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Lake County Courts

With over 720,000 residents, Lake County's population accounts for approximately 5.7% of Illinois' total population of about 12 million. The county's administrative center is located in Waukegan. Each year, Lake County reports approximately 75,000 filed cases, including 13,000 civil, 8,400 criminal, and 3,000 family-related matters.

The Circuit Court is the only court in Lake County and handles a wide range of legal matters. It has general jurisdiction over civil, criminal, probate, juvenile, and family cases. The county's trial court system is centralized in Waukegan.

How To Access Lake County Court Records

Most Lake County court records are considered public records under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140), unless exempt by law. Restricted records includethose of sexual assault cases, juvenile matters, and adoption proceedings. Public access to sealed or expunged court records is also restricted in the county. To access Lake County court records, requesters must provide valid government-issued photo identification and a case number. The county's court records may be searched or accessed through the methods listed below:

Online

Interested persons may search for Lake County court records online through the Lake County Circuit Clerk's Online Portal. Users must register for an account to access civil, criminal, probate, traffic, and other case summaries available on the portal. Records may be searched by case number or party name. CourtCaseFinder is another online platform that provides access to court records from counties nationwide, including Lake County. Individuals seeking federal court records originating in Lake County may access them through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records service (PACER).

In-Person

Lake County court records may be accessed by visiting the courthouse in person and locating the Circuit Clerk's Office, where a completed request form or a written request will be submitted. To search for these records, requesters must provide a case number, party name, or the date the case was filed to facilitate the search. The Circuit Clerk provides public access terminals within the courthouse, allowing individuals to view case information. Requesters may need to pay certain fees to obtain copies or certified copies of court records. The fee is $1.00 per page. An additional $10.00 per document is charged for certified copies.

Old and Archived Court Records

In Lake County, court records older than 50 years may no longer be available through the Circuit Clerk's Office or its online database. These historic files have been moved to the Illinois State Archives for long-term preservation. To access them, individuals may contact the State Archives using the information provided below:

Illinois State Archives

Margaret Cross Norton Building

Capitol Complex

Springfield, IL 62756

Phone: (217) 782-4866

How To File a Case in Lake County

All types of cases in Lake County are handled by the Lake County Circuit Court. Most civil matters, including small claims, family, and probate, must be filed electronically through the Illinois Electronic Filing System. A criminal case may be filed electronically by an attorney, but a member of the public cannot initiate such a case electronically. A filing may also be submitted in person at the Circuit Clerk's Office or by mail. The applicable filing fee varies based on case type.

Individuals who are not able to pay court fees in Lake County may apply for waivers by completing the Application for Waiver of Court Fees, which may be submitted in person or online. The court evaluates each application and may approve it based on the applicant's income level and eligibility for public assistance.

Before filing a case, identify the correct case type, such as small claims, civil, criminal, family, or probate, to ensure it is filed in the appropriate division of the Lake County Circuit Court. If uncertain, contact the Clerk's Office for guidance. Prepare the correct forms, complaints or petitions, summonses, and civil cover sheets, and either pay filing fees or submit waiver applications.

After filings, clerks assign case numbers and enter cases into the court docket. If filing in person or by mail, parties must serve the opposing parties per Illinois Supreme Court Rules, typically by certified mail, sheriff, or licensed process servers. Once proofs of service are filed, cases proceed based on their division schedules.

Instituting legal actions in the Lake County Circuit Court typically requires the following steps:

  • Determine Jurisdiction - identify the correct court divisions with authority over the case types.
  • Prepare Court Documents - Complete required forms such as complaints or petitions, summonses, and civil case sheets. Include any supporting documents like affidavits, contracts, or exhibits.
  • File the Cases - File electronically through the Illinois eFile System, in person at the Clerk's Office, or by mail (where permitted).
  • Pay the Filing Fees - Pay the required fees based on the type of case.
  • Serve the Other Parties - Ensure legal service of process on all parties, following Illinois court rules. Acceptable methods include personal service, certified mail, or the use of licensed process servers.
  • File Proofs of Service - After serving the opposing parties, file completed proof of service forms with the court to confirm that legal notice was given.
  • Attend Hearings or Follow Court Orders - Track court dates, respond to motions, and comply with any additional requirements set by judges throughout the proceedings.

Legal Help and Self-Help Resources

Across the United States, county court systems play crucial roles in delivering access to justice. Legal help and self-help resources are foundational to this access, particularly for self-represented litigants navigating 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.

Generally, state agencies do not serve as personal attorneys or give legal advice. Litigants who cannot afford to hire legal representation for lawsuits in Lake County may find legal help and self-help resources through local aid societies, county courthouses, and local pro bono panels. Low-income individuals have several helpful options when it comes to finding legal aid and self-help support. Below are some of the key resources and programs available to them:

Those in Lake County may also find additional help through a range of legal aid and self-help programs designed to support people facing legal challenges.

  • Safe Place offers legal advocacy for domestic violence and trafficking survivors, including help with protective orders and court support.
  • Lake County Bar Association connects people to attorneys and runs legal aid clinics for issues like housing, family law, and probate.
  • Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center provides legal advocacy and court support to sexual assault survivors, helping them understand and exercise their rights.
  • Access to Justice supports free legal resources and self-help programs to ensure fair access to the court systems for underserved communities.
  • Coalition Legal LLC delivers affordable, flat-fee legal services for eviction, family, and criminal record issues, focused on accessibility.

Types of Courts in Lake County, Illinois

The 19th Judicial Circuit Court is the primary trial court in Lake County. Federal cases in the county are generally handled by federal courts.

19th Judicial Circuit Court

  • Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - The court handles a wide range of legal matters, including civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and small claims. It serves as the primary trial court, where most legal issues in the county originate.
  • Address and Contact Information

18 N County Street

Waukegan, IL 60085

Phone: (847) 377-3380 (Child Support Division)

Phone: (847) 377-3239 (Criminal and Traffic Division)

Phone: (847) 377-3209 (General and Civil Division)

Below are lists of Lake County Circuit Court locations where residents may access various court services:

Lake County Circuit Court - Juvenile Branch

24647 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Vernon Hills, IL 60061

Phone: (847) 377-7888

Lake County Circuit Court - Mundelein Branch

105 E. Route 83

Mundelein, IL 60060

Phone: (847) 377-3300

Lake County Circuit Court - North Branch

1792 Nicole Ln.

Round Lake Beach, IL 60073

Phone: (847) 377-3400

Lake County Circuit Court - Park City Branch

301 Greenleaf St.

Park City, IL 60085

Phone: (847) 377-3500

Federal Courts in Lake County, Illinois

Residents of Lake County are served by the following federal courts:

United States District Court - Northern District of Illinois

  • Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - The United States District Court handles both civil and criminal cases involving federal crimes, civil rights violations, disputes with federal agencies, and lawsuits between parties from different states with claims exceeding $75,000.
  • Address and Contact Information

Stanley J. Roszkowski United States Courthouse

327 South Church Street

Rockford, IL 61101

Phone: (815) 987-4354

United States Bankruptcy Court - Northern District of Illinois

  • Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - The United States Bankruptcy Court handles personal and business bankruptcies, including liquidation processes, debt repayment plans, creditor claims, and asset distributions.
  • Address and Contact Information

Everett McKinley United States Courthouse

219 South Dearborn Street

Chicago, IL 60604

Phone: (312) 435-5694

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lake County Courts

Below areanswers to frequently asked questions about how to navigate the court system in Lake County, Illinois:

Are Court Records Public in Lake County?

Yes, Lake County court records are generally public. However, certain records are confidential and not accessible to the public. Examples include juvenile delinquency records, adoption proceedings, and certain mental health cases. These records are protected due to privacy laws and court orders.

How Do I Search for a Criminal Case in Lake County?

In Lake County, criminal cases are generally handled by the Criminal Division of the 19th Judicial Circuit Court. Interested individuals may search for case records through the Circuit Clerk's portal, where records may be searched by defendant names, case numbers, or court dates. If the records are not available online or are sealed, requesters may visit the Clerk's Office in person to submit formal requests.

Where Can I Find Eviction Records in Lake County?

Eviction cases in Lake County are handled by the County Civil Division of the 19th Judicial Circuit Court, specifically through the landlord-tenant docket. Individuals may search for eviction filings through the Circuit Clerk's online portal using case numbers, party names, or filing dates. If the portal provides limited eviction information, persons may visit the Clerk's Office at the courthouse where the evictions were filed to request docket searches or certified copies.

Can I File a Small Claims Case Online?

Yes. Small claims cases in Lake County may be filed online through the Illinois eFile system.

Do Lake County Courts Offer Public Computers for Case Searches?

The Circuit Clerk's Office in Waukegan courthouse and branch courthouses routinely provides no-charge public terminals where individuals may look up criminal, civil, or landlord-tenant records. Visitors may use these terminals to search court records by case numbers, party names, or filing dates.

How Do I Appeal a Court Decision in Lake County?

To appeal a court decision in Lake County, a party must file a Notice of Appeal with the Circuit Clerk within 30 days of the judgment. The party must then request the court record and transcript, submit a Docketing Statement to the Illinois Second District Appellate Court, and file the Appellant's Brief outlining the legal argument. The appellate process reviews legal error, not factual dispute. An oral argument may be scheduled, after which a panel of three appellate judges will issue a written ruling. All filings must meet strict deadlines and adhere to format rules.

How Do Lake County Courts Handle Traffic Tickets?

Lake County courts handle traffic cases through the Misdemeanor/Traffic Division of the 19th Judicial Circuit Court. If citations state ‘No Court Appearance Required,' defendants may plead guilty and pay the fines online, request court supervision with traffic school, or plead not guilty and request trials. For citations marked 'Court Appearance Required,' defendants must appear on the scheduled dates to enter pleas or negotiate with prosecutors. Cases are typically heard by judges, and outcomes may include fines, supervision, or license-related penalties. Case information and options are available on the Lake County Circuit Clerk's website.

How Do I Obtain a Copy of a Divorce Record in Lake County?

Divorce records in Lake County are finalized and maintained by the Domestic Relations Division of the 19th Judicial Circuit Court. To obtain copies of any divorce records, requesters must contact the Lake County Circuit Clerk's Office, either in person, online, or by mail. The clerk typically charges $10 for certified copies of a divorce record, plus $1 per page for standard photocopies. Requesters should provide full names of the parties and the case numbers to ensure quicker processing.

Lake County, IL - Courthouses

Lake County Circuit Court

Court Type: Circuit Court
Street Address: 18 North County Street
Website URL: https://www.19thcircuitcourt.state.il.us/
Phone: 847-377-3600
Fax: 847-360-6409
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Judge: Hon. Diane E. Winter
Judge Phone: 847-377-4500​
Clerk: Erin Cartwright Weinstein
Clerk Phone: 847-377-3380
Clerk Email: circuitclerk@lakecountyil.gov
Parking: Parking is limited around the courthouse to 30 - 60 minute parking meters. All-day and hourly rate parking is available for a fee at the Lake County Parking Garage at the North entrance of the facility. Parking in the Lake County Parking Garage is limited to the first floor only
Public transportation: The Metro Union Pacific North Line runs from Chicago, Illinois to Kenosha, Wisconsin. After exiting the train, walk up the hill, then go two block west to the Washington Street entrance of the Lake County Courthouse
Forms & Filing: Forms
Divisions / Services: Alternative Dispute Resolution Programs, Probation
Dockets / Schedule / Calendar: Calendars
Jury Service: Jury Commission
Languages: Multiple Language
Email: courts@lakecountyil.gov
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LakeCountyILCircuitClerk/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/19thcircuitil
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lake-county-clerk-of-courts
ADA: Angela Cooper, Director of Administrative Services
ADA Phone: 847-377-3809
ADA Fax / Email: judicialhr@lakecountyil.gov
About / Additional Info: Nineteenth Judicial Circuit
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Lake County, IL - Sheriff's Office

Lake County Sheriff's Office

Location Type: Sheriff's Office
Street Address: 25 S Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue
Phone: (847) 377-4000
Website URL: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/209/Sheriffs-Office
Jail/Corrections: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/687/Corrections-Division
Inmates: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/2032/Locate-an-Inmate
Sex Offenders: https://www.sheriffalerts.com/cap_main.php?office=54942
Civil Services & Proceedings: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/629/Civil-Process-Team
Public Records: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/654/Records-Section
Police Reports: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/2150/Report
Sheriff: John Idleburg
Sheriff Phone: (847) 377-4000
Sheriff Email: sheriff@lakecountyil.gov
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LakeCoILSheriff
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LakeCoILSheriff?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
About/Additional Info: The Mission of the Lake County Sheriff's Office is to protect our diverse communities by maintaining order, upholding laws and defending the rights of all people.
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