Montgomery County

Montgomery County is located in south-central Illinois, positioned approximately 60 miles south of Springfield. Established in 1821, Montgomery County was named after U.S. Army General Richard Montgomery, who died during the Revolutionary War's Quebec campaign. Montgomery County seat is Hillsboro, which houses the historic Montgomery County Courthouse at 120 North Main Street, a structure that has served the community since the late 19th century. Montgomery County includes approximately 704 square miles and maintains a population of around 28,000 residents according to recent census estimates. Montgomery County's scene is characterized by gently rolling plains, agricultural lands, and scattered timber, with the terrain shaped by glacial activity thousands of years ago. Major communities include Hillsboro, Litchfield, Nokomis, and Coffeen, each contributing to Montgomery County's agricultural and small-town heritage. Montgomery County's economy has historically centered on agriculture, coal mining, and manufacturing. Key county offices include Montgomery County Recorder located at 120 North Main Street, Suite 1, Hillsboro, IL 62049; Montgomery County Clerk at the same courthouse complex; and Montgomery County Assessor, also housed in the courthouse. Lake Hillsboro and Irving Park provide recreational opportunities, while historic Route 66 passes through Montgomery County, marking its significance in American transportation history. Montgomery County maintains a traditional Midwestern character with strong agricultural roots and close-knit communities that have adapted to changing economic conditions over the decades.

• Major communities include Hillsboro, Litchfield, Nokomis, and Coffeen, each contributing to Montgomery County's agricultural and small-town heritage.

The primarily the Montgomery County Circuit Court serves Montgomery County and is located at 120 N Main St. The court handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases for the region. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Illinois online court portal.

This court handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases, providing a judicial resource for residents. The primarily the Montgomery County Circuit Court also processes requests for court records, case filings, and legal documents under Illinois public records law.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• The requesting party may be charged reasonable copying fees as outlined in the statute.
• Processing times for records requests vary but agencies must respond within five business days under FOIA guidelines.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond and bail process follows Illinois state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees pending court appearances.

• The court system includes Associate Judges who hear traffic matters, misdemeanors, small claims cases under $10,000, and preliminary hearings.
• Montgomery County Circuit Clerk maintains court records and provides public access during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
• Fees for copying court documents are established by statute at 50 cents per page for standard copies, with certified copies costing an additional fee.
• Remote access to certain court records may be available through approved third-party services, though full online dockets are not universally available for all case types in Montgomery County.

• Recording fees are established by Illinois statute (55 ILCS 5/3-5018) and vary based on document type and page count.
• The Assessor provides assessed valuations, property characteristics, and exemption information.
• Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person or by mail with proper identification and payment of statutory fees.
• Many Illinois counties have digitized records available online, and Montgomery County residents should check the official county website at www.montgomeryco.com for current online access options.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Current fees are $15 for the first certified copy and $2 for each additional copy of the same record when ordered simultaneously, though fees are subject to change.
• Processing times vary but typically range from several days to two weeks for in-person requests and longer for mail requests.
• Both parties must appear in person to apply for a marriage license, provide valid identification, and pay the required fee.
• Online ordering typically involves additional processing fees but may expedite delivery through express shipping options.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at www.ilsos.gov where the public can search for registered business entities, view formation dates, registered agents, and current status.
• This free online tool provides transparency regarding business registrations throughout Illinois.