County Recorder

• Records any instrument submitted for recording, providing it meets essential requirements.
• Makes all recorded documents a matter of public record.
• Files Uniform Commercial Code Instruments.
• Supplies copies of any instrument and certifies to those recorded upon request.
• Provides public access to all recorded documents.

The county recorder’s function is to maintain permanent public records involving a wide variety of instruments. These documents detail transactions involving real estate, mining, personal property, mortgages, liens, leases, subdivision plats, military discharges, personal bonds, etc.

Generally, all of these instruments are recorded either for giving legal public notice of their existence or for safekeeping and future reference. The recorder maintains and preserves all legal documents affecting title to real property. These records are the legal basis for determining ownership. The degree with which the recorder fulfills his or her responsibilities ultimately forms the legal foundation for the institution of private property. The recorder is a member of the county commission on public records, which has authority over the preservation or disposition of all public records maintained by the county. (Generally see IC 36-2-11 for the duties of the county recorder).

 Where can I find document forms?

Document forms such as: Warranty Deed, Quit Claim Deed, Land Contract or Mechanics Lien are not available at recorder’s office however they can be found in office supply stores such as Staples, Office Max or in La Porte Kemps Office City.

WARRANTY DEED, a warranty deed is a type of deed where the grantor guarantees that he or she holds clear title to a piece of real estate and has a right to sell it to the grantee, in contrast to a quitclaim deed, where the seller does not guarantee that he or she holds title to a piece of real estate.

QUITCLAIM DEED, a quitclaim deed is a legal instrument that is used to transfer interest in real property. The entity transferring its interest is called the grantor, and when the quitclaim deed is properly completed and executed, it transfers any interest the grantor has in the property to a recipient, called the grantee.

LAND CONTRACT, A land contract is a contract between the buyer and seller of real property in which the seller provides the buyer financing in the purchase, and the buyer repays the resulting loan in installments.

MECHANICS LIEN, a mechanic’s lien is a security interest in the title to property for the benefit of those who have supplied labor or materials that improve the property. The lien exists for both real property and personal property.

We are excited to announce that La Porte County, Indiana now accepts eRecordings with Avid Land Records system! Former County Recorder Barbara Dean was looking to add further value to her submitters and community and by implementing eRecording, many businesses will be able to avoid the delays and costs involved with mailing or hand delivering documents to the courthouse.

By beginning to accept eRecordings, we have made a valuable service available to the submitters of La Porte County. This new technology not only saves businesses time by having documents instantly received at the Recorder’s Office, but it also saves them money with the decrease in postage, handling and courier costs. Plus, with eRecording, you can track and be sure your document arrives and is returned safely. Recorder’s Office will continue to utilize new technology to benefit our community and to make accessing recordings easier.

• Senate Bill 505 was recently passed by both the Indiana Senate and the House of Representatives, and signed into law by Governor Holcomb on April 21, 2017, took effect on July 1, 2017.
• SB 505 specifically addresses the following:
• Replaces the current confusing fee structure with a more predictable and transparent “flat” fee for documents filed with the county recorder.
• Allows for the electronic recording of public documents to increase efficiencies.