Perry County Civil Court Records
Perry County civil court records are filed at the Circuit Clerk's office in Pinckneyville and can be searched online at no charge through Judici.com. The 1st Judicial Circuit serves Perry County and handles all civil filings including small claims, contract matters, domestic relations cases, and other civil actions. This guide explains how to look up Perry County civil court records, what those records include, how to get copies, and where to find help.
Perry County Quick Facts
Perry County Circuit Clerk
Tricia Kelly Chandler is the Circuit Clerk for Perry County. Her office is located in Pinckneyville and maintains all civil court records filed in the county. The clerk processes new filings, records docket entries, stores the official case files, and provides copies to the public. Staff can help you find a case and explain how to request copies, but they cannot give legal advice.
The Perry County Courthouse is in Pinckneyville, the county seat. Call ahead to confirm current office hours before visiting. Contact information is also available through the Illinois Courts official directory at illinoiscourts.gov.
| Clerk | Tricia Kelly Chandler |
|---|---|
| Address | P.O. Box 219, Pinckneyville, Illinois 62274-0219 |
| Phone | (618) 357-6726 |
| Fax | (618) 357-8336 |
| Online Access | Judici.com |
Perry County Civil Court Records Search
Perry County civil court records are available online through Judici.com. This multi-county Illinois platform lets you search Perry County cases by party name, case number, or attorney without creating an account. Results include the case type, filing date, parties involved, and a full docket showing every event in the case. There is no charge to search.
The screenshot below shows the Illinois Courts self-help page, which links to search tools and other resources for people working with Perry County civil court records.
Judici shows docket entries only. To get copies of the actual documents in a case, contact the clerk at (618) 357-6726. The statewide re:SearchIL database also covers Perry County and is free to use.
What Perry County Civil Court Records Contain
Perry County civil court records include the complete case file and its docket. The docket is a log you can read online through Judici. It lists every event in the case: filings, hearing dates, court orders, and final judgment. Each entry has a date and brief description.
The actual case file at the clerk's office holds the documents themselves. That includes the complaint or petition, any answers, motions, exhibits, hearing notices, and the judge's orders. Certified copies of judgments and orders are the most common request. They carry the clerk's seal and are accepted by other courts and institutions. Plain copies are also available at a lower cost. Both require payment of the applicable fee.
Adoption files, juvenile records, and sealed cases are not open to the public. Social Security numbers and other sensitive data are removed from public copies. Under 705 ILCS 105/16(6), standard civil records must be available for public inspection during office hours.
Electronic Filing in Perry County
Civil case documents in Perry County must be filed through eFileIL at efile.illinoiscourts.gov. The system is open 24 hours a day and covers new filings, motions, and other civil court documents. You file through an approved Electronic Filing Service Provider after registering an account.
Exemptions exist for incarcerated individuals, people with disabilities that prevent electronic filing, will filings, juvenile and adoption cases, and good cause situations. If you have questions about the eFiling process or exemptions, call Illinois Court Help at (833) 411-1121. Court forms are at illinoiscourts.gov/documents-and-forms.
Fees for Perry County Civil Court Records
Copy fees are set by 705 ILCS 105/27.1b. The first page is $2.00. Pages two through twenty cost $0.50 each. Pages after twenty are $0.25 each. A record search is $6.00 per year searched. Certified copies cost more. Call (618) 357-6726 to confirm the certified copy fee before you visit Pinckneyville.
Online searching is free. The Illinois Supreme Court suspended the electronic access fee under Rule 313, effective May 1, 2025. Searching Perry County civil court records on Judici or re:SearchIL costs nothing. You only pay for physical or certified copies from the clerk.
Legal Help in Perry County
The clerk finds records but cannot give legal advice. Free help is available for Perry County residents dealing with civil cases.
Illinois Court Help is free for all Illinois residents. Call (833) 411-1121, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. The website is at ilcourthelp.gov. Staff can explain civil case procedures, help with forms, and refer you to local resources. More than 200 languages are available.
Illinois Legal Aid Online at illinoislegalaid.org has legal guides and a referral tool to find local attorneys. Their court records guide is at this link. The Illinois Courts self-help page at illinoiscourts.gov/self-help is also helpful for people managing their own civil cases in Perry County.
Cities in Perry County
Perry County residents file civil court records at the courthouse in Pinckneyville. Towns in the county include Pinckneyville, Du Quoin, Tamaroa, Cutler, and Willisville. None exceed 50,000 in population. All civil filings go to the Pinckneyville courthouse.
Nearby Counties
Perry County is in southern Illinois in the 1st Judicial Circuit. Adjacent counties share the same circuit. Check the courthouse address on any documents you have if you are not sure where a case was filed.