Lee County, Illinois Court Records

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    Lee County sits in the north-central part of Illinois, running along the Rock River. The county handles all of its judicial business through the Circuit Court in Dixon, the county seat. Cases range from minor traffic citations and small claims disputes all the way up to felony prosecutions, contested estates, and domestic relations matters. If you need to find or obtain court records — for legal, professional, or personal reasons — your first stop is the Lee County Circuit Clerk's Office, which holds the official case files for the county's circuit court.

    Under Illinois law, court records include the full range of documents tied to a legal action: complaints, petitions, motions, evidence submissions, transcripts, judgments, and docket sheets that track each step of a case. These are separate from the court's own internal administrative documents.

    If you're not sure where to start, IllinoisCourts.us — the official website of the Illinois court system — lists directory information for every circuit court in the state, along with links to court rules and guidance on finding public case information. The Lee County Circuit Clerk also maintains its own public access portal and handles both in-person and mail-based record requests.

    How to Look Up a Court Case in Lee County?

    Lee County is part of the 15th Judicial Circuit of Illinois, which also covers Carroll, Jo Daviess, Ogle, and Stephenson counties. All circuit court case records for Lee County are kept by the Circuit Clerk's Office 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 operates a public access portal for Lee County Circuit Court records, where you can search case information and view the court calendar at no charge. If you want to search across all five counties in the circuit, the 15th Judicial Circuit of Illinois website links to online case search tools for each member county, including Lee. Through these portals you can typically find docket details — party names, charges, hearing dates, and dispositions. Actual case documents, however, generally require an in-person visit or a formal written request to the Clerk.

    In-Person Access

    You can inspect publicly available case records at the Circuit Clerk's Office during regular business hours. Public access terminals are available for self-service searches, and staff can help you locate files, though complex requests may take some additional processing time.

    Record Searches by Mail

    Written record search requests can be mailed to the Circuit Clerk's Office. Traffic record searches, for example, cost $4.00 per year requested. Your request should include the subject's name, the relevant time period, and enough identifying information to locate the record. Plan for 3 to 5 business days for the search to be completed.

    Electronic Filing

    Illinois courts now require electronic filing for most case types. You can find information on the state's e-filing platform 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. In-person payments can be made with cash, money orders, or certified checks. If a balance is past due, the case may be referred to the PayCourt collections agency, and a minimum 30% surcharge will be added to the outstanding amount under Illinois Public Act 93-0693.

    Are Court Records Public in Lee County?

    Illinois law broadly favors public access to court and government records. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140) gives the public the right to inspect and obtain copies of government-held records, including most filings held by the Circuit Clerk. Anyone can submit a FOIA request to the relevant county office. To reach the right person, Lee County publishes a list of department FOIA contacts.

    That said, certain records are off-limits under statute or court order:

    • Adoption records — sealed under state law and not available 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 that have been expunged or sealed by court order
    • Records related to open investigations that are still actively pending
    • Sensitive personal identifiers — Social Security numbers and certain financial account details are redacted from publicly available documents
    • Internal court working documents that are not part of the official case file

    For records that are available, FOIA requests must go to the applicable office. Keep in mind that the Act does not require agencies to create new records or answer questions beyond producing existing documents. Copies of court records typically carry a per-page fee.

    If court fees would be a financial hardship, you can file an Application for Waiver of Court Fees and Order with the Circuit Clerk. A judge will then decide whether to waive or defer the fees.

    Lee County Criminal Court Records

    Criminal cases in Lee County run the full spectrum — 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 final disposition. This includes charging documents, plea agreements, sentencing orders, and probation records.

    Searching Local Criminal Records

    • Online: The Lee County public access portal lets you search 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 pull up case files using a party name, case number, or citation number.
    • By Mail: Send a written request to the Circuit Clerk with the subject's full name, approximate case date, and a description of the records you need.

    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 makes conviction information available to the public but limits access to non-conviction records — such as arrests that did not lead to prosecution — to authorized persons and entities. Name-based conviction searches are open to the general public, while fingerprint-based searches returning 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, maintains the county jail and may hold arrest records and incident reports. If you need arrest records or jail roster information, contact the Sheriff's Office directly or submit a FOIA request under 5 ILCS 140. The Sheriff's Office also handles court security and service of civil process.

    Lee County Civil Court Records

    Civil proceedings in Lee County cover a wide range of disputes — contract claims, personal injury cases, property boundary disagreements, landlord-tenant evictions, small claims, and administrative appeals. The Circuit Clerk's Civil/Criminal Division handles civil filings, collects civil fees, and maintains the official case record from the 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 enough identifying information to locate the case.

    Court Forms

    The Circuit Clerk's Forms page offers downloadable forms for common civil filings, including name change petitions, motions, and other civil pleadings. If you're representing yourself, review these forms carefully before filing.

    Small Claims

    Small claims cases in Lee County Circuit Court cover money disputes, replevins, and certain eviction actions within the jurisdictional limits set by Illinois law. These cases move through the Civil/Criminal Division and can be searched through the same public portal as other civil matters. If you can't afford the filing fee, you may apply for a fee 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. Mail payments to: ILSDU, P.O. Box 5400, Carol Stream, IL 60197, and include the case number on the check or money order.

    Lee County Family Court Records

    Family law matters heard in Lee County — including divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, parentage determinations, and modifications of prior orders — are handled 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 held by the Circuit Clerk. You can obtain certified copies by visiting the office in person or mailing in a written request. The Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Vital Records can also verify the facts of a dissolution of marriage for events after 1962, subject to its eligibility requirements.

    Orders of Protection

    If you need to file an emergency or plenary Order of Protection, go to the Civil/Criminal Division of the Circuit Clerk's Office at 309 South Galena Avenue. Petition forms are available in the office. Once you file:

    1. The Clerk assigns a case number.
    2. You'll be 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 for 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. You can start your application online and then finish 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 in Lee County only
    • Minimum Notice: The application must be completed at least 24 hours before the ceremony

    To apply, use the online marriage license application portal. After completing the online portion, contact the County Clerk's Office to schedule an in-person appointment.

    Certified Copies of Marriage Licenses

    Certified copies of marriage licenses are available from the County Clerk & Recorder. You can request them in person, by mail, or order online. The fee is $20.00 for the first certified copy and $3.00 for each additional copy. Mail requests must include both parties' full names (including the bride's maiden name), the marriage date, the number of copies needed, and the correct 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 available only to eligible individuals, 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

    You'll need to provide valid identification and documentation showing your eligibility. The IDPH Division of Vital Records also issues certified copies statewide and can verify vital events that occurred after 1916 for both births and 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. All probate case files are maintained by the Circuit Clerk's Office at 309 South Galena Avenue.

    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 found through the Lee County Circuit Court public access portal by searching 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 on the Circuit Clerk's Forms page for anyone preparing to open a guardianship or conservatorship proceeding. If you're planning to file without an attorney, consulting with one beforehand is worth considering — the Probate Act sets specific filing deadlines, notice requirements, and accounting obligations that are easy to overlook.