McDonough County Court Records

In McDonough County, the court system keeps detailed records of everything that happens in their courtrooms to help ensure fairness. Lawyers, judges, researchers, and journalists use these records to learn from past cases, understand the legal process, and see how disagreements are resolved.

McDonough Court records include case numbers, dates, types of cases, and the names of everyone involved, such as plaintiffs, defendants, lawyers, and judges. They also show how a case moves through the court with docket entries, list each side’s requests, contain the court’s final decisions, and often include transcripts and evidence like documents or photos to clarify what happened.

Are Court Records Public in McDonough County?

Most court records in McDonough County are open to the public under the Illinois Court Record and Document Accessibility Act (705 ILCS 86/), making them part of McDonough County public records. People can usually view information related to court cases, but there are important exceptions to protect privacy. Records involving minors, adoptions, mental health matters, and certain family law cases are typically kept confidential. Records that have been sealed by a judge or expunged (officially erased) are also not available to the public.

Illinois law also separates paper and electronic access to court records. Some documents may be reviewed in person at the courthouse but might not be available online, depending on local court policies.

McDonough County Court Records Search

Searching for court records in McDonough County can be done both online and at the courthouse. Online offers access to a range of case information for McDonough. For those who prefer or need in-person assistance, the McDonough County Courthouse in Macomb provides public access terminals and staff support through the Circuit Clerk’s Office. Both options allow users to search records for civil, criminal, traffic, and probate cases.

McDonough County Courts

The court system in McDonough County mainly operates through the McDonough County Circuit Court, which is part of Illinois’ 9th Judicial Circuit. It is situated at the address below:

McDonough County Courthouse
1 Courthouse Square
Macomb, IL 61455
Phone: (309) 837-4891

McDonough County Criminal and Civil Records

Anyone who wants to find criminal or civil court records in McDonough County must go through the Circuit Clerk’s Office. This office manages a wide range of records, including McDonough County arrest records and McDonough County criminal records.

McDonough criminal records include information about crimes, such as misdemeanors and felonies. These records show details like McDonough arrest records, charges, court proceedings, and final decisions. Civil court records cover non-criminal matters, including small claims cases, divorce and child custody cases, wills and estates, contract disputes, and personal injury claims.

People can access these records in two ways. They can visit the courthouse in person to request the records they need, and it is a good idea to call ahead to check on availability and any special requirements. They can also search online, although not all records are available electronically.

Sometimes, identification is required to access certain records, and there may be small fees for copies or certified documents.

McDonough County Marriage Records

McDonough County marriage records are kept at the McDonough County Clerk and Recorder’s Office. Anyone who needs a copy of a marriage certificate can get one by contacting the Clerk’s Office directly. The office provides certified copies of McDonough County marriage certificates for weddings that took place within the county.

To get a copy of a McDonough County marriage certificate, a person must complete an application form, which can be submitted either in person or by mail. The form requires important details such as the full names of both individuals who were married and the date of the marriage. When mailing the form, individuals must be sure to include a self-addressed stamped envelope, a copy of a signed photo ID, and a check made payable to the McDonough County Clerk for the total amount due.

The cost for a certified copy of a McDonough County marriage certificate is $10, with an additional $5 fee for each extra copy ordered at the same time. Although the application form itself cannot be submitted online, individuals can still request a marriage certificate online by either creating an account or making a one-time payment without registering.

McDonough County Divorce Records

Divorce records for McDonough County are kept at the McDonough County Circuit Clerk’s Office. These records show the legal end of a marriage and include details like the names of both people, the date the divorce was finalized, and information about child custody, property, and support agreements.

Anyone who needs a copy of a divorce record can request one by visiting the Circuit Clerk’s Office or sending a request by mail. It is important to provide the full names of both people involved and the approximate date of the divorce to help locate the record. A valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license, is usually needed, and there may be a small fee for copies.

McDonough County Birth Records

McDonough County birth records are kept by the McDonough County Clerk and Recorder’s Office and are protected under Illinois state law, specifically the Vital Records Act (410 ILCS 535/). According to this law, McDonough County birth records are not open to the public. Only certain people can request them, such as the person named on the record (if they are 18 or older), the parents listed on the certificate, or a legal guardian or attorney with proper legal documents.

To get a copy of a McDonough County birth certificate, a person must complete a request form and provide a valid government-issued photo ID. Requests for a McDonough County birth certificate can be made in person at the Clerk’s Office, by mail, or sometimes online through the McDonough County Clerk’s website. There is a fee for each certified copy ($10), and extra copies will cost an additional fee ($5).

McDonough County birth records are very important because they officially prove when and where a person was born and who their parents are. A McDonough County birth certificate is often needed for things like enrolling in school, applying for a driver’s license, getting a passport, or proving identity for a job.

McDonough County Death Records

The McDonough County Clerk’s Office keeps all McDonough County vital records, including death records. These records are private under the Illinois Vital Records Act (410 ILCS 535/), which means only certain people can get them, like close family members, lawyers, or someone who has a financial connection to the person who died. To get a McDonough County death certificate, a person must fill out a form, show a government photo ID, and pay a fee— $15 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy.

They can ask for the record in person, by mail, or online through the Clerk’s website. Death certificates are important because they are used to settle money matters, claim life insurance, transfer property, and learn about family history. They also officially show when, where, and how a person passed away.

McDonough County Probate Court Records

McDonough County probate court records are handled by the McDonough County Circuit Court. These records cover cases like settling a person’s property after they die, proving if a will is real, setting up guardians for minors or adults who need help, and handling trusts and name changes. To get probate court records, a person needs to contact the McDonough County Circuit Clerk’s Office. They can visit the office in person and should bring details like the person’s name and when the case happened. A photo ID is usually needed, and there is often a small fee for copies. Some basic information is available online, but full copies must be requested directly from the Clerk’s Office.

McDonough County Property Records

McDonough County property records are open to the public and give important information about land and buildings in the county. These records show who owns a property, the property’s value for taxes, its official description, how the land is used, and the parcel number. The McDonough County Assessor's Office keeps property records, and people can get a lot of them online through the county's Property Tax Inquiry. For the older ones, like deeds from before 2000, they have to contact the McDonough County Clerk and Recorder's Office. The property records show who the land owners are, how much the land is worth, the history, and they can be used when purchasing or selling a property.

McDonough County Court Records Online

Third-party websites make it easier to search for McDonough County court records online. Sites like Illinoiscourtrecords.us allow users to look up court case information quickly without needing to visit the courthouse. These resources are helpful because they save time, offer simple search tools, and allow people to access different types of records, such as criminal, civil, and probate cases, from anywhere with an internet connection.

But third-party sites do have some disadvantages too. Not all records are on the web, especially if they are sealed, confidential, or newly created. Some sites also have outdated or incomplete information.