Fulton County Court Records

Per Illinois Compiled Statutes, Fulton County court records include hearings, filings, and rulings generated during legal proceedings. The county clerk's office is responsible for these records, which are essential to the legal system, ensuring transparency and providing a comprehensive account record of the county's judicial process.

In Fulton County, Illinois, the content of court records typically varies with the case type. While criminal court records generally encompass arrest reports, charges, convictions, and sentencing details, civil records include complaints, judgments, and orders.

Are Court Records Public in Fulton County?

Yes, under Illinois's Court Record and Document Accessibility Act, Fulton County court records may be considered public. Along with the provisions of the Illinois FOIA, members of the public are entitled to court records, promoting openness in the judicial system. However, certain records or portions of records are exempt due to privacy and security concerns, including:

• Documents restricted by federal or state law or court order.
• Juvenile court case information
• Records pertaining to adoption, paternity, or child custody hearings
• Information such as Social Security numbers, medical records, and financial details, protected under privacy laws.
• Records that could compromise public safety or an ongoing criminal investigation

Fulton County Court Records Search

Fulton County court records can be accessed through by:

• Making in-person requests to the Fulton County Circuit Clerk's office
• Utilizing online case search portals like JUDICI and the Illinois Statewide Case Search System
• Third-party aggregate sites

Fulton County Courts

Fulton County's only courthouse is located at:

Fulton County Circuit Court
Fulton County Courthouse
100 North Main Street,
P.O. Box 152,
Lewistown, IL 61542
Phone: (309) 547-3041 ext. 206
Fax: (309) 547-3674

This courthouse serves as the central location for criminal, civil, probate, and traffic cases within the county.

Fulton County Criminal and Civil Records

Fulton County criminal and civil records are both court record categories generated by the county's court in the course of legal proceedings. While criminal court records relate to criminal cases, civil court records relate to civil suits heard in the county's courts. In Fulton County, both categories are managed by the circuit court clerk's office. Interested persons may access them by sending a written request to the clerk's office containing details of the case of interest, including the parties' names, charge information, filing dates, and related details. Criminal and civil court records may be addressed to:

Fulton County Circuit Clerk
Fulton County Courthouse
P.O. Box 152
100 North Main Street, Room 207
Lewistown, IL 61542
Phone: (309) 547-3041 ext. 206
Fax: (309) 547-3674
Phone: (309) 547-3041 Ext. 207

Inquirers may also utilize official statewide portals that provide online access to case information for participating Illinois counties, including Fulton County. Users may search for records by case number, name, or date.

On the other hand, Fulton County criminal records are maintained by local law enforcement agencies, including the Fulton County Sheriff's Office, and by the Illinois State Police under 20 ILCS 2630. These records include arrest data, charges, convictions, and sentencing details.

To access Fulton County criminal records, individuals may contact:

Fulton County Sheriff's Office
268 West Washington Avenue
Lewistown, IL 61542
Phone: (309) 547-2277

Statewide criminal background checks can be conducted through the Illinois State Police's Criminal History Information Response Process (CHIRP) portal. For comprehensive results, fingerprint submissions may be required, which can be done through licensed vendors.

Fulton County Marriage Records

Marriage records in Fulton County refer to official documentation pertaining to the legal union of two individuals. They are typically maintained by the office of Fulton County Clerk and Recorder. However, copies of these records may only be accessed by the couple named on the record or their relatives.

To obtain a certified copy of a marriage license, individuals must complete the Marriage/Civil Union Certificate Application. The complete application along with a copy of the requesters ID, and a search fee of $17 may be submitted in person or via mail to the following address:

Fulton County Clerk
100 N Main Street
P.O. Box 226
Lewistown, IL 61542
Phone: (309) 547-3041

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) also processes requests for marriage verification documents for marriages that occurred between 1962 until date. These documents cost $5 and requestors may also be required to provide information to process the request including the date and location of the marriage as well as the parties involved. Requests may be addressed to:

Illinois Department of Public Health
Division of Vital Records
925 E. Ridgely Avenue
Springfield, IL 62702-2737

Fulton County Divorce Records

Fulton county divorce records are documents containing information regarding the dissolution of marriages within county limits. They may encompass details such as court rulings on child custody, spousal maintenance, and property division (where applicable). These records are maintained by the Fulton County Circuit Clerk's Office.

Certified copies of divorce decrees and related case files can be obtained by submitting a written request or visiting the Circuit Clerk's Office in person. The cost of this service is outlined in the county's fee schedule.

Verification of marriage dissolutions may also be accessed through the Illinois DPH for a fee of $5.

Fulton County Birth and Death Records

Fulton County birth and death records are managed by both the Fulton County Clerk's Office and the IDPH Division of Vital Records. These records provide vital information such as the name, date, and location of the vital event, as well as parental information (in the case of birth certificates).

In Fulton County, birth and death records are not public. Birth records may only be accessed by the person named on the record (if they are adults) and the record holder's parent or legal guardian. Similarly, death records can only be accessed by a relative of the deceased and persons who can prove a tangible interest in the record.

Record seekers will be charged a fee of $17 for each first certified copy and $9 for every additional copy requested. Applications can be made by submitting a Birth Certificate Application or a Death Certificate Application along with the fee and a photo ID of the requestor to:

Fulton County Clerk
100 N Main Street
P.O. Box 226
Lewistown, IL 61542

Interested and eligible persons may query the Illinois Department of Public Health for state-level requests. The department can provide information on births and deaths from other counties in Illinois.

Fulton County Probate Court Records

In Fulton County, probate generally relates to the administration of estates and guardianships. These records include wills, estate inventories, and court orders regarding asset distribution. The Fulton County Circuit Clerk's Office serves as the custodian of records generated by the county's probate division.

Individuals may submit a written request or visit the Circuit Clerk's Office to access probate records. Online platforms like Judici may also provide limited access to probate case information. However, for more detailed records or certified copies, inquirers should contact the Clerk's Office.

Fulton County Property Records

Fulton County property records provide detailed information about land ownership, deeds, mortgages, and tax assessments. These records are maintained by the Fulton County Clerk and Recorder's Office as well as the Fulton County Supervisor of Assessments Office.

Property record information can be accessed through the county's GIS mapping tools or in person at the Clerk's Office. Certified copies of deeds and other property-related documents are available for a fee. Requests may be addressed to:

Fulton County Supervisor of Assessments
100 N Main Street
Lewistown, IL 61542
Phone: (309) 547-3041

Similarly, property-tax-related information is managed by the Fulton County treasurer's office. Inquirers may make queries relating to property tax, financial reports, and real estate tax collection by making in-person or mail-in queries to:

Fulton County Courthouse
100 N Main Street,
P.O. Box 111,
Lewistown IL 61542-0111

Fulton County Court Records Online

Court records in Fulton County are accessible online through official custodian websites. However, inquirers may also access these records via third-party sites like Illinoiscourtrecords.us. Third-party aggregate sites allow users to search for civil, criminal, and traffic cases by name, case number, or other identifiers. While these resources offer the convenience of remote access, their records may not always be accurate or up to date.