Will County Court Records Lookup

The following is for information purposes only

Will County covers an area of 849 square miles in the northeastern region of Illinois. The county was created in 1836 from parts of Iroquois County and Cook County. It has a population of over 696,700 residents and the county seat is the City of Joliet. Will County's court system handles criminal and civil cases, among other litigations arising in the county. The 12th Judicial Circuit Court constitutes Will County's court system and adjudicates several types of cases.

The 12th Judicial Circuit Court serving Will County has two full-service courthouses in Joliet and branch courts serving the locals in Plainfield, Frankfort, Bolingbrook, Wilmington, Peotone, and Lockport. As the general jurisdiction court, the Circuit Court hears all cases filed in the county, including felonies and misdemeanors, civil actions, family law matters, and juvenile issues. Typical civil matters the court handles include small claims actions, evictions, land contract disputes, and equity cases. The court also presides over domestic relations cases, such as divorces, child custody and support, adoptions, and protective orders. Additionally, the Circuit Court handles juvenile cases involving child abuse, neglect, dependency, and juvenile delinquency.

In 2021, Will County reported a total index crime of 225.3 per 100,000 residents. Based on Illinois Courts Annual Reports, the 12th Judicial Circuit Court of Will County handles about 180,000 cases annually and resolves an estimated 100,000 cases. The Court's Civil Division handles around 29,000 cases, addressing matters of probate, small claims, evictions, and eminent domain, among other civil actions. On average, the court also concludes up to 16,000 civil cases. Furthermore, the Circuit Court closes approximately 3,000 of the 5,000 family law cases it handles annually. The court has a criminal caseload of around 23,000 cases, comprising 6,500 felonies, 5,000 misdemeanors, 5,000 DUI charges, 500 domestic violence cases, and 6,000 ordinance violation cases. In addition, up to 8,000 criminal cases are closed annually. Conservations and traffic cases account for over 60% of the Circuit Court's total caseload. The court handles up to 110,000 conservation and traffic cases and closes up to 65,000 such cases. The Office of the Circuit Court Clerk serves as the repository for the records of all civil, criminal, and traffic cases that are filed or heard within Will County. Court records are available online and by mail requests, but confidential records are restricted from public access.

Will County's judicial system contributes to the county's governance by resolving legal disputes fairly. The court system consists of the 12th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois. Additionally, the court ensures the public's access to court records by providing an online portal where anyone can search and inspect court documents/information.