Access Mason County Family Court Records
Mason County family court records are on file at the Circuit Clerk's office in Havana, Illinois. The clerk holds divorce filings, child custody cases, child support orders, and other domestic relations records for the county. Online access is available for free through the Judici system, which covers Mason County along with most other Illinois counties. If you need certified copies or want to look through a physical case file, the courthouse in Havana is the place to go. Mail requests are also accepted for those who live outside the area.
Mason County Quick Facts
Mason County Circuit Clerk Office
The Mason County Circuit Clerk manages all family court records for the county. The office sits in the courthouse in Havana. For contact details and directions, check the Illinois Courts clerk directory, which lists every circuit clerk in the state.
In person is the best way to get records from a small county office. Bring a case number if you have one. The clerk can search by name if you do not. Mason County is a small county, so the office staff is limited. Hours may be shorter than what you find in larger counties. Calling first saves you a trip if the office happens to be closed. When you visit, the clerk will pull the file and make copies on request.
You can also write to the clerk for mail requests. Include the case number or names of the parties, a description of what you need, and a check for the copy fees.
Search Mason County Family Records Online
Judici is the free online portal for Mason County court records. Select Mason County from the list and search by party name or case number. The site shows docket entries, hearing dates, case minutes, and party info. It works well for a quick check on a case.
Keep in mind that Judici shows summaries, not full documents. You will see what was filed and when, but reading the actual petitions or court orders usually requires a trip to the clerk's office or ordering copies. For electronic documents, the Re:SearchIL portal may have more. It covers cases filed through eFileIL, with fees of $0.10 per page up to $3 per document.
The Illinois Legal Aid court records FAQ shown below explains how to look up records in counties like Mason County.
This guide answers common questions about what court records contain and how to request copies.
Mason County Court Record Fees
State law sets the fees. Under 705 ILCS 105, the first page is $2. Pages two through twenty are $0.50 each. Pages after twenty cost $0.25. Certification is $6 per document. Search fees go up to $6 per year.
Online searches through Judici are free. There is no charge to view case information. You only pay when you request printed or certified copies from the Mason County clerk.
Note: When mailing a request, include extra for postage and handling if you want copies sent back to you.
Types of Mason County Family Records
Family court records in Mason County include dissolution of marriage cases, allocation of parental responsibilities (the term Illinois uses for custody since 2016), child support orders, orders of protection, and paternity filings. The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5) governs these proceedings.
Each case creates a file at the clerk's office. Divorce files hold the petition, financial statements, parenting plans (if children are involved), and the final judgment. Custody files include court orders on decision-making and parenting time schedules. Child support cases contain income calculations and payment orders. All of these are part of the family court records system in Mason County.
Public Access to Mason County Records
Most family court records are public under the State Records Act (5 ILCS 160). Anyone can request them. You do not need to be part of the case. Walk into the clerk's office and ask, or search online through Judici.
Some records are off-limits. Juvenile cases and adoption records are sealed by law. Cases that a judge has ordered sealed will not show up in searches. Documents with personal data like Social Security numbers are redacted. But for typical divorce and custody matters, the records are open in Mason County.
Legal Help for Mason County Residents
Illinois Legal Aid Online offers free legal guides on family law topics. The site covers divorce, custody, child support, and how to get copies of court records. The Illinois Court Help portal provides chat-based support and form guidance for people without lawyers.
These resources are especially useful in a rural county like Mason County, where finding a local family law attorney may take more effort. The state tools help fill the gap by providing step-by-step instructions for common court tasks.
Note: Legal aid websites provide general information, not personalized legal advice for your Mason County case.
Nearby Counties
Mason County is in central Illinois along the Illinois River. Adjacent counties maintain their own family court records through their Circuit Clerks.