Circuit Court of Cook County (Daley Center) – Chicago, IL

Circuit Court of Cook County – Richard J. Daley Center

The Richard J. Daley Center serves as the main courthouse for the Circuit Court of Cook County in Chicago. This prominent civic center houses multiple judicial divisions and administrative offices, serving as the hub for civil, traffic, and chancery legal matters in the region. The facility is a critical component of the Illinois state judicial system, handling a vast volume of cases annually.

Court Divisions and Services

• First Municipal District: Handles civil cases seeking damages up to $30,000, traffic violations, and housing matters.
• Law Division: Adjudicates major civil suits, including personal injury and malpractice cases seeking damages over $30,000.
• Chancery Division: Oversees equitable remedies, including mortgage foreclosures and injunctions.
• Domestic Relations: Manages divorce, child custody, and support proceedings.
• Probate Division: Administers wills, estates, and guardianships.

Administrative Offices

The Daley Center is home to the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court, where public records can be accessed and filed. The Cook County Clerk’s Office of Vital Records is also located here, providing essential documentation services to the public. The building features the Cook County Law Library, offering legal research resources to attorneys and self-represented litigants.

Building Policies

Visitors must pass through strict security screening upon entry, including metal detectors and bag checks. While cell phones are generally permitted within the Daley Center, they must be silenced in courtrooms and may be restricted by individual judges. The facility is accessible to persons with disabilities, with elevators and ramps available throughout the complex.