Cook County Court Records
What Is Cook County Court Records
Court records in Cook County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County and include a comprehensive array of legal documents. Court records typically consist of case files, docket entries, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.
Court records are distinct from other public records maintained by Cook County, such as:
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Business records (licenses, permits)
- Tax records
In Cook County, court records are maintained by several courts within the judicial system:
- Circuit Court of Cook County (the primary trial court)
- Municipal Department District Courts
- County Division
- Probate Division
- Domestic Relations Division
- Law Division
- Chancery Division
- Criminal Division
- Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Division
These records encompass various case types including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family law matters, probate cases, traffic violations, and small claims. According to 705 ILCS 105/16(6), court records are defined as "the records, dockets and books required by law to be kept by the clerks of courts." The Illinois Supreme Court further elaborates on court record definitions through its Electronic Access Policy for Circuit Court Records of the Illinois Courts.
Are Court Records Public In Cook County
Court records in Cook County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/) and the constitutional principle of open courts established in Article I, § 12 of the Illinois Constitution. The Illinois Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access court records while balancing privacy concerns and administrative limitations.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Court calendars
However, certain records may be restricted or sealed by court order or statute, including:
- Juvenile records (pursuant to 705 ILCS 405/1-8)
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health proceedings
- Cases involving minors as victims
- Records sealed by judicial order
- Grand jury proceedings
- Certain domestic violence cases
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (which includes Cook County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state regulations. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system rather than county resources.
The Circuit Court of Cook County follows the Illinois Supreme Court's Electronic Access Policy, which establishes guidelines for public access to court records while protecting sensitive information through redaction requirements for personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and dates of birth.
How To Find Court Records in Cook County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Cook County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining court records:
In-Person Requests:
- Identify the appropriate division and courthouse location where the case was filed
- Visit the Clerk's Office during regular business hours
- Complete a record request form providing case number, party names, or other identifying information
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable copy fees ($2.00 for the first page, $0.50 for each additional page)
Online Access:
- Visit the Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court website
- Navigate to the "Online Services" section
- Select the appropriate case type (civil, criminal, traffic)
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
- Review available case information
- Request copies of specific documents if needed
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request to the Records Department of the appropriate division
- Include case number, party names, and specific documents requested
- Provide return address and contact information
- Enclose payment for applicable fees
- Mail to the appropriate courthouse location
For certified copies of court records, requestors must specifically indicate this requirement on their request form and pay the additional certification fee of $6.00 per document. Pursuant to 705 ILCS 105/27.2, all fees collected are used to maintain the court record system.
Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County - Records Department
Richard J. Daley Center
50 W. Washington St., Room 1001
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 603-5030
Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County
How To Look Up Court Records in Cook County Online?
Cook County provides several online portals for accessing court records electronically. These systems allow for remote research of case information without visiting the courthouse. The available online resources include:
Full Electronic Docket Search:
- Access the Cook County Court Electronic Docket Search
- Select the appropriate division (Civil, Criminal, Traffic)
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, attorney name)
- Review case summary information, including:
- Case number and filing date
- Party names
- Case type and status
- Scheduled court dates
- Docket entries listing filings and orders
- Judge assignment
Civil Case Document Images: For civil cases filed after 2000, document images may be available through:
- The Electronic Filing System
- Registration is required for full access
- Some documents require payment for viewing
- Available document types include:
- Complaints and petitions
- Motions and briefs
- Court orders and judgments
- Exhibits and attachments
Criminal and Traffic Case Information:
- Visit the Criminal/Traffic Portal
- Search by case number, defendant name, or citation number
- View case status, charges, next court date, and disposition
- Note that document images are generally not available for criminal cases
Mortgage Foreclosure Information:
- Access the Chancery Division Mortgage Foreclosure Search
- Search by property address, PIN, or case number
- View case status, plaintiff/defendant information, and key dates
According to the Circuit Court Public Records and Data policy, bulk electronic data requests must be submitted in writing and may be subject to additional fees and restrictions.
How To Search Cook County Court Records for Free?
Illinois law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, as established in 705 ILCS 105/16(6), which states that "all records, dockets and books required by law to be kept by such clerks shall be deemed public records, and shall at all times be open to inspection without fee or reward." Cook County provides several options for free access to court records:
Free In-Person Inspection:
- Visit any Cook County courthouse during regular business hours
- Use public access terminals in the Clerk's Office
- View case information and docket entries without charge
- Note that printing or obtaining copies incurs standard fees
Free Online Resources:
- Cook County Electronic Docket Search - Basic case information and docket entries
- Cook County Court Call Search - Daily court call schedules
- Cook County Jail Inmate Search - Custody status information
Public Law Libraries:
- Cook County Law Library
- Daley Center, 29th Floor
- 50 W. Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602
- (312) 603-5423
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Free access to legal research databases
- Assistance from law librarians
- Access to court forms and self-help resources
While basic case information is available without charge, certain enhanced services may require payment, including:
- Document copies ($2.00 first page, $0.50 each additional page)
- Certified copies ($6.00 certification fee plus copy costs)
- Complete case files
- Document images for download
- Bulk data requests
The Illinois Courts Electronic Filing system provides free registration but may charge for certain document access. Public terminals at courthouses provide more comprehensive free access than what is available remotely.
What's Included in a Cook County Court Record?
Cook County court records contain various documents and information depending on the case type. A comprehensive court record typically includes:
Case Initiation Documents:
- Complaints or petitions
- Summons or citations
- Service of process documentation
- Filing fee receipts
- Case information sheets
Party Information:
- Names and addresses of plaintiffs/defendants
- Attorney information and appearances
- Guardian ad litem appointments
- Corporate representatives
Docket Entries:
- Chronological listing of all case events
- Filing dates and document descriptions
- Hearing dates and outcomes
- Judge assignments and reassignments
- Continuance records
Pleadings and Motions:
- Answers and replies
- Counterclaims and cross-claims
- Motions (dismissal, summary judgment, etc.)
- Briefs and memoranda of law
- Affidavits and declarations
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary and preliminary orders
- Final judgments and decrees
- Consent orders
- Default judgments
- Post-judgment orders
Financial Information:
- Filing fee payments
- Jury fees
- Bond information
- Judgment amounts
- Payment records
Hearing and Trial Records:
- Trial exhibits (when filed)
- Witness lists
- Jury instructions
- Verdict forms
- Transcripts (when ordered)
Post-Judgment Documents:
- Appeals notices
- Execution documents
- Satisfaction of judgment
- Collection efforts
- Modification requests
According to the Circuit Court of Cook County Records Management Policy, certain sensitive information is redacted from public view, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and minor children's names. Complete unredacted records are maintained for official use but are not publicly accessible.
How Long Does Cook County Keep Court Records?
Cook County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Illinois Supreme Court and the Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205/). Retention periods vary based on case type and document importance:
Permanent Retention:
- Felony cases with sentences of 20+ years
- Murder and Class X felony cases
- All judgment books and indexes
- Adoption records
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Chancery cases involving real property
- Probate estate files
- Naturalization records
- Condemnation proceedings
Extended Retention (20+ Years):
- Felony cases (non-Class X): 25 years after disposition
- Dissolution of marriage: 50 years
- Juvenile delinquency: Until subject's 27th birthday
- Child support orders: Until youngest child turns 23
- Civil judgments: 20 years from entry (renewable)
Moderate Retention (5-20 Years):
- Misdemeanor cases: 5-10 years depending on offense
- Civil cases without judgments: 7 years after disposition
- Small claims: 10 years after disposition
- Traffic violations: 7 years after disposition
- Orders of protection: 7 years after expiration
Short-Term Retention (Less than 5 years):
- Minor ordinance violations: 4 years
- Parking tickets: 2-3 years after payment
- Dismissed cases without prejudice: 3 years
- Discovery documents (when filed): 2 years after case closure
The Cook County Circuit Court Clerk's Office maintains an archival facility for older records that have permanent historical or legal value. After the retention period expires, non-permanent records may be destroyed following approval from the Local Records Commission.
Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records. The Circuit Court of Cook County has implemented a digital preservation strategy to ensure long-term access to electronic court records in accordance with Supreme Court guidelines on electronic record management.
Types of Courts In Cook County
Cook County maintains the largest unified court system in Illinois, with multiple divisions and departments handling various case types. The court structure includes:
Circuit Court of Cook County - Main Courthouse
Richard J. Daley Center
50 W. Washington St.
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 603-5030
Circuit Court of Cook County
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
County Division
Richard J. Daley Center, Room 1202
50 W. Washington St.
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 603-5656
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Handles: tax matters, elections, mental health, adoption, real estate taxes
Probate Division
Richard J. Daley Center, Room 1202
50 W. Washington St.
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 603-6441
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Handles: estates, wills, guardianships, trusts
Domestic Relations Division
Richard J. Daley Center, Room 802
50 W. Washington St.
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 603-6300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Handles: divorce, child support, custody, orders of protection
Law Division
Richard J. Daley Center, Room 801
50 W. Washington St.
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 603-5426
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Handles: civil cases over $30,000, administrative reviews
Chancery Division
Richard J. Daley Center, Room 802
50 W. Washington St.
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 603-5133
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Handles: injunctions, class actions, mortgage foreclosures, name changes
Criminal Division
2600 S. California Ave.
Chicago, IL 60608
(773) 674-3147
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Handles: felonies, criminal matters
Municipal Department - First District
Richard J. Daley Center
50 W. Washington St.
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 603-5272
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Handles: civil cases under $30,000, traffic, misdemeanors, housing
Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Division
2245 W. Ogden Ave.
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 433-4476
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Handles: juvenile delinquency, child abuse and neglect
The court hierarchy in Illinois proceeds from the Circuit Courts (trial level) to the Illinois Appellate Court (First District for Cook County) and ultimately to the Illinois Supreme Court. The Illinois Courts system provides oversight for all courts in the state.
What Types of Cases Do Cook County Courts Hear?
The Circuit Court of Cook County, as established under 705 ILCS 35/, has jurisdiction over all justiciable matters. Each division and department handles specific case types:
County Division:
- Tax objections and delinquent taxes
- Election disputes and ballot challenges
- Mental health proceedings and commitments
- Adoption petitions and related matters
- Municipal ordinance violations
- Real estate tax matters
Probate Division:
- Decedent estate administration
- Will contests and probate disputes
- Guardianships for minors and disabled adults
- Trusts administration and disputes
- Elder care and conservatorships
Domestic Relations Division:
- Dissolution of marriage (divorce)
- Child custody and parenting time
- Child support establishment and enforcement
- Spousal maintenance (alimony)
- Orders of protection in domestic cases
- Paternity establishment
Law Division:
- Personal injury claims
- Medical malpractice
- Product liability
- Commercial disputes over $30,000
- Administrative review of government decisions
- Tax matters and appeals
Chancery Division:
- Injunctions and temporary restraining orders
- Mortgage foreclosures
- Mechanic's liens
- Class action lawsuits
- Name changes
- Declaratory judgments
- Equitable remedies
Criminal Division:
- Felony prosecutions
- Bond hearings
- Preliminary hearings
- Jury and bench trials
- Sentencing
- Post-conviction proceedings
Municipal Department:
- Civil claims under $30,000
- Small claims (under $10,000)
- Eviction proceedings
- Traffic violations
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- City ordinance violations
- DUI cases
Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Division:
- Delinquency petitions
- Child abuse and neglect cases
- Dependency proceedings
- Termination of parental rights
- Juvenile probation matters
According to the Circuit Court of Cook County Annual Report, the court system processes over 1.5 million cases annually across all divisions, making it one of the busiest unified court systems in the United States.
How To Find a Court Docket In Cook County
Court dockets in Cook County provide a chronological listing of all proceedings and filings in a case. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods:
Online Docket Search:
- Visit the Cook County Clerk of Court Electronic Docket Search
- Select the appropriate division (Civil, Criminal, Traffic)
- Search by case number (most precise method)
- Alternatively, search by party name, filing date range, or attorney
- Review the docket entries showing all case activity
- Note that some older cases may have limited online information
Daily Court Call Sheets:
- Access the Cook County Court Call Search
- Select the courthouse location and division
- Choose the specific date of interest
- View all cases scheduled for that date, organized by courtroom
- Information includes case numbers, party names, and hearing types
In-Person Docket Access:
- Visit the appropriate courthouse division
- Request docket information at the Clerk's Office public counter
- Provide case number or party names
- Use public access terminals for self-service searching
- Request printed docket sheets if needed (fees apply)
Attorney of Record Access:
- Attorneys registered with the Circuit Court of Cook County Electronic Filing system
- Can access comprehensive docket information for their cases
- Receive electronic notifications of new docket entries
- Can view and download associated documents
For bulk docket information or specialized searches, written requests must be submitted to the Circuit Court Public Records and Data department pursuant to the court's Bulk Electronic Data Dissemination Policy. Fees may apply for specialized searches or large data requests.
Which Courts in Cook County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Illinois, a "court of record" is defined by 705 ILCS 35/1 as a court that maintains formal records of all proceedings, has a seal, has power to fine or imprison for contempt, and proceeds according to the common law. Courts not of record typically have limited jurisdiction and do not maintain comprehensive verbatim records of proceedings.
Currently, all courts operating within Cook County are courts of record. Following the judicial reorganization implemented by the Illinois Constitution of 1970 and subsequent amendments, the former non-record courts (such as Justice of the Peace courts and Police Magistrate courts) were abolished and consolidated into the unified Circuit Court system.
The Circuit Court of Cook County, including all its divisions and departments, functions as a court of record with the following characteristics:
- Official court reporters or digital recording systems document proceedings
- Comprehensive case files are maintained
- Formal dockets record all case activities
- Judgments and orders are preserved permanently
- Appeals from these courts go directly to the Illinois Appellate Court
While all Cook County courts are courts of record, certain administrative tribunals and quasi-judicial bodies operate within the county that are not courts of record:
- Administrative hearing officers for municipal code violations
- Property tax appeal boards
- Local electoral boards
- Student disciplinary hearings
- Certain professional licensing boards
These administrative bodies may conduct hearings and render decisions but lack the full judicial authority of courts of record. Appeals from these entities typically proceed to the Circuit Court through administrative review actions rather than direct appellate review.
According to the Illinois Supreme Court, all judicial proceedings in Illinois courts of record must be documented either by court reporters or by reliable electronic recording systems to ensure the creation and preservation of the official record.