Jo Daviess County Civil Court Records
Jo Daviess County civil court records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk's office in Galena and are searchable online through Judici.com at no cost. The 15th Judicial Circuit covers Jo Daviess County and handles all civil cases filed there, including small claims, contract disputes, real estate matters, and domestic relations cases. Here you will find how to search for records, what they contain, what copies cost, and where to find legal help.
Jo Daviess County Quick Facts
Jo Daviess County Circuit Clerk
Kathy A. Phillips is the Circuit Clerk for Jo Daviess County. Her office at 330 North Bench Street in Galena is the official keeper of all civil court records filed in the county. The clerk processes new case filings, enters docket information, stores the official files, and provides copies on request. Staff can help you find a case, check its status, and tell you what documents are available. They cannot give legal advice, but they can point you to the right forms and procedures.
The Jo Daviess County Courthouse is in Galena, which sits in the far northwest corner of Illinois along the Mississippi River. If you plan to visit in person to review records or request copies, call ahead at (815) 777-0037 to confirm hours and any current requirements. The clerk is also reachable by fax at (815) 776-9146.
| Clerk | Kathy A. Phillips |
|---|---|
| Address | 330 North Bench Street, Galena, Illinois 61036-1828 |
| Phone | (815) 777-0037 |
| Fax | (815) 776-9146 |
| Online Access | Judici.com |
Search Jo Daviess County Civil Court Records
Jo Daviess County civil court records can be searched online through Judici.com. Judici is a multi-county platform that covers Jo Daviess County along with many other Illinois courts. You search by party name, case number, or attorney. No account is required. Results show the case type, filing date, parties, and a full docket listing every event from filing through the most recent entry.
The screenshot below shows the Illinois Courts public resources page, which links to Judici and other access tools for Jo Daviess County civil court records.
Judici shows docket summaries, not the full documents. To read or get copies of actual filings, contact the clerk at (815) 777-0037 or visit the courthouse in Galena. The statewide re:SearchIL tool is also available and free. It covers Jo Daviess County and lets you run searches across many Illinois counties at once.
What Jo Daviess County Civil Court Records Contain
Civil court records in Jo Daviess County start with the document that opened the case, usually a complaint or petition. As the case moves forward, more documents are added: answers from the opposing party, motions, court orders, and any exhibits or evidence introduced at hearings. The judge's final judgment is part of the file. For cases that went to trial, court reporter transcripts may be available as well.
The docket is a log of every event in a case. It shows each filing, hearing date, and order in chronological order. When you search Judici, you see the docket. The full documents are at the clerk's office. Most people who need Jo Daviess County civil court records for legal or financial purposes request certified copies of judgments. These carry the clerk's seal and are needed for legal proceedings in other courts or jurisdictions.
Not all records are open. Sealed cases, adoption records, and juvenile matters are restricted. Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers is removed from public copies. Under 705 ILCS 105/16(6), standard civil court records in Illinois must be available for public inspection during regular office hours.
Electronic Filing in Jo Daviess County
All civil case documents filed in Jo Daviess County must go through the Illinois eFileIL system at efile.illinoiscourts.gov. This is the state mandatory eFiling portal, and it applies to new filings, motions, responses, and other civil court documents. The system is open 24 hours a day. You register an account and file through an approved Electronic Filing Service Provider.
Exemptions apply for certain filers. People who are incarcerated are not required to efile. Individuals with disabilities that prevent electronic filing may be exempt. Will filings, juvenile cases, and adoption filings are also exempt. You can also ask the court to grant a good cause exemption if your situation warrants it. The Illinois Court Help line at (833) 411-1121 can walk you through the process if you are not sure what to do. Approved court forms are at illinoiscourts.gov/documents-and-forms.
Fees for Jo Daviess County Civil Court Records
Copy fees for Jo Daviess County civil court records are governed by 705 ILCS 105/27.1b. The first page of a copy costs $2.00. Pages two through twenty cost $0.50 each. Pages after twenty are $0.25 each. A record search costs $6.00 per year searched. Certified copies carry a higher fee than plain copies. Call the clerk at (815) 777-0037 to get the current certified copy fee before you make a trip to Galena.
Online searching through Judici and re:SearchIL is free. The Illinois Supreme Court suspended the electronic access fee under Rule 313, effective May 1, 2025. As of that date, there is no charge to search Jo Daviess County civil court records online. You pay only when requesting physical copies or certified documents from the clerk's office.
Legal Help for Jo Daviess County Residents
The circuit clerk can help you find records, but cannot give legal advice. If you need help with a civil case or want to understand what court records mean for your situation, free resources are available.
Call Illinois Court Help at (833) 411-1121, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. The website is at ilcourthelp.gov. Staff answer questions about civil court procedures, help with forms, and can refer you to local legal resources. The service is free and operates in more than 200 languages. It is open to everyone in Illinois, not just those who qualify for legal aid.
Illinois Legal Aid Online at illinoislegalaid.org has legal guides and a referral tool to connect you with an attorney. Their guide on how to get copies of court records is at this link. The Illinois Courts self-help section at illinoiscourts.gov/self-help has step-by-step resources for people handling their own civil cases.
Cities in Jo Daviess County
Jo Daviess County is in the far northwest corner of Illinois. Residents file civil court records at the courthouse in Galena. Communities in the county include Galena, Elizabeth, Hanover, Stockton, Warren, Lena, and Scales Mound. None of these communities have a population over 50,000. All civil filings go to the Circuit Clerk in Galena.
Nearby Counties
Jo Daviess County borders Carroll County to the east and Stephenson County to the southeast. If you are not sure where a case was filed, check the courthouse address on your documents.