Access Mercer County Court Records
Mercer County court records are kept by the 14th Judicial Circuit Clerk in Aledo, Illinois. The clerk's office maintains case files for civil, criminal, traffic, small claims, family, and probate matters filed in the county. This page covers how to search those records, where to visit in person, and what resources are available for people who need help with court filings in Mercer County.
Mercer County Overview
| Population | 15,292 |
|---|---|
| County Seat | Aledo |
| Judicial Circuit | 14th Judicial Circuit |
| Circuit Clerk | Kristin Relander |
Circuit Clerk Office
Kristin Relander is the Mercer County Circuit Clerk. The office is at 100 Southeast 3rd Street in Aledo. All case filings and record requests are handled at this location. The office is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Call ahead for large records requests so staff can pull the file before your visit.
| Circuit Clerk | Kristin Relander |
|---|---|
| Address | 100 Southeast 3rd Street, Aledo, IL 61231 |
| Phone | (309) 582-7122 |
| Fax | (309) 582-7121 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | Not available |
Online Case Search Options
Judici provides free online case search for Mercer County court records. Search by name or case number to find civil, criminal, traffic, and family cases. The database is updated regularly from the circuit court system and is free to use. You do not need to create an account to run a basic name search.
Search by name or case number to find civil, criminal, traffic, and family cases. The re:SearchIL portal is another option for searching Mercer County cases statewide. Both tools are free and cover the 14th Judicial Circuit. If you cannot find a case online, call the clerk's office at (309) 582-7122 to request a manual search.
What Records Are Kept
The Mercer County Circuit Clerk keeps the official record for all cases filed in the county court. Civil cases include lawsuits between private parties, contract disputes, and small claims. Criminal case records cover charges from petty offenses to felonies, along with plea and sentencing history. Traffic records include citations, court dates, and final dispositions.
Family law records cover divorce, child custody, support orders, and orders of protection. Probate records deal with estates, wills, and guardianship matters. These records are generally available to the public at the clerk's counter during office hours. You can review the file in person without needing to explain why you want access.
Some records are restricted by statute or court order. Juvenile case files are mostly confidential. Sealed criminal records are not available for public review. If you request a restricted file, the clerk will tell you that it cannot be disclosed. In some cases, the clerk can confirm that a file exists without revealing the contents.
Requesting Copies of Records
You can get copies of Mercer County court records in person at the clerk's office. Bring the case number and the names of the parties. Staff will pull the file and make copies while you wait in most cases. Payment is due at the counter. Call ahead for large or older requests, as files from earlier years may be in storage.
Mail requests are also accepted. Send a written request to 100 Southeast 3rd Street, Aledo, IL 61231. Include the case details, the specific documents you need, and a check or money order for the copy fee. Certified copies, which carry the clerk's seal, are available for use in official proceedings and government applications. The fee for certified copies is higher than for plain copies. Contact the clerk at (309) 582-7122 to confirm fees before mailing a large request.
Filing in Mercer County
New cases and document filings can be submitted in person at the clerk's office on Southeast 3rd Street in Aledo. Illinois also has a statewide electronic filing system at eFileIL. Attorneys are required to file electronically. Self-represented litigants may file in person or through eFileIL. If you are filing a new case and are not sure which form to use, the clerk's staff can help you identify the right form type. They cannot give legal advice, but they know the procedural requirements.
Free forms for common case types are available at the Illinois Courts forms page. These include forms for small claims, eviction, name changes, and orders of protection. They are approved for use in all Illinois courts, including the 14th Judicial Circuit.
14th Judicial Circuit
Mercer County is part of the 14th Judicial Circuit, which covers Whiteside, Henry, Bureau, and Mercer counties in northwestern Illinois. The circuit has both circuit judges and associate judges. Circuit judges handle the most serious civil and criminal cases. Associate judges handle misdemeanors, traffic, and small claims. Local court rules set by the chief judge apply to all filings in Mercer County. The full circuit listing is on the Illinois Courts website.
Legal Help for Mercer County Residents
If you need legal help and cannot afford an attorney, free resources are available. Illinois Legal Aid Online provides guides for civil and family law that apply to Mercer County cases. The Illinois Court Help hotline at (833) 411-1121 is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Staff answer questions about court procedures and forms. Both services are free and available to any Illinois resident.
Cities in Mercer County
Aledo is the county seat and the largest city in Mercer County. No cities in the county reach the 50,000 population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site. For court record needs anywhere in Mercer County, contact the clerk's office directly using the information above.