Adams County Court Records Search
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Adams County occupies the western edge of Illinois along the Mississippi River, with Quincy serving as the county seat and the center of local government operations. The Adams County Circuit Court — part of the Eighth Judicial Circuit — is the single trial court of general jurisdiction in the county, handling all criminal, civil, family, probate, juvenile, and traffic matters. The courthouse sits in downtown Quincy and has operated continuously for over a century, maintaining extensive records through the office of the Circuit Clerk.
Residents and members of the public looking for court records in Illinois can begin their search through several official channels, including clerk of court offices, in-person public terminals, and web-based case lookup tools. IllinoisCourts.us provides a directory of state courts and may help users locate publicly available case information, identify the correct court for a particular county, and find links to relevant filing and fee resources.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Adams County?
The Adams County Circuit Clerk’s Office is the official custodian of all court case records filed with the Circuit Court. Case lookups can be performed online, in person, by phone, or by mail.
Online Case Search via Judici
The Circuit Clerk provides access to an online case search system through Judici, a third-party platform used by many Illinois circuit courts. Users can search by party name or case number to view docket entries, hearing dates, dispositions, and other publicly available case information. The system is accessible around the clock at no charge.
The Circuit Clerk’s website also links directly to the search interface under the “Search Court Records” option. Additionally, the daily court docket is published online, allowing users to check scheduled hearings for a given day.
In-Person Visits
Record seekers may visit the Circuit Clerk’s office at the Adams County Courthouse during regular business hours. Staff can assist with locating records using a party name, case number, or other identifying details.
Adams County Courthouse
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 521 Vermont Street, Quincy, IL 62301 |
| Phone | (217) 277-2100 |
| Fax | (217) 277-2116 |
| circuitclerk@adamscountyil.gov | |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
| Trial Court Administrator | Sharon Main |
Copy Fees
Fees for obtaining copies of court documents are set by the Circuit Clerk’s Miscellaneous Fees Schedule. Key copy and search charges include:
- Document reproduction — $2.00 for the first page, $0.50 per page for the next 19 pages, $0.25 per page thereafter
- Certified copy of a judgment (after the first copy) — $10.00
- Certification or authentication — $6.00
- Record search — $6.00 per year searched, per division
- Hard copy printout from automated records — $6.00 per page
- Mailing — $10.00 plus actual postage
Mail requests should include payment, the case details needed to identify the record, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Contact the Circuit Clerk’s office for specific mailing instructions.
Are Court Records Public in Adams County?
Most court records maintained by the Adams County Circuit Clerk are open to public inspection. Two primary Illinois laws establish this right of access.
The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provides a broad right of access to government records. The Clerks of Courts Act, 705 ILCS 105, further requires that all records, dockets, and books maintained by circuit clerks be open to inspection, and that the public have access to papers on file in the clerk’s office.
Despite this general presumption of openness, certain records are exempt from public disclosure. These include records that a court has ordered sealed, suppressed, or impounded, as well as records protected by specific statutes. Court records involving juvenile proceedings are confidential by law. The Judiciary Privacy Act restricts access to certain personal information contained in court filings. When viewing records through the Judici system or at the courthouse, suppressed or impounded records will not appear in search results.
Individuals who believe they should have access to a restricted record — for example, a party to a sealed case — should contact the Circuit Clerk’s office to inquire about the process for requesting access, which may require filing a motion with the court.
Adams County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Adams County are prosecuted through the Circuit Court and range from misdemeanor offenses and DUI cases to serious felonies. The court schedule reflects that felony matters are heard in Courtroom 2B on most weekdays, with misdemeanors typically scheduled in Courtroom 1A. A specialized DUI court operates on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and Drug Court sessions are held on Thursdays.
Searching Criminal Case Records
Criminal court filings, docket entries, and dispositions can be searched through the Judici online portal or by contacting the Circuit Clerk’s office directly. To search effectively, users should have the defendant’s name or case number.
Adams County Sheriff’s Office
The Adams County Sheriff’s Department generates and maintains arrest records, warrant records, and incident reports. These records are generally considered public, though some are restricted under the Illinois Data Practices provisions. The Sheriff’s Department can be contacted at:
Adams County Sheriff’s Department
Address: 535 Vermont Street, Quincy, IL 62301
Phone: (217) 277-2200
Jail: (217) 277-2202
Warrant inquiries: (217) 277-2209
The Sheriff’s Office provides online search tools for certain records. The county jail daily population sheet and current inmate information are available on the Sheriff’s website.
Statewide Criminal Background Checks
The Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification maintains statewide criminal history records under the Illinois Uniform Conviction Information Act (UCIA). Two types of background checks are available:
- Name-based checks can be conducted online through the CHIRP (Criminal History Information Response Process) portal. Users must first register for a digital ID through the State of Illinois enrollment system. The fee is up to $16.
- Fingerprint-based checks must be submitted electronically through a licensed live-scan vendor. Licensed vendors can be located through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The fee is up to $20.
The ISP fee schedule provides complete pricing information for both types of checks.
Expungement
Individuals seeking to have criminal records sealed or expunged in Adams County must file a petition with the Circuit Court. The filing fee for a criminal expungement petition is $60.00 through the Circuit Clerk, with an additional $4.00 charge for each certified copy of an expungement order.
Adams County Civil Court Records
Civil cases filed in Adams County cover contract disputes, personal injury claims, foreclosures, evictions, and other non-criminal matters. The Eighth Judicial Circuit Court exercises general jurisdiction over all civil actions. Civil motion hearings are regularly scheduled in Courtroom 2A, while small claims matters are heard in Courtrooms 2D and 2B on Mondays. Foreclosure hearings take place on Monday mornings, and eviction cases are scheduled for Wednesday afternoons.
Civil Filing Fees
Filing fees for civil actions in Adams County are published on the Circuit Clerk’s filing fees page:
| Case Type | Filing Fee | Appearance/Answer Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Chancery | $306.00 | $181.00 |
| Law (L) — over $50,000 | $306.00 | $181.00 |
| Law Magistrate (LM) — over $15,000 | $306.00 | $181.00 |
| Law Magistrate (LM) — $15,000 or less | $256.00 | $109.00 |
| Eviction (possession only) | $89.00 | $109.00 |
| Small Claims — over $2,500 | $256.00 | $181.00 |
| Small Claims — $2,500 or less | $89.00 | $109.00 |
| Miscellaneous Remedy | $306.00 | $181.00 |
| Name Change | $306.00 | $181.00 |
Additional miscellaneous fees apply for specific services. Garnishment, wage deduction, and citation proceedings range from $15.00 to $50.00 depending on the amount in controversy. Jury demand fees are $212.50, and a change of venue costs $40.00.
Requesting Civil Court Records
Civil records can be searched online through the Judici portal or requested in person or by mail from the Circuit Clerk’s office. The standard document reproduction fees apply (starting at $2.00 for the first page). Record seekers should provide the case number or names of the parties involved when making a request.
Self-represented litigants can find resources through the Help for Self-Represented Litigants section of the Circuit Clerk’s website.
Adams County Family Court Records
Family law cases in Adams County include dissolution of marriage (divorce), child custody and parenting time disputes, child support actions, orders of protection, and domestic relations matters. Divorce and family hearings are regularly heard in Courtroom 2C throughout the week, with first appearances for new family cases typically on Thursday mornings. Orders of protection hearings occur on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and uncontested divorce proceedings are heard Thursday afternoons. Emergency orders of protection are handled Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday afternoons. Child support hearings take place on Thursday afternoons.
Filing Fees for Family Cases
| Case Type | Filing Fee | Appearance/Answer Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Dissolution of Marriage | $306.00 | $181.00 |
| Family (general) | $306.00 | $181.00 |
| Adoption | $89.00 | No fee |
Accessing Divorce and Family Records
Divorce decrees, custody orders, and other family court filings are maintained by the Circuit Clerk. Many of these records are accessible through the Judici online system, although certain domestic relations files may be partially restricted. Record seekers can also request copies from the Circuit Clerk’s office in person, by mail, or by phone at (217) 277-2100.
Marriage Records
The Adams County Clerk’s Office — not the Circuit Clerk — maintains official marriage records dating back to 1825. Certified marriage certificates are generally available only to the bride, groom, or a parent listed on the certificate. Requests require a government-issued photo ID and payment of $25.00 for the first certified copy and $15.00 for each additional copy. Requests can be made in person, by mail, or online (with a $10.00 convenience fee for online orders).
Adams County Clerk’s Office
Address: 507 Vermont Street, Quincy, IL 62301
Phone: (217) 277-2164
Email: vitalrecords@adamscountyil.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
For genealogy searches, marriage records 50 years or older can be researched through the County Clerk’s Office. A non-refundable search fee of $4.00 covers the first five-year period searched, with an additional $1.00 for each additional year.
Birth and Death Records
The Adams County Clerk’s Office holds birth certificates dating back to 1878 and death certificates from the same period. Eligibility for certified birth certificates is limited to the registrant (age 18 or older), a parent named on the certificate, a legal guardian with a court order, or a legal representative. Death certificates are available to individuals who demonstrate a genealogical, personal, or financial interest in the record.
| Record Type | First Copy | Additional Copies |
|---|---|---|
| Birth certificate | $22.00 | $10.00 each |
| Death certificate | $25.00 | $16.00 each |
Requests may be submitted in person, by mail using the official Birth Certificate Request Form or Death Certificate Request Form, or online (with a $10.00 convenience fee). Mail-in requests should include the completed form, a check payable to the Adams County Clerk, a photocopy of the requester’s ID, and a self-addressed stamped envelope, sent to 507 Vermont Street, Quincy, IL 62301. The Clerk’s Office fax number for ID copies is (217) 277-2155.
The Illinois Department of Public Health also processes requests for Illinois birth and death records as a statewide alternative.
Adams County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Adams County are handled by the Circuit Court, with hearings scheduled in Courtroom 2D on Monday mornings at 9:00 a.m. Cases include the administration of decedents’ estates, will contests, trust proceedings, and guardianship or conservatorship petitions for both adults and minors.
Probate Filing Fees
| Case Type | Filing Fee | Appearance/Answer Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Probate — adult | $356.00 | $181.00 |
| Probate — minor | $256.00 | $181.00 |
Additional probate-related fees from the miscellaneous schedule include:
- Filing an estate or ward account (other than one final account) — $25.00
- Filing a claim ($150.01–$500) — $25.00
- Filing a claim ($500.01–$10,000) — $40.00
- Filing a claim (over $10,000) — $60.00
- Filing a claim or petition seeking equitable relief — $60.00
- Jury demand in probate — $137.50
- Certified copy of letters of office or court orders — $2.00 per page
- Exemplification — $2.00 plus certification fee
Accessing Probate Records
Probate case records can be searched on Judici by selecting the appropriate case type. In-person requests can be made at the Circuit Clerk’s office. To locate a specific probate file, provide the decedent’s or ward’s name, or the case number if known. Standard document reproduction fees apply to all copies.
Wills filed with the court as part of an estate proceeding become part of the public case record unless otherwise sealed. Letters of office, inventories, accountings, and final distributions are typically accessible to interested parties. Individuals who need certified copies of probate documents for use in financial transactions or real estate matters should request certified copies from the Circuit Clerk at $2.00 per page for probate certifications, or at the standard $6.00 authentication rate for other instruments.
For questions about probate filings or procedures, contact the Circuit Clerk’s office at (217) 277-2100 or visit the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court page for general court information and scheduling.