DuPage County Court Records Search
DuPage County court records are filed with the Circuit Clerk's office in Wheaton, which serves as the administrative hub of the 18th Judicial Circuit. The office handles civil, criminal, traffic, family, and probate cases across one of Illinois' most populous suburban counties, with online access and in-person services available at the Wheaton courthouse.
DuPage County Quick Facts
Circuit Clerk's Office
Candice Adams serves as the Circuit Clerk for DuPage County. The office is based in Wheaton and manages all court filings and records for the 18th Judicial Circuit. With nearly a million residents, DuPage County handles a large volume of cases annually, and the clerk's office processes everything from small claims to complex civil litigation.
| Circuit Clerk | Candice Adams |
|---|---|
| Address | P.O. Box 707, Wheaton, IL 60187 |
| Phone | (630) 407-8700 |
| Fax | (630) 407-8575 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | dupageco.org |
The Illinois Courts directory provides an overview of the DuPage County Circuit Court and its 18th Judicial Circuit location.
Use the Find Your Court map to locate the exact courthouse location for any DuPage County case.
The clerk's website at dupageco.org includes court forms, fee schedules, and guidance on common filing procedures. It is a helpful starting point if you want to understand what to bring before visiting. For time-sensitive questions, call (630) 407-8700 during office hours. Staff can confirm record availability and explain any requirements specific to your request.
Online Case Search
DuPage County court records can be searched online through several platforms. The Judici system provides free public access to case information and is a good first stop. Search by name or case number to check docket entries, case status, and hearing information without creating an account.
The re:SearchIL platform from the Illinois Supreme Court also covers DuPage County and is useful for cross-county searches. Both systems are free and available at any hour. Neither requires registration for basic lookups.
Electronic filing in DuPage County goes through eFileIL. The 18th Judicial Circuit requires e-filing for most civil case types under current Illinois Supreme Court rules. Self-represented parties can register for a free eFileIL account and submit documents online. The clerk's office at (630) 407-8700 can help if you have questions or run into problems with the system.
Some records -- particularly older paper files and sealed cases -- may not appear in online systems. If you cannot find what you need through Judici or re:SearchIL, contact the clerk's office to ask about in-person access or a written request for the specific document you need.
Types of Court Records
The DuPage County Circuit Court handles a wide range of case types. Civil matters include personal injury, contract disputes, evictions, and small claims. Criminal cases range from traffic offenses and misdemeanors to felony prosecutions. Traffic violations issued in DuPage County are also processed through the circuit clerk's office in Wheaton.
Family law records include divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, and adoption cases. Probate filings cover estate administration, trusts, and guardianship proceedings. Most of these records are public under Illinois law. Some categories -- including juvenile proceedings and mental health cases -- are restricted. Any case sealed by a court order is not publicly accessible without a new court order lifting the seal.
The clerk's website at dupageco.org provides court forms for many common case types filed in the 18th Circuit. Using the correct form from the start saves time and reduces the chance of a rejection or a request for correction from the clerk's office.
Getting Copies of Records
Copies of DuPage County court records can be obtained in person at the Wheaton courthouse. Bring the case number if you have it. If you only know the names of the parties, staff can search the index, though it may take more time. Arriving in the morning on a weekday tends to mean shorter waits at the clerk's window.
Certified copies are needed when a document must be officially authenticated, such as for use in another court, an insurance claim, or a government application. Plain copies work for personal reference. Fees apply in both cases and vary by document type and page count. Call (630) 407-8700 ahead of your visit to ask about the current fee schedule and accepted payment methods.
Mail requests are also an option for some record types. Contact the clerk's office by phone to find out what information to include and whether your specific request can be handled remotely. Standard Illinois court forms are available on the Illinois Courts forms page.
Legal Framework
Illinois court records are governed by several statutes. The Clerks of Courts Act (705 ILCS 105) defines the duties of circuit clerks and establishes what records must be maintained. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140) gives the public the right to inspect and copy most public agency records, with exceptions for sealed or confidential files.
The Illinois State Records Act (5 ILCS 160) sets retention rules for state agency records, including courts. Court records in DuPage County are public unless a judge has sealed them or a statute specifically restricts access. If a record you want is sealed, you would need to file a motion in court to seek access -- the clerk's office cannot release it on request alone. The Illinois Courts website has more detail on court rules and procedures across all circuits.
Legal Help
DuPage County residents who need help with court matters have access to several free resources. Illinois Legal Aid Online provides free guides and form tools for many common situations including family law, evictions, and consumer matters. The Illinois Court Help line at (833) 411-1121 is open weekdays from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM and can walk you through court procedures without cost.
Prairie State Legal Services and other legal aid organizations operate in the DuPage County area and offer free or reduced-cost help to income-eligible residents. The DuPage County Bar Association also maintains a lawyer referral service if you need to find a private attorney. Getting legal advice early -- before filing or responding to a court action -- makes a meaningful difference in most cases.
Cities in DuPage County
Several large cities in DuPage County have dedicated court records pages on this site:
Other communities in DuPage County, including Lombard, Elmhurst, and Addison, fall below the 50,000-population threshold and do not have separate pages on this site. Court records for those areas are still handled through the DuPage County Circuit Clerk in Wheaton.