Macon County Court Records Search
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Macon County, located in central Illinois with its county seat in Decatur, maintains an extensive collection of judicial records spanning nearly two centuries. The Macon County Circuit Court, operating within the Sixth Judicial Circuit, handles all categories of legal proceedings filed in the county, from felony prosecutions and civil lawsuits to family law disputes and probate estates. The Circuit Clerk of Macon County serves as the official custodian of these records and is responsible for filing, indexing, and preserving every document that passes through the court system.
Residents and members of the public looking for Illinois court records can begin their research through several channels. Official court clerk offices, online case-lookup tools, and state archival databases all provide pathways to locate case information. The statewide resource at IllinoisCourts.us may also help users identify publicly available court records and navigate the state’s unified court structure. In Macon County, online access is available through the Judici public portal, while in-person research can be conducted at the Macon County Courthouse in Decatur during regular business hours.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Macon County?
There are several ways to search for a court case in Macon County, depending on the type of record needed and whether a certified or informal copy is sufficient.
Online through Judici
The primary electronic case-search tool for Macon County is hosted on Judici, a platform used by more than 80 Illinois circuit courts. Judici allows the public to search case records at no charge using a party’s name or a case number. Search results typically display case type, filing date, party names, scheduled hearings, and docket entries. The system covers traffic, criminal, civil, and other case types filed in Macon County. The Circuit Clerk’s website links directly to this portal from its search page.
In person at the Circuit Clerk’s Office
Individuals who need certified copies or wish to review physical case files may visit the clerk’s office in the Macon County Courthouse:
Macon County Circuit Clerk
Address: 253 East Wood Street, Room 129, Decatur, IL 62523
Phone: (217) 624-4442
Fax: (217) 424-1350
Email: general@court.co.macon.il.us
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (excluding legal holidays)
When requesting records in person, provide as much identifying information as possible, including the full name of a party, the case number, or the approximate filing date. The clerk’s staff can conduct a record search for a fee of $6.00 per year searched. Copy and certification fees are outlined below.
Through the Illinois State Archives
For historical records predating the modern court system, the Macon County Circuit Court Case Files Index maintained by the Illinois State Archives contains 6,818 indexed records from 1829 to 1861. Researchers can search by plaintiff or defendant name. Copies of archived records can be requested by phone at (217) 206-6520 or by mail to:
Illinois Regional Archives Depository
LIB 144, University of Illinois at Springfield
One University Plaza, MS BRK 140
Springfield, IL 62703-5407
E-filing for new documents
All civil filings in Illinois circuit courts are subject to mandatory electronic filing through eFileIL, the statewide e-filing system managed by Tyler Technologies. Self-represented litigants who cannot e-file may request a good-cause exemption using forms available on the Circuit Clerk’s forms page.
Copy and certification fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Record search (per year) | $6.00 |
| Certification (per document) | $2.00 |
| Regular copies (first page) | $2.00 |
| Regular copies (pages 2–20) | $0.50 each |
| Regular copies (pages 21+) | $0.25 each |
| Fax copies (first page) | $1.50 |
| Fax copies (pages 2–20) | $0.50 each |
| Hard copy printout from automated system | $6.00 |
Are Court Records Public in Macon County?
Court records filed in Macon County are presumptively open to public inspection under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This statute gives any person the right to examine and copy public records held by government bodies, including court clerks and law enforcement agencies, within reasonable parameters.
Access is further governed by Illinois Supreme Court Rule 8, which establishes three categories of restricted access that limit who may view certain case information:
- Impounded records are accessible only to the parties in the case or by court order. A judge may impound a case file or specific documents when public access could cause harm or compromise an ongoing proceeding.
- Confidential records are restricted to the individual who filed the document and to those specifically authorized by court order to view it.
- Sealed and expunged records can be accessed exclusively by court order. Once a record is sealed or expunged, it is removed from standard public search results.
Categories of records that are routinely withheld from public view include juvenile delinquency and abuse and neglect proceedings, adoption files, mental health commitment petitions, and documents containing sensitive personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers. The Circuit Clerk’s office is required to redact protected information before releasing any record to the public.
Effective May 1, 2025, the Illinois Supreme Court approved free remote public access to reviewing court documents filed in circuit courts statewide. This change expanded the ability of the public to view case documents electronically without charge, though restrictions on confidential and impounded materials remain in effect.
Macon County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Macon County are prosecuted in the Circuit Court, which has jurisdiction over felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic offenses. The Circuit Clerk’s Criminal/Traffic Division maintains all case files generated by these proceedings. Inquiries can be directed to the division by email at criminal@court.co.macon.il.us.
Searching criminal court records
To look up a criminal case, individuals can use the Judici online portal to search by defendant name or case number at no cost. Docket entries, hearing dates, and case dispositions are typically available. For certified copies of judgments, sentences, or other orders, a request must be submitted to the Circuit Clerk’s office. The certification fee is $2.00 per document, plus applicable copying charges.
Obtaining criminal history records from the Sheriff’s Office
The Macon County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records, incident reports, and background check files. The Records Department can be contacted at:
Macon County Sheriff’s Office – Records Department
Address: 333 South Franklin Street, Decatur, IL 62523
Phone: (217) 424-1321
Background Check Unit: (217) 424-1321
Fax: (217) 424-6010
Email: foiainformation@sheriff-macon-il.us
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
A criminal background check through the Sheriff’s Office costs $10.00. To request other records, submit a written request using the Sheriff’s FOIA request form. Requests can be submitted in person, by mail, by fax, or by email. The office must respond within five business days of receiving a request. The first 50 pages of black-and-white copies are provided at no charge; additional legal-size pages cost no more than $0.15 each.
Sheriff’s Office service fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Background check | $10.00 |
| Accident report copy | $5.00 |
| Fingerprinting (up to 2 sets) | $15.00 |
| Additional fingerprint sets | $10.00 each |
| Civil paper service | $35.00 + $1.00 per mile |
| Judgment/eviction order service | $50.00 (nonrefundable) |
The Sheriff’s Office also provides an online inmate search tool for looking up individuals currently held at the Macon County Jail. Crash reports can be accessed separately through the LexisNexis eCrash portal.
Macon County Civil Court Records
The Circuit Court exercises jurisdiction over all civil matters in Macon County, including chancery actions, contract disputes, personal injury claims, evictions, foreclosures, small claims, and tax cases. The Civil Division of the Circuit Clerk’s office manages filings and can be reached at civil@court.co.macon.il.us.
Filing fees for civil cases
Filing fees in Macon County vary by case type and claim amount. The following table summarizes common civil filing costs published on the Circuit Clerk’s fee schedule:
| Case Type | Filing Fee | Answer Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Chancery (CH) | $326.00 | $201.00 |
| Foreclosure (FC) | $426.00 | $201.00 |
| Law – over $50,000 (LA) | $326.00 | $201.00 |
| Law – $15,001 to $50,000 (LM) | $326.00 | $201.00 |
| Law – under $15,000 (LM) | $276.00 | $201.00 |
| Small claims – under $2,500 (SC) | $109.00 | $129.00 |
| Small claims – over $2,500 (SC) | $276.00 | $201.00 |
| Eviction – possession only (EV) | $109.00 | — |
| Eviction – possession & money (EV) | $276.00 | $201.00 |
| Miscellaneous remedy (MR) | $326.00 | $201.00 |
| Tax cases (TX) | $326.00 + $60.00/additional parcel | — |
| Expungement – no prior case filed (MX) | $146.00 | — |
Additional civil fees include $137.50 for a jury demand (six-person) or $212.50 for a twelve-person jury, and post-judgment garnishment fees ranging from $15.00 to $50.00 depending on the amount at issue.
Searching civil records
Civil case records can be searched on Judici by selecting the appropriate case-type filter. In-person research is available at the clerk’s office in the courthouse, where public access terminals may be used during regular hours. Self-help legal resources, including links to Illinois Legal Aid Online and SIU School of Law self-help materials, are also available through the Circuit Clerk’s website for those navigating civil matters without an attorney.
Property-related records
While civil judgments and liens are filed with the Circuit Clerk, land records such as deeds, mortgages, and plats are maintained by the Macon County Recorder:
Macon County Recorder
Address: 141 South Main Street, Room 201, Decatur, IL 62523
Phone: (217) 424-1359
Email: meaton@maconcounty.illinois.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Recorder’s office offers several online land-record search tools, including a free data-only Direct Search and paid subscription services (Laredo and Tapestry) that include document images. Property tax assessment data can be searched by name, address, or parcel identification number through the Macon County Property Tax portal.
Macon County Family Court Records
Macon County does not operate a standalone family court. Instead, the Circuit Court’s civil division handles all family law matters, including dissolution of marriage, child custody, child support, orders of protection, and adoption proceedings. Filing fees for family-related cases are:
- Dissolution of marriage with children (DC): $326.00 filing; $201.00 answer. A $250.00 Guardian ad Litem fee also applies.
- Dissolution of marriage without children (DN): $326.00 filing; $201.00 answer.
- Family cases (FA): $326.00 filing; $201.00 answer.
- Adoption (AD): $89.00 filing fee.
- Petitions to modify child support or custody: No charge for spousal or child support modifications.
The Bookkeeping/Child Support Division of the Circuit Clerk’s office handles the collection and disbursement of child support payments, including those routed through the State Disbursement Unit. For questions, contact booksupport@court.co.macon.il.us.
Dissolution of marriage records
Divorce records generated by court proceedings are maintained by the Circuit Clerk. Public access is generally permitted unless both spouses have petitioned the court for confidentiality. The Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Vital Records maintains a statewide index of dissolution records but does not issue certified copies. Instead, IDPH can provide marriage verification or divorce verification letters.
Marriage licenses and certificates
The Macon County Clerk issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records. Both parties must appear in person to apply. A license costs $75.00 (cash or check only) and must be obtained at least one day before the ceremony. It is valid for 60 days and must be returned to the clerk within 10 days of the ceremony.
Macon County Clerk (Vital Records)
Address: 141 South Main Street, Room 104, Decatur, IL 62523
Phone: (217) 424-1305 or (217) 424-1307
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Certified copies of marriage certificates can be obtained in person, by mail, or through an online vendor. The fee is $23.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for each additional copy requested at the same time. Mail requests require a money order; in-person requests accept cash or check. A downloadable Marriage or Civil Union Record Request Form is available on the county website. Online orders placed through VitalChek incur a $10.00 service charge plus UPS delivery costs.
Birth and death certificates
The County Clerk also issues certified birth and death certificates. Eligibility is restricted: birth certificates can be obtained only by the named individual (age 18 or older), a parent listed on the record, or a legal guardian. Death certificates are available only to immediate family members, the informant listed on the certificate, or persons with a documented personal or property interest.
| Record Type | First Copy | Additional Copies | Genealogical Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth certificate | $23.00 | $10.00 each | 75+ years old |
| Death certificate | $27.00 | $14.00 each | 20+ years old |
| Death (unknown date – search fee) | $5.00 | — | — |
Requests can be made in person (cash or check), by mail using a downloadable birth or death request form (money order only), or through the county’s partnered VitalChek service online.
Macon County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Macon County are heard by the Circuit Court, as the county does not have a separate probate court. The Circuit Clerk’s Probate/Juvenile Division manages all probate filings and can be reached at probate@court.co.macon.il.us.
Types of probate cases
The court handles decedents’ estates, guardianships of minors and disabled adults, conservatorships, will contests, and related proceedings. Local procedures are governed by the Sixth Judicial Circuit Rules of Practice, Part 9 – Probate Proceedings, which detail requirements for will admission, periodic accounting, guardian expenditure petitions, claim disposition, and dismissal for inactivity.
Filing fees for probate cases
- Decedent’s estate (PR): $376.00 filing fee; $201.00 answer fee.
- Guardianship – minor or disabled adult (GR): $276.00 filing fee.
- Guardian ad Litem fee (GAL): $250.00.
- Current accounts for decedent or ward (non-final): $25.00.
- Claim in an estate ($150–$499): $25.00.
- Claim in an estate ($500–$9,999): $40.00.
- Claim in an estate ($10,000 or more): $60.00.
- Letters of Office: $2.00.
- Petition to withdraw minor’s funds: $2.00.
Searching probate records
Probate case files can be searched on Judici using a decedent’s name or case number. In-person access to case files is available at the Circuit Clerk’s office at the courthouse during business hours. The clerk will conduct a record search for $6.00 per year and provide copies at the standard rates listed earlier in this guide.
Key probate rules
Under the Sixth Judicial Circuit’s local rules, executors and administrators must file their first periodic account within 60 days after the first year of letters of office, with annual accounts thereafter. Guardians must file accounts within 30 days after the first year of letters and annually after that. Estates with no activity for one year or more may be set for a status call and dismissed for want of action if the court determines the matter is dormant. Independent administration cases receive an automatic 14-month status date. These procedural requirements ensure that estates and guardianships move toward timely resolution and that the court maintains oversight of fiduciary responsibilities.