Marion County Court Records Search
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Marion County, Illinois sits within the Fourth Judicial Circuit, a multi-county circuit serving nine counties in the south-central portion of the state. All trial-level court activity in Marion County — whether criminal, civil, family, or probate — flows through a single courthouse in Salem, where the Circuit Clerk maintains official records of every filed case. These records typically contain pleadings, petitions, orders, exhibits, subpoenas, judgment entries, and docket sheets that chronicle the full course of each proceeding.
Residents and researchers looking to locate Illinois court case information can start with IllinoisCourts.us, which provides direction to official state court resources, county clerk offices, and online public access tools. In Marion County specifically, records can be searched through the Circuit Clerk’s online portal, at the courthouse’s public access terminals, or by submitting a direct request to the clerk’s office. Each method is described in detail below.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Marion County?
The Marion County Circuit Clerk — currently Tiffany Schicker — is the official custodian of all case records for the county. The clerk’s office handles requests for case records in civil, criminal, traffic, family, probate, and mental health matters. Requesters generally need the case number and the names of the parties involved to locate a specific record.
Online Search — Judici
Marion County participates in Judici, a statewide online court record system that provides free public access to case docket information. Using Judici, individuals can search Marion County cases by party name or case number without visiting the courthouse. Note that Judici provides docket-level summaries; obtaining actual documents typically requires a follow-up request to the clerk.
Online Search — re:SearchIL
The Illinois courts system also operates re:SearchIL, a cross-jurisdictional platform that allows registered users to access electronic court records and filed documents statewide. Access to case documents through re:SearchIL is currently limited to attorneys and court participants in many jurisdictions, though the platform continues to expand public access.
In-Person at the Circuit Clerk’s Office
Marion County Circuit Clerk
Address: 100 E. Main Street, Room 204, Salem, IL 62881
Phone: (618) 548-3400
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Civil Division Phone: (618) 548-3855 | Fax: (618) 548-8506
Criminal Division Phone: (618) 548-3856 | Fax: (618) 740-0118
Staff at the clerk’s office can assist with in-person record searches during business hours. The courthouse also offers public Wi-Fi and an upgraded legal self-help center following an Access to Justice grant secured by the clerk’s office.
Copy Request by Mail
To request records by mail, download and complete the Records Copy Request Form from the circuit clerk’s website, then mail it to the address above with a check or money order covering applicable copy fees.
Are Court Records Public in Marion County?
Marion County court records are public documents under the Illinois Local Records Act (5 ILCS 105/16). Under this statute, members of the public may inspect, examine, or copy qualifying court records. The circuit clerk is permitted to charge statutory fees to recover the costs of retrieving and reproducing records.
However, not all case records are open. The clerk is authorized — and in some instances required — to restrict access to categories of information protected by other state laws. Records commonly withheld from or partially redacted for public inspection include:
- Identifying information about juvenile defendants or minors involved in proceedings
- Records related to mental health commitment proceedings
- Sealed or expunged arrest and criminal history records
- Confidential attorney-client communications submitted to the court
- Social Security numbers and other sensitive personal identifiers of case participants or witnesses
- Adoption records and related proceedings
Sealed and expunged records warrant particular attention. Under Illinois law, individuals with qualifying arrests or certain convictions may petition the court to expunge or seal their records. The clerk charges a $60 filing fee for an expungement petition, and if granted, an additional $60 fee payable to the Illinois State Police is required. Certified copies of an expungement order cost $4.00 each. The Illinois Supreme Court provides standardized expungement and sealing forms at no charge.
Marion County Criminal Court Records
Criminal proceedings in Marion County begin when law enforcement files misdemeanor or felony charges in the Circuit Court. The clerk’s office, located in Room 204 of the courthouse, maintains all criminal case records including charging instruments, plea entries, trial transcripts, sentencing orders, and probation documentation. The criminal division can be reached directly at (618) 548-3856.
Searching Criminal Case Records
- Search criminal case dockets online through Judici using party name or case number
- Request copies in person at the criminal division window (Room 204) during business hours
- Submit a mail-in request using the clerk’s Records Copy Request Form
Copy Fees — Criminal Records
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| First page of a copy | $2.00 |
| Pages 2–20 (each) | $0.50 |
| All additional pages beyond 20 | $0.25 each |
| Each page from scanned/automated records | $6.00 each |
| Records search (per year searched) | $6.00 |
| Certified copy of judgment (after first copy) | $10.00 |
| Certification of document | $6.00 each |
| Expungement petition (clerk’s fee) | $60.00 |
| Expungement petition (ISP fee, after grant) | $60.00 |
| Certified copy of expungement order | $4.00 each |
Arrest Records and Jail Roster
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office handles arrests, jail administration, and law enforcement records for the county. The Sheriff can be contacted at:
Marion County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 204 N. Washington Street, Salem, IL 62881
Phone: (618) 548-2141
For individuals seeking statewide criminal history information, the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification processes name-based background checks through the Criminal History Information Response Process (CHIRP). The ISP also maintains fingerprint-based criminal history records; specific fee information is published on the ISP fee schedule. Name-based inquiries generally cost $16 for a statewide criminal history transcript, though requesters should confirm current fees directly with ISP.
Marion County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Marion County covers a broad spectrum — contract disputes, personal injury claims, property matters, mortgage foreclosures, evictions, tax actions, and chancery proceedings. All civil matters are filed with and managed by the Marion County Circuit Clerk. The civil division’s direct phone line is (618) 548-3855, and its fax is (618) 548-8506.
Common Civil Filing Fees
| Case Type | Filing Fee | Appearance Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Chancery (contract, injunction, partition, quiet title, etc.) | $321.00 | $196.00 |
| Law — damages over $50,000 | $321.00 | $196.00 |
| Law — damages $15,001–$50,000 | $321.00 | $196.00 |
| Law — damages up to $15,000 | $271.00 | $196.00 |
| Eviction — residential or commercial | $271.00 | $196.00 |
| Eviction — possession only | $104.00 | $124.00 |
| Small claims — contract or tort up to $2,500 | $104.00 | None (as of 10/01/25) |
| Small claims — contract or tort $2,500.01–$10,000 | $271.00 | None (as of 10/01/25) |
| Mortgage foreclosure | $321.00 | $196.00 |
| Jury demand (12-person, civil) | $212.50 | — |
| Jury demand (6-person, civil) | $106.25 | — |
| Petition to vacate/modify (within 30 days) | $50.00 | — |
| Petition to vacate/modify (after 30 days) | $75.00 | — |
Small Claims Court
Illinois small claims court handles money disputes and replevin actions up to $10,000. Parties filing small claims matters in Marion County can obtain the required Small Claims Forms from the Illinois Supreme Court’s standardized forms library at no charge. The filing fee for claims up to $2,500 is $104.00; claims between $2,500.01 and $10,000 carry a $271.00 filing fee. As of October 1, 2025, no appearance fee applies on the defendant’s side for small claims matters.
Litigants who cannot afford filing fees may apply for a waiver using the Fee Waiver form available through the Illinois Supreme Court. The Illinois Legal Aid Online fee waiver easy form also guides self-represented parties through the application process step by step.
The Illinois Supreme Court’s standardized forms library provides free, downloadable forms for virtually all civil case types, including summons, appearance forms, eviction petitions, mortgage foreclosure documents, and post-judgment collection tools.
Marion County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Marion County are heard in the Circuit Court and encompass dissolution of marriage, child custody and support, parentage, domestic violence, orders of protection, adoption, and name changes. The clerk’s office maintains all family case files, and the civil division phone line — (618) 548-3855 — handles related inquiries.
Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce)
Divorce cases in Marion County carry a filing fee of $321.00 with a $196.00 appearance fee for the responding spouse, regardless of whether children are involved. An annual child support and maintenance fee of $36.00 applies in cases where ongoing support obligations are ordered. The clerk provides a Divorce Roadmap self-help guide for parties navigating the process without an attorney. Standardized divorce forms are also available at no charge through the Illinois Supreme Court, including parenting plans, child support orders, and certificates of dissolution.
Divorce records are accessible through Judici or in person at the clerk’s office. Certain information within a divorce file — including financial account details, Social Security numbers, and sensitive information about minor children — may be redacted before release to the public.
Orders of Protection and Domestic Violence
Orders of protection, civil no-contact orders, and stalking no-contact orders are filed at no charge in Marion County. The Illinois Supreme Court publishes standardized Order of Protection Forms, and the Illinois Legal Aid Online Order of Protection Easy Form assists self-represented petitioners in preparing documents. Existing orders can also be extended, vacated, or modified using the Order to Extend, Vacate or Modify form available from the circuit clerk.
Marriage Records
Marriage records are maintained by the Marion County Circuit Clerk. Certified copies are available through the clerk’s office in person or by mail. Those wishing only to verify that a marriage occurred — rather than obtain a certified copy — may contact the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for a verification service that costs $5.00 and can be requested by fax, mail, or in person.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates are confidential vital records maintained by the IDPH Division of Vital Records, not the Circuit Court. Certified birth certificates are restricted to the person named on the record, their parents, or an authorized legal representative. To request a copy, complete the IDPH application and mail it, along with valid government-issued photo ID and the applicable fee, to:
Illinois Department of Public Health — Division of Vital Records
Address: 925 East Ridgely Avenue 2737, Springfield, IL 62702
Phone: (217) 782-6554 (weekdays, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.)
Email: DPH.VITALS@illinois.gov
Certified birth certificate fees are $10 for the first copy (basic identifying information) or $15 for a full birth record, plus $2.00 for each additional copy requested at the same time. Note that IDPH mail processing currently takes approximately 12 weeks. Records can also be ordered online through the VitalChek network.
For death records, certified copies are restricted to persons with a legal or personal interest in the deceased. The IDPH processes death certificate requests through the same Springfield address and application process. Historical death records from 1916 to 1972 can be searched through the Illinois State Archives database by entering the decedent’s name. Records predating 1916 are accessible through the Illinois Statewide Death Index pre-1916 database, also hosted by the Secretary of State’s office.
Marion County Probate Court Records
Marion County does not operate a standalone probate court. Instead, probate matters are handled as a specialized docket within the Circuit Court, and all related records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk at the Main Street courthouse in Salem. Probate proceedings encompass the formal administration of decedents’ estates, guardianships, conservatorships, will contests, trust proceedings, mental health commitments, and adoptions.
Types of Probate Cases and Associated Fees
| Probate Matter | Filing Fee | Appearance Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Administration of decedent’s estate | $371.00 | $196.00 |
| Missing person | $371.00 | $196.00 |
| Wrongful death/collection of judgment | $271.00 | $196.00 |
| Guardianship of minor | $0.00 (as of 10/01/25) | $0.00 (as of 10/01/25) |
| Guardianship of person with disability | $271.00 | $196.00 |
| Guardianship of estate of living person | $271.00 | $196.00 |
| Filing a last will and testament only | No fee | — |
| Filing a claim against estate ($150.01–$500) | $25.00 | — |
| Filing a claim against estate ($500.01–$10,000) | $40.00 | — |
| Filing a claim against estate (over $10,000) | $60.00 | — |
| Filing equitable claim, will contest, or trust enforcement | $60.00 | — |
| Filing an accounting (other than final) | $25.00 | — |
| Certified letters of office (after first copy) | $2.00 each | — |
| Probate jury demand | $137.50 | — |
How to Access Probate Records
Probate case dockets are searchable through Judici by the name of the decedent or estate. Physical case files — including wills, inventories, accountings, and orders — are available at the clerk’s office during regular business hours. Copy fees follow the standard schedule: $2.00 for the first page, $0.50 per page for pages 2 through 20, and $0.25 per page thereafter. Pages from scanned or electronically maintained records cost $6.00 each.
Guardianship proceedings for individuals with disabilities or minor children are handled through the same Circuit Court docket. The clerk’s office provides local guardianship forms for current accounts and status reports, and the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission offers additional guidance forms for those serving as guardians for persons with disabilities.
While most probate filings are public, records connected to mental health commitment proceedings and adoption matters are held confidential. Adoption case files are sealed by statute and accessible only to authorized parties or upon court order. Petitions to release sealed documents may be filed using the Petition to Release Sealed Document form available from the circuit clerk’s website.