Winnebago County Courthouse

The Winnebago County Legal Self-Help Center provides legal information to Winnebago County residents about their legal rights and responsibilities, instructions on how to handle common legal problems, assistance with some legal documents and forms, and referrals to free and low-cost legal services.

The Legal Self-Help Center does not provide legal advice to its patrons. Instead, it offers legal information to customers on such topics as instructions for available forms, answers to general legal questions, and information on court procedures.

Address

400 West State Street
Room 304 (inside the Law Library)
Rockford, IL 61101
United States

Hours of operation
Currently: closed
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday: 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday: 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Friday: 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Saturday: Closed
Amenities:

This center offers

Computers & Internet
WiFi
Online court forms
Paper court forms
Online legal info
Printed legal info
Online referrals to legal help
Referrals to legal aid
Website navigator
Court navigator
Printers

Notes

  • Printing: $0.15 cents per page; no charge for court forms and documents related to fee waivers
  • Website navigator: Navigation help is provided during open hours

  • JusticeCorps members help people navigate the courthouse, give general legal information, and connect people to helpful resources. Members also provide referrals to local social service agencies and legal aid organizations. JusticeCorps members are located in the Winnebago Law Library & Self-Help Center on the 3rd Floor.

This center does not provide:
  • Scanners
  • "Lawyer in the library" program

Common legal issues

Order of Protection basics
Explains who is eligible to ask for an Order of Protection. Also includes what they can ask a judge to include in it. This is also called a "restraining order."
Getting a divorce
Explains the divorce process, including the difference between contested and uncontested divorce. Also describes how you qualify and what you can expect during the process.
Getting a Stalking No Contact Order
Explains what a Stalking No Contact Order (SNCO) is. Defines "stalking" and explains how an SNCO can help a victim.
Getting guardianship of a child
Explains how to get the legal right to take care of a child if their parent cannot or will not take care of the child.