When we decided to get married, we knew we wanted a City Hall ceremony, for multiple reasons. The whole time, we planned to get married downtown, but when they stopped taking appointments for awhile, I panicked and called Skokie to see if they still were. This was right before the Delta surge, so I don't know what, if anything, has changed, but at the time, we were allowed 4 people to go in with us. I later on found out downtown resumed taking appointments and made one there, but we kept circling back to Skokie, because again, multiple reasons. Downtown only allowed 2 people to go in, there's no easy parking and we wanted to take some photos at spots up north, so we'd be driving in all sorts of circles in such a short period of time. After much debate, we figured Skokie would be easier to navigate for my mom, easier to hit up our photo locations and allowed us to have 2 extra people, which ended up being really nice and much needed on the actual day. This was a rough day. My mom unexpectedly passed a couple weeks prior and I stopped caring about our wedding plans completely. My friends came through and helped get me out of my sadness long enough to have a wonderful day, and the judge? Well, he was great. We actually ended up having 5 people with us (unintentionally) and he didn't mind. He allowed (only) us to take our masks off and then claimed it was his anniversary day, too. He probably tells that to everyone, or maybe it really was, but he really put a smile on everyone's face. If I remember correctly, we were the 2nd to last to get married, but he didn't rush us. He made sure the photographer got all of her photos, and our friends, too! We had 3 separate cars of people driving here. The first 2 cars were friends we sent ahead to "check-in" for us and let them know we were on our way, since we had to make a quick pit stop after the first photo location. Security was quick to come out and remind us about masks, which we then panicked about when we realized my stepdad didn't have his and my friends who were inside had all the extras. In all that chaos, everything worked out. During covid, at least, they have you check-in, pay the fee (I think it was $10) and then have you wait a little bit before they get started. Each couple, and their party, goes in one at a time and I think they had something like 6 spots per day, which is why it was important to call and make that appointment. I recently remarked to my husband that it would have been nice to have some pictures outside of City Hall, but we had no regrets about choosing this location and there was a spot right out front where we were able to take some really nice photos. read more

This place bites. I needed to get some documents from the vital records office and when we got there, the security guard said that office was closed (I guess that's why there were people pouring out of the building a few minutes after 4 pm). He also told me that apparently the vital records office runs on an appointment only basis. Yet when I made my appointment for the following day, they let folks in who didn't have an appointment. Weird. I don't really love this new development, especially since you don't know about it unless you show up or I guess look at their website beforehand. This is a relatively new system, because when I went to pick up some record a couple years ago from this same office at this courthouse and was able to walk in and do it within fifteen minutes. And when you get there they make you sit directly next to one another--four of us were sitting elbow to below when there were at least a dozen and a half chairs there. If you want to walk in, go downtown for assistance. read more

Skokie Courthouse - Courthouses Near Me - Skokie, Illinois

The lady who eventually helped me was a pro, and very helpful. The walk from the garage to the room I needed was nearly 2 blocks. A lot of cops looking authoritative standing around by the metal detector. Yes, you will need to remove your belt. The place isn't handicap-friendly. Come prepared. read more

If they would answer the phone that would be a good thing. Been trying to obtain a document, getting someone on the phone is like pulling teeth smh read more

The tall gentleman in the Civil Court filing window was very patient, cordial and surprisingly helpful walking me through the E file procedures for a name change. I was totally blown away because usually in the Chicago area the public is usually treated as if they''re in the WelfareLine: mean rude and spoken down to. read more

I got a ticket on 10/29/20 going into the Forest preserve @ 7am to continue my walk as I have for the past 150 days. This time there was a Forest Preserve cop there to give me a ticket for running a stop sign. Anyhow this made it necessary for me to go to the Skokie Courthouse to pay for (are you ready for this?) a $210 dollar ticket plus having to take traffic safety school so the ticket isn't on my record. I went in today 11/02/20 to take care of this and pay for the fine (what a joke). Going into court buildings you are required empty your pockets and go through metal detectors like the airports. In addition because of the Covid protocol you need to get you temperature scanned and asked the normal Covid symptom questions. You are then directed into a line to stand and wait. I ended waiting about 30 minutes. They have only one person handling the people. I got up to the counter expecting to pay the fine and leave, unfortunately the ticket wasn't in their computer system yet so they couldn't accept a credit card payment. I had to leave the building go to my bank & get a money order, then go through the whole screening process and stand in line again. Talk about killing 3-4hrs that should have been a simple in and out. At least the staff was pretty cool. The police officer at the door was very helpful as were the clerks that processed my payment. Still $210 dollars (OUCH) for a stupid ticket read more

Skokie Courthouse - Courthouses Near Me - Skokie, Illinois

Had jury duty and this was my first time at Skokie Courthouse. I'd like to warn people about the parking garage. Every time a car drives by you the garage shakes! It feels like it's about to crumble! Don't know what's up with that and It'd be nice if they had a sign to warn people. I'm giving 5 stars because they had plenty of comfy chairs, WiFi, snacks/coffee machine, a quiet room and every employee was super pleasant and helpful. read more

My now husband and I came here on June 22nd for our scheduled appointment for a courthouse marriage. Our appointment was at 2:30 p.m. though we had to wait awhile before they called our name, turns out it wasn't just us that had the same appointment time. We were the second couple to be called in, the process was extremely quick and easy, and they told us to come back in about 7-10 days for the certified copies of our marriage certificate. I'd recommend the Skokie courthouse for marriage, especially if you're tired of waiting and want something quick during covid. The judges had a mask/face covering on, and we were socially distanced since the podium is a ways away from them. read more

Skokie Courthouse - Skokie courthouse marriage. - Courthouses Near Me - Skokie, Illinois

I didn't come here because I committed any crime, so I suppose this place was good. I came here during the COVID pandemic, so extra precautions were in place, including a line outside of the entrance. I came during the summer month and there is a tent setup, so you don't have to wait in the blazing hot sun. There's decals on the sidewalk to designate social distancing and there is a guard/officer near the front, asking/announcing the protocols and any health issues you may have had, which would prevent you from coming in. Inside, you have to go through a temperature scanner, that takes your body temperature, and then the usual metal detector and xray machine, to make sure you're not packin'. Get past that and you're good to go, to get whatever you need done, done. I've been here in the past for jury duty and such, and the internet is decent. They have private rooms as well, so if you don't want to sit in the general area, you can hunker down with your laptop in a smaller room and netflix n chill read more

Jury duty was fine. What annoys me is that there is a church group out front harassing people as they exit for prayers in Jesus's name. They need to leave. Operating in front of a courthouse is very disturbing. read more

Things have changed drastically since Covid-19 hit us. It's not the normal " in-and-out" going to any courthouse anymore. People standing outside in line, in the ran and snow waiting to get in. Most court calls are on zoom now and I've read horror stories about people not being to zoom in. Don't take a chance on being marked "failed to appear" and having your drivers license suspended. Best advice is to always hire an attorney, even for minor traffic cases such as speeding. You are paying for professional service from legal experts. Pay the lawyer, let him handle it and many times these attorneys can have the traffic violations reduce to lesser violations depending on your driving record and other factors. read more

Well...I guess I'm the only one who had a truly positive experience with the Skokie Courthouse. So, for those haters out there, please don't hate on me. ;-) I needed to obtain a certified document in a pretty big hurry, that typically I'd have to go downtown for. I called someone this morning to explain it would be very difficult for me to get downtown, and the woman I spoke with immediately located the microfilm document number and said she would look it up and call me to see if they could pull up a good copy in Skokie. Sure enough, they called me back and told me to come in. Today was my first time to the Courthouse, and I literally had no issues a at all. I parked in the ramp, checked in, went to the room, there was no line at all, and I was in and out with my certified document in 10 minutes! I don't know, I'd much rather go to this location than downtown any day of the week. Four stars and not five, because I witnessed a supervisor verbally mistreating an employee. I made eye contact with the supervisor to let her know I saw it happen. I could have reported it, but I was just really happy to get my document and get out of there. read more

I visited for jury duty more than once and for several years as an on-site instructor -- become very familiar and always impressed with hard-working, dedicated deputy staff and other veterans. Weddings and other events bring a smile and fond memories, convenient parking -- but probably not the type of place one wants to visit. Helpful staff can be found in various departments and this building is not as large or hectic or stress-inducing as some other Cook County facilities. read more

I went there to do early voting and had to walk what felt like 2 blocks from the parking lot then having the cook county goons remove a hand cuff key from my keychain TO GO VOTE and the answer was NO when I ask if I can collect it when I leave. is this an attempt to keep people from voting by taking property away from disabled individuals if they want to vote??? read more

Had to come here and pay for a ticket....they seem to be always upgrading and constructing or fixing something here, but it is a quick in and out. The people who I had to pay (the cashiers) were friendly and quick to the point. I didn't like the fact that there is no ATM and that they did not take credit or debit. read more

Skokie Courthouse - Courthouses Near Me - Skokie, Illinois

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They need liquid soap in the bathrooms, rather than Dial bar soap, actual food in the cafeterias, and child care--they desperately need a child care facility. It's the least we can do for single mothers with no resources, contacts, and access to day care. read more

Was here only for obtaining a copy of my birth certificate. The pre screening police officers are out of line in regards to conduct. They are extremely rude! I understand their job requires the need to deal with unruly people at times, but some people are at the courthouse for clerical purposes (ME!!) and do not appreciate the attitude. Stop being such assholes to the general public (us little people) and try smiling. It doesn't hurt. read more

My Fiancé and I came in to get our marriage license. Came in on a Friday afternoon, the Friday before Labor Day. The staff was very friendly and seemed to move very efficiently. The wait times were reasonable. I was in and out within 30 min read more

Security is completely rude. They are not helpful and hate their jobs. Totally belittled people for not knowing what to do. I'm sure there are lots of people who would love this job with great benefits. It's unfortunate it belongs to individuals like these. Terrible experience!!!! read more

this place is horrible, long waits, long lines, excessive predatory fees, etc. and don't get me wrong..i havent been there in years for anything i needed but if i were to rejoin the armed forces and needed to go there for an abstract, i'd have to wait forever and liquidate my savings...god forbid i get a traffic ticket and have to see a judge. i'd be bankrupt! employees barely know english and take forever and don't know how to respond to customers. you'd think customer service would also be an ethical essential element to public services that we pay for, but visits here are always discouraging and tiresome. read more

The parking situation is a problem unless you are there for a pick-up and go in at 11 AM or late afternoon - allow extra time . The sheriff's do a good job trying to move people through the security checks - but they are overloaded before trial calls - again allow extra time . Clerks at the desk are as helpful as they can be - but again expect a wait - allow time for that . Fees are high - call and check ahead so they don't take your breath away . Difficult to hear in the courtrooms - not much one can do about that . Washrooms usually in order . Food in cafeteria not appetizing - eat ahead as you cannot bring food in . Law library service good and it is quiet in there - copying available - bring coins if you think you will need to copy from reference books - computer search service available .Don't copy documents down on first floor $.25 a page( copy elsewhere ahead if you can) . But mail service outgoing is right on the first floor if you need to serve . Judge's clerks - some are good - some bad - hard to know ahead . Watch yourself in criminal court - female officer there . I caught lying and she was abusive and foul mouthed ( hard to report this without worrying about retaliation ) .Criminal court in Skokie does not have a great reputation according to the grapevine . I am told the conviction rate is higher in Skokie than in other courts but I am not sure if that is true . read more

Went here for jury duty. Now, I've been (un)lucky enough to be called downtown, but finally got Skokie. This was absolutely 180 degrees from downtown. The lady at the desk here (in the juror room) was so nice, pleasant, courteous and even threw in some humor. She did a great job keeping us informed of what was going on. Was supposed to be there at 9:00 AM. I did get there early allowing extra time to go through the screening at the door, but didn't really need it. Everything moved along. Suggestion: For those complaining, it would help if everyone read the signs: Take EVERYTHING out of your pockets, etc. When you don't, YOU are the one holding us up. Parking was a breeze. Thank you to that woman for actually making this an enjoyable experience. read more

This was my first time ever to at this court house. I was there for traffic court. When I had to go through the check in, the police officers were very rude and very disrespectful. I did not know the procedures and there was no reason for them to be so rude. They acted like they hated their jobs. They are public servants and they are there to serve us and to help us. I will never visit or do business in Niles ever again after this. I wish I knew who to complain to. read more