DuPage County Courts

About 932,000 people reside in DuPage County, accounting for approximately 7.3% of Illinois's total population of approximately 12 million. Wheaton serves as the county seat. Annually, DuPage County handles an average of 118,533 case filings, including approximately 12,000 criminal cases, 19,300 civil matters, and about 3,000 family-related matters.

DuPage County's trial court, led by the Circuit Court, has original jurisdiction over all civil and criminal matters. It also has authority over family law, probate, traffic, small claims, and juvenile matters. All court proceedings are centralized at one main courthouse, with no satellite or branch court facilities located elsewhere in the county.

How To Access DuPage County Court Records

Following the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140), most court records are publicly accessible, including those created in DuPage County. However, certain records are exempt from public disclosure. These include records related to domestic violence, sexual assault cases, child protection orders, and sealed or expunged records. Additionally, sensitive information, such as financial account details and Social Security Numbers (SSN), is typically redacted from court records. In DuPage County, individuals seeking court records must provide a valid case number and government-issued photo identification. Record seekers may use the options below to access or search court records in the county:

Online

DuPage County court records may be accessed online through the 18th Judicial Circuit Court Clerk's portal. This portal allows users to search for cases, review case status, view dockets entries, and check the next court dates. Court records may be searched by case number, ticket or complaint number, and party name (first and last name).

Interested members of the public may also access available DuPage County court records online through CourtCaseFinder. This platform offers a flexible alternative to official sources for searching court records across the United States. Individuals seeking access to federal case records from DuPage County may use the Public Access to Court Electronic Records service (PACER). PACER stores federal case files in digital format, which may be viewed by creating an account. While registration is free, users are usually charged certain fees to view or download court documents.

In-Person

Court records in DuPage County may be accessed by visiting the county's Judicial Center and locating the office of the clerk of the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court clerk is responsible for maintaining and providing access to court records. Record seekers must provide specific details, such as party name, case number, or the date the case was filed, to help locate the records.

Alternatively, individuals may use the public records terminals available in the clerk's office to view case information. The computer terminals are available during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Individuals requesting copies of court records are typically required to pay a fee. The cost is $2.00 for the first page, $0.50 per page for pages 2 through 20, and $0.25 for each additional page beyond 20. For certified copies, an additional $6.00 is charged per document according to the Judicial Circuit Court website.

Old and Archived Court Records

DuPage County's old court records, typically those over 50 years old, are no longer available through the Clerk of the Circuit Court's Office or its online system. These records have been transferred to long-term storage and are now maintained by the Illinois State Archives. To access such records, individuals may contact the State Archives directly using the information below:

How To File a Case in DuPage County

In DuPage County, all case types are handled by the 18th Judicial Circuit Court. Cases may be filed electronically through the DuPage County E-Filing portal, in person at the Circuit Clerk's Office, or by mail, if permitted, using properly notarized documents. Case filings typically incur certain fees, which vary based on the type of case. For example, small claims filings typically cost between $123 and $298, depending on the amount being sought.

Civil and criminal filings are subject to different fee structures. Persons who cannot afford these fees may request a waiver by completing the Application for Waiver of Court Fees. This form may be submitted electronically or filed in person. The court reviews each application and may grant full or partial waivers based on financial eligibility.

Before filing, parties must prepare all required documents, such as summonses, cover sheets, complaints, and supporting affidavits. Forms must be properly completed and submitted in PDF format when filing electronically. Documents may also be submitted in person or by mail (if notarized and accepted). Once submitted, the Clerk's Office assigns a case number, processes the filings, and issues confirmations through email or stamped paper copies.

After a case is filed, the filing party must serve notice to all other parties using court-approved methods. Proof of service must then be filed with the Clerk of Court to allow the case to proceed. Parties may track case progress online through the Circuit Clerk's case search portal.

Steps for filing a case in DuPage County Circuit Court generally include the following:

• Prepare the required legal documents, including the complaint or petition, summons, civil cover sheet (if applicable), and any supporting materials.
• Submit the filings through one of the approved methods: online through the e-filing portal, in person at the Circuit Clerk's Office, or by mail (if allowed and notarized).
• Pay the applicable filing fees according to the case type. Individuals unable to pay may submit an Application for Waiver of Court Fees, available online or at the courthouse.
• Serve the opposing party with complaints and summons using approved methods such as certified mail, sheriff's service, or a licensed process server.
• File proof of service with the Clerk to allow the case to proceed through the judicial process.

Legal Help and Self-Help Resources

Across the United States, county court systems play a vital role in ensuring access to justice. Legal assistance and self-help resources are foundational to this access, particularly for self-represented litigants involved in civil, family, probate, or small claims matters. These resources vary by jurisdiction but commonly include self-help centers, online portals, legal aid organizations, and court-affiliated assistance programs.

In DuPage County, litigants who cannot afford legal representation may seek help through the county courthouse, local aid societies, or pro bono panels organized by the local bar association. Generally, state agencies are prohibited from offering legal advice or representing individuals in legal matters. Residents of DuPage County who need legal support but cannot afford an attorney may explore the following self-help and legal aid resources:

• Free Legal Representation for Low-income Persons
• Illinois Legal Aid Online
• Free Legal Answers
• Private Lawyer Referral Services
• Illinois State Bar Association
• Chicago Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
• Northwest Suburban Bar Association Referral Service
• Kane County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
• Free Legal Services for Low-income Landlords
• Eviction Help Illinois
• Eviction Mediation Program
• Prairie State Legal Services
• Free Small Claims Court Advice
• Lawyer Referral Service

DuPage County also provides a variety of other legal aid services and self-help resources for those in need:

• DuPage County Juvenile Justice Council - This organization offers substantial support for youth at risk or engaged in the juvenile justice system. Community partners provide services focused on preventing justice involvement and aiding positive transitions for youth leaving the system.
• DuPage Legal Aid - The organization supplies free legal representation in family law issues, including child support, divorce, guardianship, adoption, and protection orders, through a network of volunteer attorneys.

Types of Courts in DuPage County, Illinois

The 18th Judicial Circuit Court is the primary trial court in DuPage County. Federal cases in the county are generally handled by federal courts with jurisdiction.

18th Judicial Circuit Court

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - The Circuit Court possesses general jurisdiction over a wide range of legal issues, including criminal prosecutions, civil disagreements, family law matters, traffic infractions, small claims, probate, and juvenile cases.
• Address and Contact Information

United States District Court - Northern District of Illinois

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - The United States District Court has authority over a broad range of federal issues, including both civil and criminal cases. It hears cases involving federal crimes, civil rights violations, disputes involving federal agencies, and civil lawsuits between parties from different states where the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000.
• Address and Contact Information

United States Bankruptcy Court - Northern District of Illinois

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - The United States Bankruptcy Court handles all bankruptcy-related matters, including personal and business bankruptcies, liquidation processes, debt repayment plans, and legal disputes involving debt discharge, creditor claims, and asset distribution.
• Address and Contact Information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About DuPage County Courts

Find answers to frequently asked questions about navigating the court system in DuPage County, Illinois: