Frequently Asked Questions
for
Judicial Operations
(Court Administrative Staff)
This page contains answers to frequently asked questions handled by our staff. Included are some tips that have been found. They are presented here as questions.
1. Where and when am I scheduled to go to court?
- In Lake County, call or visit the Circuit Clerk’s Office at 847.377.3380
- You should be able to provide the clerk with the name of the case (abc vs. xyx) and the case number.
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2. When is my next Court Date?
- In Lake County, call or visit the Circuit Clerk’s Office at 847.377.3380
- You should be able to provide the clerk with the name of the case (abc vs. xyx) and the case number.
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3. Where do I pay court fees?
Court fees are paid in the Lake County Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
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4. Which courtroom do I need to report to?
If you are given or have received any paperwork, it should have the courtroom number, date, and time that you are scheduled to appear written on it. If you do not have this paperwork and were told to be here, one of the receptionists can help you find the correct courtroom. You must know: What or for whom you are you here for?; or what are the charges against you? (i.e., traffic, misdemeanor, divorce, etc.).
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5. What do I do if I am very late for my hearing?
You need to check-in with the Court Clerk in the courtroom assigned to your case.
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6. My court date was yesterday and I missed it, what do I do?
- In Lake County, call or visit the Circuit Clerk’s Office at 847.377.3380
- You should be able to provide the clerk with the name of the case (abc vs. xyx) and the case number.
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7. How do I pay a fine, file a lawsuit, file an answer to a lawsuit, pick up court forms, or review a court file?
You need to go to the Lake County Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
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8. How do I respond to a subpoena or to an order to appear?
Go to the courtroom shown on the subpoena or order.
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9. How do I request an Emergency Order of Protection?
- To obtain forms, go to the Court Forms page of this website or the Lake County Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
- For assistance in filling out forms in Lake County go to Room D100, located on the second floor of the Court Annex, 18 N. County Street, Waukegan, IL near courtroom C-207 (above the Washington Street entrance).
- To appear before a judge to request entry of an Order of Protection, in Lake County go to courtroom C-207, located on the second floor of the Court Annex, 18 N. County Street, Waukegan, IL. Bring the forms you have filled out with you when you appear before the judge.
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10. How do I file a small claims/evictions/forcible entry and detainer case?
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11. Is there someplace my kids can go while I'm in or awaiting court?
Children, ages 2 to 12, who are in the Lake County courthouse to testify in court or whose parents or guardians are conducting court business may utilize the Kids' Korner Waiting Room located on the main level of the Courthouse Complex near courtroom C-101.
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12. What do I do when my attorney is not here?
Let the Court Clerk in the courtroom know as soon as possible before your case is called. This way the clerk can possibly move your case back until your attorney arrives.
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13. Who is the defendant?
If you are charged with a violation of the Law, you are the defendant!
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14. Where can I park while visiting the Lake County Courthouse downtown?
Parking is limited around the courthouse to 30-60 minute parking meters. All-day and hourly rate Parking is available for a fee at the City of Waukegan Parking Garage at the corner of North County and Clayton Streets (caddie-corner from the Waukegan City Library). Parking in the Lake County Parking Garage is limited to the first floor only.
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15. Where can I obtain a passport?
You need to go to the Lake County Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
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16. What office do I need to go to obtain a birth certificate?
You can obtain a copy of a birth certificate in the Lake County Clerk’s Office.
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17. What office do I need to go to obtain a marriage license and/or copies of my marriage certificate?
You can obtain these documents at the Lake County Clerk’s Office
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18. Where do I file court papers?
Court papers are filed in the Lake County Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
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19. Where can I get a copy of my divorce decree?
You need to go to the Lake County Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
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20. Where can I get a copy of a will?
You need to go to the Lake County Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
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21. Where do I go to get my bond refund?
You need to go to the Lake County Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
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22. Please tell me how I can access court records?
- In Lake County court records are not accessible via the internet at this time. You may research court cases and view the same at the Office of the Circuit Court Clerk in the Lake County courthouse in Waukegan, IL. The office hours are 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Contact the Lake County Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court for more information.
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23. Is there a library where the public can do legal research?
The public is welcome to do legal research in Lake County in the William D. Block Memorial Law Library located in the lobby of the Courthouse.
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24. How can I get married by a judge?
Refer to Marriages.
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25. If I need to fax something to a judge, where do I send it?
In Lake County, we have a fax service through our Law Library. Please call (847) 377-2800 for further information.
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