McHenry County Court Records
What Is McHenry County Court Records
Court records in McHenry County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute the official account of actions taken by the courts and include a wide range of documents maintained in accordance with Illinois Supreme Court rules. Pursuant to 705 ILCS 105/16, court records are defined as the official documentation of all proceedings before the court.
Court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and petitions
- Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case status
- Judicial orders and final judgments
- Transcripts of court proceedings
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during trials
- Sentencing and probation records in criminal matters
- Marriage dissolution decrees and child custody determinations
These records differ from other public records such as vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) maintained by the County Clerk's Office or property records held by the Recorder of Deeds. Court records specifically document judicial proceedings and decisions.
In McHenry County, court records are maintained by several courts within the 22nd Judicial Circuit, including:
- McHenry County Circuit Court (handling felonies, major civil cases)
- Family Court Division (domestic relations, child support)
- Probate Division (wills, estates, guardianships)
- Small Claims Court (civil matters under $10,000)
- Traffic Court (traffic violations, ordinance infractions)
The comprehensive nature of these records provides transparency in judicial proceedings while serving as the official legal history of cases heard within McHenry County's court system.
Are Court Records Public In McHenry County
Court records in McHenry County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1) and the principles of open courts established in the Illinois Constitution. The presumption of openness applies to most court records, though certain exceptions exist to protect privacy and other sensitive information.
Members of the public may access:
- Civil case files (including personal injury, contract disputes, property matters)
- Criminal case files after formal charges have been filed
- Court dockets and hearing schedules
- Final judgments and court orders
- Probate proceedings and estate inventories
- Divorce decrees and property settlements (though financial affidavits may be restricted)
- Small claims judgments and proceedings
However, certain records are restricted from public access under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138, including:
- Records involving juveniles (pursuant to the Juvenile Court Act)
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health commitment hearings
- Records sealed by court order
- Documents containing personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and dates of birth
Additionally, the Illinois Supreme Court has established specific rules governing electronic access to court records through its Electronic Access Policy. These rules balance public access rights with privacy concerns and the practical limitations of court administration.
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois are governed by federal access rules rather than state provisions, though similar principles of openness apply.
How To Find Court Records in McHenry County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in McHenry County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The McHenry County Circuit Clerk serves as the official custodian of court records and provides multiple avenues for record retrieval.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit:
McHenry County Circuit Clerk's Office
2200 N. Seminary Avenue
Woodstock, IL 60098
815-334-4190
McHenry County Circuit Clerk
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding court holidays
The process for obtaining court records includes:
- Determine the specific case information needed (case number, party names, filing date)
- Complete a record request form available at the Circuit Clerk's office or downloadable from the county website
- Submit the request form with applicable identification
- Pay any required copy fees ($0.50 per page for standard copies, certified copies $5.00 for first page, $1.00 each additional page)
- Allow processing time, which varies based on record age and complexity
For remote requests, individuals may:
- Submit requests via mail to the Circuit Clerk's address above
- Utilize the online request system through the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court website
- Contact the Records Division directly at 815-334-4190 for assistance
Pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Order M.R. 18368, certain records are available electronically through the statewide re:SearchIL platform, which provides remote access to non-confidential court documents.
For older records that may have been archived, additional processing time may be required, and special retrieval fees may apply. Records dating prior to 1985 may be stored in the county archives and require advance notice for retrieval.
How To Look Up Court Records in McHenry County Online?
McHenry County provides several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically. These systems offer varying levels of information based on case type and filing date.
The primary online resources include:
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McHenry County Circuit Clerk's Case Lookup System
This portal provides access to case information including party names, case types, filing dates, scheduled hearings, and case status. Users may search by:- Case number
- Party name
- Filing date range
- Case type
The system includes records for civil, criminal, traffic, and family cases filed after 2000. Document images are available for cases filed after 2016.
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re:SearchIL
The statewide platform maintained by the Illinois Supreme Court provides unified access to court records across participating counties. Users must register for an account and may incur fees for document downloads. The system includes:- Case information across multiple counties
- Document images for selected case types
- Attorney and judicial officer information
- Hearing schedules
-
22nd Judicial Circuit Court Calendar
The court calendar system displays upcoming hearings searchable by:- Judge
- Courtroom
- Date range
- Case type
To effectively search these systems:
- Gather known information about the case (names, approximate dates, case type)
- Select the appropriate search portal based on information needed
- Enter search criteria using exact spelling when possible
- Review search results to identify the correct case
- Note any access restrictions that may apply to sensitive case types
- Follow on-screen instructions for viewing or requesting document copies
Electronic access is governed by Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138, which requires redaction of personal identifiers from publicly accessible documents. Consequently, certain documents may display redactions or be available only in person at the Circuit Clerk's office.
How To Search McHenry County Court Records for Free?
McHenry County residents and members of the public may access certain court records without payment, in accordance with Illinois public access provisions. The Illinois Constitution and the Freedom of Information Act establish the public's right to inspect government records, including court documents, with reasonable accommodations.
Free access options include:
- In-person inspection at the McHenry County Circuit Clerk's Office during regular business hours. Pursuant to 705 ILCS 105/16(6), the Clerk must provide reasonable facilities for making memoranda or abstracts from the records.
McHenry County Circuit Clerk's Office
2200 N. Seminary Avenue
Woodstock, IL 60098
815-334-4190
McHenry County Circuit Clerk
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Basic case information through the online McHenry County Court Case Lookup system, which provides free access to:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Party names
- Case types and status
- Scheduled hearing dates
- Register of actions (docket entries)
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Law library access at the McHenry County Law Library, where public access terminals are available for court record searches:
McHenry County Law Library
2200 N. Seminary Avenue, Room 170
Woodstock, IL 60098
815-334-4851
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
While basic record inspection and case information searches are available without charge, fees apply for:
- Printed copies ($0.50 per page)
- Certified copies ($5.00 for first page, $1.00 each additional page)
- Record searches conducted by clerk staff ($6.00 per name/case)
- Document downloads from subscription-based systems
Individuals seeking extensive records or requiring assistance may contact the Circuit Clerk's Records Division at 815-334-4190 for guidance on minimizing costs while accessing needed information.
What's Included in a McHenry County Court Record?
Court records in McHenry County contain comprehensive documentation of proceedings before the court, with contents varying by case type. These records serve as the official account of judicial actions and typically include several standard components.
In civil cases, court records generally contain:
- Complaint or petition initiating the action
- Summons and proof of service
- Defendant's answer or response
- Motions filed by either party
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Transcripts of hearings (when prepared)
- Court orders and rulings
- Final judgment or dismissal
- Post-judgment motions and enforcement documents
Criminal case files typically include:
- Charging documents (information, indictment, or complaint)
- Arrest warrant or summons
- Bond information and conditions of release
- Defendant's plea
- Pretrial motions and rulings
- Evidence inventory
- Jury selection records (in jury trials)
- Verdict or finding
- Sentencing order
- Probation reports (often with restricted access)
- Appeal notices and documentation
Family court records commonly contain:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage or civil union
- Financial affidavits (access may be restricted)
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Child support calculations and orders
- Property division agreements
- Qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs)
- Orders of protection (if applicable)
Probate records typically include:
- Will (if testate) or petition for administration (if intestate)
- Letters of office appointing executor/administrator
- Inventory of estate assets
- Claims against the estate
- Accounting reports
- Distribution plans
- Final discharge of representative
Each case file also contains a register of actions (docket sheet) chronologically listing all events in the case, including filings, hearings, and judicial actions. This serves as an index to the complete case record.
How Long Does McHenry County Keep Court Records?
McHenry County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Illinois Supreme Court and the Illinois State Records Act (5 ILCS 160/). These schedules vary by case type and document importance, balancing historical preservation needs with practical storage limitations.
The standard retention periods include:
Criminal Cases:
- Felony cases: Permanently maintained
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after case disposition
- Traffic violations: 7 years after case disposition
- Ordinance violations: 5 years after case disposition
Civil Cases:
- Major civil litigation (damages over $50,000): 20 years after final disposition
- Small claims: 10 years after judgment
- Eviction proceedings: 7 years after disposition
- Administrative review: 20 years after final order
Family Court:
- Dissolution of marriage/civil union: Permanently maintained
- Child support enforcement: Until the youngest child reaches age 23
- Orders of protection: 7 years after expiration
- Adoption records: Permanently maintained (with restricted access)
Probate:
- Wills and estate administration: Permanently maintained
- Guardianships: 10 years after termination of guardianship
- Conservatorships: 10 years after final accounting
Court Administration Records:
- Grand jury proceedings: Permanently maintained
- Jury selection and service records: 4 years
- Court reporter notes and recordings: 10 years for felonies, 5 years for other cases
After the retention period expires, records may be transferred to the Illinois State Archives, microfilmed for permanent storage, or destroyed according to approved procedures. Historically significant cases may be preserved regardless of standard retention schedules.
Pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138, electronic records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records. The Circuit Clerk maintains a comprehensive records management system to ensure compliance with all applicable retention mandates.
Types of Courts In McHenry County
McHenry County's court system operates within Illinois' unified court structure as part of the 22nd Judicial Circuit. This circuit exclusively serves McHenry County and maintains several specialized divisions to handle various case types.
McHenry County Circuit Court - Main Courthouse
2200 N. Seminary Avenue
Woodstock, IL 60098
815-334-4190
22nd Judicial Circuit Court
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The courthouse houses several divisions:
Criminal Division
Handles felony prosecutions, misdemeanor cases, traffic violations, and ordinance infractions. Criminal courtrooms are primarily located on the third floor.
Civil Division
Adjudicates civil disputes including personal injury, contract disputes, property matters, and cases with damages exceeding $10,000. Civil courtrooms are primarily located on the second floor.
Family Division
Manages domestic relations cases including divorce, child custody, support, adoption, and orders of protection. Family courtrooms are located on the second floor.
Probate Division
Oversees estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health proceedings. Probate matters are heard in designated courtrooms on the second floor.
Juvenile Division
Handles juvenile delinquency proceedings and abuse/neglect cases. Due to confidentiality requirements, juvenile courtrooms maintain restricted access.
McHenry County Branch Court
1200 Harnish Drive
Algonquin, IL 60102
815-334-4913
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This facility primarily handles traffic cases and ordinance violations from southeastern McHenry County.
Appeals from McHenry County Circuit Court decisions are heard by the:
Illinois Second District Appellate Court
55 Symphony Way
Elgin, IL 60120
847-695-1822
Illinois Appellate Court, Second District
The highest court in Illinois is the:
Illinois Supreme Court
200 E. Capitol Avenue
Springfield, IL 62701
217-782-2035
Illinois Supreme Court
This hierarchical structure ensures cases are heard at the appropriate jurisdictional level with clear pathways for appeals when necessary.
What Types of Cases Do McHenry County Courts Hear?
The McHenry County court system, operating as the 22nd Judicial Circuit of Illinois, adjudicates a diverse range of legal matters through its specialized divisions. Each division maintains jurisdiction over specific case types as established by Illinois statute.
Criminal Division Cases:
- Felony prosecutions (murder, robbery, drug trafficking)
- Misdemeanor offenses (simple assault, petty theft, disorderly conduct)
- DUI and serious traffic violations
- Ordinance violations prosecuted by municipalities
- Post-conviction proceedings and habeas corpus petitions
- Bond hearings and preliminary matters
Civil Division Cases:
- Personal injury and wrongful death claims
- Contract disputes and business litigation
- Property disputes and real estate matters
- Consumer protection cases
- Administrative review of government agency decisions
- Tax objections and assessment challenges
- Small claims (disputes under $10,000)
- Eviction proceedings and landlord-tenant disputes
- Civil orders of protection
Family Division Cases:
- Dissolution of marriage and civil unions
- Child custody and parenting time determinations
- Child support establishment and enforcement
- Spousal maintenance (alimony) proceedings
- Paternity establishment
- Adoption proceedings
- Name changes
- Domestic violence orders of protection
- Civil unions and their dissolution
Probate Division Cases:
- Decedent estate administration
- Will contests and inheritance disputes
- Guardianships for minors and disabled adults
- Conservatorships for property management
- Trust administration and disputes
- Elder care and protective proceedings
- Mental health commitment hearings
Juvenile Division Cases:
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Minor requiring authoritative intervention
- Truancy matters
- Abuse and neglect proceedings
- Termination of parental rights
- Juvenile probation violations
Case assignment within the court system follows Illinois Supreme Court rules and local administrative orders. Complex cases may involve multiple divisions, particularly when family, criminal, and civil matters intersect. The Chief Judge of the 22nd Judicial Circuit maintains authority to establish specialized courts, such as drug court, veterans court, and mental health court, to address specific community needs.
How To Find a Court Docket In McHenry County
Court dockets in McHenry County provide the official schedule of proceedings and serve as chronological indices of actions taken in each case. Members of the public may access docket information through several channels, depending on their specific needs and the case type.
For current docket information, the following methods are available:
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Online Docket Search The 22nd Judicial Circuit Court website provides a searchable calendar system allowing users to:
- View daily court calls by judge or courtroom
- Search for specific cases by number or party name
- Filter results by case type or date range
- Access upcoming hearing schedules
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Public Access Terminals Located in the McHenry County Circuit Clerk's Office, these terminals provide comprehensive docket access for all public cases, including:
- Complete case histories and docket entries
- Scheduled hearings and appearances
- Judge assignments and courtroom locations
- Filed documents (for cases with electronic records)
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Daily Court Call Postings Physical docket sheets are posted daily near courtroom entrances, displaying:
- Cases scheduled for that day's proceedings
- Hearing times and purposes
- Attorney appearances
- Case status information
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Circuit Clerk's Office Assistance Staff can provide docket information upon request:
McHenry County Circuit Clerk's Office
2200 N. Seminary Avenue
Woodstock, IL 60098
815-334-4190
McHenry County Circuit Clerk
To effectively search for docket information, users should:
- Gather known case details (case number, party names, approximate filing date)
- Select the appropriate search method based on information needed
- For online searches, use exact spelling and formatting when entering search terms
- Note that certain case types (juvenile, adoption, mental health) have restricted docket access
- For historical dockets (pre-2000), contact the Circuit Clerk's Records Division directly
Pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138, docket entries are generally public information, though access to underlying documents may be restricted for confidential case types or sealed records.
Which Courts in McHenry County Are Not Courts of Record?
In McHenry County, as throughout Illinois, the distinction between courts of record and courts not of record was eliminated with the implementation of the Illinois Judicial Article of 1964. This constitutional amendment established a unified court system in which all courts maintain official records of proceedings.
Prior to this reform, Illinois maintained a two-tier system that included:
- Courts of record (Circuit Courts) that maintained verbatim transcripts and formal documentation
- Courts not of record (Justice of the Peace Courts, Police Magistrate Courts) that operated with simplified procedures and limited record-keeping
Under the current Illinois Constitution, Article VI, § 1, "The judicial power is vested in a Supreme Court, an Appellate Court and Circuit Courts." This unified structure eliminated the previous distinction, making all courts within McHenry County courts of record.
Consequently, all judicial proceedings in McHenry County, whether conducted in:
- The main courthouse in Woodstock
- The branch court in Algonquin
- Specialized problem-solving courts (Drug Court, Mental Health Court)
- Administrative hearing venues
are required to maintain official records of proceedings, including:
- Verbatim transcripts or electronic recordings of hearings
- Filed pleadings and motions
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Orders and judgments issued by the court
While all courts in McHenry County are courts of record, it should be noted that certain administrative tribunals that conduct quasi-judicial proceedings (such as municipal administrative hearings for ordinance violations) operate under different procedural rules. These administrative bodies, while required to maintain records, are not part of the judicial branch and follow distinct procedural requirements established by municipal code rather than state court rules.