Jefferson County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Jefferson County in 2026
JeffersonILRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Jefferson County, Illinois. Members of the public may find dissolution of marriage filings, final decrees, case numbers, party names, and related court documents. Available record categories may include:
- Dissolution of marriage petitions
- Final judgments and decrees
- Child custody and support orders
- Property settlement agreements
- Post-judgment modification orders
Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce records in Jefferson County.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Jefferson County Circuit Clerk maintains an online case search portal where members of the public may search dissolution of marriage cases by party name or case number. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for document copies or certified records.
2. State Court System Portal
The Illinois Courts website provides access to standardized forms and procedural information applicable across all Illinois circuit courts, including Jefferson County. The Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice has approved forms that all Illinois courts must accept.
3. State Vital Records
The Illinois Department of Public Health maintains a statewide index of dissolution of marriage records. However, the Illinois Department of Public Health does not issue certified copies of dissolution of marriage records. Certified copies are available exclusively from the circuit court clerk in the county where the divorce was granted.
In-Person Searches
Jefferson County Circuit Clerk — Family Division:
Jefferson County Circuit Clerk
100 S. 10th Street, Room 203
Mount Vernon, IL 62864
Phone: (618) 244-8007
Jefferson County Circuit Clerk
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View filed documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees
- Staff assistance for locating records
- Review of complete dissolution case files
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Jefferson County Circuit Clerk, 100 S. 10th Street, Room 203, Mount Vernon, IL 62864
- Include the following with each request:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, subject to volume and record availability.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Jefferson County Circuit Clerk: (618) 244-8007
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Illinois may access dissolution of marriage case files on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing of cause, and obtain certified copies through professional channels. Members of the public seeking legal representation may consult the Illinois State Bar Association for attorney referral services. Attorney access is particularly useful in complex cases involving sealed records, confidential financial disclosures, or post-judgment enforcement matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Jefferson County
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Illinois are filed in the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. Under 750 ILCS 5/401, one spouse must have been a resident of Illinois for at least 90 days before a dissolution judgment may be entered.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Records may not appear in the online system immediately following a final hearing
- Allow several business days to several weeks for processing after the final judgment is entered
Older Divorces:
- Records predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format
- Archived cases may require additional retrieval time
- Not all historical records have been digitized
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county of filing
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records held in off-site storage
- Case sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Circuit Clerk's office at (618) 244-8007
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Illinois Department of Public Health dissolution index
- Consult an attorney for sealed or restricted records
What Are Jefferson County Divorce Records?
Jefferson County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Jefferson County Circuit Court. These records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk of Jefferson County, which serves as the primary custodian of all family law case files, including traffic, criminal, divorce, small claims, probate, adoption, juvenile, and orders of protection matters.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files include the complete record of a dissolution proceeding:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits from both parties
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and hearing transcripts
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
Final Decree is the official court order terminating the marriage. It establishes:
- The legal date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Spousal maintenance, if ordered
- Child custody and parenting time arrangements, if applicable
- Child support obligations, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Supporting Documents filed in the case record may include:
- Original marriage certificate
- Financial disclosure statements
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Post-judgment modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Dissolution records serve numerous legal and personal purposes, including:
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Name change documentation
- Property transfer and title proceedings
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration and naturalization proceedings
- Social Security benefit determinations
- Genealogical and family history research
Legal Framework:
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Illinois are governed by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, 750 ILCS 5/101 et seq., which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for all dissolution actions filed in Illinois circuit courts, including Jefferson County.
Are Jefferson County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Jefferson County Circuit Court are public court records subject to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.) and applicable Illinois Supreme Court Rules governing access to court records. Members of the public may access basic case information and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or purpose.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all public filings pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
- Salary and income details may carry partial restrictions
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted
- Schools children attend are not disclosed in public records
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children may be sealed
- Guardian ad litem reports are restricted
- Child custody evaluations ordered by the court may be sealed
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
- Mediation communications are confidential by statute
Sealed Records:
A court may seal dissolution records upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor | Access Level |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents and docket entries |
| Parties to the case | Full access to own case file |
| Licensed attorneys | Case files; sealed records upon proper showing |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission for sealed records |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to restricted records |
Prohibited Uses:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation
- Identity theft or fraud
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Commercial exploitation where prohibited by law
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Jefferson County?
The Jefferson County Circuit Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with Illinois statutory authority. Current fees applicable to dissolution of marriage records are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copy of judgment or decree | $6.00 per document |
| Certification fee (seal and signature) | Included in certified copy fee |
| Electronic copy (where available) | Varies; contact clerk |
| Search fee | No separate search fee currently assessed |
- Accepted payment methods at the Jefferson County Circuit Clerk's office include cash, check, and money order made payable to the Jefferson County Circuit Clerk. Members of the public should confirm current accepted payment methods directly with the clerk's office prior to submitting a mail request.
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent parties. Members of the public who are parties to a dissolution proceeding and who qualify under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 298 may petition the court for a waiver of fees associated with obtaining copies of their own case records.
- Inspection of public court records at the courthouse is available at no charge. Fees apply only when copies or certified documents are requested.
- The Illinois Clerks of Courts Act (705 ILCS 105/27.1) governs the fees that circuit court clerks may charge for copies and certifications of court records statewide.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Jefferson County
A complete dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Jefferson County Circuit Clerk contains the following categories of documents:
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record for each party
- Filing date and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage, including marriage date and location, date of separation if applicable, grounds for dissolution (irretrievable breakdown under Illinois no-fault law), children's information, property claims, and relief requested
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Counterpetition, if filed
- Financial affidavits from both parties disclosing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
Discovery Documents:
- Financial disclosure statements
- Interrogatories and answers under oath
- Requests for production of documents
- Tax returns, pay stubs, bank and investment account statements
- Retirement account statements and loan documents
- Business financial statements, if applicable
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory covering real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investment and retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property
- Debt inventory covering mortgages, car loans, credit card debt, and other liabilities
- Appraisals and expert valuations of real property, businesses, and personal property
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, parenting time schedule, holiday and vacation provisions, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support calculation worksheet, income information, and support order
- Custody evaluations ordered by the court
- Guardian ad litem reports, which may be restricted from public access
Support Documents:
- Spousal maintenance order specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Income and standard-of-living analysis supporting maintenance determination
Settlement Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement resolving all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions
- Mediation agreement, if the case was mediated (mediation communications remain confidential)
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage including findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody and parenting time, and name restoration if requested
- Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), if retirement accounts were divided
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders and liens
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted per Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details, which may be sealed by court order
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications, which are confidential by statute
- Trade secrets contained in business valuations
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Jefferson County
Proof of divorce in Jefferson County takes the form of a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage, issued by the Jefferson County Circuit Clerk. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature and constitutes legally recognized proof that a dissolution was granted by the court.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the case number by searching the Jefferson County Circuit Clerk's online case search or by contacting the clerk's office directly.
- Submit a request in person at the clerk's office, by mail, or through any available electronic request process.
- Provide the full names of both parties, the approximate date of the divorce, and the case number if known.
- Pay the applicable certification fee (currently $6.00 per certified document).
- Receive the certified copy in person or by mail, depending on the method of request.
Members of the public who need only to verify that a dissolution occurred — without obtaining a full certified copy — may request a written confirmation of case status from the clerk's office. The Illinois Department of Public Health vital records office maintains a statewide dissolution index and may confirm whether a dissolution record exists, but does not issue certified copies.
Jefferson County Circuit Clerk
100 S. 10th Street, Room 203
Mount Vernon, IL 62864
Phone: (618) 244-8007
Jefferson County Circuit Clerk
Jefferson County County Clerk & Recorder — Vital Records
100 S. 10th Street
Mount Vernon, IL 62864
Phone: (618) 244-8000
Vital Records — Jefferson County
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Jefferson County?
Dissolution of marriage records filed in Jefferson County Circuit Court carry a presumption of public access under Illinois law; however, specific categories of information and, in limited circumstances, entire case files may be treated as confidential.
Circumstances under which records or portions of records may be confidential:
- Court-ordered sealing: A party may petition the court to seal a dissolution case file upon a demonstrated showing of good cause, such as safety concerns, ongoing domestic violence, or the presence of highly sensitive personal information.
- Redaction of identifying information: Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138 requires that Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar sensitive identifiers be redacted from all publicly accessible court filings.
- Children's information: Names, addresses, and school information pertaining to minor children may be withheld from public access to protect the welfare of the children involved.
- Domestic violence cases: Where a dissolution proceeding involves allegations of domestic violence or an active order of protection, the court may restrict access to specific documents or the entire file to protect the safety of the victim.
- Mediation records: Communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not part of the public court record under 750 ILCS 5/602.10.
- Mental health and medical records: Evaluations and records pertaining to mental health or substance abuse treatment are restricted from public disclosure.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed or restricted dissolution records must file a motion with the Jefferson County Circuit Court and demonstrate a legally sufficient basis for access.
How Long Does Jefferson County Keep Divorce Records?
Jefferson County Circuit Court retains dissolution of marriage records in accordance with the Illinois Supreme Court's records retention schedule, which establishes minimum retention periods for all circuit court case files.
Retention periods applicable to dissolution records:
- Final judgments of dissolution: Retained permanently. The final judgment of dissolution of marriage is a permanent court record and is not subject to destruction.
- Complete case files (contested dissolution): Retained for a minimum of 20 years from the date of the final judgment under the Illinois Supreme Court Records Retention Schedule.
- Complete case files (uncontested dissolution): Retained for a minimum of 20 years from the date of the final judgment.
- Post-judgment modification orders: Retained as part of the original case file for the same period applicable to the underlying dissolution case.
- Archived paper records: Older dissolution records that predate electronic filing are maintained in paper or microfilm format and may require additional retrieval time when requested.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's case management system and are accessible through the clerk's online portal for the duration of the retention period.
The Illinois Supreme Court's records retention requirements are established pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 21 and applicable administrative orders governing circuit court records management. Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the Jefferson County Circuit Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.