Monroe County Court Records

In Monroe County, Illinois, courts within the 20th Judicial Circuit generate, compile, and maintain various documents throughout civil and criminal proceedings. These documents, collectively known as "court records," arise from small claims, traffic violations, civil lawsuits, and felony or misdemeanor prosecutions. The Monroe County Circuit Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian of these records, preserving them in multiple formats, including printed documents, electronic files, microfilm, audio/video recordings, and other storage media.

A typical Monroe County court record may feature a wide range of legal materials: indictments, complaints, summonses, subpoenas, motions, pleadings, judgments, trial exhibits, orders, and various filings initiated by plaintiffs, defendants, attorneys, or the court itself.

Are Court Records Public in Monroe County?

Under Illinois law, public access to court records is guided by a combination of constitutional principles, state statutes, and judiciary rules. While the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 ILCS 140/) generally grants the public broad rights to inspect and copy government records, it does not apply directly to judicial records, as the judiciary is not considered a "public body" under FOIA. Instead, access to Monroe County court records is primarily governed by the Illinois Supreme Court's rules and local court policies.

While most Monroe County court records are open to the public, some may be sealed or restricted to protect the privacy and due process rights of involved parties. Restricted records often include:

• Juvenile court records
• Adoption records
• Expunged or sealed criminal case files
• Documents containing personal identifiers (e.g., Social Security numbers, financial account details)
• Mental health evaluations or other sensitive assessments
• Trade secrets or confidential business information
• Personal information of potential or sworn jurors

Monroe County Court Records Search

Interested members of the public may obtain Monroe county court records in one of several ways:

In Person at the Courthouse:

The primary repository for Monroe County court records is the Circuit Clerk's Office located in the Monroe County Courthouse:

Monroe County Circuit Clerk's Office
100 South Main Street
Waterloo, IL 62298
Phone: (618) 939-8681 ext. 224

In-person visitors can request assistance from the clerk's staff to locate and view public case files. Most records are available for inspection during regular business hours. Copies—certified or plain—may be obtained for a nominal fee per page, as authorized by Illinois law and local fee schedules.

Online Resources:

Monroe County participates in the statewide electronic case management system, where available. While detailed dockets and filings may not always be fully accessible online, individuals can often perform basic case searches using a name, case number, or other identifying information. The Illinois e-File system also provides limited access to docket information. Some restrictions may apply in accordance with the Illinois Supreme Court's Electronic Access Policy.

Third-Party Vendors:

There are private websites that compile public records, including some court record information. These websites may charge fees for access and are not affiliated with the county or the State of Illinois.

Monroe County Courts

Monroe County is part of Illinois's 20th Judicial Circuit, including St. Clair, Randolph, Perry, and Washington counties. The circuit court holds general jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters. Monroe County has no separate "superior" or "district" court; the Circuit Court handles all trial-level court functions.

The addresses and contact information of the county's courthouse is:

Monroe County Circuit Court
Monroe County Courthouse
100 South Main Street,
Room 115,
Waterloo, IL 62298
Phone: (618) 939-8681 ext. 224
Fax: (618) 939-1929

Monroe County Criminal and Civil Records

Under the Illinois Uniform Conviction Information Act (20 ILCS 2635/) and the Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/), members of the public may access certain conviction records through the Illinois State Police or the Monroe County Sheriff's Office. These records typically show a defendant's arrest and conviction history. However, sealed, juvenile, or expunged records remain confidential.

To request a criminal history check or conviction record, contact:

Monroe County Sheriff's Department
225 East Third Street
Waterloo, IL 62298
Phone: (618) 939-8651

Illinois State Police, Bureau of Identification
260 North Chicago Street
Joliet, IL 60432
Phone: (815) 740-5160

Individuals interested in researching Monroe County criminal cases can use the Circuit Clerk's resources. Basic case information may be found online, but for full records—including pleadings, orders, sentencing documents, and disposition details—visit the courthouse in person or submit a written request.

Monroe County Marriage and Divorce Records

The Monroe County Circuit Court handles all civil matters, including probate cases (wills, estates, guardianships), family law cases (divorce, child support, custody, and visitation), and other civil disputes. Under the Illinois Probate Act of 1975 (755 ILCS 5/), the Circuit Clerk maintains probate records involving estates, guardianships, and trusts. While most civil records are public, some may be sealed or subject to specific statutes restricting disclosure.

The circuit clerk maintains divorce (dissolution of marriage) records. Individuals may request copies in person, by mail, or possibly online, depending on the county's e-services. Only parties to the case, their attorneys, or individuals with a legitimate interest may be able to obtain certified copies of certain sensitive documents.

Monroe County Birth and Death Records

The Monroe County Clerk's Office oversees vital records in Monroe County. The County Clerk issues and maintains marriage licenses, birth and death certificates, and can provide proof of divorce upon request (though the court file remains with the Circuit Clerk). Illinois law restricts access to some vital records to protect individuals' privacy.

Monroe County Clerk
100 South Main Street
Waterloo, IL 62298
Phone: (618) 939-8681 ext. 302

Certified copies of birth and death records are issued only to eligible individuals.

Monroe County Probate Court Records

Probate records often involve sensitive financial and personal information. While basic docket information is public, certain documents—like wills kept for safekeeping—may not be publicly disclosed unless a probate case is open. The Circuit Clerk's Office can guide requesters on what is available.

Monroe County Property Records

The Monroe County Recorder's Office records and maintains property-related documents—deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats—which are not classified as court records but often become part of court proceedings related to real estate disputes.

Monroe County Recorder of Deeds
100 South Main Street
Waterloo, IL 62298
Phone: (618) 939-8681 ext. 302

Remote search tools may offer online access to property records. Contact the Recorder's Office for current availability, fees, and procedures for obtaining copies.

Monroe County Court Records Online

While some Monroe County court records and related documents are accessible online through official custodian databases, third-party sites like Illinoiscourtrecords.us also offer online access to these records. These sites provide the convenience of remote access. However, the information found on third-party websites may be incomplete or outdated and should not be used as a sole source for legal proceedings or formal verification.