Champaign County Court Records
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Champaign County sits in east-central Illinois, with its county seat in Urbana, and is home to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Its judicial system operates within the Sixth Judicial Circuit of Illinois, which also covers DeWitt, Douglas, Macon, Moultrie, and Piatt counties. Unlike some states that split trial-level work across multiple specialized courts, Illinois consolidates everything into a single circuit court. That means the Champaign County Circuit Court handles felonies, misdemeanors, civil lawsuits, small claims, family law disputes, juvenile cases, probate, and traffic offenses — all under one roof. The Champaign County Circuit Clerk's Office is the official keeper of all records produced by those proceedings, including filings, docket entries, motions, orders, judgments, and transcripts.
If you need to find court records in Illinois, you have both county-level and statewide options. The Champaign County Circuit Clerk offers online case search tools and accepts requests by form, in person, and by mail. Public terminals at the courthouse let visitors review case information during office hours. At the state level, IllinoisCourts.us can help you locate publicly available court case information across judicial circuits, and the Illinois Courts system maintains a directory of county courthouses, forms, and e-filing resources that apply to Champaign County.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Champaign County?
All court proceedings in Champaign County go through the Circuit Court, located at the Champaign County Courthouse. There are no separate courts for different case types — one courthouse and one clerk's office handles criminal, civil, family, probate, and traffic matters.
Court Location
Champaign County Circuit Court
Address: 101 East Main Street, Urbana, IL 61801
Phone: (217) 384-3725
Fax: (217) 384-3879
Email: cccircuitclerk@champaigncountyil.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The courthouse also houses the Circuit Court administration office ((217) 384-3707), the Public Defender, Court Services & Probation, and the State's Attorney. A self-help center on the first floor assists self-represented litigants, staffed by a retired attorney navigator on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Online Case Search
The Circuit Clerk offers a free public case information search where you can look up case details by participant name or case number. This tool shows docket information, case type, parties, and hearing dates for non-confidential cases.
Online Record Request Forms
If you need copies of specific documents, the Circuit Clerk maintains separate online request forms:
- The civil record search and copy request form covers civil, divorce, family, small claims, probate, and guardianship matters.
- The criminal record search and copy request form covers criminal court filings.
- The letters request form handles probate and guardianship letters.
After you submit a form, the clerk's office replies by email with information about the record's availability and an estimated cost for retrieval and copying.
In-Person Searches
Walk-in visitors can search court records at the Circuit Clerk's office during business hours. A file viewing room lets the public examine non-restricted case files. An e-filing kiosk is also available in that room.
By Mail
You can mail written requests and completed forms to:
Champaign County Circuit Clerk
101 East Main Street
Urbana, IL 61801
Include the case number, party names, type of document requested, and payment for applicable fees — check or money order payable to Champaign County Circuit Clerk.
Copy Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| First page of court record copy | $2.00 |
| Each additional page (pages 2–20) | $0.50 |
| Each page after the 20th | $0.25 |
| Certification of document | $6.00 |
Are Court Records Public in Champaign County?
Court records in Champaign County are generally public documents under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140). This law presumes that records prepared and maintained by public bodies — including the courts — are open to inspection and copying. Government agencies must respond to FOIA requests, and the burden falls on the agency to justify any withholding.
Illinois law does establish several categories of court records that are restricted from public access. The Judicial Privacy Act protects certain personal information of judicial officers. Beyond that, FOIA and the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure restrict or exempt the following types of records:
- Impounded or sealed case files — Cases sealed by court order cannot be accessed without judicial authorization. The Circuit Clerk's office explicitly notes that impounded and sealed files require a court order for access.
- Adoption records — Confidential by statute and not available to the public.
- Juvenile abuse and neglect records — Restricted from public inspection to protect minor children.
- Certain eviction records — Eviction cases filed on or after March 1, 2020, may be sealed or restricted under the amended Illinois Code of Civil Procedure (735 ILCS 5/9-121).
- Records endangering physical safety — Information whose disclosure could threaten a person's safety or life.
- Attorney-client privileged material — Communications protected by the privilege are exempt.
- Medical records — Health-related data contained within court filings may be redacted.
Confidential Information Filing Requirements
Illinois Supreme Court Rules 15 and 138 govern how confidential information must be handled in court filings. Rule 15 addresses Social Security numbers, and Rule 138 covers other personal identifying information. The Circuit Clerk provides a Certificate of Compliance with Supreme Court Rules 9, 15, and 138, along with notice forms for confidential information within filings. Filers are responsible for flagging confidential content before documents enter the public record.
Statewide Access Restrictions
The State of Illinois maintains a statewide court records database, but access is limited to licensed Illinois attorneys, parties to a case, and authorized legal service providers. Members of the general public must use county-level search tools or visit the courthouse.
Champaign County Criminal Court Records
The Circuit Court handles all criminal matters in Champaign County — from felony prosecutions to misdemeanor charges and traffic violations. Criminal case records kept by the Circuit Clerk include charging documents, arraignment records, docket sheets, plea agreements, sentencing orders, and records of proceedings.
Searching Criminal Court Records
- Online Request Form: Submit a criminal record search and copy request through the Circuit Clerk's website. Provide your contact information and case details. The clerk will respond by email with availability information and estimated fees. Note that the clerk's office does not maintain arrest records — those must be requested from the arresting agency.
- Public Case Search: Use the case information portal to look up criminal docket information by defendant name or case number.
- In Person: Visit the Circuit Clerk at 101 East Main Street during business hours to request copies or review files.
Criminal Filing Fees
Based on the Circuit Clerk's published fee schedule, key criminal-related fees include:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Expungement petition filing | $120.00 |
| Criminal record copy (first page) | $2.00 |
| Additional pages (2–20) | $0.50 per page |
| Pages beyond 20 | $0.25 per page |
| Certification | $6.00 |
The Circuit Clerk also provides expungement-related forms and links to Illinois Supreme Court approved forms for criminal records sealing and expungement.
Arrest Records and the Sheriff's Office
The Champaign County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, incident reports, and accident reports. You can reach the Sheriff's Office at:
Champaign County Sheriff's Office
Address: 204 East Main Street, Urbana, IL 61801
Phone: (217) 384-1204
Fax: (217) 384-1219
Email: sheriff@co.champaign.il.us
The Sheriff operates an online jail records search through the Odyssey Public Access portal, as well as an inmate lookup tool on the county website where you can search by first and last name for individuals currently detained.
Background Checks
The Circuit Clerk's office cannot perform criminal background checks. Statewide criminal history reports are available through the Illinois State Police via the CHIRP (Criminal History Information Response Process) platform for name-based searches, or through fingerprint-based requests submitted to a LiveScan vendor. Out-of-state requesters must first complete an online form with the ISP to receive the appropriate fingerprint card.
Champaign County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Champaign County runs through the Circuit Court, covering general civil cases (limited and unlimited jurisdiction), small claims, administrative agency appeals, and commercial civil disputes. The Circuit Clerk maintains all civil case files and provides both online and in-person access.
Searching Civil Records
Civil case dockets are viewable through the public case information search. For copies of specific documents, submit the civil record search and copy request form online. The form collects your contact information, case details, and document specifications, and the clerk's office responds with availability and a cost estimate.
This same form covers divorce, family, small claims, probate, and guardianship records. Keep in mind that the clerk does not maintain birth certificates, marriage certificates, or corporation documents — those are held by the Champaign County Clerk.
Civil Filing Fees
The Circuit Clerk publishes a fee schedule updated annually. Representative civil filing fees include:
| Case Type | New Case Filing Fee | Entry of Appearance/Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Money damages $15,000–$50,000 | $306.00 | $181.00 |
| Money damages $10,000–$15,000 | $248.00 | |
| Small claims | $89.00 | |
| Residential eviction | $15.00+ | |
| Petition for order to issue marriage license/civil union | $306.00 |
Fee waivers are available for eligible litigants. The Circuit Clerk provides fee waiver forms approved by the Illinois Supreme Court.
E-Filing
Since January 2018, e-filing has been mandatory for civil cases in Illinois circuit courts. The Champaign County Circuit Clerk's office is fully integrated with eFileIL, the statewide electronic filing platform. Attorneys and self-represented litigants can file documents online through any certified e-file service provider. The clerk provides detailed e-filing instructions on its website, including how to register, prepare PDFs, add payment accounts, and submit filings. An e-filing kiosk is available at the courthouse for those without home computer access. Pro se litigants who cannot e-file may request a Certification from E-Filing form to seek court permission to file on paper.
Small Claims
Small claims cases are heard by the Circuit Court. The Circuit Clerk provides small claims forms through links to Illinois Supreme Court approved forms, and the Champaign County Circuit Court maintains specific protocols for small claims and eviction proceedings.
Post-Judgment Collection
The Circuit Clerk offers several post-judgment forms, including citations to discover assets (directed to the debtor, the debtor's bank, and the debtor's employer), emergency motions to claim exemptions, and identity theft affidavits.
Champaign County Family Court Records
Family law cases in Champaign County — including divorce, legal separation, paternity, child custody and visitation, child support, termination of parental rights, and orders of protection — are all heard by the Circuit Court. The Circuit Clerk maintains family law case records and provides access through the same channels used for other case types.
Searching Family Records
Family law case dockets can be viewed through the public case information search by party name or case number. For document copies, use the civil record search and copy request form, which covers family, divorce, and custody matters. Provide your name, address, contact information, case number, filing date, and party names, then submit. The clerk will respond by email with document availability and estimated fees.
Copy fees follow the standard schedule: $2.00 for the first page, $0.50 per additional page through page 20, and $0.25 per page thereafter. Certification adds $6.00.
Confidentiality Restrictions
Certain family court records contain sensitive information about minors and other parties. The Circuit Clerk may redact or restrict public access to portions of family law files. Adoption records and juvenile abuse and neglect records are entirely impounded and cannot be accessed without a court order. Illinois Supreme Court Rules 15 and 138 require filers to identify confidential information — such as Social Security numbers and personal identifying data — within family law filings.
Available Forms
The Circuit Clerk provides access to family law forms approved by the Illinois Supreme Court, covering divorce, legal separation, paternity, custody and visitation, child support modifications, parentage summons, and financial affidavits. Specific forms available include the Petition to Modify, Suspend, or Abate Orders for Support, as well as parentage-related summons forms maintained locally.
Orders of Protection
Forms for emergency, interim, and plenary orders of protection are available through the Circuit Clerk. Locally maintained forms include the Sheriff's Office Service Information Sheet, motions to dismiss, extend, or modify orders of protection, and extension order forms.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses and marriage certificates are not maintained by the Circuit Clerk. They are issued and kept by the Champaign County Clerk and Recorder of Deeds at the Brookens Administrative Center, 1776 East Washington Street, Urbana, IL 61802 (Phone: (217) 384-3720). The County Clerk maintains an online marriage record search and accepts both in-person and mail requests. A certified marriage certificate with raised seal costs $16.50, with additional copies at $13.00 each. For mail requests, send a check or money order to the County Clerk's address.
Divorce Records
Dissolution of marriage records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk. You can search them through the online case information portal or request copies via the civil record search form. The Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records (925 East Ridgely Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702-2737), also maintains marriage verifications. The IDPH charges $5.00 for a marriage verification search by mail.
Birth and Death Records
The Champaign County Clerk maintains local birth and death certificates. A birth certificate with raised seal costs $21.00 for the first copy and $11.00 for additional copies purchased at the same time. Death certificates are $21.00 for the first copy and $12.00 for additional copies. Only eligible persons — the record subject, immediate family, and authorized representatives — may obtain birth certificates. Valid photo ID and proof of relationship are required. The IDPH also maintains statewide vital records and accepts mail applications using its own birth certificate and death certificate forms, with fees of $15.00 for a certified birth certificate and $19.00 for a death certificate (additional copies $4.00–$10.00).
Champaign County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Champaign County are handled by the Circuit Court — Illinois does not operate a separate probate court. The Circuit Court oversees the probate of wills, estate administration, guardianship of minors and disabled adults, conservatorships, and trust matters. The Circuit Clerk maintains all probate case records.
Searching Probate Records
Probate case information can be found through the public case search portal by name or case number. For document copies or letters (testamentary, of administration, or of guardianship), the Circuit Clerk offers a dedicated letters request form as well as the civil record search form, which covers probate and guardianship cases. In-person requests are also accepted at the clerk's office during business hours.
Probate Forms and Guides
The Circuit Clerk publishes a Champaign County Probate Court Guide to help filers navigate estate and guardianship proceedings. Guardianship-specific resources include a Guide to Guardianship, along with forms for petitions for appointment of guardian for disabled adults, related summons, and petitions for guardianship of a minor through Illinois Supreme Court approved forms. The Champaign County Self-Help Center at the courthouse can also provide in-person guidance on guardianship filings.
Probate Filing Fees
Probate filing fees follow the Circuit Clerk's published schedule. Representative fees based on available information:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| New probate case filing | Varies by case type (see clerk fee schedule) |
| Small estate affidavit | Form available; fee varies |
| Record copy (first page) | $2.00 |
| Additional pages (2–20) | $0.50 per page |
| Certification | $6.00 |
The Circuit Clerk's office posts the complete fee schedule on its website. You can also call (217) 384-3725 to confirm current fee amounts for specific probate filings.
E-Filing for Probate
Probate petitions can be e-filed through the statewide eFileIL platform. Filing fees are paid electronically at the time of submission. The Circuit Clerk's e-filing instructions apply to probate matters, and the courthouse e-filing kiosk is available for those who need on-site computer access.
Guardianship Proceedings
Guardianship cases for both minors and disabled adults are heard by the Circuit Court. The clerk provides specific petition forms and summons templates. Written notice requirements, evaluation procedures, and hearing protocols are detailed in the Guide to Guardianship. All guardianship matters are handled by appointment once pleadings are filed and fees are paid. The Illinois Guardianship & Advocacy Commission also publishes forms relevant to guardianship proceedings, including petitions to notify the court of a ward's death and close a case.