Chicago Family Court Records
Chicago family court records are managed by the Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court, the largest unified court system in Illinois. With over 2.7 million residents, Chicago produces a massive number of family law filings each year. Divorce, custody, child support, paternity, and orders of protection all go through the Cook County courts. Several courthouses across the city handle different types of family cases. You can search for Chicago family court records online through the Cook County case search tool or visit the courthouse in person. The system is spread across multiple locations, so knowing which division handles your case type can save a lot of time.
Chicago Quick Facts
Cook County Courts for Chicago Cases
All Chicago family court records are filed through the Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court. Chicago is the county seat. The main courthouse is the Richard J. Daley Center at 50 W. Washington, Chicago, IL 60602. This is where the Domestic Relations Division is housed in Room 802. Call (312) 603-6300 for help with divorce, legal separation, or allocation of parental responsibilities cases.
The Cook County court system has separate divisions for different types of family matters. This is different from most Illinois counties, where one office handles all case types. In Chicago, you need to know which division has your records. The Domestic Relations Division handles divorce and custody. The Domestic Violence Division manages orders of protection. And the Juvenile Justice Division covers child protection matters.
The clerk's main office can be reached at (312) 603-5030 for general questions about any family court record in Chicago.
Chicago Domestic Relations Division
Divorce and custody cases in Chicago go through the Domestic Relations Division. The office is on the 8th floor of the Daley Center. Records here include dissolution of marriage, legal separation, invalidity for marriages and civil unions, allocation of parental responsibilities, and parenting time or visitation cases. These are the most commonly searched family court records in Chicago.
Under 750 ILCS 5, the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, divorce filings must be made in the county where at least one spouse lives. Since Chicago is in Cook County, any resident can file here. The volume of cases is high. Expect some wait times if you visit in person.
Chicago Domestic Violence Records
Orders of protection and domestic violence cases are handled at a separate location. The Domestic Violence Division sits at 555 W. Harrison St., Suite 4400, Chicago, IL 60607. The phone number is (312) 325-9500. This division handles emergency orders, plenary orders, and related family court filings.
These records have stricter access rules than standard divorce files. Some case details may be sealed to protect the safety of the parties. If you need records from this division, contact the office directly to find out what is available and what steps you need to take to get copies.
Search Chicago Family Court Records Online
The Cook County Clerk provides an online case information tool. You can search domestic relations and child support cases here. The tool shows case numbers, party names, case status, and docket entries. It is free to use. Keep in mind that the online system shows general case information, not the full official court record.
The statewide Re:SearchIL portal also covers Cook County. Documents filed through eFileIL can be viewed here for $0.10 per page, up to $3 per document. This is the best option for seeing actual court filings rather than just docket entries. You need to create a free account to use it.
Note: Online systems may not always be complete or up to date, so visit the clerk's office for the most current records.
Chicago Family Court Record Fees
Copy fees at the Cook County clerk's office follow 705 ILCS 105, the Clerks of Courts Act. The first page costs $2.00. Pages 2 through 20 cost $0.50 each. Any page after that is $0.25. Certification runs $6.00 per document. A record search fee of up to $6.00 per year may also apply.
For certified copies, you must go in person to the clerk's office. Bring valid ID and your case number. Certified copies are often needed for name changes after divorce or to prove custody arrangements. Basic online searching is free.
Types of Chicago Family Court Cases
Family court records in Chicago cover many case types. The most common are divorce, child custody, and child support. But the courts also handle paternity cases, name changes filed through family proceedings, and guardianship matters.
Most records are open to the public under 5 ILCS 160, the State Records Act. Final orders and judgments are available to anyone who asks. Some records have restricted access, though. Juvenile cases, adoptions, and sealed files are not available. Documents with Social Security numbers, bank account details, or medical records are also kept from public view. The Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Division at 1100 S. Hamilton Ave. handles those restricted cases, and access requires authorization.
Chicago Court Records Screenshot
Below is a screenshot of the Cook County online case information page used to search family court records in Chicago.
This tool provides free access to domestic relations case information including docket entries, hearing dates, and case status for Chicago family court filings.
Cook County Clerk Divisions
The Cook County court system is organized into multiple divisions. For Chicago residents, the main divisions that handle family court records are the Domestic Relations Division, Domestic Violence Division, and Juvenile Division. Each has its own courthouse location and phone number. Suburban Cook County residents may use one of the district courthouses instead.
The suburban districts are spread across the county. District 2 is in Skokie. District 3 is in Rolling Meadows. District 4 is in Maywood. District 5 is in Bridgeview. District 6 is in Markham. Chicago city cases typically go through the downtown Daley Center.
Legal Help for Chicago Family Cases
Illinois Legal Aid Online is a free resource for Chicago residents dealing with family court matters. The site has guides on filing for divorce and getting parental responsibilities. These cover Cook County procedures and what to expect in court. The Illinois Court Help portal provides live chat assistance too.
Chicago has many legal aid organizations beyond the state resources. The clerk's office also provides self-help resources for people filing without a lawyer. Family court cases in Chicago can be complicated due to the size of the system, so using these free tools is a smart first step.
Nearby Cities
Several cities near Chicago also have family court records through Cook County or neighboring counties. Residents of these cities use the same Cook County system or nearby district courthouses.
Cook County Family Court Records
Chicago is the county seat of Cook County. Every family court filing in the city goes through the Cook County system. For a broader look at all Cook County courthouse locations, suburban districts, and county-wide resources, visit the Cook County family court records page.