DuPage County Public Records /DuPage County Court Records

DuPage County Court Records

What Is DuPage County Court Records

Court records in DuPage County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records are maintained by the 18th Judicial Circuit Court and include a comprehensive array of legal documents. Pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 21(c), court records consist of case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.

Court records are distinct from other public records maintained by DuPage County, such as:

Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
Tax records
Voter registration information

The following courts within DuPage County maintain official court records:

Circuit Court (18th Judicial Circuit)
Domestic Relations Division
Probate Division
Family Court
Small Claims Court
Traffic Court

These records encompass various case types including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family law matters, probate cases, and traffic violations. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1), court records are considered public documents, though certain exceptions apply to protect sensitive information.

Are Court Records Public In DuPage County

Court records in DuPage County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Illinois Constitution and statutory provisions. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1) establishes the presumption that government records, including court records, are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.

The following court records are typically available for public access:

Most civil case files
Criminal case files (post-charging)
Judgments and orders
Docket sheets
Hearing schedules

However, certain records may be restricted or sealed pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138, which governs personal identity information in court filings. Additionally, the Electronic Access Policy for Circuit Court Records established by the Illinois Supreme Court provides guidelines for public access to electronic court records.

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the Northern District of Illinois (which includes DuPage County) are maintained separately through the federal PACER system and are subject to federal access rules rather than state provisions.

How To Find Court Records in DuPage County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in DuPage County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents:

Online Access:

Visit the DuPage Circuit Court Clerk's Public Information Application
Create a user account or log in as a guest
Search by case number, party name, or attorney
Review available case information and documents

In-Person Requests:

Visit the DuPage County Circuit Court Clerk's Office

18th Judicial Circuit Court Clerk
505 N. County Farm Road
Wheaton, IL 60187
630-407-8700
DuPage Circuit Court Clerk

Complete a record request form (available at the clerk's counter)
Provide case identification information (case number preferred)
Pay applicable fees for copies (currently $2.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page)
Wait for records to be retrieved (same-day service for most readily available records)

Mail Requests:

Send a written request to the Circuit Court Clerk's Office (address above)
Include case information, specific documents requested, and contact information
Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for applicable fees
Allow 7-10 business days for processing

For specialized records such as probate or guardianship cases, contact the Probate Division directly for specific access procedures.

How To Look Up Court Records in DuPage County Online?

DuPage County offers several online portals for accessing court records electronically. Each system provides different levels of access and information:

Public Access System: The Circuit Court Clerk Public Information Application provides general case information including:

Case numbers and filing dates
Party names
Case types and status
Scheduled court dates
Case dispositions
Judgment information

To use this system:

Navigate to the portal
Accept the terms of use agreement
Search by case number, party name, or attorney name
Review basic case information displayed
Note that document images are not available through this public portal

Restricted Access System: The Clerk Restricted Information System provides more comprehensive access but requires registration and approval:

Complete the online registration form
Submit attorney credentials or other qualifying information
Pay applicable subscription fees
Once approved, gain access to additional case details and some document images

Specialized Court Records:

Domestic Relations Division records require specific access credentials
Felony Division case information may have restricted access
Probate and Guardianship records have specialized access procedures

For comprehensive statewide court record searches, the Illinois Courts website provides links to various county court systems and information about accessing records across jurisdictions.

How To Search DuPage County Court Records for Free?

DuPage County provides several options for searching court records without incurring fees:

Free Public Inspection: Under 705 ILCS 105/16(6), members of the public have the right to examine court records without charge during regular business hours. To exercise this right:

Visit the DuPage County Circuit Court Clerk's Office during regular business hours (8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday)
Request to inspect specific case files at the public access terminals
Present identification and complete any required forms
View records on-site at no cost (copying fees apply if printed copies are requested)

Free Online Resources:

The DuPage Circuit Court Clerk's Public Information Application offers free basic case information searches including:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Case types
- Filing dates
- Upcoming court dates
- Case status information
The DuPage Courts website provides free access to:
- Court schedules
- Local court rules
- Forms and instructions
- General procedural information
The Illinois Courts Public Resources page offers free statewide court information and links to county-specific resources.

While basic case information is available at no cost, fees may apply for:

Certified copies of documents
Extensive searches requiring staff assistance
Document copies (physical or electronic)
Access to complete case files or document images online

What's Included in a DuPage County Court Record?

DuPage County court records contain various documents and information depending on the case type. A comprehensive court record typically includes:

Case Initiation Documents:

Complaints or petitions
Summonses
Service of process documentation
Initial appearances or arraignments

Procedural Documents:

Motions and responses
Court orders and rulings
Continuance requests
Discovery materials (when filed with the court)
Subpoenas
Notices of hearings

Evidentiary Materials:

Exhibits admitted into evidence
Affidavits and sworn statements
Deposition transcripts (when filed)
Expert witness reports
Documentary evidence

Disposition Documents:

Judgments and decrees
Settlement agreements (when filed)
Dismissal orders
Verdicts
Sentencing information (in criminal cases)

Post-Judgment Documents:

Appeals notices
Post-trial motions
Enforcement proceedings
Modification requests
Satisfaction of judgment notices

Administrative Records:

Case docket sheets
Court reporter transcripts
Clerk's certificates
Fee payment records
Court appearance logs

Pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138, certain personal identifying information is redacted from publicly accessible court records, including:

Social Security numbers
Financial account numbers
Driver's license numbers
Minor children's names (in certain cases)
Medical information

How Long Does DuPage County Keep Court Records?

DuPage County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Illinois Supreme Court and the Illinois State Records Act (5 ILCS 160/). Retention periods vary based on case type and document significance:

Permanent Retention:

Felony case files (murder, treason, arson)
Divorce and dissolution of marriage decrees
Adoption records
Probate cases involving wills and estates
Civil judgments affecting real property
Mental health commitment proceedings
Juvenile delinquency adjudications for serious offenses

Extended Retention (20+ Years):

Other felony criminal cases (20-75 years depending on offense)
Civil judgments (20 years from date of judgment)
Child custody determinations (until youngest child reaches age 23)
Guardianship proceedings (21 years after minor reaches majority)

Moderate Retention (7-10 Years):

Misdemeanor cases (7-10 years depending on offense)
Small claims judgments (7 years)
Traffic violations (7 years for most offenses)
Orders of protection (7 years after expiration)

Shorter Retention (2-5 Years):

Dismissed cases without prejudice (2 years)
Parking violations (2 years after final disposition)
Administrative records (3-5 years)
Non-essential procedural documents (2-3 years)

After the retention period expires, records may be transferred to microfilm, electronic storage, or destroyed according to approved procedures. However, the DuPage County Circuit Court Clerk maintains an archival system for historically significant cases and documents of public interest beyond their required retention periods.

Types of Courts In DuPage County

DuPage County's court system operates within Illinois' unified court structure as part of the 18th Judicial Circuit. The following courts serve DuPage County residents:

18th Judicial Circuit Court - Main Courthouse
505 N. County Farm Road
Wheaton, IL 60187
630-407-8700
DuPage Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

DuPage County Judicial Center - Criminal Division
505 N. County Farm Road
Wheaton, IL 60187
630-407-8600
Felony Division
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Domestic Relations Division
505 N. County Farm Road
Wheaton, IL 60187
630-407-8860
Domestic Relations Division
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Probate Division
505 N. County Farm Road
Wheaton, IL 60187
630-407-8800
Probate and Guardianship
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The court hierarchy in Illinois proceeds from the Circuit Courts (trial level) to the Appellate Courts and finally to the Illinois Supreme Court:

Circuit Courts (18th Judicial Circuit for DuPage County) - Trial courts of original jurisdiction
Illinois Appellate Court (Second District for DuPage County) - Reviews circuit court decisions
Illinois Supreme Court - Final appellate authority in the state

DuPage County cases appealed beyond the circuit level are heard by the Illinois Appellate Court, Second District, located in Elgin, Illinois.

What Types of Cases Do DuPage County Courts Hear?

The 18th Judicial Circuit Court in DuPage County adjudicates a wide range of legal matters through its specialized divisions:

Civil Division:

Contract disputes
Personal injury claims
Property damage cases
Consumer issues
Administrative reviews
Civil rights violations
Landlord-tenant conflicts
Small claims (under $10,000)
Tax objections
Mortgage foreclosures

Criminal Division:

Felony prosecutions
Misdemeanor cases
DUI/traffic offenses
Ordinance violations
Bond hearings
Preliminary hearings
Jury trials
Bench trials
Sentencing proceedings
Post-conviction matters

Domestic Relations Division:

Divorce/dissolution of marriage
Child custody and visitation
Child support establishment and enforcement
Spousal maintenance
Property division
Orders of protection
Paternity determinations
Name changes
Civil unions
Post-decree modifications

Probate Division:

Wills and estate administration
Guardianships for minors
Guardianships for disabled adults
Trust administration
Will contests
Estate disputes
Elder law matters
Mental health proceedings
Conservatorships

Juvenile Division:

Delinquency proceedings
Abuse and neglect cases
Dependency matters
Adoption proceedings
Termination of parental rights
Status offenses
Juvenile probation violations

Each division operates with specialized judges and court personnel familiar with the applicable laws and procedures for their respective case types. The 18th Judicial Circuit Court website provides detailed information about each division's jurisdiction and procedures.

How To Find a Court Docket In DuPage County

Court dockets in DuPage County provide chronological listings of all proceedings, filings, and events in a case. Members of the public can access docket information through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

Visit the Circuit Court Clerk Public Information Application
Accept the terms of service
Select "Case Information" search
Enter search criteria (case number, party name, or attorney)
View the docket sheet showing all case events in chronological order
Note upcoming court dates and previous proceedings

In-Person Docket Review:

Visit the DuPage County Circuit Court Clerk's Office during business hours
Request docket information at the public service counter
Provide case identification information
Use public access terminals to view electronic docket information
Request printed docket sheets if needed (fees apply)

Daily Court Call Information:

Check the DuPage Courts website for daily court calls
Visit the courthouse information desk for printed daily court schedules
Review courtroom door postings for current day's proceedings
Contact the specific division clerk's office for upcoming court dates

Attorney Access System: Attorneys registered with the Clerk Restricted Information System can access comprehensive docket information including:

Complete case histories
Document indexes
Upcoming court dates
Judge assignments
Related case information

For specialized dockets such as probate matters or domestic relations cases, contact the specific division directly for the most accurate and current information.

Which Courts in DuPage County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Illinois, the distinction between "courts of record" and "courts not of record" has been largely eliminated since the judicial restructuring implemented by the 1970 Illinois Constitution. Under Article VI, Section 1 of the Illinois Constitution, the state established a unified court system where all courts are considered courts of record.

Prior to this constitutional change, Illinois maintained justice of the peace courts and police magistrate courts that were not courts of record. However, these courts were abolished and their functions absorbed into the unified circuit court system.

Currently in DuPage County:

All judicial proceedings take place within the 18th Judicial Circuit Court system
All courts maintain official records of proceedings
Court reporters or digital recording systems document all hearings
Transcripts can be prepared from these recordings when needed
Appeals from all DuPage County courts proceed directly to the Illinois Appellate Court, Second District

While all DuPage County courts are technically courts of record, certain administrative hearings conducted by county or municipal agencies (such as code enforcement hearings or administrative reviews) may not constitute formal court proceedings. These administrative tribunals:

Operate outside the judicial branch
May have simplified procedural rules
Often maintain less formal record-keeping systems
May require appeals to be filed first with the Circuit Court rather than directly to the Appellate Court

For questions regarding specific administrative hearings or tribunals, contact the DuPage County Administration or the relevant municipal authority.