Visiting the Courthouse
Circuit Clerk Office Hours:
8:00 am - 4:30 pm / Monday - Friday
Email: [email protected]
Locations
The McHenry County Circuit Clerk’s Office is located in the Michael J. Sullivan Judicial Center at 2200 N. Seminary Avenue (Route 47) in Woodstock, Illinois. All 22nd Circuit Court appearances are held at the Michael J. Sullivan Judicial Center in Woodstock.
Courtroom Etiquette
It does not matter whether you are the plaintiff, defendant, or member of the jury, when in a courtroom you should present a professional appearance to the best degree possible. You do not need to wear business attire, but your clothing should be appropriate for the courtroom. This means that clothing should be clean and well-fitting, and should not be revealing or display offensive writing or slogans. Each judge has different rules for his or her courtroom, but it is generally good practice to err on the side of more conservative clothing. Dress for the season, though it is also a good idea to bring layers, as the courtrooms may sometimes be cold.
Nursing Room
There is a lactation room available for nursing mothers on the third floor of the courthouse. Go to Room 353 for a key to the nursing room.
Children in the Courthouse
There is no childcare available at the McHenry County courthouse. If you have a scheduled court appearance, please be aware that you should not bring your children with you unless a judge has ordered them to testify.
If you are getting married at the courthouse, children are allowed to attend the ceremony subject to capacity.
Parking & Transit
McHenry County Government Center
2200 N. Seminary Avenue (Route 47)
Woodstock, IL 60098
Parking
There is ample free parking available on both sides of the courthouse. The door from the parking lot in the front of the building enters on the first floor of the courthouse. The entry from the parking lot located behind the building enters onto the second floor of the courthouse.
Public Transit
Woodstock is on Metra’s Union Pacific Northwest (UP-NW) line. The train station is located in downtown Woodstock, approximately 2 miles south of the courthouse.
The Michael J. Sullivan Judicial Center is on Pace Bus Route 807 with bus stops located on the government center campus.
Mailing Address
ALL payments, filings and correspondence should be directed to:
McHenry County Circuit Clerk
2200 N. Seminary Avenue
Woodstock, IL 60098-2637
Disability Access
Access to the judicial process is a fundamental right enjoyed by all. The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires all state and local governmental entities, including the courts, to accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities to ensure equal access to court proceedings. For a full policy of the court, and/or to request an accommodation for a disability see the 22nd Circuit ADA Access to Court.
Courthouse Security
It is a good idea to arrive at the courthouse at least 15 minutes before your scheduled business. All persons entering the Michael J. Sullivan Judicial Center are subject to search. All persons entering the Judicial Center must pass through a McHenry County Sheriff Court Security checkpoint. This process helps ensure the safety of all courthouse visitors. You may be asked to remove items from your pockets, remove a belt, and open small purses (small purses are the only bags allowed in the building). The following are considered PROHIBITED ITEMS for entry into the Michael J. Sullivan Judicial Center:
Prohibited Items
- Bags, Large Purses, Backpacks, etc. (Only small purses, wallets, keys, cell phones & court documents allowed) **
- Beverages, whether open or sealed (no glass containers) **
- Any substance or device used for vaping, smoking, chewing **
- Lighters or Matches **
- Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, Weapons of any kind
- Marijuana or any substance containing THC/CBD
- Drug-related paraphernalia
- Objects with a cutting device (knives, scissors, wallet tools, etc.)
- Personal Protection Items (Kubatons, pepper spray, etc.)
- Aerosol spray containers of any substances except inhalers
- Flammable liquids or any other type of liquid in excess of 3.4 ounces/100 milliliters
- Recording devices without prior approval (cameras, tape recorders, etc.)
- Tools (screwdrivers, tape measures, flashlights, etc.)
- Handcuff keys, wallet chains, large or heavy belts or buckles
- Any object that resembles a weapon, can be readily used as a weapon, or that has no legitimate purpose in the Judicial Center
- Items at the discretion of Court Security that are deemed not to be allowed within the Judicial Center
**Exemption allowed to bring in Highlighted Items for:
- ATTORNEYS on official court business
- JURORS displaying a juror card
- EMPLOYEES with valid employee ID
Rules of Conduct
All those entering the McHenry County Courthouse are subject to search. Any behavior which threatens the orderly and secure environment of the courthouse, and its visitors, is prohibited.
Violation of the rules or possession of a prohibited item may result in removal or arrest.
Finding Your Courtroom
After passing through security at the courthouse main entrance, to your right will be a bank of monitors displaying names alphabetically. Find your name on the monitor and note the courtroom listed next to your name. If your name does not appear on the monitors, see the Circuit Clerk in Room 136. Wayfinding kiosks are located on each level of the courthouse to help you find your courtroom location.