Court records of Kankakee County, Illinois, are available through several channels. KankakeeCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through the official online resources of the state court system, directly at the office of the county court clerk, or through public terminals in the courthouse.
Kankakee Court System & Jurisdictions
In Illinois, there are no separate district or magistrate courts in the usual sense — instead, a unified system of Circuit Courts operates. Kankakee County is part of the 21st Judicial Circuit, and all first-instance cases are heard by the Kankakee County Circuit Court. This court also covers Iroquois County.
The Circuit Court distributes cases among several divisions:
- Criminal Division — felonies and misdemeanors, including DUI cases.
- Civil Division — claims over $50,000, as well as small claims cases up to $10,000.
- Family Division — divorce, child support, custody. Standardized forms for such cases are available on the Illinois Courts website.
- Probate Division — inheritance cases, appointment of guardians, management of deceased estates.
- Traffic Division — traffic violations. Fines can be paid or ticket information viewed through the Circuit Clerk's website.
If you are unsure which division your case belongs to, contact the Circuit Clerk's office at 815-936-5700.
Kankakee Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The schedule of hearings in the Kankakee County Circuit Court is published through the court clerk's office. To find out about hearings today, tomorrow, or during the week:
- Visit the Kankakee County Circuit Clerk's website — court notices are posted on the main page.
- Call the Circuit Clerk's office: 815-936-5700.
- Visit the courthouse in person — the hearing schedule is usually posted near the courtrooms.
The clerk can provide information about a specific case and hearing date if you provide the case number or the party's last name. The Court Information page on the county's website contains additional answers to frequently asked questions.
Transcripts of court proceedings in digital format are available for all cases. To order, contact Sue Travis, Court Reporter Supervisor, at 815-937-2918.
How to Get a Copy of a Kankakee Court Document
The official custodian of court files is the Kankakee County Circuit Clerk. This office issues both regular and certified copies of documents.
Difference Between Types of Copies
- Uncertified Copy — a reproduction of the document without an official stamp. Suitable for review.
- Certified Copy — has the clerk's seal and signature, confirming authenticity. Required for submission to other courts, employers, or government agencies.
How to Obtain a Copy
- In Person — visit the Circuit Clerk's office in the courthouse. You will need the case number or sufficient identifying information (party's last name, date of birth, type of case).
- By Mail — send a written request with case details and payment to the office's address.
- E-filing — an e-filing kiosk is available in the courthouse.
Kankakee County Circuit Clerk's Office
Note: Dissolution of marriage records are issued by the Circuit Clerk of the county where the case was filed, not the state Department of Public Health. This is confirmed by the official Illinois DPH page.
Some records have restricted access — for example, juvenile cases, adoptions, and certain family proceedings. If a document is sealed or restricted by a judge's order, the clerk cannot issue a copy without the appropriate court order.
Kankakee Court Records Fees & Payment
The fees for court documents in Illinois are regulated by state statute (705 ILCS 105/27.2). Specific amounts may vary — check the current price list at the Circuit Clerk's office before requesting.
Approximate fees:
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified document copy | From $2–$6 per page (depends on document type) |
| Uncertified copy | $0.50–$2 per page |
| Document certification fee | In addition to the copy cost |
| Record search | A fee may apply — check with the office |
| Hearing transcript | Depends on volume — contact Court Reporter |
Payment Methods
- Online payment for traffic fines, child support, and other cases is available through the Circuit Clerk's website.
- In person at the office, cash, money orders, and typically credit/debit cards are accepted.
- By mail — send a money order or cashier's check to the office's address.
To confirm the exact fee amounts, call the office at 815-936-5700 before visiting or sending a mail request.