Lee County Court Records Lookup
Lee County court records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk in Dixon and cover civil, criminal, family, traffic, and probate cases filed in the 15th Judicial Circuit. This page explains where to search for Lee County court records, how to get copies, and what free legal help is available to residents of the county.
Lee County Quick Facts
Lee County Circuit Clerk
Circuit Clerk Amy Johnson keeps all official court records for Lee County at 309 S. Galena, Suite 320, in Dixon. The office is part of the 15th Judicial Circuit, which covers Lee and Carroll counties. All civil, criminal, family, traffic, and probate cases filed in Lee County are indexed and maintained here. Under 705 ILCS 105/16(6), these records are open to the public. You do not need a lawyer or a court order to view most of them.
The clerk's phone number is (815) 284-5234. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The fax number is (815) 288-5615. If you plan to visit the courthouse in person, call ahead if your request involves older cases or large file sets. Staff can advise on the best approach before you make the trip.
| Circuit Clerk | Amy Johnson |
|---|---|
| Address | 309 S. Galena, Suite 320, Dixon, IL 61021 |
| Phone | (815) 284-5234 |
| Fax | (815) 288-5615 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Online Case Search for Lee County
Lee County court records are available through Judici at judici.com. This statewide public case database lets you search Lee County cases by party name or case number at no cost. The search results show docket entries, which are summaries of case activity. They list filings, hearings, orders, and other events, but they are not the full case documents. Use docket entries to confirm a case exists, get a case number, or track case progress.
Judici is not an official government system. The docket information it provides is public but unofficial. If you need certified or official copies of court records, you must request them from the clerk's office in Dixon. Judici is a good place to start your search before calling or visiting the courthouse.
Judici provides free public case docket search for Lee County and many other Illinois counties.
Other Ways to Search Lee County Records
The re:SearchIL portal at researchil.tylerhost.net is a free statewide case search system available since May 2025. It covers cases filed from April 1, 2025 onward across many Illinois counties. For older Lee County cases, Judici or a direct request to the Dixon courthouse is the better option.
The Illinois Courts interactive map at illinoiscourts.gov shows the 15th Circuit's jurisdiction and contact details. The state courts directory is useful if you want to confirm current courthouse information before you visit. The court forms library at the same site has standard forms accepted in Lee County courts at no cost.
Electronic filing for civil matters in Lee County is handled through efile.illinoiscourts.gov. Verify which case types are accepted in the 15th Circuit before attempting to file electronically. Some matters may still require in-person filing at the Dixon courthouse.
What Records Are Available in Lee County
The Circuit Clerk in Dixon maintains records across several case categories. Civil cases include contract and tort suits, evictions, and small claims matters. Criminal cases filed by the State's Attorney cover felony charges and misdemeanor matters from Dixon and other Lee County communities. Family law cases include divorce proceedings, child custody and support orders, and adoption matters. Traffic cases from Dixon and surrounding communities are also indexed in the system.
Probate cases are filed in Lee County when a resident passes away with a will or an estate that requires court oversight. Guardianship matters for minors and adults are also part of the probate docket. Orders of protection are generally public. Juvenile records and mental health filings are sealed under Illinois law and require a court order to access. If you are uncertain whether a specific record is public or sealed, call the clerk at (815) 284-5234.
Getting Copies of Lee County Court Records
In-person copy requests are handled at Suite 320, 309 S. Galena, in Dixon, during regular business hours. Bring the case number if you have one. If you do not, bring the full name of a party and the approximate filing year. Staff will locate the case in the index and help you get copies.
Mail requests are accepted. Write to the clerk at 309 S. Galena, Suite 320, Dixon, IL 61021. Include the case number or party name, a description of the documents you need, your mailing address, and a check or money order for the applicable fee made out to the Lee County Circuit Clerk. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return mail.
Certified copies carry the court seal and are required for official purposes such as other court filings or government applications. Plain copies work for personal reference. Ask the clerk which type fits your need before paying.
Illinois Record Access Law
Lee County court records are governed by 705 ILCS 105/16(6), which gives the public the right to inspect and copy court records without requiring an explanation. Exceptions apply to sealed files, juvenile records, adoption cases, and certain mental health matters. The Illinois FOIA law at 5 ILCS 140/ applies to administrative records of the clerk's office rather than to court case files themselves. The Illinois Records Preservation Act at 5 ILCS 160/ governs retention and storage of older Lee County court records.
Free Legal Help for Lee County Residents
Illinois Legal Aid Online provides free guides on civil, family, and criminal legal matters for Illinois residents, including those in Lee County. The site has a document builder that generates forms for common court filings. Use it to prepare paperwork before you go to the courthouse.
The Illinois Court Help line at (833) 411-1121 is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. The site at ilcourthelp.gov answers procedural questions about Illinois courts. Staff do not give legal advice but can explain how to file, what forms to use, and how the process works at the Dixon courthouse. Standard court forms are also available free at illinoiscourts.gov.
Cities in Lee County
Lee County includes Dixon, Amboy, Ashton, and other communities. None currently meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site. Court records for all Lee County communities are filed with the Circuit Clerk in Dixon.