Ind. Code ch. 33-29-3

in effect

Ind. Code § 33-29-3-1 Application

Sec. 1. This chapter applies to each superior court having a standard small claims and misdemeanor division for which a judge of the superior court is authorized under IC 33-33 to appoint a small claims referee. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-2.5-1.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.8.

Ind. Code § 33-29-3-2 Times of service; qualifications

Sec. 2. (a) A small claims referee shall serve at those times the court requires. (b) A small claims referee: (1) must be admitted to the practice of law in Indiana; (2) is not required to be a resident of the county; and (3) continues in office until removed by the judge of the court. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-2.5-2.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.8.

Ind. Code § 33-29-3-3 Appointment; practice of law

Sec. 3. The appointment of the small claims referee: (1) must be in writing; and (2) does not prohibit the private practice of law by the appointee. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-2.5-3.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.8.

Ind. Code § 33-29-3-4 Powers

Sec. 4. A small claims referee may: (1) administer all oaths and affirmations; (2) take and certify affidavits and depositions; (3) issue subpoenas for witnesses; (4) compel the attendance of witnesses; and (5) punish contempts; for matters within the small claims jurisdiction of the court. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-2.5-4.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.8.

Ind. Code § 33-29-3-5 Duties

Sec. 5. The small claims referee shall: (1) conduct trials of small claims cases; (2) for cases disposed of by trial, submit written findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations for final judgments to the judge of the court; and (3) for cases disposed of without trial, submit a written disposition report to the judge of the court. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-2.5-5.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.8.

Ind. Code § 33-29-3-6 Limiting power of court

Sec. 6. The judge of the court may: (1) limit any of the rights or powers of the small claims referee; and (2) specifically determine the duties of the small claims referee within the limits established in this chapter. [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-5-2.5-6.] As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.8.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/33Fetched: 10/17/2026