(705 ILCS 105/0.01)(from Ch. 25, par. 0.01) Sec. 0.01. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Clerks of Courts Act. (Source: P.A. 86‑1324.)
(705 ILCS 105/1)(from Ch. 25, par. 1) Sec. 1. One clerk of the circuit court in each county shall be elected as provided by law, and shall hold office until a successor is elected and qualified. (Source: P.A. 81‑276.)
(705 ILCS 105/1.1)(from Ch. 25, par. 1.1) Sec. 1.1. The clerk of the circuit court in each county shall enter upon the duties of office on the first day in the month of December following his or her election on which the office of the clerk of the circuit court is required, by statute or by action of the court, to be open. This amendatory Act of 1973 does not apply to any county which is a home rule unit. (Source: P.A. 83‑346.)
(705 ILCS 105/3)(from Ch. 25, par. 3) Sec. 3. The clerks shall be commissioned by the governor. (Source: P.A. 83‑346.)
(705 ILCS 105/4)(from Ch. 25, par. 4) Sec. 4. Every clerk shall, before entering upon the duties of office, give bond, with one or more sureties (or, if the county is self‑insured, the county through its self‑insurance program may provide bonding), to be approved by any two of the judges of his or her court, which bond shall be in such penalty, not less than $5,000, as may be agreed by such judges, payable to the People of the State of Illinois, and conditioned for the faithful performance of the duties of office, and to pay over all moneys that may come into his or her possession or custody by virtue of office, to the parties entitled thereto, and to deliver up all moneys, papers, books, records, and other things appertaining to the office, whole, safe and undefaced, when lawfully required so to do. The bond shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of State. The clerk shall also, before entering upon the duties of his office, take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation: I do solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be) that I will support the constitution of the United States and the constitution of the State of Illinois, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of clerk of ...., according to the best of my ability. The oath shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of State. (Source: P.A. 88‑387.)
(705 ILCS 105/4.1)(from Ch. 25, par. 4.1) Sec. 4.1. At the request of the clerk of the circuit court in any county the county board of that county shall designate one or more banks or savings and loan associations in which funds and moneys in the custody of such clerk may be kept. Except as provided below, the clerk of the circuit court shall be discharged from responsibility for all funds and moneys which he or she deposits in that designated depository, while such funds and moneys are on deposit therein. When a bank or savings and loan association has been designated as a depository it shall continue as such until 10 days after a new depository is designated and has qualified as provided above. When a new depository is designated, the county board shall notify the sureties of the clerk of the circuit court of that fact, in writing, at least 5 days before the transfer of funds. No bank or savings and loan association shall receive public funds as permitted by this Section, unless it has complied with the requirements established pursuant to Section 6 of "An Act relating to certain investments of public funds by public agencies", approved July 23, 1943, as now or hereafter amended. (Source: P.A. 83‑1362.)
(705 ILCS 105/6)(from Ch. 25, par. 6) Sec. 6. The clerks of the Circuit Courts shall keep their offices at the court house of their respective counties, and shall keep their offices open and attend to the duties thereof during such hours on each day, and on such days as may be ordered by the rule of the court in such county, which rule may be changed from time to time as the court may see fit. (Source: Laws 1965, p. 3395.)
(705 ILCS 105/7)(from Ch. 25, par. 7) Sec. 7. The clerks of the several circuit courts shall be keepers of the seals of their respective courts. (Source: P.A. 87‑845.)
(705 ILCS 105/8)(from Ch. 25, par. 8) Sec. 8. The clerks shall, in all cases, attend in person to the duties of their offices, respectively, when it is practicable so to do, and shall perform all the duties thereof which can reasonably be performed by one person. In the performance of the duties of the office of clerk of the circuit court, any such clerk, after filing with the Secretary of State his or her manual signature certified by him or her under oath, may execute or cause to be executed with a facsimile signature, in lieu of his or her original signature, all forms of process and notices issued by his or her office. "Facsimile signature" means a reproduction by engraving, imprinting, stamping, or other means of the manual signature of an authorized officer. When the seal of the clerk of the circuit court is required in the execution of any process or notice issued by the clerk's office, the clerk may cause the seal to be printed, engraved, stamped or otherwise placed in facsimile thereon. The facsimile seal has the same effect as the impression of the seal. (Source: P.A. 83‑346.)
(705 ILCS 105/9)(from Ch. 25, par. 9) Sec. 9. The clerks may, when necessary, appoint deputies, who shall take the same oath or affirmation as is required of the principal clerk, which shall be entered into the records of their office. (Source: P.A. 83‑1362.)
(705 ILCS 105/10)(from Ch. 25, par. 10) Sec. 10. The principal clerk shall, in all cases, be responsible for the acts of his or her deputies. (Source: P.A. 83‑346.)
(705 ILCS 105/12)(from Ch. 25, par. 12) Sec. 12. The clerks shall issue the process of their respective courts in the manner provided by law. (Source: R.S. 1874, p. 260.)
(705 ILCS 105/12.1) Sec. 12.1. Electronic notice. The circuit clerk may provide notice to a party by hard copy or by electronic notice, pursuant to a uniform and standard policy adopted by the circuit clerk. A recipient may elect to receive notices by hard copy or electronically via the electronic address he or she has registered with the circuit clerk. The clerk must provide notice in the format chosen by the recipient. When providing notice electronically, the circuit clerk shall maintain a copy of the electronic content and a delivery receipt as part of the records of his or her office. Administrative communications of either the clerk or the court are not subject to the electronic notice requirements. If all policies and statutes are complied with, electronic notices shall have the same effect as hard copy notices. (Source: P.A. 96‑971, eff. 7‑2‑10.)
(705 ILCS 105/13)(from Ch. 25, par. 13) Sec. 13. The clerks shall attend the sessions of their respective courts, preserve all the files and papers thereof, make, keep and preserve complete records of all the proceedings and determinations thereof, except in cases otherwise provided by law, and do and perform all other duties pertaining to their offices, as may be required by law or the rules and orders of their courts respectively. Notwithstanding any other law, the right to access and disseminate any court record as defined in this Act may not be subject to an exclusive contract with another person or entity. This Section is subject to the provisions of "The Local Records Act", approved August 18, 1961, as amended. (Source: P.A. 90‑206, eff. 7‑25‑97.)
(705 ILCS 105/14)(from Ch. 25, par. 14) Sec. 14. The clerks shall enter of record all judgments and orders of their respective courts, as soon after the rendition or making thereof as practicable. Immediately after a judgment of dissolution of marriage or declaration of invalidity of marriage is granted in this State, the clerk of the court which granted the judgment of dissolution of marriage or declaration of invalidity of marriage shall complete and sign the form furnished by the Department of Public Health, and forward such form to the Department of Public Health within 45 days after the close of the month in which the judgment is rendered. (Source: P.A. 83‑346.)
(705 ILCS 105/15)(from Ch. 25, par. 15) Sec. 15. Any clerk who fails to enter of record any order or judgment of his or her court within 45 days after the same is made or rendered, or any clerk having the duty to forward to the Department of Public Health the record of any judgment of dissolution of marriage or declaration of invalidity of marriage, who wilfully fails to do so within 45 days after the close of the month in which the same is made or rendered, shall be guilty of a petty offense and shall be fined by the court not exceeding $100, and for any subsequent offense he or she may be fined in a like amount or proceeded against as for a Class A misdemeanor in office and removed from office. In any county of less than 500,000 inhabitants, when it appears to the majority of judges of such court that there are an insufficient number of persons employed in the office of the clerk of the court to properly make the entries in accordance with this Section, the majority of judges of such court shall thereupon determine and fix the number of deputies they find necessary to so properly maintain the records, and their reasonable compensation shall be paid out of the earnings of the office. (Source: P.A. 83‑346.)
(705 ILCS 105/16)(from Ch. 25, par. 16) Sec. 16. Records kept by the clerks of the circuit courts are subject to the provisions of "The Local Records Act", approved August 18, 1961, as amended. Unless otherwise provided by rule or administrative order of the Supreme Court, the respective clerks of the circuit courts shall keep in their offices the following books: 1. A general docket, upon which shall be entered all suits, in the order in which they are commenced. 2. Two well‑bound books, to be denominated "Plaintiff's Index to Court Records," and "Defendant's Index to Court Records" to be ruled and printed substantially in the following manner:
.......
Plaintiffs
Defendants
Kind of
Date
Record
Pages
Action
Commenced
Book
.......
......
........
Date of
Judgment
judgment
docket
.......
Book Page
.......
Certificate
Satisfied
Certificate
Certificate
of
or not
Number
of levy
of sale
redemption
satisfied of case
........
Fee Book
Book Page
Book Page
Book Page
.......
All cases shall be entered in such books, in alphabetical order, by the name of each plaintiff and defendant. The books shall set forth the names of the parties, kind of action, date commenced, the record books and pages on which the cases are recorded, the date of judgment, books and pages of the judgment dockets, fee book, certificates of levy, sale and redemption records on which they are entered satisfied or not satisfied, and number of case. The defendant's index shall be ruled and printed in the same manner as the plaintiff's except the parties shall be reversed. 3. Proper books of record, with indices, showing the names of all parties to any action or judgment therein recorded, with a reference to the page where it is recorded. 4. A judgment docket, in which all final judgments (except child support orders as hereinafter provided) shall be minuted at the time they are entered, or within 60 days thereafter in alphabetical order, by the name of every person against whom the judgment is entered, showing, in the proper columns ruled for that purpose, the names of the parties, the date, nature of the judgment, amount of the judgment and costs in separate items, for which it is issued, to whom issued, when returned, and the manner of its enforcement; a blank column shall be kept in which may be entered a note of the satisfaction or other disposition of the judgment or order and when satisfied by enforcement or otherwise, or set aside or enjoined; the clerk shall enter a minute thereof in such column, showing how disposed of, the date and the book and page, where the evidence thereof is to be found. In the case of child support orders or modifications of such orders entered on or after May 1, 1987, the clerk shall minute such orders or modifications in the manner and form provided herein but shall not minute every child support installment when due or every child support payment when made. Such dockets may be searched by persons, at all reasonable times without fee. 5. A fee book, in which shall be distinctly set down, in items, the proper title of the cause and heads, the cost of each action, including clerk's, sheriff's and witness' fees, stating the name of each witness having claimed attendance in respect of the trial or hearing of such action with the number of days attended. It shall not be necessary to insert the cost in the judgment; but whenever an action is determined and final judgment entered, the costs of each party litigant shall be made up and entered in such fee book, which shall be considered a part of the record and judgment, subject, however, at all times to be corrected by the court; and the prevailing party shall be considered as having recovered judgment for the amount of the costs so taxed in his or her favor, and the same shall be included in the certified copy of such judgment, and a bill thereof accompanying certified copy of the judgment. If any clerk shall issue a fee bill or a bill of costs, with the certified copy of the judgment without first entering the same in the fee book, or if any such bill of costs or fee bill shall be issued which shall not be in substance a copy of the recorded bill, the same shall be void. Any person having paid such bill of costs or fee bill, may recover from the clerk the amount thereof, with costs of the action, in any circuit court. 6. Such other books of record and entry as are provided by law, or may be required in the proper performance of their duties. All records, dockets and books required by law to be kept by such clerks shall be deemed public records, and shall at all times be open to inspection without fee or reward, and all persons shall have free access for inspection and examination to such records, docket and books, and also to all papers on file in the different clerks' offices and shall have the right to take memoranda and abstracts thereto. (Source: P.A. 85‑1156.)
(705 ILCS 105/17)(from Ch. 25, par. 17) Sec. 17. If any clerk shall fail to keep any such docket, or record book, or any book required by law to be kept by him or her, or to make the proper entries therein at the time required by law, or, when no time is fixed, within a reasonable time, he or she shall be guilty of a petty offense and shall be fined by the court not exceeding $100, and for a subsequent offense he or she may be fined in a like amount, or proceeded against as for a Class A misdemeanor in office, and removed from the office. (Source: P.A. 83‑346.)
(705 ILCS 105/18)(from Ch. 25, par. 18) Sec. 18. The clerk of the supreme court shall procure the books and stationery necessary for his or her office and proper facilities for the safe keeping of the archives of his or her office. (Source: P.A. 83‑346.)
(705 ILCS 105/19)(from Ch. 25, par. 19) Sec. 19. The several clerks of the circuit courts of the respective counties shall, from time to time, as may be necessary, procure the proper books and stationery for their respective offices, unless the same are provided by the county board, as provided by law. (Source: Laws 1965, p. 3391.)
(705 ILCS 105/20)(from Ch. 25, par. 20) Sec. 20. The necessary rooms and office furniture, the proper vaults or other means for the safe keeping of the archives of their respective offices, shall be provided for the several clerks mentioned in the preceding section by the county boards of their respective counties, and the cost thereof paid out of the county treasury. (Source: R.S. 1874, p. 260.)
(705 ILCS 105/21)(from Ch. 25, par. 21) Sec. 21. Whenever a clerk of any court goes out of office, it shall be his or her duty to deliver over to his or her successor, and of his or her successor to demand and receive from him or her, all the books, papers, records and other things appertaining to the office, or in the possession of such outgoing clerk, by virtue of the office. Should any person herein required to give up the books, papers, records and other things refuse to do so on such application or request, the court has the authority to use such compulsory process, and take such measures as may be necessary to coerce the delivery according to the intent and purpose hereof. (Source: P.A. 83‑346.)
(705 ILCS 105/22)(from Ch. 25, par. 22) Sec. 22. The judges of the several courts shall, as often as once in each year, make an examination of the offices of the clerks of their respective courts, and may give such directions and make such orders in regard to the keeping of the same, and the records and papers thereof, not contrary to law, as they shall deem best. (Source: R.S. 1874, p. 260.)
(705 ILCS 105/24)(from Ch. 25, par. 24) Sec. 24. The clerks shall keep a docket, in which they shall enter all the unsettled estates in their office, the name of the administrator, the date of the letters of office, the amount of the bond, and the names of the securities thereto, the names of the heirs and surviving spouse, if known, the time of filing inventory and sale bill, and amount of sale bill ‑ leaving a sufficient margin for remarks. The docket shall be prepared in vertical columns, designated from left to right as follows: Name of deceased and administrator; Date of letters; Amount of bond and names of securities; Surviving spouse and heirs; When inventory and sale bill filed and amount of sale bill; Remarks. The dockets shall have an alphabetical index, in which shall be entered each estate, and the page upon which it is docketed. This Section is subject to the provisions of "The Local Records Act", approved August 18, 1961, as amended. (Source: P.A. 83‑1362.)
(705 ILCS 105/25)(from Ch. 25, par. 25) Sec. 25. Unless otherwise provided by rule or administrative order of the Supreme Court, such clerks shall also keep, subject to the provisions of "The Local Records Act", approved August 18, 1961, as amended, a docket, in which shall be entered a minute of all claims filed against estates, in the order in which they are filed, setting forth the name of the claimant and of the estate against which the same is filed, the nature and amount of the claim, if summons was issued thereon, when and where returnable, with sufficient margin opposite each claim for the judgment of the court. Such book shall be prepared and kept substantially in the following form: ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑
(705 ILCS 105/0.01)(from Ch. 25, par. 0.01) Sec. 0.01. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Clerks of Courts Act. (Source: P.A. 86‑1324.)
(705 ILCS 105/1)(from Ch. 25, par. 1) Sec. 1. One clerk of the circuit court in each county shall be elected as provided by law, and shall hold office until a successor is elected and qualified. (Source: P.A. 81‑276.)
(705 ILCS 105/1.1)(from Ch. 25, par. 1.1) Sec. 1.1. The clerk of the circuit court in each county shall enter upon the duties of office on the first day in the month of December following his or her election on which the office of the clerk of the circuit court is required, by statute or by action of the court, to be open. This amendatory Act of 1973 does not apply to any county which is a home rule unit. (Source: P.A. 83‑346.)
(705 ILCS 105/3)(from Ch. 25, par. 3) Sec. 3. The clerks shall be commissioned by the governor. (Source: P.A. 83‑346.)
(705 ILCS 105/4)(from Ch. 25, par. 4) Sec. 4. Every clerk shall, before entering upon the duties of office, give bond, with one or more sureties (or, if the county is self‑insured, the county through its self‑insurance program may provide bonding), to be approved by any two of the judges of his or her court, which bond shall be in such penalty, not less than $5,000, as may be agreed by such judges, payable to the People of the State of Illinois, and conditioned for the faithful performance of the duties of office, and to pay over all moneys that may come into his or her possession or custody by virtue of office, to the parties entitled thereto, and to deliver up all moneys, papers, books, records, and other things appertaining to the office, whole, safe and undefaced, when lawfully required so to do. The bond shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of State. The clerk shall also, before entering upon the duties of his office, take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation: I do solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be) that I will support the constitution of the United States and the constitution of the State of Illinois, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of clerk of ...., according to the best of my ability. The oath shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of State. (Source: P.A. 88‑387.)
(705 ILCS 105/4.1)(from Ch. 25, par. 4.1) Sec. 4.1. At the request of the clerk of the circuit court in any county the county board of that county shall designate one or more banks or savings and loan associations in which funds and moneys in the custody of such clerk may be kept. Except as provided below, the clerk of the circuit court shall be discharged from responsibility for all funds and moneys which he or she deposits in that designated depository, while such funds and moneys are on deposit therein. When a bank or savings and loan association has been designated as a depository it shall continue as such until 10 days after a new depository is designated and has qualified as provided above. When a new depository is designated, the county board shall notify the sureties of the clerk of the circuit court of that fact, in writing, at least 5 days before the transfer of funds. No bank or savings and loan association shall receive public funds as permitted by this Section, unless it has complied with the requirements established pursuant to Section 6 of "An Act relating to certain investments of public funds by public agencies", approved July 23, 1943, as now or hereafter amended. (Source: P.A. 83‑1362.)
(705 ILCS 105/6)(from Ch. 25, par. 6) Sec. 6. The clerks of the Circuit Courts shall keep their offices at the court house of their respective counties, and shall keep their offices open and attend to the duties thereof during such hours on each day, and on such days as may be ordered by the rule of the court in such county, which rule may be changed from time to time as the court may see fit. (Source: Laws 1965, p. 3395.)
(705 ILCS 105/7)(from Ch. 25, par. 7) Sec. 7. The clerks of the several circuit courts shall be keepers of the seals of their respective courts. (Source: P.A. 87‑845.)
(705 ILCS 105/8)(from Ch. 25, par. 8) Sec. 8. The clerks shall, in all cases, attend in person to the duties of their offices, respectively, when it is practicable so to do, and shall perform all the duties thereof which can reasonably be performed by one person. In the performance of the duties of the office of clerk of the circuit court, any such clerk, after filing with the Secretary of State his or her manual signature certified by him or her under oath, may execute or cause to be executed with a facsimile signature, in lieu of his or her original signature, all forms of process and notices issued by his or her office. "Facsimile signature" means a reproduction by engraving, imprinting, stamping, or other means of the manual signature of an authorized officer. When the seal of the clerk of the circuit court is required in the execution of any process or notice issued by the clerk's office, the clerk may cause the seal to be printed, engraved, stamped or otherwise placed in facsimile thereon. The facsimile seal has the same effect as the impression of the seal. (Source: P.A. 83‑346.)
(705 ILCS 105/9)(from Ch. 25, par. 9) Sec. 9. The clerks may, when necessary, appoint deputies, who shall take the same oath or affirmation as is required of the principal clerk, which shall be entered into the records of their office. (Source: P.A. 83‑1362.)
(705 ILCS 105/10)(from Ch. 25, par. 10) Sec. 10. The principal clerk shall, in all cases, be responsible for the acts of his or her deputies. (Source: P.A. 83‑346.)
(705 ILCS 105/12)(from Ch. 25, par. 12) Sec. 12. The clerks shall issue the process of their respective courts in the manner provided by law. (Source: R.S. 1874, p. 260.)
(705 ILCS 105/12.1) Sec. 12.1. Electronic notice. The circuit clerk may provide notice to a party by hard copy or by electronic notice, pursuant to a uniform and standard policy adopted by the circuit clerk. A recipient may elect to receive notices by hard copy or electronically via the electronic address he or she has registered with the circuit clerk. The clerk must provide notice in the format chosen by the recipient. When providing notice electronically, the circuit clerk shall maintain a copy of the electronic content and a delivery receipt as part of the records of his or her office. Administrative communications of either the clerk or the court are not subject to the electronic notice requirements. If all policies and statutes are complied with, electronic notices shall have the same effect as hard copy notices. (Source: P.A. 96‑971, eff. 7‑2‑10.)
(705 ILCS 105/13)(from Ch. 25, par. 13) Sec. 13. The clerks shall attend the sessions of their respective courts, preserve all the files and papers thereof, make, keep and preserve complete records of all the proceedings and determinations thereof, except in cases otherwise provided by law, and do and perform all other duties pertaining to their offices, as may be required by law or the rules and orders of their courts respectively. Notwithstanding any other law, the right to access and disseminate any court record as defined in this Act may not be subject to an exclusive contract with another person or entity. This Section is subject to the provisions of "The Local Records Act", approved August 18, 1961, as amended. (Source: P.A. 90‑206, eff. 7‑25‑97.)
(705 ILCS 105/14)(from Ch. 25, par. 14) Sec. 14. The clerks shall enter of record all judgments and orders of their respective courts, as soon after the rendition or making thereof as practicable. Immediately after a judgment of dissolution of marriage or declaration of invalidity of marriage is granted in this State, the clerk of the court which granted the judgment of dissolution of marriage or declaration of invalidity of marriage shall complete and sign the form furnished by the Department of Public Health, and forward such form to the Department of Public Health within 45 days after the close of the month in which the judgment is rendered. (Source: P.A. 83‑346.)
(705 ILCS 105/15)(from Ch. 25, par. 15) Sec. 15. Any clerk who fails to enter of record any order or judgment of his or her court within 45 days after the same is made or rendered, or any clerk having the duty to forward to the Department of Public Health the record of any judgment of dissolution of marriage or declaration of invalidity of marriage, who wilfully fails to do so within 45 days after the close of the month in which the same is made or rendered, shall be guilty of a petty offense and shall be fined by the court not exceeding $100, and for any subsequent offense he or she may be fined in a like amount or proceeded against as for a Class A misdemeanor in office and removed from office. In any county of less than 500,000 inhabitants, when it appears to the majority of judges of such court that there are an insufficient number of persons employed in the office of the clerk of the court to properly make the entries in accordance with this Section, the majority of judges of such court shall thereupon determine and fix the number of deputies they find necessary to so properly maintain the records, and their reasonable compensation shall be paid out of the earnings of the office. (Source: P.A. 83‑346.)
(705 ILCS 105/16)(from Ch. 25, par. 16) Sec. 16. Records kept by the clerks of the circuit courts are subject to the provisions of "The Local Records Act", approved August 18, 1961, as amended. Unless otherwise provided by rule or administrative order of the Supreme Court, the respective clerks of the circuit courts shall keep in their offices the following books: 1. A general docket, upon which shall be entered all suits, in the order in which they are commenced. 2. Two well‑bound books, to be denominated "Plaintiff's Index to Court Records," and "Defendant's Index to Court Records" to be ruled and printed substantially in the following manner:
.......
Plaintiffs
Defendants
Kind of
Date
Record
Pages
Action
Commenced
Book
.......
......
........
Date of
Judgment
judgment
docket
.......
Book Page
.......
Certificate
Satisfied
Certificate
Certificate
of
or not
Number
of levy
of sale
redemption
satisfied of case
........
Fee Book
Book Page
Book Page
Book Page
.......
All cases shall be entered in such books, in alphabetical order, by the name of each plaintiff and defendant. The books shall set forth the names of the parties, kind of action, date commenced, the record books and pages on which the cases are recorded, the date of judgment, books and pages of the judgment dockets, fee book, certificates of levy, sale and redemption records on which they are entered satisfied or not satisfied, and number of case. The defendant's index shall be ruled and printed in the same manner as the plaintiff's except the parties shall be reversed. 3. Proper books of record, with indices, showing the names of all parties to any action or judgment therein recorded, with a reference to the page where it is recorded. 4. A judgment docket, in which all final judgments (except child support orders as hereinafter provided) shall be minuted at the time they are entered, or within 60 days thereafter in alphabetical order, by the name of every person against whom the judgment is entered, showing, in the proper columns ruled for that purpose, the names of the parties, the date, nature of the judgment, amount of the judgment and costs in separate items, for which it is issued, to whom issued, when returned, and the manner of its enforcement; a blank column shall be kept in which may be entered a note of the satisfaction or other disposition of the judgment or order and when satisfied by enforcement or otherwise, or set aside or enjoined; the clerk shall enter a minute thereof in such column, showing how disposed of, the date and the book and page, where the evidence thereof is to be found. In the case of child support orders or modifications of such orders entered on or after May 1, 1987, the clerk shall minute such orders or modifications in the manner and form provided herein but shall not minute every child support installment when due or every child support payment when made. Such dockets may be searched by persons, at all reasonable times without fee. 5. A fee book, in which shall be distinctly set down, in items, the proper title of the cause and heads, the cost of each action, including clerk's, sheriff's and witness' fees, stating the name of each witness having claimed attendance in respect of the trial or hearing of such action with the number of days attended. It shall not be necessary to insert the cost in the judgment; but whenever an action is determined and final judgment entered, the costs of each party litigant shall be made up and entered in such fee book, which shall be considered a part of the record and judgment, subject, however, at all times to be corrected by the court; and the prevailing party shall be considered as having recovered judgment for the amount of the costs so taxed in his or her favor, and the same shall be included in the certified copy of such judgment, and a bill thereof accompanying certified copy of the judgment. If any clerk shall issue a fee bill or a bill of costs, with the certified copy of the judgment without first entering the same in the fee book, or if any such bill of costs or fee bill shall be issued which shall not be in substance a copy of the recorded bill, the same shall be void. Any person having paid such bill of costs or fee bill, may recover from the clerk the amount thereof, with costs of the action, in any circuit court. 6. Such other books of record and entry as are provided by law, or may be required in the proper performance of their duties. All records, dockets and books required by law to be kept by such clerks shall be deemed public records, and shall at all times be open to inspection without fee or reward, and all persons shall have free access for inspection and examination to such records, docket and books, and also to all papers on file in the different clerks' offices and shall have the right to take memoranda and abstracts thereto. (Source: P.A. 85‑1156.)
(705 ILCS 105/17)(from Ch. 25, par. 17) Sec. 17. If any clerk shall fail to keep any such docket, or record book, or any book required by law to be kept by him or her, or to make the proper entries therein at the time required by law, or, when no time is fixed, within a reasonable time, he or she shall be guilty of a petty offense and shall be fined by the court not exceeding $100, and for a subsequent offense he or she may be fined in a like amount, or proceeded against as for a Class A misdemeanor in office, and removed from the office. (Source: P.A. 83‑346.)
(705 ILCS 105/18)(from Ch. 25, par. 18) Sec. 18. The clerk of the supreme court shall procure the books and stationery necessary for his or her office and proper facilities for the safe keeping of the archives of his or her office. (Source: P.A. 83‑346.)
(705 ILCS 105/19)(from Ch. 25, par. 19) Sec. 19. The several clerks of the circuit courts of the respective counties shall, from time to time, as may be necessary, procure the proper books and stationery for their respective offices, unless the same are provided by the county board, as provided by law. (Source: Laws 1965, p. 3391.)
(705 ILCS 105/20)(from Ch. 25, par. 20) Sec. 20. The necessary rooms and office furniture, the proper vaults or other means for the safe keeping of the archives of their respective offices, shall be provided for the several clerks mentioned in the preceding section by the county boards of their respective counties, and the cost thereof paid out of the county treasury. (Source: R.S. 1874, p. 260.)
(705 ILCS 105/21)(from Ch. 25, par. 21) Sec. 21. Whenever a clerk of any court goes out of office, it shall be his or her duty to deliver over to his or her successor, and of his or her successor to demand and receive from him or her, all the books, papers, records and other things appertaining to the office, or in the possession of such outgoing clerk, by virtue of the office. Should any person herein required to give up the books, papers, records and other things refuse to do so on such application or request, the court has the authority to use such compulsory process, and take such measures as may be necessary to coerce the delivery according to the intent and purpose hereof. (Source: P.A. 83‑346.)
(705 ILCS 105/22)(from Ch. 25, par. 22) Sec. 22. The judges of the several courts shall, as often as once in each year, make an examination of the offices of the clerks of their respective courts, and may give such directions and make such orders in regard to the keeping of the same, and the records and papers thereof, not contrary to law, as they shall deem best. (Source: R.S. 1874, p. 260.)
(705 ILCS 105/24)(from Ch. 25, par. 24) Sec. 24. The clerks shall keep a docket, in which they shall enter all the unsettled estates in their office, the name of the administrator, the date of the letters of office, the amount of the bond, and the names of the securities thereto, the names of the heirs and surviving spouse, if known, the time of filing inventory and sale bill, and amount of sale bill ‑ leaving a sufficient margin for remarks. The docket shall be prepared in vertical columns, designated from left to right as follows: Name of deceased and administrator; Date of letters; Amount of bond and names of securities; Surviving spouse and heirs; When inventory and sale bill filed and amount of sale bill; Remarks. The dockets shall have an alphabetical index, in which shall be entered each estate, and the page upon which it is docketed. This Section is subject to the provisions of "The Local Records Act", approved August 18, 1961, as amended. (Source: P.A. 83‑1362.)
(705 ILCS 105/25)(from Ch. 25, par. 25) Sec. 25. Unless otherwise provided by rule or administrative order of the Supreme Court, such clerks shall also keep, subject to the provisions of "The Local Records Act", approved August 18, 1961, as amended, a docket, in which shall be entered a minute of all claims filed against estates, in the order in which they are filed, setting forth the name of the claimant and of the estate against which the same is filed, the nature and amount of the claim, if summons was issued thereon, when and where returnable, with sufficient margin opposite each claim for the judgment of the court. Such book shall be prepared and kept substantially in the following form: ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑
Memorandum
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(705 ILCS 105/0.01)(from Ch. 25, par. 0.01) Sec. 0.01. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Clerks of Courts Act. (Source: P.A. 86‑1324.)
(705 ILCS 105/1)(from Ch. 25, par. 1) Sec. 1. One clerk of the circuit court in each county shall be elected as provided by law, and shall hold office until a successor is elected and qualified. (Source: P.A. 81‑276.)
(705 ILCS 105/1.1)(from Ch. 25, par. 1.1) Sec. 1.1. The clerk of the circuit court in each county shall enter upon the duties of office on the first day in the month of December following his or her election on which the office of the clerk of the circuit court is required, by statute or by action of the court, to be open. This amendatory Act of 1973 does not apply to any county which is a home rule unit. (Source: P.A. 83‑346.)
(705 ILCS 105/3)(from Ch. 25, par. 3) Sec. 3. The clerks shall be commissioned by the governor. (Source: P.A. 83‑346.)
(705 ILCS 105/4)(from Ch. 25, par. 4) Sec. 4. Every clerk shall, before entering upon the duties of office, give bond, with one or more sureties (or, if the county is self‑insured, the county through its self‑insurance program may provide bonding), to be approved by any two of the judges of his or her court, which bond shall be in such penalty, not less than $5,000, as may be agreed by such judges, payable to the People of the State of Illinois, and conditioned for the faithful performance of the duties of office, and to pay over all moneys that may come into his or her possession or custody by virtue of office, to the parties entitled thereto, and to deliver up all moneys, papers, books, records, and other things appertaining to the office, whole, safe and undefaced, when lawfully required so to do. The bond shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of State. The clerk shall also, before entering upon the duties of his office, take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation: I do solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be) that I will support the constitution of the United States and the constitution of the State of Illinois, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of clerk of ...., according to the best of my ability. The oath shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of State. (Source: P.A. 88‑387.)
(705 ILCS 105/4.1)(from Ch. 25, par. 4.1) Sec. 4.1. At the request of the clerk of the circuit court in any county the county board of that county shall designate one or more banks or savings and loan associations in which funds and moneys in the custody of such clerk may be kept. Except as provided below, the clerk of the circuit court shall be discharged from responsibility for all funds and moneys which he or she deposits in that designated depository, while such funds and moneys are on deposit therein. When a bank or savings and loan association has been designated as a depository it shall continue as such until 10 days after a new depository is designated and has qualified as provided above. When a new depository is designated, the county board shall notify the sureties of the clerk of the circuit court of that fact, in writing, at least 5 days before the transfer of funds. No bank or savings and loan association shall receive public funds as permitted by this Section, unless it has complied with the requirements established pursuant to Section 6 of "An Act relating to certain investments of public funds by public agencies", approved July 23, 1943, as now or hereafter amended. (Source: P.A. 83‑1362.)
(705 ILCS 105/6)(from Ch. 25, par. 6) Sec. 6. The clerks of the Circuit Courts shall keep their offices at the court house of their respective counties, and shall keep their offices open and attend to the duties thereof during such hours on each day, and on such days as may be ordered by the rule of the court in such county, which rule may be changed from time to time as the court may see fit. (Source: Laws 1965, p. 3395.)
(705 ILCS 105/7)(from Ch. 25, par. 7) Sec. 7. The clerks of the several circuit courts shall be keepers of the seals of their respective courts. (Source: P.A. 87‑845.)
(705 ILCS 105/8)(from Ch. 25, par. 8) Sec. 8. The clerks shall, in all cases, attend in person to the duties of their offices, respectively, when it is practicable so to do, and shall perform all the duties thereof which can reasonably be performed by one person. In the performance of the duties of the office of clerk of the circuit court, any such clerk, after filing with the Secretary of State his or her manual signature certified by him or her under oath, may execute or cause to be executed with a facsimile signature, in lieu of his or her original signature, all forms of process and notices issued by his or her office. "Facsimile signature" means a reproduction by engraving, imprinting, stamping, or other means of the manual signature of an authorized officer. When the seal of the clerk of the circuit court is required in the execution of any process or notice issued by the clerk's office, the clerk may cause the seal to be printed, engraved, stamped or otherwise placed in facsimile thereon. The facsimile seal has the same effect as the impression of the seal. (Source: P.A. 83‑346.)
(705 ILCS 105/9)(from Ch. 25, par. 9) Sec. 9. The clerks may, when necessary, appoint deputies, who shall take the same oath or affirmation as is required of the principal clerk, which shall be entered into the records of their office. (Source: P.A. 83‑1362.)
(705 ILCS 105/10)(from Ch. 25, par. 10) Sec. 10. The principal clerk shall, in all cases, be responsible for the acts of his or her deputies. (Source: P.A. 83‑346.)
(705 ILCS 105/12)(from Ch. 25, par. 12) Sec. 12. The clerks shall issue the process of their respective courts in the manner provided by law. (Source: R.S. 1874, p. 260.)
(705 ILCS 105/12.1) Sec. 12.1. Electronic notice. The circuit clerk may provide notice to a party by hard copy or by electronic notice, pursuant to a uniform and standard policy adopted by the circuit clerk. A recipient may elect to receive notices by hard copy or electronically via the electronic address he or she has registered with the circuit clerk. The clerk must provide notice in the format chosen by the recipient. When providing notice electronically, the circuit clerk shall maintain a copy of the electronic content and a delivery receipt as part of the records of his or her office. Administrative communications of either the clerk or the court are not subject to the electronic notice requirements. If all policies and statutes are complied with, electronic notices shall have the same effect as hard copy notices. (Source: P.A. 96‑971, eff. 7‑2‑10.)
(705 ILCS 105/13)(from Ch. 25, par. 13) Sec. 13. The clerks shall attend the sessions of their respective courts, preserve all the files and papers thereof, make, keep and preserve complete records of all the proceedings and determinations thereof, except in cases otherwise provided by law, and do and perform all other duties pertaining to their offices, as may be required by law or the rules and orders of their courts respectively. Notwithstanding any other law, the right to access and disseminate any court record as defined in this Act may not be subject to an exclusive contract with another person or entity. This Section is subject to the provisions of "The Local Records Act", approved August 18, 1961, as amended. (Source: P.A. 90‑206, eff. 7‑25‑97.)
(705 ILCS 105/14)(from Ch. 25, par. 14) Sec. 14. The clerks shall enter of record all judgments and orders of their respective courts, as soon after the rendition or making thereof as practicable. Immediately after a judgment of dissolution of marriage or declaration of invalidity of marriage is granted in this State, the clerk of the court which granted the judgment of dissolution of marriage or declaration of invalidity of marriage shall complete and sign the form furnished by the Department of Public Health, and forward such form to the Department of Public Health within 45 days after the close of the month in which the judgment is rendered. (Source: P.A. 83‑346.)
(705 ILCS 105/15)(from Ch. 25, par. 15) Sec. 15. Any clerk who fails to enter of record any order or judgment of his or her court within 45 days after the same is made or rendered, or any clerk having the duty to forward to the Department of Public Health the record of any judgment of dissolution of marriage or declaration of invalidity of marriage, who wilfully fails to do so within 45 days after the close of the month in which the same is made or rendered, shall be guilty of a petty offense and shall be fined by the court not exceeding $100, and for any subsequent offense he or she may be fined in a like amount or proceeded against as for a Class A misdemeanor in office and removed from office. In any county of less than 500,000 inhabitants, when it appears to the majority of judges of such court that there are an insufficient number of persons employed in the office of the clerk of the court to properly make the entries in accordance with this Section, the majority of judges of such court shall thereupon determine and fix the number of deputies they find necessary to so properly maintain the records, and their reasonable compensation shall be paid out of the earnings of the office. (Source: P.A. 83‑346.)
(705 ILCS 105/16)(from Ch. 25, par. 16) Sec. 16. Records kept by the clerks of the circuit courts are subject to the provisions of "The Local Records Act", approved August 18, 1961, as amended. Unless otherwise provided by rule or administrative order of the Supreme Court, the respective clerks of the circuit courts shall keep in their offices the following books: 1. A general docket, upon which shall be entered all suits, in the order in which they are commenced. 2. Two well‑bound books, to be denominated "Plaintiff's Index to Court Records," and "Defendant's Index to Court Records" to be ruled and printed substantially in the following manner:
.......
Plaintiffs
Defendants
Kind of
Date
Record
Pages
Action
Commenced
Book
.......
......
........
Date of
Judgment
judgment
docket
.......
Book Page
.......
Certificate
Satisfied
Certificate
Certificate
of
or not
Number
of levy
of sale
redemption
satisfied of case
........
Fee Book
Book Page
Book Page
Book Page
.......
All cases shall be entered in such books, in alphabetical order, by the name of each plaintiff and defendant. The books shall set forth the names of the parties, kind of action, date commenced, the record books and pages on which the cases are recorded, the date of judgment, books and pages of the judgment dockets, fee book, certificates of levy, sale and redemption records on which they are entered satisfied or not satisfied, and number of case. The defendant's index shall be ruled and printed in the same manner as the plaintiff's except the parties shall be reversed. 3. Proper books of record, with indices, showing the names of all parties to any action or judgment therein recorded, with a reference to the page where it is recorded. 4. A judgment docket, in which all final judgments (except child support orders as hereinafter provided) shall be minuted at the time they are entered, or within 60 days thereafter in alphabetical order, by the name of every person against whom the judgment is entered, showing, in the proper columns ruled for that purpose, the names of the parties, the date, nature of the judgment, amount of the judgment and costs in separate items, for which it is issued, to whom issued, when returned, and the manner of its enforcement; a blank column shall be kept in which may be entered a note of the satisfaction or other disposition of the judgment or order and when satisfied by enforcement or otherwise, or set aside or enjoined; the clerk shall enter a minute thereof in such column, showing how disposed of, the date and the book and page, where the evidence thereof is to be found. In the case of child support orders or modifications of such orders entered on or after May 1, 1987, the clerk shall minute such orders or modifications in the manner and form provided herein but shall not minute every child support installment when due or every child support payment when made. Such dockets may be searched by persons, at all reasonable times without fee. 5. A fee book, in which shall be distinctly set down, in items, the proper title of the cause and heads, the cost of each action, including clerk's, sheriff's and witness' fees, stating the name of each witness having claimed attendance in respect of the trial or hearing of such action with the number of days attended. It shall not be necessary to insert the cost in the judgment; but whenever an action is determined and final judgment entered, the costs of each party litigant shall be made up and entered in such fee book, which shall be considered a part of the record and judgment, subject, however, at all times to be corrected by the court; and the prevailing party shall be considered as having recovered judgment for the amount of the costs so taxed in his or her favor, and the same shall be included in the certified copy of such judgment, and a bill thereof accompanying certified copy of the judgment. If any clerk shall issue a fee bill or a bill of costs, with the certified copy of the judgment without first entering the same in the fee book, or if any such bill of costs or fee bill shall be issued which shall not be in substance a copy of the recorded bill, the same shall be void. Any person having paid such bill of costs or fee bill, may recover from the clerk the amount thereof, with costs of the action, in any circuit court. 6. Such other books of record and entry as are provided by law, or may be required in the proper performance of their duties. All records, dockets and books required by law to be kept by such clerks shall be deemed public records, and shall at all times be open to inspection without fee or reward, and all persons shall have free access for inspection and examination to such records, docket and books, and also to all papers on file in the different clerks' offices and shall have the right to take memoranda and abstracts thereto. (Source: P.A. 85‑1156.)
(705 ILCS 105/17)(from Ch. 25, par. 17) Sec. 17. If any clerk shall fail to keep any such docket, or record book, or any book required by law to be kept by him or her, or to make the proper entries therein at the time required by law, or, when no time is fixed, within a reasonable time, he or she shall be guilty of a petty offense and shall be fined by the court not exceeding $100, and for a subsequent offense he or she may be fined in a like amount, or proceeded against as for a Class A misdemeanor in office, and removed from the office. (Source: P.A. 83‑346.)
(705 ILCS 105/18)(from Ch. 25, par. 18) Sec. 18. The clerk of the supreme court shall procure the books and stationery necessary for his or her office and proper facilities for the safe keeping of the archives of his or her office. (Source: P.A. 83‑346.)
(705 ILCS 105/19)(from Ch. 25, par. 19) Sec. 19. The several clerks of the circuit courts of the respective counties shall, from time to time, as may be necessary, procure the proper books and stationery for their respective offices, unless the same are provided by the county board, as provided by law. (Source: Laws 1965, p. 3391.)
(705 ILCS 105/20)(from Ch. 25, par. 20) Sec. 20. The necessary rooms and office furniture, the proper vaults or other means for the safe keeping of the archives of their respective offices, shall be provided for the several clerks mentioned in the preceding section by the county boards of their respective counties, and the cost thereof paid out of the county treasury. (Source: R.S. 1874, p. 260.)
(705 ILCS 105/21)(from Ch. 25, par. 21) Sec. 21. Whenever a clerk of any court goes out of office, it shall be his or her duty to deliver over to his or her successor, and of his or her successor to demand and receive from him or her, all the books, papers, records and other things appertaining to the office, or in the possession of such outgoing clerk, by virtue of the office. Should any person herein required to give up the books, papers, records and other things refuse to do so on such application or request, the court has the authority to use such compulsory process, and take such measures as may be necessary to coerce the delivery according to the intent and purpose hereof. (Source: P.A. 83‑346.)
(705 ILCS 105/22)(from Ch. 25, par. 22) Sec. 22. The judges of the several courts shall, as often as once in each year, make an examination of the offices of the clerks of their respective courts, and may give such directions and make such orders in regard to the keeping of the same, and the records and papers thereof, not contrary to law, as they shall deem best. (Source: R.S. 1874, p. 260.)
(705 ILCS 105/24)(from Ch. 25, par. 24) Sec. 24. The clerks shall keep a docket, in which they shall enter all the unsettled estates in their office, the name of the administrator, the date of the letters of office, the amount of the bond, and the names of the securities thereto, the names of the heirs and surviving spouse, if known, the time of filing inventory and sale bill, and amount of sale bill ‑ leaving a sufficient margin for remarks. The docket shall be prepared in vertical columns, designated from left to right as follows: Name of deceased and administrator; Date of letters; Amount of bond and names of securities; Surviving spouse and heirs; When inventory and sale bill filed and amount of sale bill; Remarks. The dockets shall have an alphabetical index, in which shall be entered each estate, and the page upon which it is docketed. This Section is subject to the provisions of "The Local Records Act", approved August 18, 1961, as amended. (Source: P.A. 83‑1362.)
(705 ILCS 105/25)(from Ch. 25, par. 25) Sec. 25. Unless otherwise provided by rule or administrative order of the Supreme Court, such clerks shall also keep, subject to the provisions of "The Local Records Act", approved August 18, 1961, as amended, a docket, in which shall be entered a minute of all claims filed against estates, in the order in which they are filed, setting forth the name of the claimant and of the estate against which the same is filed, the nature and amount of the claim, if summons was issued thereon, when and where returnable, with sufficient margin opposite each claim for the judgment of the court. Such book shall be prepared and kept substantially in the following form: ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑
