Lee County Court Records

In Lee County, Illinois, parties involved in criminal or civil proceedings engage with the judicial system by submitting a variety of legal documents—such as complaints, petitions, motions, evidentiary filings, and other pleadings—to the Clerk of the Circuit Court. As these documents progress through the courts, official filings are compiled into individualized case files. Collectively, these materials are known as Lee County court records.

These court records serve multiple purposes, including:

• Ensuring that court actions remain open to scrutiny.
• Demonstrating adherence to applicable laws, including the Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS) and Illinois Supreme Court Rules.
• Offering an official record to guide appellate review by higher courts.
• Helping court personnel manage caseloads and track procedural milestones.

Are Court Records Public in Lee County?

Yes. Under Illinois law—specifically the Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140) and other applicable statutes—most Lee County court records are open to public examination and reproduction. In many instances, official court records constitute “public records” as defined in the Illinois Compiled Statutes.

However, there are statutory exceptions. Certain categories of records may be restricted or sealed if public disclosure would infringe on privacy rights or hinder the interests of justice. Common exceptions include:

• Adoption proceedings and related records
• Records concerning minors
• Court-approved motions
• Sensitive data such as Social Security numbers, medical information, and certain financial details
• Internal working documents of the court or law enforcement
• Records related to open investigations

Lee County Court Records Search

The Lee County Circuit Clerk’s Office, located at the Lee County Courts Building, serves as the primary repository for court records. Interested parties may visit in person to inspect and obtain copies of available public court records. Additionally, the Clerk’s Office may provide limited online case information through its website or guide individuals to statewide online portals, such as e-filing systems or authorized third-party databases.

Lee County Circuit Clerk
Lee County Courts Building
309 S. Galena Avenue,
P.O. Box 10
Dixon, IL 61021
Phone: (815) 284-5234

Some private, third-party platforms also offer access to court records from Lee County. However, they often charge fees or require subscriptions.

Lee County Courts

Lee County is part of the 15th Judicial Circuit of Illinois, which also includes Carroll, Jo Daviess, Ogle, and Stephenson counties. The Lee County Circuit Court has original jurisdiction over a broad range of legal matters, including civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and traffic cases. The Illinois Constitution and state statutes grant circuit courts authority over all justiciable matters, except those specifically reserved for the Illinois Supreme Court, such as legislative redistricting disputes or gubernatorial incapacity proceedings (Ill. Const. Art. VI).

The address and contact information of the courthouse in Lee county is:

Lee County Circuit Court
Lee County Courts Building
309 South Galena Avenue,
Suite 320,
Dixon, IL 61021
Phone: (815) 284-5234
Fax: (815) 288-5615
Phone: (815) 284-5230 (Traffic)

Lee County Criminal and Civil Records

Criminal records detail an individual’s interactions with the criminal justice system, including arrests, charges, and convictions. In Illinois, the public generally has the right to certain conviction information under the Illinois Uniform Conviction Information Act (20 ILCS 2635). This act ensures that conviction data is accessible, but it restricts non-conviction information—such as complete Records of Arrest and Prosecution (RAP) sheets—to authorized persons and agencies.

To conduct a criminal background check or access Lee County-specific criminal records, individuals may:

• Contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office for arrest records or incarceration data.
• Query the Illinois State Police’s Bureau of Identification for statewide criminal history. Fingerprint-based searches are generally required for complete records, while name-based queries are usually limited to authorized entities.
• Use the Illinois Department of Corrections’ online “Individuals in Custody” search to find basic information about inmates currently in state facilities.

Court dispositions related to criminal cases may be obtained directly from the Lee County Circuit Clerk’s Office. Additionally, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests (5 ILCS 140) can be directed to relevant custodians for permissible records.

Civil court records document non-criminal disputes, such as contract cases, personal injury claims, property disputes, and family law matters (excluding confidential or sealed segments). To obtain these records, interested parties can:

• Visit the Lee County Circuit Clerk’s Office during regular business hours.
• Submit a formal records request via mail or email, if offered by the Clerk’s Office.
• Utilize any available online case search tools provided by the Clerk or authorized third-party vendors.

Lee County Marriage Records

Marriage records are considered vital records (410 ILCS 535) and are maintained by the Lee County Clerk & Recorder. Under Illinois law, certified copies of marriage licenses are not public records and may only be obtained by the parties named on the record, their immediate family members, or legal representatives. Eligible persons may send Lee county marriage requests to:

Lee County Clerk & Recorder
112 E. Second St.
Dixon, IL 61021
Phone: (815) 288-3309

Current fees:

• First certified copy: $20
• Each additional copy: $10

Requests must include the full names of both parties and the marriage date to facilitate the search. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) also provides verification services for marriages that occurred after 1962 for a nominal fee.

Lee County Divorce Records

Records of marriages dissolved in Lee County are maintained by the Lee County Circuit Clerk’s Office. To obtain these records, requesters should visit the Clerk’s Office or submit a formal record request if remote options are available. The IDPH’s Division of Vital Records can also verify the facts of a dissolution of marriage (i.e., divorce) upon request.

Lee County Birth and Death Records

Birth and death records are confidential vital records maintained by the Lee County Clerk & Recorder under the Vital Records Act (410 ILCS 535). They may be released only to eligible individuals, including the subject of the record (for births), immediate family members, or authorized legal representatives. The fees for each record type is as follows:

• Birth Certificate: $15 for the first certified copy, $6 each additional
• Death Certificate: $19 for the first certified copy, $11 each additional

Requests require valid identification and proof of eligibility. The IDPH also issues certified copies of birth and death records statewide, subject to the same eligibility criteria and fees as established by law.

Lee County Probate Court Records

The Probate Division of the Lee County Circuit Court handles estate matters, guardianships, and issues concerning individuals unable to manage their own affairs. Probate records can be obtained through the Circuit Clerk’s Office using the same procedures applicable to other civil court records. In some cases, certain probate filings may be restricted to protect privacy or sensitive financial information.

Lee County Property Records

Lee County property records—such as deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats—are maintained by the Lee County Recorder’s Office. These records document ownership history, encumbrances, and transfers of real estate. Property tax information is maintained separately by the Lee County Treasurer and the Lee County Clerk.

Some property records may be accessible online, and the County Recorder’s website often provides guidance on conducting searches by owner name, address, or parcel number. Individuals may also review property tax assessments and payment histories through the Lee County Property Tax Inquiry tool, which allows searches by parcel number, site address, or other criteria.

Lee County Court Records Online

While the Lee County Circuit Clerk may offer limited online access to certain case information, not all records are digitized or available remotely. Authorized third-party websites like Illinoiscourtrecords.us may facilitate access to statewide court records, but these services often require subscription fees.