Livingston County Court Records

Livingston County court records are official accounts of legal proceedings adjudicated within the county. To ensure long-term preservation, they exist in multiple formats—including paper files, digital archives, microfilm, and occasionally audiovisual mediums. The primary purpose of maintaining these records is to foster transparency in the judicial process, uphold judicial accountability and efficiency, and inform the public about court actions and outcomes.

Publicly available court records from Livingston County, Illinois, typically include, but are not limited to, the following details:

• Basic Case Information: Case numbers, case titles, names of litigants, and the identity of the presiding judge.
• Procedural Documents: Filed motions, orders, judgments, verdicts, hearing dates, and case dispositions.
• Case Status: The current phase of a case, whether pending, closed, or under appeal.

The Livingston County Circuit Clerk serves as the official custodian of these records. In Illinois, circuit clerks maintain documentation of all legal actions handled by the courts in their jurisdiction, ensuring that public records are accessible and properly archived.

Are Court Records Public in Livingston County?

Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140) and the Clerks of Courts Act (705 ILCS 105), most court records are publicly accessible unless otherwise restricted by statute or court order. This framework ensures that residents and interested parties can review legal proceedings, reinforcing that justice should be open and observable.

However, certain categories of records or information may be exempt from disclosure. Such exemptions can include:

• Sensitive Personal Information: Personal identifiers protected by state or federal law, including Social Security numbers or financial account details.
• Legally Sealed or Expunged Cases: Records specifically ordered confidential by the court or sealed under Illinois law.
• Juvenile or Adoption Proceedings: Certain records involving minors may be sealed or subject to heightened confidentiality protections.
• Ongoing Criminal Investigations or Security-Related Documents: Any material whose release could jeopardize public safety, correctional facility security, or an active investigation.

Livingston County Court Records Search

Individuals may request Livingston County court records through several methods, depending on their preference and the nature of the records:

In Person:

Inquirers may visit the Livingston County Circuit Clerk’s Office located at:

Livingston County Historic Courthouse
112 West Madison Street, Room 203
Pontiac, IL 61764
Phone: (815) 844-2602

Court staff can assist in identifying and retrieving the desired records. Copying fees may apply.

By Mail or Fax:

Requests can be submitted by mail to the Circuit Clerk’s Office at the above address or by fax at (815) 844-2322. Include the case number, party names, and other identifying information to expedite the search.

Online:

The Livingston County Circuit Clerk’s website may provide searchable databases for certain case types. While not all records are digitized, the website is a starting point for checking the availability of online searches.

Third-Party Services:

Various third-party, non-governmental websites compile court records from Illinois jurisdictions, including Livingston County.

Livingston County Courts

Livingston County is part of Illinois’ Eleventh Judicial Circuit, which includes several neighboring counties. The address and contact information of the county’s courthouse is:

Livingston County Circuit Court
Law & Justice Center
110 North Main Street,
Pontiac, IL 61764
Phone: (815) 844-2602
Fax: (815) 844-2322

Livingston County Criminal and Civil Records

Criminal records, including conviction information, are considered public pursuant to the Illinois Uniform Conviction Information Act (20 ILCS 2635). These records typically detail arrests, charges, court proceedings, and final judgments in criminal cases. For statewide criminal history searches, the Illinois State Police’s Bureau of Identification serves as the central repository. Fingerprint-based or name-based statewide criminal history checks can be arranged through the department. Instructions, forms, and fee schedules are available on the ISP website.

Civil matters include disputes over contracts, personal injury claims, property issues, small claims, probate matters (such as wills and estates), and family law issues (including divorce and custody). The Circuit Clerk’s Office maintains all related records. As with criminal records, these are accessible unless sealed or restricted.

Livingston County Divorce Records

Family law cases—such as divorce (dissolution of marriage), child custody, child support, visitation rights, and guardianship—are heard in the Circuit Court. While many family court records are public, certain sensitive information may be redacted or kept confidential to protect children or privacy interests.

To obtain divorce records or verification of a dissolution of marriage, contact the Livingston County Circuit Clerk’s Office. Divorce verifications and marriage verifications can also be requested from the Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records. State vital records provide a baseline verification of an event (marriage or divorce) without the full detail available in court records.

Livingston County Birth Records

Birth and death records are not handled by the Circuit Clerk. Instead, they are managed by the Livingston County Clerk’s Office and the Illinois Department of Public Health. Under the Vital Records Act (410 ILCS 535/), access to birth and death records is restricted to authorized individuals, such as immediate family members, legal representatives, or those who can demonstrate a lawful interest. Inquirers may query the Livingston County Clerk’s Office for in-person requests:

Livingston County Clerk
112 West Madison Street,
Room 11
Pontiac, IL 61764
Phone: (815) 844-2006

Livingston County Property Records

Property records—such as deeds, mortgages, and liens—are typically available through the Livingston County Recorder’s Office, separate from the court system. In probate matters (estates, guardianships), records are housed with the Circuit Clerk’s Office, as probate cases are a type of civil proceeding. Parties interested in reviewing probate files can request them using the same methods as for other court records.

Livingston County Court Records Online

Some Livingston County court records may be accessible through the Circuit Clerk’s online case information portal or through third-party websites like Illinoiscourtrecords.us. While these online tools enhance accessibility, users should be aware that:

• Not All Records Are Online: Older case files or certain document types may only be available in person or by mail.
• Potential Fees: While basic searches may be free, obtaining full documentation, certified copies, or detailed record sets often incurs fees.