Frequently Asked Questions

Can I access Cook County court records or the electronic docket online?

At this time, we provide access to the Civil and Law Division Court Calls via the Internet. We have also added  a searchable database of summary or "Case Snapshot" information for Civil Division, Law Division and Domestic Relations cases that are either pending or have had some activity in the past six months. In the near future, we hope to expand this searchable database to include other major divisions.

In addition, Public Access Terminals are available in the Clerk's office of every division and court location to look up information about court cases at no charge. Finally, copies of all current, non-impounded court records may be obtained at any Clerk's office location, for the statutory fee. See: How do I get copies of case records?

The Clerk's office continually strives to make our services as accessible and convenient as possible to the citizens we serve, and in a cost-efficient manner. We intend to continue exploring ways to deliver these services and to enhance access to the court, through technology-related projects.  Long range plans include making the entire Clerk's Information System ("CIS") available via the Internet.

How do I request access to adoption records?

Adoption records are impounded by statute and are not available for public inspection without a court order. You can take a look at our Access to Cook County Adoption Records page for information on how to request access.
 

Where do I get a birth/death/marriage certificate?

Birth, death and marriage certificates are maintained by the County Clerk's Office.

What is the status of my child support payment?

You can find out the status of your Child Support Payment through our Automated Hotline Telephone Number. Information about this service and about assistance in collecting child support is located on our Child Support Information page.

How can I find out if a case was filed?

You can contact the division that would have jurisdiction over the case and request a check of the electronic docket or you can visit any one of our locations to search our electronic docket on your own. Contact information for each division is located here.

How far back do your records go?

This depends on what type of case you are looking for. Our oldest records date back to the Chicago fire, but many types of records are only held for a certain number of years. Our Archives Department can help you locate older records.

Can you help me with genealogical research?

Our Archives Department can help you locate older court records and certain older naturalization records.

I have a legal situation and I need to know what I should do, can you assist me?

Our office is not allowed to provide legal advice. You can check our Finding an Attorney section for information on a variety of resources for obtaining qualified legal assistance.

Where can I find local court rules on-line?

The following URL: http://www.cookcountycourt.org/rules/index.html includes access to the following:

  • The Rules and General Orders of the Circuit Court of Cook County, which govern the structure and processes of the Circuit Court.
  • Selected General Administrative Rules and Orders of the court.
  • General Administrative Rules and Orders, which typically address routine administrative issues of the court.

Where can I get records regarding real property in Cook County?

You should direct you inquiry to the Cook County Recorder of Deeds' office. This office located at 118 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 with satellite offices in the suburban courthouses. The telephone number is 312-603-5050. The Recorder's Office maintains all records regarding real property transfers and liens, etc. Further information on this office may be found on-line at http://www.co.cook.il.us.

Who can I contact for juror information?

The Clerk's office does not handle jurors or juror assignment. Please contact the
Office of Jury Commissioners which is located in Room 1000 of the Daley
Center.  The contact information is as follows:

Richard J. Daley Center
50 W. Washington Street
Room 1000
Chicago, Illinois 60602

Telephone Number: (312) 603-JURY [5879]
Fax Number: (312) 603-5460
TDD/TTY: (312) 603-6109
E-Mail: JAdmin@ccm.net

Questions may also be answered by visiting the following URL: http://www.cookcountycourt.org/jury/index.html.

Where can I go for post decree assistance in a Domestic Relations case?

A Domestic Relations judge may refer a pro se litigant (person representing himself or herself in court) to the Post Decree Assistance Desk if a legal problem occurs after his or her divorce judgment is entered. The Post Decree Assistance Desk is open only one day a week. Volunteer attorneys provide pro se litigants with a free one-time only legal consultation and self-help packets on legal issues. The Post Decree Assistance Desk volunteer attorneys do not represent desk clients in court. The Post Decree Assistance Desk is sponsored by the Domestic Relations Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County, the Chicago Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Foundation.


Post Decree Assistance Desk


Circuit Court of Cook County
Domestic Relations Division
Richard J. Daley Center, 30th Floor
50 West Washington Street
Chicago, Illinois 60602
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Thursday only