When people buy and sell property (land and buildings) from each other, it is important to know who has legal rights to the property. Problems can occur when multiple people claim to have rights to the same piece of property.

In order to help avoid property rights disputes, local governments have set up property recording systems, which are a way of making public documents related to a specific piece of property. These recording systems are managed by the local county recorder's office. In Cook County, the County Recorder's Office is part of the Cook County Clerk's Office.

What is the county recorder's office?

The county recorder's office is responsible for keeping records of all property within their county. These records include a history of all sales, mortgages, and other transactions related to a piece of property. Any person can go to the county recorder's office to see who has legal rights to the property.

In 2020, the Cook County Recorder's Office was merged into the Cook County Clerk's Office. You can still get the same documents from the Cook County Clerk. 

What documents are filed with the county recorder's office?

The most important document to file with the county recorder's office is the deed to your property. This lets others know that you are the legal owner of the property.

When you are buying property, it is important that you search the county recorder's office records. You or your real estate agent can do this. The search will tell you if anyone else has a legal claim to the property. This claim could be based on a deed, mortgage, lease, or another right to the property. It is important to be aware of any competing property rights. That way, you know what you are getting with your purchase.

Other types of documents are commonly filed with the county recorder's office, including:

• Mortgages,
• Leases,
• Liens,
• Easements,
• Condominium Declarations, and
• Notices of pending lawsuits regarding the property (called Lis Pendens).

What are the costs of filing?

The county recorder's office charges you for filing documents with them. Fees are set by state laws and county ordinances. The filing costs are different depending on the type of document and the county the property is in. However, all counties must charge a minimum filing fee of $21.

As of January 1, 2019, counties are also required to implement predictable fee schedules for filings with the county recorder's office. The purpose of these fee schedules is to avoid surcharges that differ based on the information contained in the document.

How do I know what document to file?

The county recorder often provides common forms of the types of documents that may be recorded. Some of these forms are designed so that an individual can complete the form without legal training. Some documents are more complex and you may need to talk with an attorney.

How do I file a document?

Most county recorders allow you to file a document in person at their offices. Some county recorders allow you to mail the documents to the county recorder; you will want to verify the specific address for mailing items to be recorded, as well as any other instructions for mailing. Certain entities can also record documents electronically, but you would need to find an entity that is willing to record the document on your behalf.