Henry County Court Records Search
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Henry County, Illinois sits within the 14th Judicial Circuit and operates a court system centered in Cambridge, its county seat, with a second courthouse location in Kewanee. The Circuit Court of Henry County handles the full spectrum of legal matters — criminal prosecutions, civil disputes, family law proceedings, and probate administration — all of which generate records maintained and indexed by the Circuit Clerk’s Office. These records are available to the public subject to statutory limitations, and understanding the county’s filing structure, search tools, and request procedures is essential for anyone conducting a case lookup or record retrieval.
Researchers looking for Illinois court records can begin with IllinoisCourts.us, which provides a starting point for locating publicly available case information, court contacts, and relevant databases. Official records searches are also available directly through the Circuit Clerk’s Office and its affiliated online portal. No single source replaces the official custodian, but online tools significantly reduce the time needed to locate basic case data.
Henry County Circuit Court Locations:
| Division | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Courthouse (Cambridge) | 307 West Center Street, Cambridge, IL 61238 | (309) 937-3572 | Mon–Fri, 8 AM–4:30 PM |
| Kewanee Division | 401 East 3rd Street, Kewanee, IL 61443 | (309) 852-2507 | Mon–Fri, 8 AM–4:30 PM |
Court sessions begin at 9:00 AM Monday through Friday. Civil walk-in court is held from 8:30–9:00 AM on weekdays, and traffic walk-in court runs every Monday and Tuesday from 9:00–9:30 AM.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Henry County?
The primary online tool for searching Henry County court cases is the Henry County Records Search portal, available through the county’s official website. This portal allows users to search by case number, party name, or ticket number and covers criminal, civil, and traffic matters. The portal links directly to Judici.com, which hosts Henry County’s online court docket and is the most comprehensive electronic resource for tracking active and recently closed cases in the county.
Beyond online access, the Circuit Clerk’s Office accepts record requests through multiple channels:
- In person: Visit the Cambridge courthouse at 307 West Center Street during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4:30 PM). Public access computers may be available for on-site searching.
- By email: Criminal and traffic record requests can be directed to the Criminal Division; civil record requests go to the Civil Division. Contact information is listed on the Records Search page.
- By fax: Documents may be faxed to (309) 937-3990. Fax fees are $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 per additional page.
- By mail: Send written requests with case details and payment to the Circuit Clerk’s office at 307 West Center Street, Cambridge, IL 61238.
A general record search costs $6.00 per person, plus $1.00 per page for each additional page produced. Certified, exemplified, or authenticated copies cost $6.00 for the first page and $1.00 per each additional page. Standard copy fees are $2.00 for the first page, $0.50 per page up to 20 pages, and $0.25 per page beyond 20. The Circuit Clerk’s Office cannot provide legal advice. Attorneys, self-represented litigants, and members of the public are expected to familiarize themselves with the applicable Rules of Practice of the 14th Judicial Circuit before filing or submitting requests.
Are Court Records Public in Henry County?
Illinois law establishes a general presumption in favor of public access to court records. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140) governs access to records held by most government agencies, though the Circuit Clerk’s Office and Court Services are explicitly exempt from FOIA regulations. Instead, court record access is governed by Illinois Supreme Court rules and statutes specific to individual record types.
Under those statutes, the following categories of records are restricted or confidential and cannot be accessed without a court order or demonstrated eligibility:
- Sealed and expunged records — Once a court grants expungement or sealing under the Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630), the underlying records are removed from public view. A petition to expunge costs $60.00 to file.
- Adoption records — These are sealed by statute and accessible only through court order.
- Juvenile records — Records involving minors in delinquency or status proceedings are generally not open to public inspection.
- Mental health commitment records — These carry no filing fee but are treated as confidential.
- Family case confidential disclosures — The 14th Judicial Circuit’s local rules require that sensitive personal information (dates of birth, Social Security numbers, children’s identifying details) be filed under seal via a Confidential Disclosure Statement and kept separate from the publicly accessible docket.
FOIA requests for non-court county offices — including the Sheriff’s Department, Assessor, Treasurer, and Coroner — must be submitted through the appropriate department. Sheriff’s Department FOIA requests use a dedicated form available at the Sheriff’s Office page and are directed to FOIA Officer Elaine Helg at 311 W. Center Street, Cambridge, IL 61238, or by email at SheriffFOIA@henrycty.com. General county office FOIA requests go to the County Administrator’s Office at 307 West Center Street, Cambridge, IL 61238, Phone: (309) 937-3400, or by email at foia@henrycty.com.
Henry County Criminal Court Records
Criminal court records in Henry County cover felonies, misdemeanors, petty offenses, business offenses, and ordinance violations, all filed with and maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court. These records document charges, case history, dispositions, and sentencing and are searchable through the Judici case search portal or by emailing the Criminal Division directly.
Henry County Criminal Filing Fee Schedule:
| Case Type | Clerk Fee |
|---|---|
| Felony | $75.00 |
| Misdemeanor | $55.00 |
| Business Offense | $55.00 |
| Petty Offense | $55.00 |
| Minor Traffic or Ordinance | $10.00 |
| Court Appearance Required | $15.00 |
| Motion to Vacate or Amend Final Order | $40.00 |
| Motion to Vacate Bond Forfeiture / Failure to Appear | $40.00 |
| Petition to Expunge | $60.00 |
| Jury Demand (Ordinance Violations) | $100.00 |
| Writ of Habeas Corpus | $100.00 |
| Record Search (Per Person) | $6.00 |
Appeals cost $60.00 for under 100 pages, $150.00 for 101–200 pages, and $150.00 plus $0.25 per page over 200, in addition to postage.
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office, located at 311 West Center Street, Cambridge, IL 61238, Phone: (309) 937-3616, serves as the county’s primary law enforcement agency and maintains a Records Division that archives all incident reports and arrest documentation. This division complies with the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program and the National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS). Sheriff’s Office records are not accessible through the Circuit Clerk and require a separate request through the FOIA process described above. For arrest-related records and law enforcement reports, use the Sheriff’s Department FOIA form.
Individuals seeking to clear their criminal records in Illinois may petition the court for expungement or sealing under the Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630). Eligibility depends on the type of offense, the disposition of the case, and the time elapsed since completion of the sentence. The petition must be filed with the Circuit Clerk, and the $60.00 petition fee applies.
Henry County Civil Court Records
Civil matters in Henry County span a broad range of case types, including small claims, landlord–tenant disputes, personal injury claims, contract actions, foreclosures, and administrative proceedings. All civil cases are filed with and maintained by the Circuit Clerk’s Office. Civil records are searchable through the Judici portal by selecting the Civil Division option on the Records Search page.
Henry County Civil Filing Fee Schedule (Selected Case Types):
| Case Type | Filing Fee | Answer/Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Small Claims (up to $2,500) | $109.00 | $0 |
| Small Claims ($2,500.01–$10,000) | $284.00 | $0 |
| Arbitration (under $15,000) | $284.00 | $129.00 |
| Arbitration ($10,000–$75,000) | $334.00 | $209.00 |
| Possession Only (Eviction) | $109.00 | $129.00 |
| Law Claim (over $50,000) | $334.00 | $209.00 |
| Foreclosure | $334.00 | $209.00 |
| Miscellaneous Remedy | $334.00 | $209.00 |
| Eminent Domain | $334.00 | $209.00 |
Additional costs include summons served by certified mail ($20.44), by registered mail ($28.84), jury demands for a 6-person jury ($106.25), a 12-person jury ($212.50), garnishment fees ($15.00–$50.00 depending on the amount), and alias summons or citations ($5.00 each). Petitions to vacate, modify, intervene, or reopen a case cost $50.00 if filed within 30 days of judgment or $75.00 if filed after.
Civil cases in Henry County proceed under the Rules of Practice of the 14th Judicial Circuit. These rules require initial case management conferences, govern motion practice, set briefing schedules, and establish pre-trial conference requirements. All civil motions brought under substantive procedural statutes must be noticed for presentation at the 9:00 AM walk-in call. Summary judgment motions must be filed no later than 90 days before trial.
Property records — including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plats — are maintained by the Henry County Clerk/Recorder’s Office at 307 West Center Street, Cambridge, IL 61238. The Recorder’s office provides online land record access through Laredo Anywhere, a subscription-based platform for professional users, as well as through Tapestry for occasional access. Property tax and parcel assessment data are searchable online through the Henry County Property Tax Inquiry system, which offers free guest-level access and a paid professional subscriber tier for more detailed data.
Henry County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Henry County are filed as part of the Circuit Court’s civil docket and are governed by Part 9 of the 14th Judicial Circuit’s Rules of Practice. These proceedings include dissolution of marriage (divorce), legal separation, parentage actions, allocation of parental responsibilities, parenting time, child support, modifications of prior orders, and orders of protection.
Dissolution of marriage records — commonly called divorce records — are maintained by the Circuit Clerk’s Office and are searchable through the Judici civil division portal. Case details including filing date, party names, and case status are publicly accessible. However, confidential information filed under the local rules’ Confidential Disclosure Statement — including children’s dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and driver’s license numbers — is sealed and not available to the public without a court order.
To obtain divorce records:
- Visit the Records Search page and select the Civil Division option on Judici to search by party name or case number.
- For certified copies, contact the Circuit Clerk’s office in person at 307 West Center Street, Cambridge, IL 61238, or by phone at (309) 937-3572.
- Provide the full names of both parties and, if known, the approximate year of filing.
- Pay applicable copy fees ($2.00 for the first page, $0.50 per additional page up to 20, $0.25 per page thereafter; $6.00 for certified copies).
The 14th Judicial Circuit requires that in all contested child custody and parenting time cases, parties complete a four-hour parenting education program covering the impact of custody and visitation on children. Cases involving contested custody, parental responsibility allocation, or relocation filed on or after January 1, 2007 are generally subject to mandatory mediation prior to proceeding to a judicial hearing.
Marriage records in Henry County are maintained by the County Clerk/Recorder’s Office, not the Circuit Clerk. Marriage licenses are issued at the County Clerk’s office and are county-specific — the license may only be used in the county where it was issued. Key requirements include:
- Both parties must appear in person; appointments should be made before 4:00 PM
- Both parties must present valid photo ID
- The license must be applied for at least one day before the ceremony and is valid for 60 days
- Persons 18 and older may marry without parental consent; those aged 16–17 require both parents to appear and sign consent
- Fee: $50.00 for all applicants (as of March 1, 2016)
- Certified copies of issued marriage licenses cost $15.00 for the first copy and $7.00 per additional copy of the same license
Marriage licenses can also be applied for through the County Clerk’s online application portal. Certified copies of vital records, including marriage certificates, can be ordered online through Official Records Online or in person at the courthouse.
Birth and death records in Henry County are vital records managed by the County Clerk and are restricted to the individual named, immediate family members, legal guardians, and authorized representatives. Certified copies cost $15.00 each; additional copies of the same record ordered at the same time cost $7.00 each. The Birth Application form and a separate form for deceased individuals are available on the county website. Death record requests can also be submitted using the death record request form. Mail requests require a self-addressed stamped envelope and a money order payable to the Henry County Clerk (personal checks are not accepted). The Illinois Department of Public Health also maintains statewide vital records and can verify dissolution of marriage records (divorce) from 1962 forward, though IDPH does not issue certified copies of divorce records — those must be obtained from the Circuit Clerk.
Orders of protection are filed without a filing fee through the Circuit Court. Domestic violence matters involving protective orders may have certain details restricted from public access under Illinois Supreme Court rules governing confidential filings.
Henry County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Henry County are handled within the Circuit Court under the Rules of Practice of the 14th Judicial Circuit, specifically Part 8, which governs probate proceedings. The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over estate administration, construction and probate of wills, guardianships of minors and persons with disabilities, conservatorships, missing person petitions, and wrongful death actions. Probate filings use standardized forms numbered p-1A through p-145, as established by the 14th Judicial Circuit and subject to periodic amendment.
Probate and Guardianship Filing Fees:
| Case Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Administration of Decedent’s Estate | $284.00 |
| Administration of Estate of Disabled Adult | $284.00 |
| Administration of Estate of Minor | $284.00 |
| Construction of Will | $284.00 |
| Guardianship of Person with Disability | $284.00 |
| Guardianship of a Minor | $0.00 |
| Action of Ward – No Administration | $284.00 |
| Adult Protective Services Act | $284.00 |
| Missing Person | $384.00 |
| Wrongful Death / Collection of Judgment | $284.00 |
| Will Contest | $60.00 |
| Letters of Office (each) | $10.00 |
| Petition to Sell Real Estate | $50.00 |
| Filing of Account (other than final) | (see schedule) |
| Entry of Appearance – Probate | $209.00 |
Claims against estates are filed on a sliding fee scale: up to $149.00 costs $25.00; $150.00–$500.00 costs $40.00; $501.00–$10,000.00 costs $60.00; and claims over $10,000.00 cost $15.00.
Under the local rules, all legal representatives of estates in the 14th Judicial Circuit must file an annual report or accounting. The first report is due by the first Monday of the month following one year from issuance of Letters of Office, with subsequent reports filed annually on each anniversary until the estate is closed. Each report must include the attorney’s and representative’s names, addresses, and phone numbers, as well as a schedule for closing the estate and an explanation of any delays.
Probate records are searchable through the Records Search portal using the Judici civil division option. To request probate case documents in person, visit the Circuit Clerk’s Office at 307 West Center Street, Cambridge, IL 61238, during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4:30 PM). For historical estate and will records, the Henry County Archive & Genealogy Library maintains genealogical and vital records collections and accepts written queries for records related to specific individuals.