Contact your Probation Officer or Case Manager as soon as possible to advise them. If circumstances warrant, they may request a continuance on your behalf.

No. The Juvenile Court does not sponsor a “Scared Straight Program.”

You cannot call or e-mail the Judge or Magistrate to discuss your case. The only time a person or party, including the Department of Child Services or the Prosecutor, can discuss a case with a Judicial Officer is in Open Court on the Record during a hearing.

Yes, all Administrative Fees, Probation User Fees and Restitution fees can be paid at www.govpaynow.com.

A bench warrant may have been issued for your failure to appear. Call the court for information on what to do.

You will need to submit a written request for a continuance.  Follow the instructions below.  A continuance is discretionary with the Court.  Please state the specific reason(s) you are unable to appear.

Follow the instructions for filing a Motion for Continuance at the State’s Self-Service Legal Center, www.in.gov/judiciary/selfservice/2336.htm.  You will need an original and three copies of your Motion and CCS Entry Form, plus two postage pre-paid envelopes, one self-addressed and one with certified mailing for opposing party or their counsel.

The Lake County Juvenile Justice Complex is conveniently located 1 ½ miles South of the intersection of US 30 and Taft, on 93rd Avenue, just North of the Lake County Government Complex.

Both Google maps and MapQuest (accessible via internet) are good resources which take road conditions into consideration.

No. The Probation Department is designed to handle cases that have been officially referred to the court. Community resources are available to assist with questions regarding children’s behavior. Such resources are: The Crisis Center (219) 938-7070, Geminus Corporation Hotline (219) 757-1868 and Mental Health America (219) 736-4955.

Please see IV-D Paternity tab for instructions and a list of useful Resources.

Paternity must be established by Court Order or a Paternity Affidavit signed by the father to have a right to parenting time. Please see the IV-D Paternity tab for instructions on how to file paternity and the Resource List for Self-Represented Litigants for useful websites.

A contempt citation will be filed against the child’s parent/guardian and the case will be set for a citation hearing.  If the fees are paid prior to the hearing, your case will be closed and your presence will not be necessary.  Administrative Fees, Probation User Fees and Restitution Fees can be paid via Money Order or on-line at www.govpaynow.com.

As members of the community utilizing the Lake County Superior Court, Juvenile Division, it is expected and required that you and your child appear in court in appropriate attire. 

As the courtroom is not a casual environment, it is expected that all parents/legal guardians present their children and themselves to the Court in compliance with the following guidelines to insure the professional integrity of the court and judicial process.

UNACCEPTABLE CLOTHING:

SHORTS OF ANY KIND (cut-off or other), T-SHIRTS, TANK or HALTER TOPS, sweat shirts, torn clothing (this includes clothing purchased with tears already in them), mini-skirts, untied shoe laces, bathing or body suits.

It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to insure the clothing worn by their children and themselves reflects the proper level of respect due the Lake County Superior Court.

Failure to comply with the expected dress code could result in the continuance of your case and in some instances may result in the child’s detention during the continuance period.

See the Juvenile Detention tab for Rules for Visitation