Lake County Small Claims Court
How to file a small claims case in Lake County, IN. Courthouse locations, hours, fees, and filing options for the Gary area.
Small claims in Indiana — the numbers for Lake County courts
$10,000
maximum claim
$52
filing fee (published)
2–10 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
Yes
e-filing accepted
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full Indiana small claims guide · The form that starts a case: every field explained.
Main Courthouse
Lake County Superior Court, County Division - Crown Point
2293 N. Main Street
Crown Point, IN 46307
Other Courthouse Locations
Lake County Superior Court, County Division - East Chicago
3711 Main Street
East Chicago, IN 46312
Serves: East Chicago, Hammond, Highland, Munster and Whiting.
Lake County Superior Court, County Division - Gary
15 West 4th Avenue
Gary, IN 46402
Serves: Gary, Lake Station, Griffith, unincorporated Hobart and Calumet Township.
Lake County Superior Court, County Division - Hammond
232 Russell Street
Hammond, IN 46320
Serves: East Chicago, Hammond, Highland, Munster and Whiting.
How to File in Lake County
E-filing available
This county accepts electronic filing for small claims cases.
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse clerk during business hours. Pay the filing fee by cash, check, or credit card.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this courthouse first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee (check or money order) plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Important for Lake County: Gary/Hammond area (Chicago suburb in Indiana). Indiana limit is $8,000.
Ready to get your money back?
A demand letter often settles disputes before a case is ever filed — and it only takes a few minutes.
Read the demand letter guideSmall claims rules in Indiana
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $10,000.
Marion County (Indianapolis) handles small claims in township courts
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
10 yrs written contract · 6 yrs oral contract · 2 yrs property damage · 2 yrs personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Lake County?
Filing fees in Indiana are set by the state and are $52. If you can't afford the fee, Indiana offers a fee waiver — ask the clerk how to apply. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the court clerk before you file.
What's the most I can sue for in Lake County?
Small claims cases in Lake County are limited to $10,000. If your claim is worth more than that, you either have to bring it in a different court or give up the amount above the limit to stay in small claims. The clerk can confirm which court fits your claim.
Can I file online in Lake County?
Yes — electronic filing is available for small claims in Lake County. You can also file in person or by mail. The clerk's office can tell you which option is fastest for your case.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Lake County?
Small claims court is built for people representing themselves, and most filers do exactly that. Whether an attorney may appear varies by state — the state guide linked on this page covers the rule where you are, and the clerk can confirm it.
Answers reflect published court data. Court rules and fees change — the clerk is always the authoritative source.