Lee County Court Records Search

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    Lee County, Illinois, located in the north-central part of the state along the Rock River, administers its judicial business through the Circuit Court in Dixon, the county seat. The court system handles everything from misdemeanor traffic citations and small civil disputes to felony prosecutions, contested estates, and domestic relations matters. Anyone who needs to locate or obtain court records — whether for legal, professional, or personal reasons — will interact primarily with the Lee County Circuit Clerk’s Office, which serves as the official custodian of case files for the county’s circuit court.

    Court records in Illinois are formally defined to include the full spectrum of documents associated with a legal action: complaints, petitions, motions, evidentiary submissions, transcripts, judgments, and docket sheets that trace each procedural step of a case. These materials are distinct from administrative records generated internally by the court for its own operations.

    Residents searching for case records can begin with IllinoisCourts.us, the official website of the Illinois court system, which offers directory information for every circuit court in the state, links to applicable court rules, and guidance on accessing public case information. The Lee County Circuit Clerk also maintains its own public access portal and record request procedures for in-person and mail-based searches.

    How to Look Up a Court Case in Lee County?

    Lee County is part of the 15th Judicial Circuit of Illinois, which encompasses Carroll, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, and Stephenson counties. All circuit court case records for Lee County are maintained by the Circuit Clerk’s Office, located on the third floor of the Lee County Courts Building.

    Lee County Circuit Court

    • Address: 309 South Galena Avenue, Suite 320, Dixon, IL 61021
    • Phone: (815) 284-5234 (general); (815) 284-5230 (traffic)
    • Fax: (815) 288-5615
    • Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

    Online Access

    The Circuit Clerk provides a public access portal for Lee County Circuit Court records, which allows users to search case information and view the court calendar remotely at no cost. For a broader search across the 15th Judicial Circuit counties, the 15th Judicial Circuit of Illinois website provides links to online case search tools for each member county, including Lee County. Case docket information — party names, charges, hearing dates, and dispositions — is typically available through these portals. Actual case documents generally require an in-person visit or a formal written request to the Clerk.

    In-Person Access

    Visitors may inspect publicly available case records at the Circuit Clerk’s Office during regular business hours. Public access terminals are available for self-service lookups. Staff can assist with locating files, though complex requests may involve additional processing time.

    Record Searches by Mail

    Written record search requests can be submitted to the Circuit Clerk’s Office by mail. Traffic record searches, for instance, are conducted at a fee of $4.00 per year requested. Requests must specify the subject, the relevant time period, and sufficient identifying information. Allow 3 to 5 business days for the search to be completed.

    Electronic Filing

    Illinois courts now operate under a mandatory e-filing system for most case types. Information on using the state’s e-filing platform is available through the Illinois Courts e-filing portal.

    Payment of Fines and Fees

    Outstanding fines, traffic citations, and court costs can be paid online through CitePay USA, which accepts MasterCard, VISA, and Discover. The office also accepts cash, money orders, and certified checks in person. Cases that are past due may be referred to the PayCourt collections agency, with a minimum 30% surcharge added to the outstanding balance per Illinois Public Act 93-0693.

    Are Court Records Public in Lee County?

    Illinois law broadly presumes that court and government records are open to public inspection. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140) establishes the public’s right to examine and obtain copies of government-held records, including most filings maintained by the Circuit Clerk. Under this framework, any person may submit a FOIA request to the appropriate county department; Lee County publishes a list of department FOIA contacts to help requesters reach the correct office.

    Several categories of records are exempt from public access by statute or court order:

    • Adoption records — sealed under state law and inaccessible to the general public
    • Juvenile court records — protected to preserve the privacy of minors
    • Mental health and medical records filed as part of court proceedings
    • Sealed criminal records — expunged or sealed by court order
    • Records related to open investigations — not subject to disclosure while actively pending
    • Sensitive personal identifiers — including Social Security numbers and certain financial account information, which are redacted from publicly available documents
    • Internal court working documents not part of the official case file

    For records that are available, FOIA requests must be directed to the applicable office. The Act does not require government agencies to create new records or answer questions outside the production of existing documents. Copies of court records typically carry a per-page fee.

    If court fees present a financial hardship, parties may file an Application for Waiver of Court Fees and Order with the Circuit Clerk. A judge will then determine whether the fees should be waived or deferred.

    Lee County Criminal Court Records

    Criminal cases in Lee County range from traffic offenses and Class C misdemeanors to Class X felonies. The Circuit Clerk’s Civil/Criminal Division processes all criminal filings, collects and disburses criminal fines, and maintains case records through disposition. The division handles charging documents, plea agreements, sentencing orders, and probation records associated with criminal proceedings.

    Searching Local Criminal Records

    • Online: The Lee County public access portal allows searches of criminal case dockets by party name or case number.
    • In Person: Visit the Circuit Clerk’s Office at 309 South Galena Avenue, Suite 320, Dixon. Staff can locate case files using party name, case number, or citation number.
    • By Mail: Submit a written request to the Circuit Clerk including the subject’s full name, approximate case date, and the specific records sought.

    Statewide Criminal History Checks

    For a formal criminal background check, the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification administers the Uniform Conviction Information Act (UCIA), which took effect January 1, 1991, under 20 ILCS 2635. The UCIA mandates that conviction information maintained by the ISP be available to the public, but limits dissemination of non-conviction information — such as arrests without prosecution — to authorized persons and entities. Name-based conviction searches are available to the general public; fingerprint-based searches that return full criminal history records are generally reserved for employers, licensing agencies, and law enforcement.

    Arrest and Jail Records

    The Lee County Sheriff’s Office, located in Dixon, is responsible for maintaining the county jail and may hold arrest and incident report records. Members of the public seeking arrest records or jail roster information may contact the Sheriff’s Office directly or submit a FOIA request under 5 ILCS 140. The Sheriff’s Office is also responsible for court security and service of civil process.

    Lee County Civil Court Records

    Civil court proceedings in Lee County cover a wide range of disputes: contract actions, personal injury and tort claims, property boundary disputes, landlord-tenant evictions, small claims, and administrative appeals. The Circuit Clerk’s Civil/Criminal Division processes civil filings, collects civil fees, and maintains the official case record from initial complaint through final judgment.

    How to Access Civil Records

    • Use the Circuit Court public access portal to search docket information for civil cases
    • Visit the Circuit Clerk’s Office in person to inspect case files or request copies
    • Submit written requests by mail, with sufficient identifying information to locate the case

    Court Forms

    The Circuit Clerk’s Forms page provides downloadable forms for common civil filings, including name change petitions, motions, and other civil pleadings. Self-represented litigants should review these forms carefully before filing.

    Small Claims

    Small claims cases in Lee County Circuit Court handle money disputes, replevins, and certain eviction actions within the jurisdictional limits set by Illinois law. These cases move through the Civil/Criminal Division and are searchable through the same public portal as other civil matters. Parties who cannot afford filing fees may seek a waiver using the Application for Waiver of Court Fees.

    Child Support Payments

    Child support payments ordered through Lee County Circuit Court are processed through the Illinois State Disbursement Unit (ILSDU), not the Circuit Clerk’s Office directly. Payments should be mailed to: ILSDU, P.O. Box 5400, Carol Stream, IL 60197, with the case number noted on the check or money order.

    Lee County Family Court Records

    Family law matters in Lee County — including divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, parentage determinations, and modifications of prior orders — are heard within the Circuit Court and processed through the Civil/Criminal Division of the Circuit Clerk’s Office.

    Divorce and Dissolution Records

    Divorce decrees and dissolution of marriage records are court records maintained by the Circuit Clerk. Certified copies can be obtained by visiting the office in person or submitting a written request. The Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Vital Records can also verify the facts of a dissolution of marriage upon request for events after 1962, subject to its eligibility requirements.

    Orders of Protection

    Individuals seeking to file an emergency or plenary Order of Protection may do so at the Civil/Criminal Division of the Circuit Clerk’s Office at 309 South Galena Avenue. Petition forms are available in the office. Once a petition is filed:

    1. The Clerk assigns a case number
    2. The petitioner is directed to a courtroom for an immediate hearing
    3. The Clerk prepares the necessary forms for service by the Lee County Sheriff

    Once a judge issues the order, the Circuit Clerk’s Office maintains and enforces the record. The entire process from filing to issuance typically takes two to three hours. Forms related to orders of protection, stalking no-contact orders, civil no-contact orders, and firearms protection orders are also available on the Forms page.

    Marriage Licenses

    Marriage licenses in Lee County are issued by the Lee County Clerk & Recorder, not the Circuit Clerk. Applications can be started online and completed by appointment:

    • Office Address: 112 E. Second St., Dixon, IL 61021
    • Mailing Address for certified copies: Lee County Clerk, P.O. Box 329, Dixon, IL 61021
    • Phone: (815) 288-3309
    • Marriage License Fee: $35.00
    • License Validity: 60 days from the effective date; must be used only in Lee County
    • Minimum Notice: Application must be completed at least 24 hours before the ceremony

    To apply, visit the online marriage license application portal. After completing the online portion, applicants must contact the County Clerk’s Office for an in-person appointment.

    Certified Copies of Marriage Licenses

    Certified copies of marriage licenses are available from the County Clerk & Recorder. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or ordered online. Fees are $20.00 for the first certified copy and $3.00 for each additional copy. Requests by mail must include both parties’ full names (including the bride’s maiden name), the marriage date, the number of copies needed, and the applicable fee.

    Birth and Death Records

    Vital records — including birth and death certificates — are held by the Lee County Clerk & Recorder under the Illinois Vital Records Act (410 ILCS 535). These records are confidential and accessible only to eligible persons, including the subject of the record, immediate family members, and authorized legal representatives. Current fees are:

    Record TypeFirst Certified CopyEach Additional Copy
    Birth Certificate$15.00$6.00
    Death Certificate$19.00$11.00

    Requesters must provide valid identification and documentation of eligibility. The IDPH Division of Vital Records also issues certified copies statewide and can verify vital events that occurred after 1916 for births and 1916 for deaths.

    Lee County Probate Court Records

    Probate matters in Lee County are heard within the Circuit Court. The Probate Division of the Lee County Circuit Court handles estate administrations, will contests, guardianships, conservatorships, and involuntary commitment proceedings. The Circuit Clerk’s Office at 309 South Galena Avenue maintains all probate case files.

    What Probate Records Include

    • Wills filed for probate admission
    • Petitions to open an estate and appoint a personal representative
    • Inventories and appraisements of estate assets
    • Annual accountings and final accounting reports
    • Petitions for guardianship or conservatorship of adults and minors
    • Guardianship reports required under the Illinois Probate Act
    • Court orders distributing estate assets

    Searching and Obtaining Probate Records

    Probate case docket information can be located through the Lee County Circuit Court public access portal using the decedent’s or ward’s name. For certified copies of wills, letters of office, or probate orders, contact the Circuit Clerk’s Office directly. Per-page copy fees apply, and certain probate filings involving sensitive financial or medical information may be restricted from public access by court order.

    Downloadable Guardianship Forms (Probate) are available from the Circuit Clerk’s Forms page for parties preparing to open a guardianship or conservatorship proceeding. Self-represented petitioners are encouraged to consult with an attorney before initiating probate proceedings, as the Probate Act imposes specific filing deadlines, notice requirements, and accounting obligations.