Our Legal Self-Help Centers make available correct and current information on Illinois law and court proceedings. A navigator is present during normal working hours to assist individuals with using the available computer and print resources. Be advised, Navigators and employees of the Circuit Clerk’s Office cannot give out legal advice or tell you which forms to fill out.
Visit one of our self-help centers in person, use our Online Self Help Center to the right or visit ILAO for more resources and information.
Winnebago County Self-Help Center
Winnebago County Courthouse
400 West State Street, Room 304 (inside the law library)
Rockford, Illinois 61101
Navigator's Hours: 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday
815-319-4526 or
Boone County Self-Help Center
Boone County Courthouse
601 North Main Street (inside the law library)
Belvidere, Illinois 61008
Navigator's Hours: 10 am to 2 pm Monday through Friday
815-547-8083
Researching the Law
Where can you go?
The Law Library is the best place to go to do legal research. Law librarians can help point you in the right direction.
Click here to visit our Law Library page to learn more. Most circuit courthouses in Illinois have law libraries, but be sure to check their local websites for exact information.
You can do research on the internet or at public or university libraries.
What can you find?
Legal materials come from two types of sources
- Primary Sources
A primary source is a direct source of information that has not been changed or interpreted by a third party. Examples of primary sources include the Constitution, State Statutes or Case Law. This is the strongest source of information. - Secondary Sources
A secondary source comes from third parties (e.g. professors) who either comment on or analyze the law. Examples include law reviews or encyclopedias. This can help support the information given by primary sources.
