The Porter County Clerk's Office is more than just a place to file paperwork - it's a hub of history, organization, and public service. The Clerk's Office is made up of many different sections that all work together to make it run efficiently and effectively. Deputy Clerk Wendy Piunti recently shared insight into the office's daily operations, emphasizing the importance of record-keeping, accuracy, and accessibility.
From marriage licenses to court records, the Clerk's Office plays a vital role in maintaining documents that shape people's lives.
"When someone needs documentation of court orders, marriage records, divorce records, etc, we have it for them," Piunti said.
Whether someone is looking up their family history or securing paperwork for legal purposes, the office ensures that information is preserved and easy to access.
"We are known as the paper pushers. We handle the papers to and from the courts," Piunti said. "The Clerk's Office handles all of the court paperwork, i.e., traffic violations, small claims, divorce, adoptions, name changes and in county marriage license. Anything that needs to go to the courts comes here first. Then we push it through to the courts. We keep the records of both criminal and civil cases in porter county as well as Porter County marriages. It is often misunderstood -- we are the records department, not the recorders office."
The records department maintains the records of the Porter County courts, as well as the marriage licenses. The county has the Recorders Office located at the administration building that handles the business names, DBA licenses, powers of attorney, property liens, federal taxes, quite titles, mechanic liens, quit claim deeds, as well as out of state or out of country marriages.
"We are often mistaken for the recorders office, but they are in the administration building. They handle business names, fictitious names license, dba license, power of attorney, property lien, federal tax, quite title, quit claim deeds, mortgage registration, bond registration, and out of state/county marriages," Piunti said. "If you get married out of the country and you want to have it registered in the State of Indiana, you would take it to the Recorders office, or if you need a copy of one that was registered they would be the ones to have that information."
People can also contact Vital Records for any birth certificates, marriage license, divorce papers, death certificates, and apostille services.
"Vital Records has access to any records in the states that you need," Piunti said. "You can go online and order the information that you need from them. They have the access to all of the state, where we have access to only Porter County."
In fact, the Porter County archives hold historical records that date back generations - offering a glimpse into the past for researchers and residents alike.
"Another important part of the clerk's office is preserving records," said Piunti. "We have maintained that history for anyone to see." We have an archive department located at the Portage Clerk's office that maintains and preserves the old records. Victoria Vasquez is in charge of that area and does a terrific job on preserving those papers. It is a whole process that she truly loves."
This history can vary from any Porter County court cases to family marriage records.
"Records are very interesting. You're able to look into the past to find your family history as well as court history. You can also see who were the judges and see the decisions they made in the day. Things have changed. Back then things were more hands on. Attorneys had to come in person to file new cases. Documents were hand written, and then we moved into the typing age. Now its computers, and e-filing is the way to file new cases. Forms are now online to make it easier and more convenient."
Joining the Porter County Clerk's Office was not the original path for Piunti, but it's one that she is so grateful for.
"It's the perfect job," she said. "Everyone is super great to work with. We're like a little family."
Piunti transitioned from managing banquet halls to working at the clerk's office.
"This career is always interesting," said Piunti. "Even reviewing some of the historical papers we maintain is just unbelievable."
Piunti especially enjoys assisting people during life-changing moments.
"I just love working with people, and we get to see them during so many happy times like marriages, name changes, and such," Piunti said.
Making information accessible is a top priority for the office. Whether someone visits in person or needs help from a distance, the Clerk's Office is ready to assist.
"We try to make it as easy as possible for anyone to access records," said Piunti. "We can mail them, or if they are local, they can come into our office."
To make it even easier, the Porter County Clerk's Office provides all the information and forms needed online.
Elderly residents, out-of-state individuals, and anyone needing certified copies of documents can request records virtually. This makes the process more convenient for those who cannot visit in person.
"We try to think about everyone who might need records," said Piunti. "For example, if someone moved out of state and they need a copy of their marriage license or divorce decree for their real ID, they don't have to come to our office to get what they need."
A common misconception is that the Clerk's Office provides legal advice. Piunti clarifies that they can only offer accurate information, not legal guidance. The office prides itself on ensuring that every record, whether a marriage license or court document, is correct and reliable.
"We pride ourselves on giving out accurate information, but we can't give anyone legal advice, we are not attorneys and would never want to steer anyone in the wrong direction," said Piunti. "We can not tell you how to fill out the papers or what to do. We can only give you what you the information you need to guide you in the right direction. We would never want to mislead someone."
Piunti's passion for history and helping others shine through in this work. Whether assisting with joyous occasions or preserving historical records, Piunti and the team ensure that the Porter County Clerk's Office remains an essential resource for the community.
To learn more about Porter County Government, please visit portercountyin.gov.
