Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)What does the Recorder's Office do?The Recorder's Office is established by Illinois State statute as the legal repository for land records in Will County. In essence, we are a government library for documents concerning the ownership of property. When a document is recorded, our office assigns it a unique Document Recording Number, and then enters the document information into a county-wide database. Copies of the actual document are stored both on microfilm and on digital media, and the original is returned to the owner. The Office stores copies of recorded documents dating back to Will County's inception in 1836. We can provide copies of all documents on record, per our set fee schedule. Where is the Recorder's Office located?We are located on the first floor and lower level of the Executive Centre, 58 East Clinton Street in downtown Joliet. Click here for additional information regarding our location. Does the Recorder's Office keep my original document after recording?No. Our office will keep your document for 1-2 weeks for processing, and then it will be returned directly to you by U.S. mail or through the title company, attorney, or lender that recorded it for you. Can you help me take a deceased spouse or relative off of my deed?The Recorder's Office cannot assist you in completing documents to alter or transfer property ownership, nor can we advise you on what documents you need to execute. Since the exact type of recording instrument and language you should use may depend upon several factors, including the type of deed and time of death of your loved one, we recommend that you secure the advice of a licensed attorney. Can you help me get a copy of the most recent survey of my lot?We are sorry, but surveys are not typically recorded in the recorders office. Contact your lender or title company for this information. What is the Geographic Information System Fee increase?The Illinois State Legislature passed a law which grants Illinois counties the authority to assess an additional $3.00 to be collected at the time of Recording to defray the cost of building a County GIS (Geographic Information System). The Will County Board approved the collection of this fee on May 17, 2001. Collection of the GIS fee goes into effect on August 1, 2001. Does the Recorder's Office have copies of birth, marriage, and death records?Not generally. If the birth, marriage, or death took place in Will county, the documents are archived by the Will County Clerk's Office, which is located in the Will County Office Building at 302 N. Chicago Street, in downtown Joliet. Their phone number is (815) 740-4615. Occasionally, individuals born outside of Will County (in other counties, states or even other countries) choose to record their vital records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates with the Recorder's Office so that copies of them are readily available locally. Doing so is completely optional, and not required by any local, State, or Federal laws. Should I record my will in the Recorder's Office?Generally, because of privacy concerns and other issues, we do not recommend that you record your will in our office. Keep in mind that ALL recorded documents, including your will, become PUBLIC RECORD, and can be viewed by anyone with the desire to see them at any time. Typically, wills are placed in the safe keeping of a trusted attorney, or held in a safety deposit box or other protected place that can be accessed by family or friends after your passing. If you TRULY want to record your will in our office, we will allow you to do so at the rates outlined in our Fee Schedule. Does the Recorder's Office have Real Estate Transfer Declarations specific to Will County?No. The Illinois Real Estate Transfer Declaration (PTAX-203 & PTAX-203A) are forms created and required by the State of Illinois. As such, these forms are not specific to any one county, and may be used in all counties throughout Illinois. You may download these forms and their respective instructions and/or fill out the form online with the Illinois Department of Revenue by visiting our Forms and Downloads page. Which cities in Will County require Municipal Transfer Stamps to be purchased before recording?There are several municipalities which require municipal stamps prior to recording. Each of these municipalities is listed below with a corresponding telephone number for your convenience. This list does include all exempt properties which require a $0 stamp in all municipalities.
Can I get lien and/or lien waiver forms from the Recorder's Office?The variety and complexity of these forms is so great that our office cannot provide them. We suggest that you contact a title company or office supply store. |
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Copyright 2001 © Will County Recorder. All rights reserved.
Updated: 01/02/04
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