Class A, Class B, Level 1,
Level 2, Level 3 Felonies, Murder and Attempts. All models, diagrams, documents,
or material admitted in evidence or pertaining to the case placed in the custody of
the court reporter as exhibits shall be taken away by the parties offering them in
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evidence, except as otherwise ordered by the court, twenty (20) years after the case
is dismissed, the defendant found not guilty, or the defendant is sentenced, unless
an appeal is taken. If an appeal is taken, all such exhibits shall be retained by the
court reporter for twenty (20) years from termination of the appeal, retrial, or
subsequent appeal and termination, whichever is later, unless an action
challenging the conviction or sentence, or post- conviction action, is pending. The
court reporter shall retain the mechanical or electronic records or tapes, shorthand
or stenographic notes as provided in Administrative Rule 7. Courts should be
encouraged to photograph as much evidence as possible and courts and parties
reminded of the requirements of Appellate Rule 29(B).
5. Non-documentary and Oversized Exhibits. Non-documentary and oversized
exhibits shall not be sent to the Appellate level Court but shall remain in the
custody of the trial court during the appeal. Such exhibits shall be briefly identified
in the Transcript where they were admitted into evidence. Photographs of any
exhibit may be included in the volume of documentary exhibits. Under no
circumstances should drugs, currency or other dangerous or valuable items be
included in appellate records.
6. Notification and Disposition.
a. In all cases, the court shall provide notice, by mail, electronic mail, or as
otherwise provided, herein, to all attorneys of record and to parties only if
unrepresented by counsel, that the evidence will be destroyed within 45
days from the date of notice if not timely retrieved. Counsel and parties
have the duty to keep the Court informed of their current addresses and
notice to the last current address shall be sufficient. Court reporters should
maintain a log of retained evidence and scheduled disposition dates and
evidence should be held in a secure area. At the time of removal, a detailed
receipt must be given to the court reporter by the party receiving and
removing the evidence and the receipt will be made part of the court file.
b. The notice referred to above, for all cases filed prior to the effective date of
this Rule, may be actual notice, if possible issued at the time of a final
disposition in the case or, if a final disposition has been entered prior to the
effective date of this Rule, at the time the evidence is scheduled for
destruction. In the event it is not possible to give notice of destruction, the
Court shall annually issue notice of intent to destroy evidence by posting at
the County Courthouse.
c. Evidence which is not retaken after notice and expiration of the applicable
retention period should be disposed of by the Sheriff, or his agent, on the
Court’s Order. Paper evidence may be shredded by Court staff. The Sheriff
should be ordered to destroy evidence if its possession is illegal or if it has
negligible value. Evidence of some value may be auctioned by the Sheriff
with proceeds going to the county general fund. These Rules and their
retention periods will take precedence over inconsistent language in
statutes, i.e. I.C. 35-33-5-5 (c)(2).
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d. Notwithstanding any provision of this rule to the contrary, the Judges of the
Tippecanoe Circuit and Superior Courts shall have the authority to order
the destruction of any evidence that is compromised by age, damage, lack of
case identifiers or inadvertent destruction.
e. Nothing in this rule prevents the court reporter from immediately disposing
of any documentary exhibits after they have been electronically imaged.
7. Biological Contaminated or Firearm Evidence. A party who offers biologically
contaminated or firearm evidence must file a pretrial notice with the trial court and
serve all the parties so that the Court can consider the issue and rule appropriately
before trial. A party can show the evidence or pass photographs of it to jurors. But
no such evidence, however contained, shall be handled or passed to jurors, or sent
to the jury room.
LR 79-AR00-7. Cameras and Audio-Video Recording.
There shall be no audio or video recording of any kind of any proceedings or activity within any
courtroom, hearing room or court office in Tippecanoe County without the specific, individual
permission of the judicial officer in charge of that proceeding, activity, courtroom, hearing room or
court office. This prohibition does not apply to the official court reporter recording the court
proceedings as required.
Anyone found to be violating, or to have violated this rule may: (1) have the recording device
confiscated, and/or (2) be found in direct contempt of court.
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B. TRIAL RULES
LR79-TR3.1-1. Withdrawal of Appearance.
Motions to withdraw an appearance shall be in writing with an attached notice to the
client of intention to withdraw. The notice to the client of the intention to withdraw shall
include an explanation to the client of (i) the present status of the case; (ii) the dates of
scheduled hearings or other pending matters in the case; and (iii) the potential
consequences to the client’s case resulting from failure of the client to act promptly or to
secure new counsel.
LR79-TR5-2. Filing.
1. Flat filing. All papers presented for filing with the Clerk or Court shall be flat and
unfolded.
2. Number of copies. All Orders submitted to the Court shall be in sufficient number
so that the original and one copy may be retained by the clerk and a copy mailed to
each party.
3. Proposed orders required. The moving party, unless the Court directs otherwise,
shall furnish the Court with proposed Orders in the following matters: motions for
enlargement of time, for continuance, for default or default judgment, to compel
discovery, for restraining order or injunction, for immediate possession of real
estate or personal property, for appointment of receiver, for findings of fact and
conclusions of law, for dismissal of an action, for judgment in a collection matter or
mortgage or lien foreclosure, and in such other matters as the Court directs.
LR79-TR6-3. Extensions of Time.
1. Initial Extension. In a civil action where a party desires an initial 30 – day
extension of time to file a responsive pleading or to respond to a discovery request,
the party shall contact opposing counsel before the due date and solicit agreement
to the extension. If there is no objection or opposing counsel cannot with due
diligence be reached, the party seeking the extension shall file a notice with the
Court reciting the lack of objection to the extension or that opposing counsel could
not with due diligence be reached. No further filings with the Court nor action by
the Court shall be required for the extension. If opposing counsel objects to the
request for extension, the party seeking the extension shall file a formal motion for
such extension and shall recite in the motion the efforts to obtain agreement.
2. Other extensions. Any other request for an extension of time, unless made in open
Court or at a conference, shall be made by written motion. If opposing counsel
objects to the request for extension, the party seeking the extension shall recite in
the motion the effort to obtain agreement; or recite that there is no objection.
3. Due dates. Any notice or motion filed pursuant to this rule shall state the date such
response was initially due and the date on which the response will be due after the
extension.
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LR79-TR7-4. Continuances.
Before requesting a continuance of a matter, the moving party shall confer with the other
parties to determine any objections and dates for rescheduling when all parties are
available. Such objections and alternative dates shall be reported in the motion for
continuance.
LR79-TR12-5. Motions.
1. Applicability. This rule shall apply to motions under Trial Rule 12, contested
motions to continue hearings or trials, discovery motions, and any other contested
motions.
2. Briefs and Memoranda. Unless the procedure for a motion is governed otherwise
by the Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure, an adverse party shall have fifteen (15)
days after service of a motion in which to file a response, and the moving party
shall have seven (7) days in which to file a reply. The court may in its discretion
shorten or lengthen the time for a response or a reply. Failure to file a response or
reply within the prescribed time shall subject such motions to summary ruling. Any
party may request the court hold a hearing on a motion.
3. Notice of hearing. If the movant procures a date for hearing on a motion, the
movant shall promptly give notice to all adverse parties of the date and time of
such scheduled hearing.
LR79-TR73-6. Motion Hour.
If the Court conducts motion hour, the same shall be for the consideration of routine
matters, procedural motions, setting dates for trials, pre-trial conferences, and hearings
and for other matters which can ordinarily be heard without evidence or argument.
Attorneys shall notify opposing counsel in advance before approaching the Judge at
motion hour for any matter requiring action to be taken by the Court.
LR79-TR73-7. Telephone/Video Conferencing.
1. Purpose. To expedite the Court’s business, the Court encourages telephone/video
conferencing for the hearing of motions, for pre-trial and status conferences, and
for other matters which may reasonably be conducted by telephone/video.
2. Hearing on motions or status conferences. Within five (5) days after receipt of
notice of hearing on a motion, any party or attorney may request that the Court
conduct the hearing by telephone/video conference with the Court. If the Court
sets the hearing for telephone conference, the party requesting the telephone
conference shall arrange and place the call, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.
The Court shall issue all video conference invitations.
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LR79-TR77-8. Withdrawal of Original Records.
Original pleadings, papers, exhibits or other official materials in the custody of the Clerk,
reporter or other officer of the Court shall not be withdrawn from the officer having
custody thereof except upon (i) the Order of the Judge of the Court where the record is
held, and (ii) upon leaving a proper receipt with the Clerk, reporter or officer.
LR79-TR79-9. Special Judge Selection in Civil Cases.
Pursuant to Trial Rule 79, within seven (7) days of notation in the chronological Case
Summary (CCS) of an order granting change of judge or an order of disqualification or
recusal, the parties may agree to an eligible special judge by filing a written agreement
with the court. Absent such an agreement, a special judge shall be appointed as follows.
Juvenile Cases: To ensure the effective use of all judicial resources within this
Administrative District, the juvenile court shall maintain a list of eligible judges including
judges (1) regularly presiding over juvenile cases within this Administrative District and
(2) judges from contiguous counties who have agreed to serve as special judge in juvenile
cases. When required to assign a special judge pursuant to Trial Rule 79, the juvenile court
shall assign a judge from said list on a rotating basis for juvenile cases excluding paternity
or child support cases initiated by the State of Indiana IV- D Child Support Office..
All Other Civil Cases: To ensure the effective use of judicial resources within the
administrative district, the Tippecanoe County Clerk, with the assistance from the
Tippecanoe County Department of Information Technology shall maintain a computer
generated random selection list of eligible judges including (1) the seven (7) judges of
Tippecanoe County(not having exclusive juvenile jurisdiction), (2) judges regularly
presiding within the Administrative district, and (3) judges from other contiguous
counties who have agreed to serve as special judge. Whenever a special judge needs to be
assigned pursuant to Trial Rule 79, the court shall direct that a judge be randomly selected
from said list in the following order: first from judges in Tippecanoe County, second from
judges within the Administrative District and last from judges in other contiguous
counties.
In cases where no judge is eligible to serve as special judge, or where the particular
circumstances warrant selection of a special judge by the Indiana Supreme Court, the
judge of the court where the case is pending shall promptly submit certification of such to
the Indiana Supreme Court.
Adopted June 23, 2010, effective June 1, 2010; Amended effective Jan. 1, 2012; Amended
effective
April 1, 2013. Amended effective January 1, 2021.
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C. CRIMINAL RULES
LR79-CR2.6-1. Bail Schedule.
Unless otherwise ordered by a judicial officer and subject to the limitations set forth
below, the Sheriff of Tippecanoe County is hereby ordered to follow this bail schedule for
the setting of bail for all persons arrested without warrants for criminal offenses
committed in Tippecanoe County:
OFFENSE CLASS CASH AMOUNT SURETY AMOUNT
Murder No Bond No Bond
Level 1 felony $10,000 $100,000
Level 2 felony $2,500 $25,000
Level 3 felony $1,500 $15,000
Level 4 felony $1,000 $10,000
Level 5 felony $500 $5,000
Level 6 felony $500
Misdemeanors $250
Escape (F6)
$5,000 cash only
Failure to Register (F6)
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Persons arrested for Level 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 felonies must pay the CASH AMOUNT and the
SURETY AMOUNT shown above. The CASH AMOUNT shown above represents a 10%
cash bond amount paid if posted through the Clerk with an executed Agreement on
Disposition of Bonds.
1. Multiple Offenses. If a person is arrested for allegedly committing more than
one offense, bail shall be in the amount established for the most serious offense.
2. Posting Bond. The total surety and total cash (100% of cash – not 10% cash)
amounts may be paid in full with cash only or surety bond only, unless otherwise
ordered by a judicial officer. Property bonds must first be approved by a Judge.
When a 10% cash bond is posted with the Clerk, the arrested person and depositor
must sign an Agreement on Disposition of cash bond, and the 10% cash bond must
be posted in the arrested person’s name only. Upon non-filing, dismissal, or acquittal,
the 10% cash bond posted may be returned less publicly paid costs of representation
and the administration fee. Otherwise, after the sentencing of an arrested person,
the 10% cash bond will be retained by the Clerk to pay public defender fees,
restitution, court costs, fines or other fees ordered by the Court.
3. No Bond Until Seen by Judicial Officer. This bail schedule shall not be used
for any person arrested for committing an offense, attempting to commit an offense,
or conspiracy to commit an offense, listed below:
a. All crimes of violence as defined by I.C. 35-33-8-3.4
b. Any offense listed in I.C. 35-33-8-6.5 when committed against a family or
household member (as defined by I.C. 31-9-2-44.5)
c. Child Seduction
d. Child Sexual Trafficking
e. Child Solicitation
f. Criminal Confinement of Minor
g. Incest
h. Possession of Child Pornography
i. Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material
j. Promoting Prostitution
k. Promotion of Child Sexual Trafficking
l. Sexual Battery
m. Sexual Conduct in Presence of Minor
n. Vicarious Sexual Gratification
In these cases, the amount and conditions of bail will be set by a judicial officer
following a bail hearing in open court not more than forty-eight (48) hours after
the person has been arrested, except if the person is arrested when the courthouse
is closed, then the bail hearing will be held in conjunction with the initial hearing
or hearing on a 72-hold request.. The Sheriff shall notify the Magistrate’s Court
and the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office of any persons held without bail pursuant to
this provision.
4. No Contact Order and 24-Hour Hold Required. If a person is arrested for
one of the offenses listed below when committed against a family or household
member (as defined by I.C. 31-9-2-44.5), the person shall be detained for a
minimum twenty-four (24) hours before being eligible to post bond.
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a. A crime of domestic violence (as described in IC 35-31.5-2-78).
b. Battery (IC 35-42-2-1).
c. Domestic battery (IC 35-42-2-1.3).
d. Aggravated battery (IC 35-42-2-1.5).
e. Strangulation (IC 35-42-2-9).
f. Rape (IC 35-42-4-1).
g. Sexual battery (IC 35-42-4-8).
h. Invasion of privacy (IC 35-46-1-15.1).
i. Criminal stalking (IC 35-45-10-5).
j. Criminal recklessness (IC 35-42-2-2).
k. Criminal confinement (IC 35-42-3-3).
l. Burglary (IC 35-43-2-1).
m. Residential entry (IC 35-43-2-1.5).
After the expiration of twenty-twenty-four hours, the person may be released upon
posting bail after the Court conducts a bail hearing in open court, and by signing and
agreeing to follow a “10 DAY NO- CONTACT ORDER AS A CONDITION OF PRE-TRIAL RELEASE” as to the alleged victim(s), as set forth in Appendix A below. The
person shall not be released without their signature, even if they post the monetary
bond. When the person is released, the Sheriff shall provide notification to any alleged
victims if so requested.
5. Exceptions to the Bond Schedule. All persons living outside Tippecanoe
County or its adjacent counties (including Benton, Carroll, Clinton, Fountain,
Montgomery, Warren and White) must post bond pursuant to the bail schedule
above. However, the following exceptions apply to persons living in Tippecanoe
County and its adjacent counties:
a. Public Intoxication: Hold 12 hours, then release on own recognizance if
not impaired.
b. Operating While Intoxicated or Operating with BAC Over Legal
Limit: Hold for time period specified below, then release on own
recognizance. Felony charges related to Operating While Intoxicated or
Operating Over the Legal Limit shall be held to the same retention schedule
prior to any release on bond. Any charges involving operating with a
controlled substance other than alcohol shall be held a minimum of twelve
hours prior to any release. If a certified test result is unavailable for reasons
other than a refusal, the jail staff may determine the hold time pursuant to
this rule by administering a portable breath test. If a portable breath test is
unavailable, the person shall be held for a minimum of twelve (12) hours or
until jail staff determines that the person is no longer impaired, whichever
comes first.
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BAC HOLD TIME
.08 - .099 6 hours
.10 - .119 7 hours
.12 - .139 8 hours
.14 - .169 9 hours
.17 - .179 11 hours
.18 - .199 12 hours
.20 - .209 13 hours
.21 - .229 14 hours
.23 - .239 16 hours
.24 - .249 16 hours
.25 - .259 17 hours
.26 - .279 18 hours
.28 - .289 19 hours
.29 - .299 20 hours
.30 or greater or 24 hours
Breath Test
Refusal without
Chemical test
results
c. Minor Consuming (C Misdemeanor), Possession of Marijuana
(A and B Misdemeanor), Possession of Paraphernalia (A and B
Misdemeanor): If not impaired at the time of arrest, book-in and
immediately release on own recognizance. If impaired or actively using at
the time of arrest, book-in, hold a minimum of four hours (and longer if
still impaired after four hours) and then release on own recognizance.
d. Operating While Suspended (A Misdemeanor), Operating While
Never Receiving a License (C Misdemeanor), Theft (A
Misdemeanor) or Criminal Conversion (A Misdemeanor):
Release on own recognizance.
6. Deviations from Bond Schedule.
a. Before Initial Hearing: A judicial officer may deviate from the Bail
Schedule, or order that the arrested person be held without bail until seen
by a judicial officer, upon reviewing a verified motion concerning safety or
flight, or upon evidence of medical or mental health need presented by the
sheriff, arresting officer, attorney, and/or prosecutor.
b. At Initial Hearing: A judicial officer may deviate from the Bail Schedule
and may order other conditions of pre-trial release, including placement in
the Pre-Trial Release Program outlined in Subsection 8, after considering
evidence at the Initial Hearing.
c. After Initial Hearing: Once a judicial officer has set the amount of bail
or other conditions of pre-trial release after the Initial Hearing, motions to
modify the order shall be presented to the respective court in writing, and
proper notice of the hearing shall be given to the parties and attorneys of
record.
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d. Doubling of Bond Schedule: The amounts listed in the bond schedule
above shall double if any of the following circumstances apply:
i. The person has been arrested for, or charged with, an offense that
alleges the use of a deadly weapon or serious bodily injury as an
element of the offense.
ii. The offense is alleged to have been committed against a family or
household member as defined by I.C. 31-9-2-44.5.
iii. The person has been arrested for an offense while on probation,
parole, bond, or released on the person’s own recognizance for
another offense.
7. Waiver from Juvenile Court. When a child is waived to adult court, the initial
bail amount set in the juvenile court shall remain in effect unless and until it is
modified in the adult court. The bond amount set shall be no less than the bond
schedule amount after taking into account the factors set forth above.
8. Conditions of Pre-Trial Release. Whether released after posting bond, or
released on their own recognizance, the arrested person’s pre-trial release is
conditioned upon maintaining good and lawful behavior, appearing in court for all
court appearances, informing the respective court in writing of any change of
address within 48 hours, not using or possessing illegal drugs or alcohol, and
complying with all other conditions of pre-trial release set by a judicial officer. For
all Class A, B, and C felony and Level 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 offenses, the arrested person
may not leave the State of Indiana without prior approval of the court. A violation of
any condition of pre-trial release may result in the court revoking the arrested
person’s bond and the issuing a warrant for arrest.
9. Pre-Trial Release Program. In accordance with Rule 2.6 of the Indiana Rules
of Criminal Procedure, and so long as funding is available, Tippecanoe County shall
perform pre-trial release screenings to assist in bail and pre-trial release decisions.
Said decisions shall be made by a judicial officer at or before an initial hearing and
are not restricted by any other provisions of the Bail Schedule set out herein. All
participants in pre-trial release under this subsection shall abide by all conditions
of pre-trial release listed above. Pre-trial release decisions under this section shall
be governed by the following provisions:
a. Eligible Defendants: Arrested individuals eligible for screening must
voluntarily agree to participate in the screening process and shall include
all individuals arrested in Tippecanoe County for non-violent misdemeanor
and/or felony offenses EXCLUDING: a) Any individual classified as a
violent arrestee or repeat violent arrestee as defined by IC 35-33-8-3.4; b)
Any individual arrested for or charged with an offense ineligible for direct
placement on a community corrections program; c) Any individual arrested
for or charged with Escape or Failure to Return to Lawful Detention; d) Any
individual arrested for or charged with a felony offense that has the use of a
firearm or deadly weapon as an essential element or aggravating
circumstance; and e) Any individual currently on parole, probation, or pre-trial release for an offense prohibited by this rule.
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b. Screening Procedure: Screeners shall be employees of Tippecanoe
County and/or Tippecanoe County Community Corrections and shall
perform screening on all newly arrested Eligible Defendants in the
Tippecanoe County Jail. Screening shall be performed Monday through
Friday, in advance of the Defendant’s initial hearing before the Magistrate.
The Screening process may include a pre-trial questionnaire, the Pre-Trial
IRAS, the Brief Jail Mental Health Screen, the Correctional Mental Health
Screen, and/or other evidence-based screening approved by the Magistrate
or Elected Judicial Officers of Tippecanoe County. The screeners shall
prepare a Risk Report which may include answers to the pre-trial
questionnaire, the results of any evidence-based screening tools, criminal
history information, and/or failure to appear history. Said report shall be
discoverable to the parties but shall not be accessible to the public.
c. Admissibility. Pursuant to Rule 2.6 of the Indiana Rules of Criminal
Procedure, except as outlined in Rule 2.6 (D)(2) of the Indiana Rules of
Criminal Procedure, evidence of an arrestee’s statements and evidence
derived from those statements made for use in preparing the pre-trial
questionnaire, any of the assessment tools outlined herein, and/or the Risk
Report are not admissible against the arrestee, in any criminal or civil
proceeding, and may not be used in any other court except in a pretrial
proceeding. The screening tools administered to the Eligible Defendants
outlined herein shall not be disclosed to the parties without a court order,
shall be maintained by Tippecanoe County Community Corrections, and
may be destroyed one (1) year after the Defendant’s release from the Pre-Trial Program consistent with the retention schedule for records related to
Work Release and/or Home Detention.
d. Scope of Program. Release conditions may include: release on a
Defendant’s own recognizance, with or without additional conditions;
placement on Tippecanoe County Community Corrections; cash, surety, or
property bond; and/or any other conditions of bail, bond, or pre-trial
release authorized by law. Tippecanoe County Community Corrections is
authorized to collect data on this program, provide services related to this
program, and/or perform any other functions related to this program as
may be required by any funding sources, grants, or as authorized by the
Judges of Tippecanoe County.
e. Violations. Violations of any conditions of pre-trial release in this
program shall be addressed by the filing of a written motion of the
violation, prepared by any agency supervising the Defendant’s Pre-trial
release, in the court where the Defendant’s case is pending. Upon filing of
said written notice, the State may file a written notice to revoke or modify
any conditions of the Defendant’s pre-trial release. The State may file a
motion to revoke or modify pre-trial release irrespective of the filing of any
written notice. Nothing in this Rule shall be read to limit the Court’s legal
authority to address violations, issue warrants, modify conditions, and/or
revoke release consistent with all applicable rules of law and procedure. The
State may file a motion seeking to have pre-trial release revoked upon filing
of any notice from Tippecanoe County Community Corrections or without
notice.
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f. Purpose. The purpose of the Pre-Trial Release Program outlined herein is
to assess the risk posed by the release of individuals booked into the
Tippecanoe County jail on a criminal charge, to set appropriate conditions
and supervision of those who are released under the authority of the
program, and to promote earlier identification of individuals suffering from
mental health and/or addictions.
10. No Admittance to Bail for DNA Collection Refusal. No felony arrestee may
be released on recognizance or admitted to bail upon a refusal to cooperate with the
DNA collection procedures required by I.C. §10-13-6-10. Upon cooperating with
DNA collection procedures, the arrestee may be released on recognizance or
admitted to bail as per the pre-trial release program and bail schedule.
LR79-CR4-2. Speedy Trial Requests.
All requests for an early trial pursuant to Rule 4 of the Indiana Rules of Criminal
Procedure must be made in writing and, if defendant is represented by counsel, must be
made in writing by counsel of record. Oral motions requesting an early trial pursuant to
Rule 4 of the Indiana Rules of Criminal Procedure shall be denied if not also accompanied
with an appropriate written motion as required herein.
Adopted April 1, 2013, effective April 1, 2013. Amended effective July 1, 2014. Amended effective
January 1, 2020. Amended effective January 1, 2021. Amended effective January 1, 2026.
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APPENDIX A
10 DAY NO-CONTACT ORDER
AS A CONDITION OF PRE-TRIAL RELEASE
The Arrested Person listed above has been arrested for committing a violent crime resulting in bodily
injury to another person, a crime of domestic violence, or other crime concerning the safety of another
person. As a condition of their release from jail, the Arrested Person shall have no contact with the
Protected Person listed below, effective immediately, and lasting for ten (10) days after being
released from jail. This order is issued in accordance with Tippecanoe County Local Rule 16 and
Indiana Code 35-3-8-3.6.
To be read and initialed by the Arrested Person:
For 10 days after my release from jail, I cannot have any contact with the Protected
Person, directly or indirectly, even if they contact me first, and even if they tell me that it is okay.
“No contact” means that I cannot be within the eyesight of the Protected Person, their
home, or any other place where I know they will likely be located. It also means that I cannot
contact the Protected Person by telephone, text, correspondence, fax, Facebook, or any other
means, even while I am in jail.
I cannot use or possess alcohol or illegal controlled substances while this matter is
pending.
I cannot possess any firearms, ammunition or other dangerous weapons while this matter
is pending, and I will surrender any such items to law enforcement for safekeeping until this
matter is resolved.
If I intentionally violate this 10 Day No-Contact Order As A Condition Of Pre- Trial Release,
my bond may be revoked (meaning I may be held in jail until my case is resolved) and/or I may
be charged with a separate crime of Invasion of Privacy.
I understand and agree to the above conditions.
________________ _____________________________
DATE INMATE SIGNATURE
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APPENDIX B
STATE OF INDIANA ) IN THE TIPPECANOE _________ COURT
) SS:
COUNTY OF TIPPECANOE ) CAUSE NO.
STATE OF INDIANA
VS.
_________________________
NOTICE OF SCHEDULING BOND HEARING
Comes now Defendant, (PRO SE)/(BY COUNSEL) and gives notice that a Bond Hearing has
been scheduled in the above referenced cause number(s) on
___________________________________ at 9:30AM in the Magistrate’s Court.
The Court is advised that Defendant’s bond is currently set at
Defendant (DOES)/(DOES NOT) request an IRAS Pre-Trial Assessment through Tippecanoe
County Community Corrections.
Date:___________________ ______________________________
Defense Counsel/Defendant, if pro se
Distribution:
State
Defense
TCCC/Pre-Trial
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D. JURY RULES
LR79-JR4-1. Local Rule Regarding Jury Rules.
Tippecanoe County adopts the two-tier notice and summons system described in Jury
Rule 4. The jury qualification form and notice will be the first tier and summoning the
prospective juror at least one week before service will be the second tier.
The Bailiff of each court of record, as well as the Clerk of Tippecanoe County, is hereby
designated as a Jury Administrator.
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E. TIPPECANOE COUNTY PROBATE RULES
LR79-PR-1. General Provisions.
1. Tippecanoe Circuit Court conducts motion hour on Mondays, Wednesdays, and
Fridays at 8:30 a.m. to allow prompt resolution of probate matters, including
estates and guardianships. Attorneys may contact the Probate Commissioner to
coordinate scheduling.
2. Fiduciaries, including personal representatives and guardians of an estate, must
proceed with counsel, unless otherwise approved by the Court.
3. In guardianship and civil commitment cases, if the alleged protected person is
unable to safely appear in-person, they must be offered the opportunity to appear
remotely.
4. Personal representatives and guardians shall file an affidavit of qualifications,
describing their education, employment, felony convictions, misdemeanor
convictions related to the health or safety of others, along with any involvement
with investigations by the Department of Child Services or Adult Protective
Services.
5. Personal representatives and guardians shall file signed Instructions upon
appointment. No Letters or Administration or Letters of Guardianship will issue
until the signed Instructions are filed.
6. All parties are required to prepare proposed orders for the Court’s consideration
for all proceedings, unless otherwise directed by the Court.
LR79-PR-2. Notice
1. Whenever notice by publication or written notice is required to be given, the
attorney shall prepare such notice and shall ensure that such notice is properly
published or served. In all respects, the notice shall comply with all statutory
requirements. It shall be the attorney’s responsibility to ascertain and provide
adequate proof that notice was properly served prior to bringing a matter to Court
or that notice will be properly served as part of any proceeding.
2. Copies of petitions shall be sent to interested parties along with all notices of
hearings.
3. Notice of the opening of an estate shall be sent by First Class United States Mail to
all reasonably ascertainable creditors; however, the use of certified mail, return
receipt requested, to serve such notice is recommended.
4. Notice of the hearing to be held on a petition to determine if an estate is insolvent
shall be served on all interested parties.
LR79-PR-3. Bonds.
Bonds may be required in some circumstances. If discretionary, the Court intends to
exercise that discretion for the protection of creditors, heirs, legatees, devisees, protected
persons, or other interested individuals or entities. In lieu of bond, the Court may consider
alternatives, including:
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1. The personal representative may be ordered to provide continued access to the
estate checking account to their attorney.
2. The personal representative’s attorney may be ordered to maintain possession of
the estate checkbook.
3. The guardian of an estate may be ordered to place the protected person’s funds into
a restricted account.
LR79-PR-4. Confidentiality.
Most probate actions, except MH and AD cases, are matters of public record and the files
thereof are open to review by the general public, subject to excluded and confidential
information. Unless required by law or dictated by circumstances of the case, filings with
the court need not include dates of birth, social security numbers, or other information
which is not necessary for probate administration. If confidential information is required,
the parties shall comply with Ind. Access to Court Records, Rule 5.
LR79-PR-5. Estates.
1. Estates opened for the sole purpose of pursuing a wrongful death claim shall
proceed under supervised administration because the personal representative must
request court approval of attorney’s fees and the compromise of any claims.
2. If an estate cannot be closed within one year, the personal representative shall
report to the Court the reasons therefore, and shall request an additional period of
time necessary to close the estate.
3. Closing Estates
a. Unsupervised Estates: Unless otherwise ordered by Court in a particular
proceeding, closing statements are sufficient to result in closing an estate.
Any objections thereto will be scheduled for hearing. No orders approving
closing statements will routinely be provided.
b. Supervised Estates: As part of the closing process, the Court will accept
affidavits in lieu of vouchers.
LR79-PR-6. Guardianships.
1. A Guardianship Registry Information Sheet shall accompany all requests to
establish guardianship.
2. The alleged protected person shall be present at the hearing or sufficient evidence
shall be presented showing that notice of the hearing was given and that the alleged
protected person is unable to safely appear in person or remotely.
3. In guardianship matters seeking to declare an adult incapacitated for any reason, a
report or document from the treating physician, or such additional evidence as the
Court shall require, shall be presented to the Court at the time the petition is filed
or on the hearing date. No determination will be made without a supporting
medical report or other evidence clearly demonstrating the reasons supporting the
need for a guardianship. Although the use of a specific form is not required, the
physician’s report should include any relevant diagnosis and indicate whether the
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alleged protected person is partially or completely unable to make personal or
financial decisions.
4. In every petition for the appointment of a guardian of the person of a minor child,
the following information shall be given:
a. the child’s present address,
b. the places where the child has lived within the past two years and the names
and present addresses of persons with whom the child has lived during that
period,
c. whether, to Petitioner’s knowledge, any other litigation is pending
concerning the custody of the child in this or any other state, and
d. whether, to Petitioner’s knowledge, any person not a party to the
guardianship proceeding has physical custody of the child or claims to have
custody or visitation rights with respect to the child.
An inventory of property within a guardian’s control shall be filed within ninety (90)
days after the guardian’s appointment or within thirty (30) days of the appointment of a
temporary guardian.
5. A VERIFIED ACCOUNT of the guardian’s administration of finances shall be filed
every two years, or sooner if directed by the Court. The verified account must include
a recapitulation.
6. A CURRENT REPORT regarding the protected person’s physical and mental
condition and residence shall be filed every two years, or sooner if directed by the
Court. The report must indicate whether the living arrangements for the protected
person are appropriate. A current report is still required when the Court waives the
requirement to file biennial verified accounts.
7. Other than for routine matters and unless permitted by law, the guardian shall
obtain Court approval prior to taking any action on significant financial matters
pertaining to carrying out the guardian’s duties and responsibilities for the protected
person, including:
a. Selling the protected person’s home or vehicles;
b. Signing a contract for long-term residential care; and
c. Gifting.
LR79-PR-7. Adoptions.
A request to waive home study report may be deferred until evidence is submitted at the
final hearing. Except for good cause shown, the Court will not waive a home study report
for married petitioners who have not been married for at least one (1) year.
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LR79-PR-8. Civil Commitments.
1. By default, evidentiary hearings on petitions for temporary or regular commitments
will be scheduled for remote video hearings. Upon request from any party, the Court
will convert the hearing to an in-person hearing in court or at the facility, unless
good cause is shown to deny the request.
2. When an Application for Emergency Detention is granted, authorized inpatient
facilities shall file a Report Following Emergency Detention upon discharge or
transfer.
LR79-PR-9. Principles Applicable to Fee Determination.
1. Estate Administration. There are two methods by which fees are typically
determined. One is on an hourly basis based upon the amount of time spent by the
attorney in handling the matter. The other is based upon a percentage of the size of
the gross estate. The attorney must decide which method is reasonable under the
circumstances.
a. Hourly Method: The amount of an hourly fee can vary considerably and
should consider the factors set forth in Ind. Professional Conduct Rules 1.5.
b. Percentage Method: In this method the fees are computed based upon the
size of the gross estate. The following are typically normal services: opening
of the estate; qualifying the personal representative; preparing the inventory;
paying claims; collecting assets; and paying inheritance taxes; preparing and
filing the final report or closing statement; obtaining an order approving
same; distributing assets as required; obtaining discharge of the personal
representative; and preparing and serving all notices on interested parties
and readily ascertainable creditors throughout the proceedings. Fees herein
shall not include services for preparation or filing of federal or state income
tax returns, or forms relating to employment of third persons by the decedent
or estate. This list shall not be considered to be exclusive. Percentage fees
shall be computed on the gross estate. The maximum fee for these normal
services is computed as follows:
Up to $ 100,000 not to exceed 6%
Next $ 200,000 not to exceed 4%
Next $ 700,000 not to exceed 3%
Excess over $ 1,000,000 not to exceed 1%
c. In addition to the normal services described above, many times additional
services are necessary, for which an additional fee is appropriate. Such
additional services and the maximum related fees may include for example
the following:
i. Sale of Real Estate: Minimum fee of $500.00 except that there shall
be a fee no greater than 2.5% (.025) of the gross sales price of the real
estate where no real estate professional receives a commission.
ii. Federal Estate Tax Return Form 706: Basic Fee-the greater of
$3,000.00 or .15% (.0015) of the total gross estate as shown on Form
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706, Part 2, Line 1, Page 1 Additional fee for non-probate assets 1.5%
(.015).
d. Fees shall be hourly for the following services: spreading will of record, small
estate settlement procedure, defending a will, construing a will, contesting
claims, adjusting tax matters, any contested hearing, petition for
instructions, heirship determination, and fees to continue a business or to
generate additional income for the estate.
2. Wrongful Death Administration.
a. Fees shall not exceed:
Settlement prior to filing 25%
Settlement after filing and prior to trial 33 1/3%
Trial 40%
Appeal, or extra work 50%
The above fee schedule may be increased under circumstances where the
litigation is complex, the potential for recovery is difficult, or significant time
is required to resolve liens, so long as all of the parties agree to the fees, and
the Court approves the fees.
3. Other Probate Matters.
4. Except as otherwise specified above, fees in other proceedings involving
guardianship and docketed trusts and related matters, will be computed on an hourly
basis. Hourly fee services shall be rendered with specificity and may include: sale of
personal property, sale of real property, partial distributions, contesting claims,
adjusting tax matters, any contested hearing, petition for instructions, heirship
determination, and fees to continue a business or to generate additional income for
the trust or guardianship. Personal Representative’s Fees.
a. Professional: Their applicable reasonable rate to be reviewed in light of all
prevailing circumstances.
5. Non-Professional: An amount not in excess of one-half (1/2) of the attorney’s fee,
computed via the method being employed by the attorney handling the estate. In
determining the amount of the fee, consideration shall be given to the amount of
work performed by the personal representative as compared to the attorney as well
as the nature of the work performed by the personal representative. For example,
the hourly rate to be charged for lawn care or house cleaning should be comparable
to typical laborer charges as compared to the rate for negotiating a sale of property
or the transfer of securities. Further, although some consideration should be given
to the compensation ordinarily earned by a personal representative in their regular
employment, the fact that they miss some work in order to perform their duties as
personal representative does not automatically justify them to be compensated for
such at their normal pay level.
6. Guardian’s Fees.
a. Any request for guardian fees shall be made at the time the guardian files its
biennial verified account with the Court.
Adopted Aug. 1, 2006, effective Jan 1, 2007. Amended effective Jan. 1, 2012. Amended effective
January 1, 2026.
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F. TIPPECANOE COUNTY RULES OF FAMILY LAW.
Preamble. These local rules have been enacted to help effectuate a dignified and effective means of
resolving all family law disputes, but especially those disputes involving minor children. While
recognizing our adversarial system for resolving family law problems, these local rules mandate that
attorneys not ignore but embrace their equally important roles as negotiators and advisors and their
special responsibility for the quality of justice.
These rules also apply to self-represented parties in an effort to encourage cooperation and free
exchange of information with the goal of an amicable resolution of outstanding issues.
TR 79-FL00-1 Scope, Citation, and Definition, Cooperative Approach and Liberal
Construction
A. Scope. These rules shall apply to family cases in the Tippecanoe Circuit Court and all
the Superior Courts of Tippecanoe County.
B. Citation. These rules may be cited as the Tippecanoe County Rules of Family Law and
abbreviated as F. L. R.
C. Definition. Family cases shall include all cases involving claims for or related to marital
dissolution or separation, paternity, child custody, parenting time or visitation with a child,
and support of a child or spouse.
TR 79-FL00-2 Statement of Policy and Purpose
The Circuit and Superior Courts of Tippecanoe County are committed to a cooperative
model for the handling of family cases by parents, attorneys, and judges. These rules
shall be liberally construed and applied to serve the healthy and child-sensitive functioning of
families. In all family cases with children, the goal will be protecting the best interests of those
children.
TR 79-FL00-3 General Obligations of Cooperation of Attorneys and Parties
A. Attorneys and parties in family cases are expected to act with the courts as co-problem
solvers, not mere problem-reporters. Attorneys shall both inform and remind their clients
about the judicial expectations of cooperation in family cases, assist their clients to understand
and observe these standards, and encourage clients to participate in co-parenting classes,
counseling, mediation, and other appropriate problem-solving processes.
B. To establish and maintain an atmosphere which fosters cooperative problem-solving,
all parties and attorneys shall:
(1) explore resources which may reduce conflict, build cooperation, and
protect children;
(2) attempt reasonable cooperative measures before resorting to the court;
(3) avoid disrespectful language and behavior; and,
(4) avoid unnecessary motions or petitions, hearing and arguments.
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LR 79-FL00-4 Initial and Provisional Hearings
Unless considerations of safety or other good cause make it unreasonable, before the date and time
set for an initial or provisional hearing, counsel shall meet with each other (or any unrepresented
party) in a good-faith attempt to resolve all matters. Parties shall exchange basic financial
information at least 7 days (or shorter time as may be necessary) before any Provisional Hearing.
The information should include verification of monthly income or other revenues, monthly
household expenses, regular monthly payments due on outstanding obligations (i.e. mortgage, credit
cards) and child support worksheet if applicable per Rule 15 below.
LR 79-FL00-5 Mandatory Website Work for Parents
A. Dissolution of Marriage / Legal Separation / Paternity. In all dissolution, separation or
paternity cases where the parties have any children together under the age of 18, both parties
shall complete the work on www.UpToParents.org within 30 days of initial filing (or 30 days
of the court’s finding of paternity) or a comparable co-parenting website.
B. Following completion of the website work required by this rule, the parents shall merge
or exchange their chosen Commitments from their website work.
LR 79-FL00-6 Co-Parenting Class
Dissolution of Marriage / Legal Separation / Paternity. In all cases where the parties have any children
together under the age of 18, both parties shall complete a co-parenting class as may be ordered by
the court. The court may also order both parties to attend additional co-parenting classes in post-decree and post-paternity matters.
LR 79-FL00-7 Proof of Compliance
A. Dissolution of Marriage and Legal Separation. To monitor compliance, within 60 days
of the initial filing of an action for dissolution or separation, each party shall file a verified
certification of their completion of the mandatory website work as required under FLR. 5,
above, and of any co-parenting class as required under FLR. 6, above, a sample form of which
is attached hereto as Appendix “A”.
B. Paternity. To monitor compliance, within 45 days of the court’s finding of paternity,
each party shall file a verified certification of completion of the mandatory website work as
required under FLR 5, above. A sample form is attached hereto as Appendix “B”.
C. Any party failing to timely file such a certification may be subject to a hearing on
such a failure. Any such failure may also be considered by a court in future custody,
parenting time, or modification issues.
LR 79-FL00-8 Parenting Plan Proposals
The Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines provide useful outlines of the minimum time each parent
should have with the children to maintain frequent, meaningful, and continuing contact with them.
Any parenting time plan submitted by agreement that provides for less than the minimum time
allowed under the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines must contain a written explanation for deviating
from those guidelines. Agreed parenting plans that exceed the minimum time allowed under the
Guidelines will not require a written explanation.
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Unless they have already executed an agreed parenting plan, the parties shall each prepare and
exchange their written Parenting Plan Proposals utilizing the form which is attached hereto as
Appendix “C”. Parents, personally and with the help of counsel and all useful counseling, mediation
and other problem-solving resources, shall continue to attempt to reach an agreed parenting plan.
LR 79-FL00-9 Protocols after Initial Filing
A. Duties Regarding Consultation. Except in emergencies or when it might create a danger
or substantial prejudice or is otherwise unreasonable to do so, counsel and pro se parties shall
have a personal or telephonic consultation to resolve any issue before filing or seeking any
other relief through the court. (electronic communication such as email or texts are not
preferred). Counsel and pro se parties contacted for a consultation shall make themselves
reasonably available for consultation. The duty of consultation shall be continuing.
B. Substance of Consultation. In the consultation, counsel and pro se parties shall:
(1) attempt to resolve all matters at issue;
(2) confirm the parties’ compliance with FLR 5, FLR 6, FLR 7 and
FLR 8; and,
(3) discuss the resources they believe the parents could use to resolve
current and future issues and to build cooperation.
C. Cooperation Update - Mandatory. All motions and pleadings other than the initial
filings shall include a statement confirming compliance with items (1) through (3), above,
including the date of the required personal or telephonic consultation; or shall recite the
specific reasons for the lack of a consultation.
LR 79-FL00-10 Requirements before Custody Evaluations
All requests for custody evaluations must be (1) in writing (2) certify that both parties and their
counsel, if any, have engaged in at least one good faith attempt to resolve the issues through the use
of a settlement conference or mediation.
The court will not grant a request for or otherwise order a custody evaluation except following a
Status Conference in the presence of both parties and their attorneys, if any, during which the court
has been satisfied that:
A. both parties have completed the mandatory website work pursuant to FLR 6,
above; and,
B. both parents have completed any required co-parenting class pursuant to FLR
7, above; and,
C. both parties have exchanged Parenting Plan Proposals pursuant to FLR 8,
above; and,
D. both parties and their attorneys, if any, have engaged in at least one good faith
attempt to resolve the issues through the use of a settlement conference or
consultation pursuant to FLR 9, above; and,
E. the court has carefully considered and reviewed, with both parties and their
attorneys, if any, the use of other resources.
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LR 79-FL00-11 Case Captioning
Parties in dissolution, separation, and paternity cases shall be designated as “Husband” or “Wife” /
“Mother” or “Father” or “Parent” / “Petitioning Spouse” or “Respondent Spouse” / “Former
Husband”, “Former Wife”, or “Former Spouse” / and “Putative Father”. All captions shall comply
with applicable statutes and case law.
LR 79-FL00-12 Form of Summons
Parties in dissolution, separation, and paternity cases shall prepare and utilize forms of summons as
set forth herein.
A. Dissolution of Marriage and Legal Separation. In dissolution and separation cases, the
appropriate summons shall be used and shall be substantially the same as the form(s) which
attached hereto as Appendix “D” and “D-1”.
B. Paternity. In paternity cases, the summons shall be substantially the same as the form
which is attached hereto as Appendix “E”.
LR 79-FL00-13 Judges’ Notice
Whenever the initial filing is prepared by an attorney, the attorney shall also prepare and provide the
client and the Clerk with a sufficient number of copies of the appropriate the Judges’ Notice as
required herein. In cases filed by pro se parties, the Clerk shall provide the appropriate Judges’
Notice. The Judges’ Notice to Parents Going Through Divorce is attached as Appendix “F” and
Judges’ Notice to Parents in Paternity Cases is attached as Appendix “G”.
LR 79-FL00-14 Joint Restraining Order.
In an action for separation or dissolution of marriage, a court may, without request of either party,
enter an initial Joint Restraining Order that is limited to restraining parties from transferring,
encumbering, concealing or otherwise disposing of marital assets (except in the usual course of
business or for the necessities of life) or from removing any child of the parties then residing in the
State of Indiana from the State with the intent to deprive the court of jurisdiction over such child.
In the event a party seeks to enjoin the other from abusing, harassing, or otherwise contacting the
other party or child of the marriage or relationship, a separate petition and order is required per Ind.
Trial Rule 65(E). A joint or mutual order shall not be issued.
LR 79-FL00-15 Financial Declaration Form.
In all Dissolutions of Marriage, Separations, Paternity, Modification of Support or Custody matters,
irrespective of which court, each party shall prepare and exchange within 30 days of service upon
Respondent of initial summons or modification petition, the appropriate Financial Declaration
Form (see Appendix “I” and “J”). These time limits may be extended or shortened by court order for
good cause. In cases where there is service, but no appearance by counsel, the initiating party is
responsible for providing the other party with the appropriate blank Form and to notify that party
of the duty to prepare and exchange the same.
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A. Exceptions. The Form need not be exchanged if:
(1) the parties agree in writing within 30 days of the initial filing to
waive exchange;
(2) the parties have executed a written agreement which settles all
financial issues;
(3) the proceeding is merely at a provisional or emergency relief stage;
(4) the proceeding is one in which the service is by publication and there is
no response; or,
(5) the proceeding is post-decree and concerns no financial
issues.
Provided, however, when the proceeding is post-decree and only concerns a support arrearage,
the alleged delinquent party shall complete the entire Post-Decree Form. The support
recipient need only complete the portion which requires the basis of any arrearage calculation
and attach appropriate supporting documentation, including County Clerk’s support payment
history.
B. Use at trial. The Forms are intended primarily as mandatory discovery though, subject
to appropriate objection, they shall be admissible at the request of any party. Therefore,
particularly in view of the presumptive nature of the Indiana Child Support Guidelines, direct
examination on form data shall address only unusual factors which require explanation or
corrections and shall not, particularly with respect to issues of support, be routinely permitted.
For evidentiary purposes, the pages of the Form shall be deemed severable.
C. Supporting documents. For the purposes of providing a full and complete verification
of assets, liabilities, and values, each party shall attach to the form all information reasonably
required and reasonably available. This shall include recent bills, wage and tax records, and
bank, pension and year-end mortgage statements. “Reasonably available” means that material
that may be obtained by letter accompanied with an authorization, but does not mean material
that must be subpoenaed or is in the possession of the other party. Appraisals of real estate and
pensions, or appraisals of personal property such as jewelry, antiques, or special collections
(stamps, coins, or guns, for example) are not required. However, once an appraisal is obtained,
it must be exchanged unless the appraisal was obtained in accordance with the provisions of
Trial Rule 26(B) (4) (b) and is not expected to be used at trial. A court may direct that an
appraisal be obtained just as it may designate the appraiser.
D. Privacy/Sealing of Forms. A court may, upon motion, order the admitted forms be
sealed whenever the interest of privacy so requires. However, such requests shall not be made
as a matter of course. When ordered sealed, the Court Reporter shall place the Forms in a flat
manner in an envelope of sufficient size, seal the envelope, and affix a copy of the order. Forms
may be withdrawn at the conclusion of the case on such terms as the court allows.
E. Mandatory Discovery. The exchange of Forms constitutes mandatory discovery. Thus,
Indiana Rules of Procedure, Trial Rule 37 sanctions apply. Additionally, pursuant to Trial Rule
26(E) (2) and (3), the Form must be supplemented when additional material becomes
available. Any additional discovery such as a motion to produce, interrogatories, or
depositions shall not commence until the Forms are exchanged and shall not seek information
already obtained.
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LR 79-FL00-16 Indiana Child Support Guidelines
Worksheet Required. In all proceedings involving children under the age of 19, each party shall file
with any settlement or enter into evidence during any trial an Indiana Child Support Guidelines
Worksheets (one or more depending upon the facts). The Worksheet(s) shall, when reasonably
possible, be delivered to the other parent simultaneously with the Financial Declaration Form, but, in
any event, within 10 days of receiving the other parent’s Financial Form. The Worksheets shall be
promptly supplemented if any changes occur prior to resolution. All Worksheets shall be signed by
the party(ies) submitting the Worksheet.
Find Support Worksheet at: https://www.in.gov/courts/services/child-support-calculator/.
LR 79-FL00-17 Preparation of Orders
A. Exchange. It shall be the duty of the parties’ attorneys to prepare decrees and other
orders as directed by the court. The attorney so directed is first to submit them to all other
attorneys of record or to the unrepresented party to enable them to challenge any provision
thereof before submission to the court for entry.
B. Additions. If the preparing attorney believes the other attorney or the other party, if
the other party is proceeding pro se, is unreasonably withholding approval as to form, or if
either believes the other is attempting to make additions not addressed by the court, either
may submit a proposed form to the court and shall attach thereto a written explanation of the
dispute. The other party shall have 7 days to respond before the court enters any order. The
court may enter sanctions against a party who has unreasonably withheld approval or
attempted to make additions not addressed by the court.
C. Signatures. The signature line for counsel or pro se litigant shall indicate Approved As
To Form. Such signature indicates that the order correctly reflects the court’s ruling. It does
not necessarily signify that the signing party or attorney agrees with the ruling.
LR 79-FL00-18 Sanctions
If a party or counsel fails to timely prepare, exchange or file a Financial Declaration Form or Child
Support Worksheet or to cooperate in providing information therefore in a timely manner, either is
subject to sanctions under Trial Rule 37.
LR 79-FL00-19 Attorney Fee Requests
A. Affidavits. When attorney fees (except those sought provisionally) are requested from
the opposing party, the requesting attorney shall submit an appropriate affidavit,
which, if the affidavit comports with these rules, the court shall admit as an exhibit.
B. Content. The affidavit shall indicate the:
(1) requested fee and the basis thereof;
(2) amounts counsel has billed, contracted for, or been promised; and,
(3) amount counsel has received from all sources.
A copy of the written fee contract, if any, shall be attached to the affidavit and deemed a part thereof.
Opposing counsel may cross examine the requesting attorney as to any of the submitted material.
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LR 79-FL00-20 Agreed Matters - Submission
No agreed matter shall be submitted unless accompanied with a signed agreement, and other
appropriate documents, such as the decree, child support worksheet, a wage withholding order, or a
qualified domestic relations order. However, if the parties reach a settlement on the courthouse
steps, then the court shall accept evidence of that settlement on the record and enter the appropriate
order upon preparation and filing by counsel within 21 days after submission, or such additional time
as the court may allow.
LR 79-FL00-21 Orders Excluding Parent from the Residence
In all instances where emergency or extraordinary relief is requested including, but not limited to,
excluding a parent from the residence, the court shall require full compliance with the provisions of
Trial Rules 65(B) and 65(E). In situations involving allegations of physical abuse, intimidation or
stalking, relief may be sought by a separate filing for an Order of Protection.
Adopted effective January 1, 2018. Amended effective January 1, 2026.
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INDEX TO APPENDICES
Certificate of Compliance in Dissolution Cases Appendix A
Certificate of Compliance in Paternity Cases Appendix B
Parenting Plan Proposal Appendix C
Summons and Notice of Hearing in Proceedings of Dissolution of Marriage Appendix D
Summons in Proceedings for Dissolution of Marriage Appendix D-1
Summons and Notice of Initial Hearing in a Paternity Case Appendix E
Judges’ Notice to Parents Going Through Divorce Appendix F
Judges’ Notice to Parents In Paternity Cases Appendix G
Financial Declaration Form: Dissolution of Marriage Appendix H
Financial Declaration Form: Paternity and Post-Decree Appendix I
(effective January 1, 2026)
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APPENDIX A
In Re The (select: Marriage/Paternity) of:
Cause No.:
CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE
IN DISSOLUTION CASES
The undersigned, as the (select: Mother/Father/Parent) in the within cause, does hereby
certify
that:
1. On (type date) I did complete the mandatory website work as required by FLR 5
and have attached hereto my certificate to confirm the same; and,
2. On (type date) I did complete a co-parenting class as required by FLR 6 and
have attached hereto my certificate to confirm the same.
I affirm under the penalties for perjury that the foregoing representations are true.
Date: ___________________
(Type name), (select: Mother/Father/Parent
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APPENDIX B
In Re The (select: Marriage/Paternity) of:
Cause No.:
CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE
IN PATERNITY CASES
The undersigned, as the (select: Mother/Father/Parent) in the within cause, does hereby certify
that:
On (type date) I did complete the mandatory website work as required by the FLR 5 and
have attached hereto my certificate to confirm the same.
I affirm under the penalties for perjury that the foregoing representations are true.
Date: _ __________________
(Type name), (select: Mother/Father/Parent)
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APPENDIX C
PARENTING TIME PROPOSAL / AGREEMENT
In Re The (select: Marriage/Paternity) of:
Cause No.:
(Select: Mother’s/Father’s/ Parent’s) Parenting Plan Proposal
Parent’s Affirmation
I hereby affirm, under the penalties for perjury, that before preparing this proposal I have:
1. Carefully read the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines, including the Preamble and
General Rules and understand that they reflect the minimum parenting time; and,
2. Completed the work assignments for parents at www.UpToParents.org/ ;
Dated: _____________________ ____________________________________
(Select: Mother/Father/Parent)
Parenting Time Proposal
The following parenting plan proposal for our children was prepared and is submitted in
compliance with the Tippecanoe County Rules of Family Law and is part of the effort of both
parents to create a plan to include the decision making and living arrangements that will serve to
nurture and protect our children as the years progress. As stated in the Tippecanoe County Rules
of Family Law, the following proposal was prepared and is submitted as part of the effort to
compromise and settle these and other issues which now exist between the parents and, as a
result, unless all of the terms of the following proposal are accepted as shown by the signature of
both parents on page four (4) hereof, the following proposal and all of its terms, constitute
privileged communications which are inadmissible for any purposes.
1. As the parents, important decisions in our children’s lives (such as place of
residence, school selection and other educational decisions, healthcare and religious
upbringing) will be made as follows:
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2. The declared legal residence of our children for school and legal purposes will be:
3. Due to the circumstances of the lives of the members of our family, including work
schedules and the like, our parenting time schedule for our children to be with each of us will vary
from the minimum set forth in the Indiana Parenting Guidelines, as follows:
Weekdays:
Weekends:
Holidays and Special Days:
Extended Parenting Time/Summer Vacation:
4. In the event of disagreement, we will speak to one another first to try to resolve any
parenting issues. If we are unable to resolve all the issues, then we will utilize the following:
(Circle all that apply and add any additional ones.)
A. Redoing the (select: www.UpToParents.org/www.ProudToParent.org)
website work.
B. Co-parenting classes.
C. Mediation/Arbitration.
D. Individual, joint, family, or child counseling.
E. Appointment of a parenting time coordinator (PTC) to work with us.
F. Appointment of a guardian ad litem (GAL) for our children.
G. Other (specify):
Other provisions of our parenting plan would be:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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6. As dedicated parents, we will do our best to: (A) Remember that our children's only job
is to be children, not our messengers, spies, counselors, confidants, or carriers of our hurt.
(B) Remember that our love for our children is greater than any issue we could have with each other;
(C) Respect each other’s parenting time while also being flexible so the children's lives can be as
normal as possible; (D) Educate our extended families and close friends that they need to make
peace as well; and (E) Pay special attention to keep our appointments and schedules with each other
and calling promptly if any problems come up.
ACCEPTANCE
Our signatures below indicate our agreement to all of the terms above as our Parenting
Agreement and that this document is now admissible as evidence in court.
__________________________________ _____________________________________
(Select: Mother/Father/Parent) (Select: Mother/Father/Parent)
Date: , 20. Date: _________________, 20.
_____________________________ ________________________________
(Attorney’s name) (Ind. Atty No.) (Attorney’s name) (Ind. Atty No.)
Attorney for Attorney for
(address) (address)
(phone number) (phone number)
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APPENDIX D
STATE OF INDIANA ) IN THE (Title, Address and Phone
Number of COUNTY OF TIPPECANOE ) SS: Court)
IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF
(Name of Filing Party),
(select: Mother, Wife, Father, Husband) Cause No.
and
(Name of Spouse),
(select: Mother, Wife, Father, Husband)
SUMMONS AND NOTICE OF HEARING
I N P R O C E E D I N G S F O R D I S S O L U T I O N O F M A R R I AG E
THE STATE OF INDIANA TO: (name of spouse being served)
(address)
Your spouse has filed an action for dissolution of marriage in the Court stated above. A copy of the Petition
(and, in some cases, other documents) together with a separate Notice from the Court which is printed on
yellow paper are attached to or otherwise served with this Summons and contain important details regarding
the nature of these proceedings. Local Rules in Tippecanoe County require that both you and your spouse
complete certain, specific tasks and you should immediately and carefully review those requirements.
THIS IS YOUR OFFICIAL NOTICE that a hearing on Provisional Orders has been scheduled for, 20_ , at
M. before this Court, in (room number) which is located on the ( floor), at the address listed in the upper
right hand corner of this Summons. If you wish to hire an attorney to represent you in this matter, it is
advisable to do so before that date. If you do not appear for that hearing, a provisional order could be
entered by default which could remain in effect until this action is concluded.
THIS IS YOUR OFFICIAL NOTICE that a final hearing has been scheduled for, 20, at .M.
before this Court, in (room number) which is located on the ( floor), at the address listed in the upper right
hand corner of this Summons. If you do not file a written appearance with the Clerk and serve a copy on your
spouse's attorney, you may not receive notice of any further proceedings in this action. If you do not make
such an appearance, a final decree could be entered by default which grants the relief sought in your spouse's
Petition after the expiration of sixty (60) days from the date of the filing of the Petition. You are not required
to file any written Answer to respond to the Petition; however, certain grounds for dismissal must be asserted
in a timely fashion or are waived; and, if you have a claim for relief against your spouse you may be required
to assert such a claim in a written pleading which must be filed with the Clerk and served on your spouse's
attorney.
The following manner of service of this SUMMONS is hereby designated:
Date:
(Name of attorney for Filing Party) Indiana Attorney No: (insert)
(firm name)
Attorney for (select: Mother, Wife, Father,
Husband) (address)
(phone number)
JULIE ROUSH
CLERK, TIPPECANOE CIRCUIT/SUPERIOR COURTS
By:
Deputy Clerk
46
PREPARATION DATA:
All summonses are to be prepared in triplicate with the original of each to be placed in the Court file with two copies
available for service.
If service is by certified mail a properly addressed envelope shall be provided for the party being served. Certified mail
labels and return receipts must also be furnished for each mailing and the cause number must appear on each return
receipt, which shall be returnable to the Clerk at the address of the Court.
CLERK'S CERTIFICATE OF MAILING
I hereby certify that on the day of, 20, I mailed a copy of this Summons and a copy of the
Petition to the party being served, , by mail, requesting a return receipt, at the address furnished by the filing party.
JULIE ROUSH
CLERK, TIPPECANOE CIRCUIT/SUPERIOR COURTS
Dated: BY:
Deputy Clerk
RETURN ON SERVICE OF SUMMONS BY MAIL
I hereby certify that the attached return receipt was received by me showing that the Summons and a copy of the
Petition mailed to the party being served, , was accepted by the party being served on the day of
, 20.
I hereby certify that the attached return receipt was received by me showing that the Summons and a copy of the
Petition was returned not accepted on the day of, 20.
JULIE ROUSH
CLERK, TIPPECANOE CIRCUIT/SUPERIOR COURTS
Dated: , 20. BY:
Deputy Clerk
RETURN OF SERVICE OF SUMMONS BY SHERIFF
I hereby certify that I have served the within Summons:
1) By delivering on, 20, a copy of this Summons and a copy of the Petition to each of the
within named person(s).
2) By leaving on, 20, for each of the within named person(s) a copy of the Summons and a
copy of the Petition at the respective dwelling house or usual place of abode, in, Indiana, with a person of suitable age
and discretion residing within, whose usual duties or activities include prompt communication of such information to the
person served, or by otherwise leaving such process thereat, and by mailing a copy of the Summons without the Petition
to the said named person(s) at the address listed herein.
3) This Summons came to hand this date, , 20. The within named was
not found in my bailiwick this date, 20.
ALL DONE IN TIPPECANOE COUNTY, INDIANA.
BOB GOLDSMITH
SHERIFF OF TIPPECANOE COUNTY, INDIANA
By:
SERVICE ACKNOWLEDGED
I hereby acknowledge that I received a copy of the within Summons and a copy of the Petition at in
, Indiana, on this date, , 20.
Signature of Party Served
47
APPENDIX D-1
STATE OF INDIANA
COUNTY OF TIPPECANOE, SS:
IN THE (Title, Address and Phone Number of
Court)
IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF
(Name of Filing Party),
(select: Mother, Wife, Father,
Husband) and
(Name of Spouse),
(select: Mother, Wife, Father,
Husband) Cause No.
SUMMONS
I N P R O C E E D I N G S F O R D I S S O L U T I O N O F M A R R I AG E
THE STATE OF INDIANA TO: (name of spouse being
served) (address)
Your spouse has filed an action for dissolution of marriage in the Court stated above. A copy of the Petition (and, in some
cases, other documents) together with a separate Notice from the Court which is printed on yellow paper are attached to
or otherwise served with this Summons and contain important details regarding the nature of these proceedings. Local
Rules in Tippecanoe County require that both you and your spouse complete certain, specific tasks and you should
immediately and carefully review those requirements.
If you do not file a written appearance with the Clerk and serve a copy on your spouse's attorney, you may not receive
notice of any further proceedings in this action. If you do not make such an appearance, a final decree could be entered by
default which grants the relief sought in your spouse's Petition after the expiration of sixty (60) days from the date of the
filing of the Petition. You are not required to file any written Answer to respond to the Petition; however, certain grounds
for dismissal must be asserted in a timely fashion or are waived; and, if you have a claim for relief against your spouse you
may be required to assert such a claim in a written pleading which must be filed with the Clerk and served on your spouse's
attorney.
The following manner of service of this SUMMONS is hereby designated:
(select: Registered or certified mail, return receipt #
Sheriff of Tippecanoe County
Private service by:
Other (specify):
) Date:
(Name of attorney for Filing
Party) Indiana Attorney No:
(insert)
(firm name)
Attorney for (select: Mother, Wife, Father,
Husband) (address)
(phone
number)
JULIE
ROUSH
CLERK, TIPPECANOE CIRCUIT/SUPERIOR COURTS
By:
Deputy Clerk
PREPARATION DATA:
All summonses are to be prepared in triplicate with the original of each to be placed in the Court file with two copies available for service.
If service is by certified mail a properly addressed envelope shall be provided for the party being served. Certified mail labels and return
receipts must also be furnished for each mailing and the cause number must appear on each return receipt, which shall be returnable to
the Clerk at the address of the Court.
48
APPENDIX E
STATE OF INDIANA IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF TIPPECANOE COUNTY
JUVENILE DIVISION, 301 Main Street
COUNTY OF TIPPECANOE Lafayette, Indiana 47901
(765) 423-9295 IN THE MATTER OF THE PATERNITY
OF: CAUSE NO. 79D03-0107-JP-0000
(Name of Child)
(Gender and Date of Birth)
(Name of Father),
Putative
Father, and
(Name of Mother).
Mother
(Name of Child) b/n/f (Name of Petitioner)
SUMMONS
AND NOTICE OF INITIAL HEARING IN A PATERNITY CASE
THE STATE OF INDIANA TO: (Name of Respondent)
(Address of Respondent)
A paternity action has been filed in the Court stated above. A copy of the Petition (and, in some cases, other
documents) together with a separate Notice from the Court which is printed on yellow paper are attached to or
otherwise served with this Summons contains important details regarding the nature of these proceedings. Local Rules
in Tippecanoe County require that both parties to this case complete certain specific tasks. You should immediately
and carefully review those requirements.
THIS IS YOUR OFFICIAL NOTICE that an Initial Hearing to Establish Paternity is scheduled for the
day of, 20, at o’clock .m. at the address
listed in the upper right hand corner of this Summons. If you wish to hire an attorney to represent you in this matter, it is
advisable to do so before that date. If you do not appear for that hearing, a final order could be entered by
default determining paternity, custody, parenting time and child support.
If you do not file a written appearance with the Clerk and serve a copy on the attorney whose name and address is set
forth at the bottom of this page, you may not receive notice of any further proceedings in this action. You are not required
to file any written Answer to respond to the Petition; however, certain grounds for dismissal must be asserted in a timely
fashion or are waived; and, if you have a claim for relief against the person who filed the Petition, you may be required to
assert such a claim in a written pleading which must be filed with the Clerk and served upon the attorney whose name
and address is set forth at the bottom of this page.
The following manner of service is designated: Sheriff (or CMRRR, or Private Server etc.)
Date: JULIE ROUSH
CLERK, SUPERIOR COURT OF TIPPECANOE COUNTY
Attorney for Putative Father By:
(Address of Attorney)
CLERK'S CERTIFICATE OF MAILING
I hereby certify that on the day of, 20, I mailed a copy of this Summons and a copy of the Petition to the
party being served, , by mail, requesting a return receipt, at the address furnished by the filing party.
JULIE ROUSH
CLERK, TIPPECANOE CIRCUIT/SUPERIOR COURTS
Dated: , 20. BY:
Deputy Clerk
RETURN ON SERVICE OF SUMMONS BY MAIL
I hereby certify that the attached return receipt was received by me showing that the Summons and a copy of the
Petition mailed to the party being served, , was accepted by the party being served on the day of, 20.
I hereby certify that the attached return receipt was received by me showing that the Summons and a copy of the
Petition was returned not accepted on the day of, 20.
JULIE ROUSH
CLERK, TIPPECANOE CIRCUIT/SUPERIOR COURTS
Dated: , 20. BY:
Deputy Clerk
49
RETURN OF SERVICE OF SUMMONS BY SHERIFF
I hereby certify that I have served the within Summons:
1. By delivering on, 20, a copy of this Summons and a copy of the Petition to each of the
within named person(s).
2. By leaving on, 20, for each of the within named person(s) a copy of the Summons and a copy
of the Petition at the respective dwelling house or usual place of abode, in, Indiana, with a person of suitable age and
discretion residing within, whose usual duties or activities include prompt communication of such information to the
person served, or by otherwise leaving such process thereat, and by mailing a copy of the Summons without the Petition
to the said named person(s) at the address listed herein.
3. This Summons came to hand this date, , 20. The within named
was not found in my bailiwick this date, , 20.
ALL DONE IN TIPPECANOE COUNTY, INDIANA.
BOB GOLDSMITH
SHERIFF OF TIPPECANOE COUNTY, INDIANA
By:
SERVICE ACKNOWLEDGED
I hereby acknowledge that I received a copy of the within Summons and a copy of the Petition at in,
Indiana, on this date, , 20.
Signature of Party Served
50
APPENDIX F
JUDGES’ NOTICE TO PARENTS GOING THROUGH DIVORCE
We, the Judges and Magistrates of Tippecanoe County, share the following information so
that you will know of our commitment to the best interests of children. Please read this information
carefully, as we expect you and all other persons involved in your case to be partners in serving
those best interests.
1. As soon as possible, read the Tippecanoe County Rules of Family Law for important
information about how divorce cases will be handled to:
ensure safety;
reduce conflict;
build cooperation; and,
protect the best interests of all family members, especially all children.
2. If you and your spouse have any children under the age of 18, you must do the
following:
a. Complete the work on www.UpToParents.org, and file verification within 30 days;
b. Attempt to establish your own plan for the decision making and living
arrangements that will serve to nurture and protect your children. A plan which is
worked out between the parents to fit the needs of their children and family is
almost always the best. You should review the Indiana Parenting Time
Guidelines. The Court considers those Guidelines to be the minimum parenting
time for each parent to have frequent, meaningful, and continuing contact with
their children; and
3. If you and your spouse have any children under the age of 19, you must complete
an Indiana Child Support Worksheet. Find form at: https://www.in.gov/courts/services/child-support-calculator/.
4. You and your spouse must complete and exchange Financial Declaration Forms with
all required attachments within 30 days from the date of filing of the Petition.
51
APPENDIX G
JUDGES’ NOTICE TO PARENTS IN PATERNITY CASES
We, the Judges and Magistrates of Tippecanoe County, share the following information so that you
will know of our commitment to the best interests of children. Please read this information
carefully, as we expect you and all other persons involved in your case to be partners in serving
those best interests.
1. If either of you question whether or not the man named as the father in this
case is the father, and the man named as the father has not signed a paternity
affidavit admitting paternity of the child at issue, the Court will order genetic testing at the
initial hearing to establish paternity. If the man named as father is found not to be the father by
genetic testing, the case will be dismissed.
2. If paternity is established, whether by agreement or otherwise, or following genetic
testing, the Local Rules of the Circuit and Superior Court of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, require
you to do the following:
A. Complete the work on www.ProudToParent.org and furnish the Court
with a certification that you have done so.
B. Complete and exchange Financial Declaration Forms with all
required attachments.
3. In addition, if paternity is established, whether by agreement or otherwise, or
following genetic testing, you will be expected to do the following:
A. Devise a Parenting Plan for your children. A Parenting Plan consists of the
decision making and living and financial arrangements that will serve to nurture
and protect your children as the years progress. A plan which is worked out between
the parents to fit the needs of their children and family is almost always best. You
should review the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines. The Court considers those
Guidelines to be the minimum parenting time for each parent to have frequent,
meaningful, and continuing contact with their children. If you fail to devise a
successful Parenting Plan for your children, this Court may require you to attend
and complete, at your own expense, a co-parenting class.
B. Read the Tippecanoe County Rules of Family Law and the Indiana
Parenting Time Guidelines for additional important information on the
Court’s expectation that everyone involved in your case will be a partner in:
Ensuring safety;
reducing conflict;
building cooperation; and,
protecting the best interests of all family members, especially all children.
52
APPENDIX H
STATE OF INDIANA ) IN THE CIRCUIT/SUPERIOR COURT
) SS:
COUNTY OF TIPPECANOE ) OF TIPPECANOE COUNTY
IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF: CASE NO. 79________ - ___ -________
___________________________________________
Circle: Petitioner / Wife / Husband
AND
______________________________________________
Circle: Respondent / Wife / Husband
DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE: FINANCIAL DECLARATION FORM
NAME PERSON SUPPLYING THIS
FORM:_________________________________________
1. This form is mandatory discovery and must be exchanged between the parties within 30
days of service of summons upon the Respondent, whether represented by an attorney or
not.
2. Failure by either party to complete and exchange this form may authorize the court to
impose sanctions set forth in Rule 17 of the Tippecanoe County Rules of Family Law.
3. You MUST include all documents requested in the CHEKLIST at the end of this form. If
documents are not available within 30 days, you should include a notation that the
document is being obtained and exchange it as soon as reasonably possible. Parties have an
ongoing obligation to update this form as information becomes available.
4. If the space provided is inadequate to fully provide a response you should include
additional pages.
5. DO NOT file this with the court unless instructed to do so.
PART I. PRELIMINARY INFORMATION
Husband: Wife:
Address: Address:
Soc. Sec. No.: Soc. Sec. No.:
Birth Date: Birth Date:
Date of: Marriage:______________ Physical Separation:____________ Filing: _____________
Children of this Marriage (Naturally Born or Adopted):
__________________ ____ _____ __________________ ____ _____
Name: First, Middle Age D.O.B. Name: First, Middle Age D.O.B.
__________________ ____ _____ __________________ ____ _____
Name: First, Middle Age D.O.B. Name: First, Middle Age D.O.B.
__________________ ____ _____ __________________ ____ _____
Name: First, Middle Age D.O.B. Name: First, Middle Age D.O.B.
__________________ ____ _____ __________________ ____ _____
Name: First, Middle Age D.O.B. Name: First, Middle Age D.O.B.
53
Other Minor Children: (Provide following information for other child living at your residence)
Name: _________________ Age: ____ Relationship:. ___________ Support Received: __________
Name: _________________ Age: ____ Relationship:. ___________ Support Received: __________
Name: _________________ Age: ____ Relationship:. ___________ Support Received: __________
PART II. INCOME
A. Employer: __________________________ Telephone No: ____________________________
Address: ________________________________ Length of Employment ______________________
______________________________________ Job Description. ___________________________
B. Gross Yearly Income $___________________________
(Include commissions, bonuses, allowances & overtime received in most recent year)
C. Gross pay each pay period $________________ (Circle: weekly / 2 weeks / twice per month / monthly)
D. Gross Monthly Income from Other Sources: ( Rents, Royalties, Dividends, Interest, Pension,
Retirement, Social Security, Disability, Unemployment, Public Assistance [i.e.. Food stamps], or child support)
$ Description:________________________________________________
$ Description:________________________________________________
$ Description:________________________________________________
PART III. MONTHLY LIVING EXPENSES
List names and relationship of each household member whose expenses are included below.
___________________________ _______________________ __________________________
___________________________ _______________________ __________________________
$ Rent or Mortgage payments $ Utilities (gas, electric, water, etc.)
$ Property Taxes (not included in mortgage) $ Food
$ Property Insurance (not included in mortgage) $ Transportation
$ Insurance (car, life, personal property) $ Health Insurance
$ Phones/cell phones $ Cable/Data/Internet
$ Misc. (toiletries, laundry, clothing, etc.) $ Other(Describe: ______________)
PART IV. MINOR CHILDREN RELATED EXPENSES
(Skip if no children younger than age 19 or no adult dependent children)
$ Child Care Cost To Permit You To Work (Circle: Daily / Weekly / Monthly)
$ Pre-School Costs (Circle: Weekly / Monthly / Semester / Year)
$ School Tuition - per semester (Circle: Elementary /High School)
$ Sports/Extracurricular Activity Expenses
$ ________________ Health Insurance for Children Only (Do not include costs for your portion)
$ Post High School Loans
$ Child support/Legal Duty for children not of this relationship.
54
Post High School Education Expense: If any child subject to this case is attending post high school
classes or will attend within the next six (6) months, list the following information for each child.
Student _______________________ Student __________________________
Name of School _________________ Name of School ____________________
Cost Per Year $ _______________ Cost Per Year $_____________________
(If applicable include room and board) (If applicable include room and board)
PART V CHILD SUPPORT WORKSHEET
In All Cases Involving Child(ren) under 19 years of age, you MUST attach an Indiana Child Support
Worksheet (with documentation of your income); or provide Worksheet within ten (10) days of the exchange
of this Form with the other party. (See Indiana Child Support Guideline 6).
PART VI. DEBTS / LOANS / CREDIT CARDS / OBLIGATIONS
$ Current Balance Creditor’s Name:
$ Monthly Payment Person(s)s on Account:
$ Current Balance Creditor’s Name:
$ Monthly Payment Person(s) on Account:
$ Current Balance Creditor’s Name:
$ Monthly Payment Person(s) on Account:
Current Balance Creditor’s Name:
$ Monthly Payment Person(s) on Account:
$ Current Balance Creditor’s Name:
$ Monthly Payment Person(s) on Account:
$ Current Balance Creditor’s Name:
$ Monthly Payment Person(s) on Account:
$ Current Balance Creditor’s Name:
$ Monthly Payment Person(s) on Account:
PART VII. MARITAL ASSETS
Include estimated values of items below and whether property is owned by Husband (H), Wife (W) or Jointly
(J). Use current fair market (not purchase) values!
A. Household Furnishings: ( Furniture, Appliances, Equipment, etc.)
$__________________________
B. Clothing, Jewelry, Etc.
$____________________________________________________________.
C. Vehicles (Automobiles, Boats, Snowmobiles, Motorcycles, Etc.):
Model: _________________ Present Value $___________ Amount Owed: $ __________ Owner ______
Model: _________________ Present Value $___________ Amount Owed
: $ __________ Owner ______
Model: _________________ Present Value $___________ Amount Owed: $ __________ Owner ______
Model: _________________ Present Value $___________ Amount Owed: $ __________ Owner ______
55
D. Cash & Deposit Accounts: (include ALL bank or credit union accounts, thrift plans, mutual funds,
certificates of deposit, Cash Apps {i.e. Venmo, Zelle,}, annuities, contents of safe deposit box).
$ Balance Institution Name:
Type of Account: Account #:
Owner(s):
$ Balance Institution Name:
Type of Account: Account #
Owner(s):
$ Balance Institution Name:
Type of Account: Account #
Owner(s):
$ Balance Institution Name:
Type of Account: Account #
Owner(s):
E. Real Estate:
Address: Address:
Original Cost $ Original Cost $
Present Value $ Present Value $
Mortgage Co. ___________ Balance $______ Mortgage Co. ___________ Balance $______
2d Mortgage Co. _________ Balance $______ 2d Mortgage Co_________ Balance $_______
Taxes (Not included in mortgage) $___________ Taxes (Not included in mortgage) $__________
Insurance (Not included in mortgage) $________ Insurance (Not included in mortgage) $_________
Assessments (utility/condo/HAS fees) $_______ Assessments ( utility/condo/HAS fees) $_______
Other liens (type: __________) $_________ Other liens (type:________) $__________
Contributions $_________________ Contribution $______________________
(Circle: inheritance/personal/pre-marital assets/misc.) (Circle:inheritance/personal/pre-marital assets/misc.)
F. Securities: (Stocks, Bonds, Cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, Etc.) Use additional page if necessary.
$_________Value Company __________________ No. of Shares ______ Owner: ____________
$_________Value Company __________________ No. of Shares ______ Owner: ____________
$_________Value Company __________________ No. of Shares ______ Owner: ____________
G. Retirement Plans/Deferred Compensation/Pensions. Provide the following information for any
plan and monthly amount you would be entitled to if you stopped work today. This includes cash
retirement accounts such as IRA, SEPS, KEOUGHS, 401(k),401(a), 403(b); employee savings plan; stock
ownership/profit sharing plans, annuities.
Plan Name __________________________ Plan Name ______________________________
Plan Administrator _____________________ Plan Administrator ________________________
Earliest Retirement Date _________________ Earliest Retirement Date ____________________
Vested Circle: yes /no & when:_____________ Vested Circle: yes /no & when:________________
Eligible Monthly Amount ________________ Eligible Monthly Amount ___________________
Present Value _________________________ Present Value _____________________________
Plan Name __________________________ Plan Name ______________________________
Plan Administrator _____________________ Plan Administrator ________________________
Earliest Retirement Date _________________ Earliest Retirement Date ____________________
Vested Circle: yes /no & when:_____________ Vested Circle: yes /no & when:________________
Eligible Monthly Amount ________________ Eligible Monthly Amount ___________________
Present Value _________________________ Present Value _____________________________
56
H. Life Insurance: Name of Insured, Beneficiary, Policy #, type of insurance (term, whole life,
group), face value, cash value and any loans against - include plans provided by employer:
$ Face Value Issuing Company
$ Cash Value Insured Name
$ Loans Beneficiary
Circle Type: Term / Whole Life / Group
$ Face Value Issuing Company
$ Cash Value Insured Name
$ Loans Beneficiary
Circle Type: Term / Whole Life / Group
I. Business or Professional Interests: Indicate name, share, type of business, value less indebtedness, etc.
____________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
J. Other Assets: (Vested Trust Interest, Pending Inheritance, Collections, i.e. coin, stamp, guns, other ).
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
K. Use This Space for Any Additional Information You Believe Relevant to Your Finances.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
57
PART VIII. VERIFICATIONS
PERSON FILLING OUT THIS FORM:
I declare, under the penalty of perjury, that the foregoing, including any valuations and attachments, is true
and correct and that I have made a complete and absolute disclosure of all of my assets and liabilities.
Furthermore, I understand that if, in the future, it is proven to this court that I have intentionally failed to
disclosure any asset or liability, I may lose the asset and may be required to pay the liability. Finally, I
acknowledge that sanctions may be imposed against me, including reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses
incurred in the investigation, preparation and prosecution of any claim or action that proves my failure to
disclose income, assets or liabilities.
DATE
Signature
ATTORNEY CERTIFICATION (If Declarant Represented by Attorney)
I have reviewed with my client the foregoing information, including any valuations and attachments, and
sign this certificate consistent with my obligation under Trial Rule 11 of the Indiana Rules of Procedure.
DATE
Attorney Name:
Indiana Attorney No.:
Attorney for Wife / Husband / Petitioner / Respondent
SEE CHECKLIST ON FINAL PAGE
(Reminder: Exchange form with other party but DO NOT file with court unless instructed to do so)
58
CHECKLIST
ATTACH THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS THAT SUPPORT THE NUMBERS AND
VALUES PROVIDED ABOVE. IF DOCUMENTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE YOU MUST
SUPPLEMENT THIS FORM AS SOON AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE.
1. Federal and State Income Tax Returns from the last three (3) Years including W-2 1099, K-1 forms & other
schedules.
2. Pay Stubs/Wages/ Public Benefits Statements from the last three (3) Months.
3. Commissions/ Bonuses/Allowances Statements within the last two (2) years.
4. Health Insurance – Last premium statement. If paid through your employer, a statement showing costs for
you as individual employee vs. costs to cover any dependent children or spouse. (See your H.R. representative
for this information)
5. Health Savings/Flex Medical Account - Statement that includes date of filing of Petition for Dissolution of
Marriage.
6. Day Care Costs – Contract or Payment Verification of weekly/ monthly costs.
7. Real Estate - Appraisal or other such documents that support your valuations.
8. Vehicles – Statement from a dealer or recognized source (i.e. Kelly Bluebook, Edmunds, NADA, etc.).
9. Bank/Investments/IRA’s/Cash Apps/ 529 Education Accounts – Statement that covers the time period that
includes date of filing of Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.
10. Debts/Loans/Mortgages/ Credit Cards - Statement that covers the time period that includes date of filing of
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.
11. Retirement/Pension/PERF/ 401(k),401(a), 403(b) Accounts – Statements explaining current values, if
vested, benefits, amounts expected or are receiving.
12. Life Insurance Policies - Including named beneficiaries and premiums.
13. Indiana Child Support Worksheet (for parties with child(ren) under 19 years old) - Completed worksheet with
overnight parenting time credits.
See: https://www.in.gov/courts/services/child-support-calculator/
14. Trust/Inheritance Documents – For any current or pending interest.
15. Business or Professional Interests - Tax returns last 3 years, Articles of Incorporation, Share Certificates, list
of business assets values & debts, bank account statements, balance sheets and profit & loss statements that
include date of filing of this action.
Updated 04/2025
59
APPENDIX I
STATE OF INDIANA ) IN THE CIRCUIT/SUPERIOR COURT
) SS:
COUNTY OF TIPPECANOE ) OF TIPPECANOE COUNTY
IN RE THE MATTER OF: CASE NO. 79________ - ___ -
________
___________________________________________
Circle: Petitioner / Mother / Father
AND
______________________________________________
Circle: Respondent / Mother / Father
PATERNITY & POST DECREE: FINANCIAL DECLARATION FORM
NAME PERSON SUPPLYING THIS
FORM:_________________________________________
1. This form is mandatory discovery and must be exchanged between the parties within
30 days of service of summons or post-decree motion, whether represented by an
attorney or not.
2. Failure by either party to complete and exchange this form may authorize the court
to impose sanctions set forth in Rule 17 of the Tippecanoe County Rules of Family Law.
3. You MUST include all documents requested in the CHEKLIST at the end of this form.
If documents are not available within 30 days, you should include a notation that the
document is being obtained and exchange it as soon as reasonably possible. Parties
have an ongoing obligation to update this form as information becomes available.
4. If the space provided is inadequate to fully provide a response you should include
additional pages.
5. DO NOT file this with the court unless instructed to do so.
PART I. PRELIMINARY INFORMATION
Father/Parent: Mother/Parent:
Address: Address:
Soc. Sec. No.: Soc. Sec. No.
Birth Date: Birth Date:
60
Children of this Marriage/Relationship (Naturally Born or Adopted):
________________ ____ ______ ________________ ____ ______
Name: First, Middle Age D.O.B. Name: First, Middle Age D.O.B.
________________ ____ ______ ________________ ____ ______
Name: First, Middle Age D.O.B. Name: First, Middle Age D.O.B.
________________ ____ ______ ________________ ____ ______
Name: First, Middle Age D.O.B. Name: First, Middle Age D.O.B.
________________ ____ ______ ________________ ____ ______
Name: First, Middle Age D.O.B. Name: First, Middle Age D.O.B.
Other Minor Children: (Provide following information for other child(ren) living at your residence)
Name: _______________ Age: ____ Relationship:. _________ Support Received: __________
Name: _______________ Age: ____ Relationship:. _________ Support Received: __________
Name: _______________ Age: ____ Relationship:. _________ Support Received: __________
PART II. INCOME
A. Employer: _________________________ Telephone No: ________________________
Address: __________________________ Length of Employment __________________
________________________________ Job Description. _______________________
B. Gross Yearly Income $___________________________
(Include commissions, bonuses, allowances & overtime received in most recent year)
C. Gross pay each pay period $__________________ (Circle: weekly / 2 weeks / twice per month /
monthly)
D. Gross Monthly Income from Other Sources: ( Rents received, Dividends, Pension, Retirement,
Social Security, Disability, Unemployment benefits, Public Assistance [i.e.. Food stamps], or child support
received ).
$ Description:
$ Description:
$ Description:
PART III. MONTHLY LIVING EXPENSES
List names and relationship of each household member whose expenses are included below.
_________________________ ________________________ ______________________
_________________________ ________________________ ______________________
_________________________ ________________________ ______________________
$ Rent or Mortgage payments $ Utilities (gas, electric, water, etc.)
$ Property Taxes (not included in mortgage) $ Food
$ Property Insurance (not included in mortgage) $ Transportation
$ Insurance (car, life, personal property) $ Health Insurance
$ Phones/cell phones $ Cable/Data/Internet
$ Misc. (toiletries, laundry, clothing, etc.) $ Other(Describe: __________)
61
PART IV. MINOR CHILDREN RELATED EXPENSES
$ Child Care Cost To Permit You To Work (Circle: Daily / Weekly / Monthly)
$ Pre-School Costs (Circle: Weekly / Monthly / Semester / Year)
$ School Tuition - per semester (Circle: Elementary /High School)
$ Sports/Extracurricular Activity Expenses
$ ___________________ Health Insurance for Children Only (Do not include costs for your portion)
$ Birth-Related Expenses (if applicable)
$ Child support for children not involved in this case.
Post High School Education Expense: If any child subject to this case is attending post high school
classes or will attend within the next six (6) months, list the following information for each child.
Student __________________ Student ___________________________
Name of School ________________________ Name of School _____________________
Cost Per Year $ _______________ Cost Per Year $_____________________
(If applicable include room and board) (If applicable include room and board)
PART V CHILD SUPPORT WORKSHEET
In All Cases Involving Child(ren) under 19 years of age, you MUST attach an Indiana Child Support
Worksheet (with documentation of your income); or provide Worksheet within ten (10) days of the
exchange of this Form with the other party. (See Indiana Child Support Guideline 6).
PART VI CHILD SUPPORT ARREARAGE COMPUTATION
If case involves a claim of a support or other arrearage, attach all records or other exhibits regarding
payment history and compute the arrearage as of the date of the filing of the petition or motion which
raises that issue. Explain in detail how arrearage is calculated.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
L. Use This Space for Any Additional Information You Believe Relevant to Your Finances.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
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PART VIII. VERIFICATIONS
PERSON FILLING OUT THIS FORM:
I declare, under the penalty of perjury, that the foregoing, including any valuations and attachments, is
true and correct and that I have made a complete and absolute disclosure of all of my assets and
liabilities. Furthermore, I understand that if, in the future, it is proven to this court that I have
intentionally failed to disclosure any asset or liability, I may lose the asset and may be required to pay
the liability. Finally, I acknowledge that sanctions may be imposed against me, including reasonable
attorney’s fees and expenses incurred in the investigation, preparation and prosecution of any claim or
action that proves my failure to disclose income, assets or liabilities.
DATE
Signature
ATTORNEY CERTIFICATION (If Declarant Represented by Attorney)
I have reviewed with my client the foregoing information, including any valuations and attachments,
and sign this certificate consistent with my obligation under Trial Rule 11 of the Indiana Rules of
Procedure.
DATE:
Attorney Name:
Indiana Attorney No.:
Attorney for Mother/Father/Petitioner/Respondent
SEE CHECKLIST ON FINAL PAGE
(Reminder: Exchange form with other party but DO NOT file with court unless instructed to do so)
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CHECKLIST
YOU MUST ATTACH THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS THAT SUPPORT THE
NUMBERS AND VALUES PROVIDED ABOVE. IF DOCUMENTS ARE NOT
AVAILABLE YOU MUST SUPPLEMENT THIS FORM AS SOON AS THEY BECOME
AVAILABLE.
1. Federal and State Income Tax Returns from the last three (3) Years
2. Pay Stubs/Wages/ Public Benefits Statements from the last three (3) Months.
3. Commissions/ Bonuses/Allowances Statements within the last two (2) years.
4. Health Insurance – Last premium statement. If paid through your employer, a
statement showing costs for you as individual employee vs. costs to cover any dependent
children or spouse. (See your H.R. representative for this information)
5. Health Savings/Flex Medical Account - Statement that includes date of filing of Petition.
6. Day Care Costs – Contract or Payment Verification of weekly/ monthly costs.
7. Post-High School Expenses – Tuition, room & board, scholarships or grants.
8. Indiana Child Support Worksheet -
See: https://www.in.gov/courts/services/child-support-calculator/
Form Created 04/2025
64
Provenance
- Source
- www.in.gov
- Retrieved
- 2026-10-02
- Edition
- supplied-in-28-83-tippecanoe-local-rules-2026-01-01
- Content hash
0d0f589a8b960740369c03ac8f80ba6b0917d3ac0a7b3104c1f5bf8a9d9f757a
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Unofficial copy of government-published law, reproduced from official sources with full provenance. Not an official publication; verify against official sources before relying on it in a filing. Records in the 'guidance' corpus, and only that corpus, are sub-regulatory (interpretive guidelines, survey procedures) and are not binding law. Validity bounds follow each jurisdiction's declared temporalBasis.