Washington County Family Court Records
Washington County family court records are stored at the Circuit Clerk's office in Nashville, Illinois. These court files include divorce cases, child custody matters, child support orders, and other domestic relations filings. You can search for Washington County case data online through the Judici portal at no cost, or visit the courthouse for in-person access. The clerk's office handles all requests for copies and certified documents. Nashville is the county seat and the location of the main courthouse where all family law cases are filed and maintained.
Washington County Quick Facts
Washington County Circuit Clerk
The Washington County Circuit Clerk manages all court records for the county. The office is at the courthouse in Nashville. This is where divorce petitions are filed, custody orders are stored, and all family court documents are maintained. Staff can search for records by case number or party name when you visit or call.
In-person visits are the most direct way to get records. Walk into the office, give the clerk your case number or a name, and they will pull the file. You can review it and get copies on the spot. Washington County is small, so wait times are rarely an issue. If you cannot make the trip, send a written request by mail. Include whatever case details you have and payment for copy fees.
Search Washington County Records Online
Washington County uses the Judici online case search system. Judici is free for the public. Pick Washington County from the dropdown, then search by name or case number. The system shows docket entries, hearing dates, party information, and case status. It covers family law cases along with all other case types.
You will not find full court documents on Judici. The system shows case activity but not the actual filings. For documents, try Re:SearchIL. This state portal shows filings submitted through eFileIL. Fees are $0.10 per page, capped at $3 per document. Washington County cases that went through e-filing should be searchable there.
Illinois Courts maintains a directory of all circuit clerk offices in the state, including Washington County.
Use this directory to find contact details, court locations, and links for the Washington County clerk's office.
Washington County Family Record Fees
Copy fees follow 705 ILCS 105, the Clerks of Courts Act. The first page is $2. Pages two through twenty are $0.50 each. After twenty pages, each page costs $0.25. Certification adds $6 per document.
A search fee of up to $6 per year may apply if you do not have a case number. Viewing case info on Judici costs nothing. You pay only for paper or certified copies from the clerk's office.
Types of Family Court Records in Washington County
Washington County's Circuit Clerk maintains records for several types of family cases. Divorce filings are the most common. A divorce file usually has the original petition, financial disclosures, a parenting plan if kids are involved, and the final dissolution order. Custody cases contain allocation of parental responsibilities orders and parenting time details.
The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5) governs family law proceedings across the state. Judges in Washington County apply the same rules as those in Cook County or any other jurisdiction. Child support orders, property division, and custody arrangements all follow this act.
Some records are not open to the public. Juvenile cases are restricted. Adoption files are sealed. Records that a judge orders sealed will not show up in any search. Personal data like Social Security numbers gets removed before a file is released for public viewing.
Note: Washington County court records do not include arrest data unless criminal charges were part of a domestic relations case.
Legal Help in Washington County
Illinois Legal Aid Online is a free resource for anyone dealing with a family court case. The site has guides on filing for divorce, requesting custody changes, and understanding child support rules in Illinois. It also covers how to get copies of court records.
For questions about court forms and procedures, the Illinois Court Help website has a live chat feature. Navigators can walk you through the steps of filing or responding to a family case in Washington County. New filings go through eFileIL, the required electronic filing system.
Public Access to Washington County Files
Most family court records in Washington County are public under 5 ILCS 160. Anyone can request to see a case file. Visit the clerk's office and give a name or case number. The staff will pull the file for review.
Exceptions apply. Sealed records are not available. Juvenile and adoption cases have strict privacy rules. Some domestic violence filings may also be restricted. But for typical divorce and custody cases filed in Washington County, the records are accessible to the public.
Nearby Counties
Washington County is in southern Illinois. If the case you are looking for was filed in another county, contact that county's Circuit Clerk.