Access Franklin County Family Court Records
Franklin County family court records are kept by the Circuit Clerk in Benton, Illinois. With about 37,000 residents, Franklin County is in southern Illinois. The clerk's office holds files on divorce, child custody, child support, and protective orders. Franklin County is a Judici participant, meaning online case searches are free. For certified copies or complete case files, the clerk's office in Benton is the place to go. This page covers what you need to know about finding and accessing family court records in Franklin County, from online tools to in-person visits.
Franklin County Quick Facts
Franklin County Circuit Clerk
The Franklin County Circuit Clerk manages all court records in the county. This includes every family law case filed in the circuit court. The office is in the Franklin County Courthouse in Benton. Walk in during business hours and the staff can help you find a case file.
If you have a case number, give it to the clerk. They will pull the file right away. If you only have a name, the clerk can run a search for you. Copies are available on the spot for the standard fees. You can also send a mail request with case information and payment. Check the Illinois Circuit Court Clerks directory for the current address and phone number.
Search Franklin County Family Records Online
Franklin County is on Judici. This free case search tool is approved by the Illinois Supreme Court. Go to the site, choose Franklin County, and search by name or case number. Results include party names, docket entries, hearing dates, and case minutes. Family court records like divorce and custody cases show up in the search alongside other case types.
Judici gives you a good overview of a case, but it does not always show the full documents. To read the actual petition, motion, or order, you will probably need copies from the clerk. The tool works best for finding case numbers, tracking hearing schedules, and checking case status in Franklin County.
Another option is the Re:SearchIL portal. It shows documents filed through eFileIL for $0.10 per page, with a $3 max per document. If the case was e-filed, you might find viewable documents there.
The screenshot below shows the Illinois Courts homepage, which links to statewide resources for finding family court records in Franklin County and other Illinois counties.
From this site you can reach court directories, e-filing tools, and self-help resources for family court matters.
Copy Fees in Franklin County
Franklin County follows the state fee schedule in 705 ILCS 105. First page: $2. Pages two through twenty: $0.50 each. Pages after twenty: $0.25 each. Certified copies cost an extra $6 per document for the seal.
The clerk may charge up to $6 per year for a records search if you do not have a case number. Looking up the case on Judici first is a free way to get the number and possibly avoid that fee.
Family Court Case Types in Franklin County
Divorce is the most common family court case in Franklin County. Under 750 ILCS 5, the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, all divorces in the state follow the same basic process. A Franklin County divorce file will include the petition for dissolution, financial information, any parenting plans, and the final judgment. Uncontested cases may have simpler files, while contested ones can be thick with motions and orders.
Custody is called allocation of parental responsibilities in Illinois. These files detail how a judge divided parenting time and decision-making. Child support records track payment orders and any changes. Orders of protection are also in the family court records when someone seeks protection from a family or household member.
Note: Juvenile and adoption records in Franklin County are sealed and not available to the general public.
Public Access to Franklin County Records
Under 5 ILCS 160, the State Records Act, public records in Illinois are open to anyone unless another law restricts them. That covers most family court records in Franklin County. Divorce files, custody orders, and support cases are generally accessible. You do not need to prove a connection to the case.
Exceptions include juvenile cases, adoptions, sealed files, and documents with personal identifiers. Social Security numbers and bank account info get redacted before the public sees them. A judge can also seal an entire case for privacy reasons if the situation calls for it. But the vast majority of family court records in Franklin County are public.
Legal Help in Franklin County
Illinois Legal Aid Online has free guides on divorce, custody, child support, and getting court records. You can find answers to common questions and step-by-step filing instructions. Their page on how to get court records is especially useful.
The Illinois Court Help portal has live chat support for people who need help with forms and procedures. Both services are free and cover family court issues in Franklin County and across the state.
Nearby Counties
Franklin County is in southern Illinois. Neighboring counties each have their own Circuit Clerk and records. If a case was filed elsewhere, you need to contact that county directly.