Macoupin County Court Records Search
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Macoupin County, Illinois, is served by the Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, headquartered in the county seat of Carlinville. The court handles the full range of civil, criminal, probate, and family law matters arising in the county, and its records — along with vital records maintained by the County Clerk’s Office — form a detailed archive of legal activity going back to the county’s founding in 1829. Navigating these records requires knowing which office holds the documents you need and what procedures apply to your specific request.
Searching Court Records in Illinois
Public court records in Illinois can be accessed through the circuit clerk’s office in person, by mail, through courthouse terminals, and via authorized online platforms. The Illinois Courts website is the official state resource for court directory information, e-filing access, and court forms. For publicly available Macoupin County case information, IllinoisCourts.us is one avenue to explore court records across the state. The county’s own website links directly to its court record search tool, making it straightforward to identify where to begin a records inquiry.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Macoupin County?
There are three primary ways to search Macoupin County court records: online through Judici, in person at the Circuit Clerk’s Office, or by mail.
Online — Judici Court Record Search
Macoupin County participates in Judici, an Illinois court records platform that provides free public access to case information directly from the court’s website. Users can search by case number or party name. Judici excludes sealed case types such as juvenile, adoption, and guardianship records from its public search results. A subscription service — Courtlook — is available to attorneys and legal professionals who need to search across multiple Illinois counties simultaneously.
In Person — Circuit Clerk’s Office
The Macoupin County Circuit Clerk’s Office is located at the Macoupin County Courthouse and is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in requestors should bring identifying information such as a party name, approximate filing date, or case number. Copy fees apply.
By Mail
Written requests may be submitted by mail to the Circuit Clerk. Include the case party’s name, case number if known, and the type of record requested, along with payment for applicable fees. Contact the office by phone to confirm fees before sending payment.
Macoupin County Circuit Clerk’s Office
Address: 201 East Main St., P.O. Box 197, Carlinville, IL 62626-0197
Phone: (217) 854-3211
Fax: (217) 854-7361
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Court Divisions and Direct Extensions
The courthouse is organized into three divisions, each handling distinct case types:
| Division | Extension | Case Types |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic & Criminal Division (Ground Floor) | Ext. 921 | Traffic, ordinance & conservation tickets, misdemeanor & criminal cases |
| Probate Division (1st Floor) | Ext. 922 | Child support, small claims, probate, juvenile, adoption & family cases |
| General Division (1st Floor) | Ext. 923 | Divorce, lawsuits, chancery (including foreclosure), miscellaneous remedy & tax |
Are Court Records Public in Macoupin County?
Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140, all records held by a public body — including court records — are presumed open to public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted. Any member of the public may submit a written FOIA request to the Circuit Clerk’s Office and receive responsive records within the timeframes set by the Act.
Several categories of records are restricted from general public disclosure under Illinois law:
- Juvenile records: Under 705 ILCS 405/1-7, juvenile law enforcement and court records are confidential and may not be disclosed to the general public. These records do not appear in Judici searches.
- Adoption records: Illinois law requires adoption records to be impounded while a case is pending and sealed 30 days after the judgment is entered. Access requires a court order.
- Guardianship records: These records, handled by the Probate Division, carry confidentiality protections and are not publicly searchable online.
- Privacy-sensitive personal information: Details such as bank account numbers, passwords, home phone numbers, and email addresses may be redacted before records are released.
- Active law enforcement information: Records whose disclosure could compromise an ongoing criminal investigation or endanger confidential informants or officers may be withheld.
Requestors who believe a record has been improperly withheld may appeal to the Illinois Attorney General’s Public Access Counselor.
Macoupin County Criminal Court Records
Criminal matters in Macoupin County — including misdemeanors, felonies, traffic offenses, ordinance violations, and conservation tickets — are processed through the Traffic & Criminal Division of the Circuit Court, located on the ground floor of the Macoupin County Courthouse.
Searching Criminal Case Records
Criminal case information is available publicly through Judici’s Macoupin County search portal. The platform provides case summaries, court dates, and disposition information. For certified copies of court documents, requestors must contact the Circuit Clerk directly.
Miscellaneous Fee Schedule — Criminal Records (Effective October 1, 2025):
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copies | $6.00 per copy + copy fees |
| Judge’s certification | $8.00 |
| Record search | $6.00 per year / per person |
| Copy fees — 1st page | $2.00 |
| Copy fees — 2 to 19 pages | $0.50 per page |
| Copy fees — 20+ pages | $0.25 per page |
| Expungement filing | $60.00 |
| Certified mailings | $15.00 + postage |
| Non-certified mailings | $5.00 |
Sheriff’s Office — Arrest Records
The Macoupin County Sheriff’s Office, led by Sheriff Shawn Kahl, is the county’s chief law enforcement agency. The Sheriff’s Office maintains records of all traffic accidents, arrests, investigations, and complaints. Arrest records and jail roster information can be sought directly from the Sheriff’s Office.
Macoupin County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 215 South East St., Carlinville, IL 62626
Phone: (217) 854-3135
Fax: (217) 854-8477
The Sheriff’s Office serves warrants issued by the State’s Attorney and all writs and summonses from the Circuit Court. For inmate information and jail-related inquiries, contact the Sheriff’s Office directly by phone. Note that records whose release could prejudice a pending fair trial or compromise confidential law enforcement sources may be withheld under 5 ILCS 140.
Macoupin County Civil Court Records
Civil matters in Macoupin County are divided between the General Division and the Probate Division of the Circuit Court, depending on the nature of the claim.
General Division — Civil Litigation, Chancery, and Tax
The General Division handles lawsuits, foreclosures, chancery matters, and tax cases. Case records are searchable through Judici and can be requested in certified form from the Circuit Clerk.
Civil Filing Fees (General Division, Effective October 1, 2025):
| Case Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Law complaint | $324.00 |
| Law complaint with jury demand | $536.50 |
| Answer/Entry of appearance | $199.00 |
| Answer with jury demand | $411.50 |
| Citation/Garnishment ($1–$1,000) | $15.00 |
| Citation/Garnishment ($1,001–$5,000) | $30.00 |
| Citation/Garnishment ($5,001+) | $50.00 |
| Mortgage foreclosure (Tier 1) | $324.00 |
| Mortgage foreclosure (Tier 2) | $874.00 |
| Mortgage foreclosure (Tier 3) | $624.00 |
| All other chancery cases | $424.00 |
Small Claims (Probate Division)
Small claims matters — civil disputes up to $10,000 — are handled by the Probate Division. Filing fees range from $107.00 for claims up to $2,500 and $274.00 for claims between $2,000 and $10,000. Jury demand fees for small claims are $12.50 for a six-person jury and $25.00 for a twelve-person jury. There is no fee to file an answer or entry of appearance in small claims.
E-Filing
Illinois courts have implemented mandatory e-filing for most civil cases. The Illinois Courts e-filing portal connects filers to the eFileIL system for submitting documents electronically. Self-represented litigants and attorneys alike can file through this system. A Pro Se Divorce Packet is available from the General Division for a fee of $20.00.
Macoupin County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Macoupin County are split across two divisions. Divorce, chancery, and related civil proceedings fall under the General Division, while child support, adoption, and juvenile family matters are handled by the Probate Division. The Illinois Legal Aid Online resource for Macoupin County provides self-help information for individuals navigating family court without an attorney.
Divorce Records
Divorce petitions are filed with the General Division of the Circuit Clerk’s Office. Filing a divorce petition costs $324.00, and an answer or entry of appearance costs $199.00. Certified copies of divorce decrees are available from the County Circuit Court Clerk for $6.00 per certified copy plus applicable copy fees. Dissolution of marriage records involving civil unions cost $5.00 each. Requestors should provide the full names of both parties and the approximate year of dissolution.
Marriage Records and Licenses
Marriage licenses and marriage certificates in Macoupin County are issued and maintained by the Macoupin County Clerk and Recorder’s Office, not the Circuit Court. The marriage license fee is $75.00. Both applicants must appear together at the County Clerk’s Office to complete the application. Licenses are effective the calendar day after issuance and are valid for 60 days, effective only within Macoupin County.
To request a certified copy of a marriage certificate, eligible parties may choose from five methods:
- In person at the County Clerk’s Office in the Macoupin County Courthouse
- Online through the county’s certified copy request portal
- By mail to: Macoupin County Clerk Pete Duncan, Vital Records, P.O. Box 107, Carlinville, IL 62626 — include a completed Marriage Certificate Request Form, a photocopy of valid photo ID, and a check or money order for $15.00 per copy ($4.00 for each additional copy of the same record)
- By email to vitals@macoupincountyil.gov
- Through VitalChek for expedited orders (additional shipping fees apply)
Child Support and Family Cases
Child support payments and family case filings are processed through the Probate Division (ext. 922). Family case filing fees are $324.00 for a pleading and $199.00 for an answer or entry of appearance.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates for Macoupin County events are maintained by both the Macoupin County Clerk’s Office (for local records) and the Illinois Department of Public Health for statewide records from 1916 to the present. The IDPH charges $15.00 for a certified long-form birth certificate and $2.00 for each additional copy of the same certificate requested simultaneously; short-form birth certificates cost $10.00. Death certificates from IDPH cost $19.00 for the first certified copy and $4.00 for each additional copy. Requests to IDPH should be mailed to: Division of Vital Records, 925 E. Ridgely Ave., Springfield, IL 62702-2737.
Locally, the Macoupin County Clerk’s Office also issues death certificates for deaths occurring in the county. The local fee is $20.00 per copy, with additional copies of the same record costing $10.00 each. Requests can be submitted in person, online at the county’s death certificate request portal, by mail (with a completed Death Certificate Request Form, valid photo ID, and payment), or by email to vitals@macoupincountyil.gov.
County Clerk and Recorder Office
Address: 201 East Main, P.O. Box 107, Carlinville, IL 62626
Phone: (217) 854-3214
Fax: (217) 854-7347
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Email: vitals@macoupincountyil.gov
Macoupin County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Macoupin County — including the probate of wills, estate administration, adult guardianships, and conservatorships — are heard by the Probate Division of the Circuit Court. The Probate Division is located on the first floor of the Macoupin County Courthouse and can be reached directly at (217) 854-3211, ext. 922.
Probate Filing Fees (Effective October 1, 2025):
| Case Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Probate of will | $374.00 |
| Adult guardianship | $274.00 |
| Minor guardianship | No filing or appearance fees |
| Adoption | $89.00 |
| Answer/Entry of appearance | $199.00 |
| Petition to sell | $60.00 |
| Current account | $25.00 |
| Claim on estate ($150–$500) | $25.00 |
| Claim on estate ($501–$10,000) | $40.00 |
| Claim on estate (over $10,000) | $60.00 |
| Letters of office (1–3 pages) | $2.00 each |
| Letters of office (4+ pages) | $1.00 each |
Searching and Requesting Probate Records
Probate case records can be searched through Judici for publicly accessible filings. However, guardianship and adoption cases are excluded from the public search results due to their confidential status under Illinois law. To request copies of probate records, visit the Circuit Clerk’s Probate Division in person during business hours or submit a written request by mail to 201 East Main, P.O. Box 197, Carlinville, IL 62626-0197.
Copy fees for probate records follow the court’s standard schedule: $2.00 for the first page, $0.50 per page for pages 2 through 19, and $0.25 per page for 20 or more pages. Certified copies cost $6.00 per copy plus applicable copy fees, and judge’s certification carries an $8.00 fee.
Confidentiality of Guardianship and Adoption Records
Adult and minor guardianship records, as well as adoption case files, are not available for public inspection. Adoption records are sealed by court order 30 days after the judgment is entered, and access requires a specific court authorization. Parties with a legitimate legal interest in a sealed guardianship or adoption matter should consult the Probate Division clerk at ext. 922 regarding the proper procedure for seeking access through the court.