Clinton County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Clinton County in 2026
ClintonCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Clinton County, Illinois. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, and final dissolution orders. Available record categories may include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, parenting plans, property settlement agreements, and post-judgment modification orders. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Records may be searched through official resources, including the Clinton County Circuit Court Clerk's office, public access terminals located at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by the Illinois Courts system. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking dissolution of marriage records.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Clinton County Circuit Courthouse maintains case records that may be accessible through the court's public access terminals. Basic case information, including party names, case numbers, and filing dates, is available at no charge. Copies of documents may require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
The Illinois Courts system provides a statewide directory and case access resources. Members of the public may search across jurisdictions using the Illinois Courts portal, which consolidates information from circuit courts throughout the state.
3. State Vital Records
The Illinois Department of Public Health maintains dissolution of marriage records at the state level; however, the Division of Vital Records 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
Clerk of Court — Clinton County Circuit Court:
- Address: 850 Fairfax Street, Carlyle, IL 62231
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Phone: (618) 594-2464
- 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
- Receive staff assistance for locating records
Records Department:
Historical and archived dissolution cases may be maintained separately from active files. Cases predating electronic filing systems may exist in paper format and require additional retrieval time. Staff can assist in locating archived records upon request.
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Clinton County Circuit Court Clerk, 850 Fairfax Street, Carlyle, IL 62231
- Include the following with each request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of the divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of the request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy and certification fees
- A 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:
- Clerk of Court: (618) 594-2464
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- The assigned case number
- Current case status
- The original filing date
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted case information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Illinois may access dissolution records on behalf of a client, including requesting documents that may be subject to restricted access. Attorneys may file motions to obtain sealed records upon demonstrating a legitimate legal basis. The Illinois State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation in family law matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date the divorce was finalized
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of the marriage
- Previous addresses in Clinton County
- Names of minor children involved in the proceeding
- 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 the court may enter a judgment of dissolution.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may not appear in electronic systems immediately following the final hearing.
- Records are available within days to several weeks after the judgment is entered.
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format.
- Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
- Some older records may not be digitized and must be retrieved manually.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- The divorce was filed in a different county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case has not yet been finalized
- Very old records stored in off-site archives
- The case has been sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clerk's office at (618) 594-2464
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Illinois Department of Public Health dissolution records index
- Consult a licensed Illinois attorney for complex searches
What Are Clinton County Divorce Records?
Clinton County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Clinton County Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the court's permanent family law case files and are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk as the primary custodian. Pursuant to 750 ILCS 5/102, Illinois law governs the dissolution of marriage and the legal framework under which these records are created and maintained.
Court Case Files
A complete dissolution case file contains the following categories of documents:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders entered during the proceeding
- Transcripts of court hearings, if prepared
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
Final Decree
The final judgment of dissolution is the official court order that legally terminates the marriage. It serves as the primary legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date the marriage was dissolved
- Division of marital property and allocation of debts
- Spousal maintenance provisions, if ordered
- Child custody and parenting time arrangements, if applicable
- Child support obligations, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available from the Clinton County Circuit Court Clerk.
Supporting Documents
Additional documents that may be part of the case file include:
- The original marriage certificate submitted as an exhibit
- Financial disclosure statements and supporting documentation
- Real and personal property inventories
- Post-judgment modification orders entered after the original decree
Purpose of Divorce Records
Legal Purposes:
- Establishing proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documenting name changes for government agencies
- Supporting immigration proceedings and visa applications
- Verifying eligibility for Social Security survivor or spousal benefits
- Facilitating property transfers and estate planning
Personal Purposes:
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal recordkeeping and verification of divorce terms
Who Maintains Divorce Records
The Circuit Court Clerk of Clinton County is the primary custodian of all dissolution of marriage case files. The Illinois Department of Public Health maintains a statewide index of dissolution records but does not issue certified copies; those must be obtained directly from the circuit court clerk in the county of filing.
Are Clinton County Divorce Records Public?
Dissolution of marriage records filed in Clinton County are public court records subject to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140) 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. However, certain categories of information within a dissolution case file are subject to restriction or redaction under state and federal law.
What Is Public
The following information is available to any member of the public:
- Case number and original filing date
- Full names of the petitioner and respondent
- Names of attorneys of record
- Scheduled and completed court hearing dates
- Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries reflecting the chronological history of the case
What May Be Restricted
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all public-facing documents
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns and financial statements may be subject to limited access
Children's Information:
- Residential addresses of minor children
- Names of schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluation records pertaining to children
- Child custody evaluation reports, which may be sealed by court order
- Guardian ad litem reports, which are subject to restricted access
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses of parties in cases involving protective orders
Sealed Records
A court may seal a dissolution case file or specific documents within a file upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public. Parties seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for disclosure.
Who Can Access Records
- General public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees. Photo identification may be required.
- Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents subject to restricted public access.
- Attorneys of record: Have professional access to case files and may petition the court for access to sealed materials.
- Researchers and media: May access the public portions of case files. Access to sealed records requires a court order. First Amendment protections apply to news reporting on matters of public concern.
Restrictions on Use
Access to dissolution records is subject to the following limitations:
- Records may not be used for stalking, harassment, or intimidation
- Information obtained from court records may not be used for identity theft or fraudulent purposes
- Use of records in violation of an existing protective order may constitute a criminal offense
- Commercial exploitation of personal information obtained from court records may be restricted under applicable state law
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Clinton County?
The Clinton County Circuit Court Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with Illinois law. Under 705 ILCS 105/27.1, circuit court clerks are authorized to collect fees for copies and certifications of court records.
Current fees applicable to dissolution of marriage records are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.25–$1.00 per page (varies) |
| Certified copy of final decree | $6.00–$10.00 (varies by document length) |
| Certification seal/stamp | Included with certified copy fee |
| Record search fee | No separate search fee in most cases |
- Inspection of records: Members of the public may inspect public court records at no charge at the courthouse during regular business hours.
- Electronic copies: Availability and fees for electronic copies vary; contact the Clerk's office directly for current pricing.
- Accepted payment methods: The Clerk's office accepts cash, check, and money order. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the Clinton County Circuit Court Clerk.
- Fee waivers: Parties who have been granted a fee waiver (indigency waiver) by the court in connection with their own case may be entitled to copies at reduced or no cost. A separate application may be required.
Clinton County Circuit Court Clerk
850 Fairfax Street
Carlyle, IL 62231
Phone: (618) 594-2464
Clinton County Circuit Courthouse
What's Included in Divorce Records in Clinton County
A dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Clinton County Circuit Court Clerk is a comprehensive collection of documents generated from the initial filing through the entry of the final judgment and any subsequent post-judgment proceedings. The contents of a given file vary depending on whether the case was contested or uncontested, whether minor children were involved, and the complexity of the marital estate.
Basic Case Information
Case Caption:
- Assigned case number
- Court name and judicial circuit
- Full legal names of the petitioner and respondent
- Name of the assigned judge
- Names and contact information of attorneys of record
Filing Information:
- Date the petition was filed
- Filing fees paid and receipts
- Case type designation (dissolution of marriage)
- Basis for jurisdiction
Initial Pleadings
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage:
- Identifying information for both parties
- Date and location of the marriage
- Date of separation, if applicable
- Grounds for dissolution (irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, as required under Illinois law)
- Information regarding minor children, including names and dates of birth
- Claims regarding marital property and debt
- Requests for spousal maintenance, child custody, and child support
Response/Answer:
- Respondent's admissions or denials of the petition's allegations
- Counterpetition, if filed
- Respondent's independent requests for relief
Financial Affidavits:
- Both parties' income from all sources
- Monthly living expenses
- Complete asset inventory, including real property, vehicles, financial accounts, and personal property
- Complete liability inventory, including mortgages, loans, and credit obligations
Discovery Documents
Discovery materials that may be part of the case file include:
- Federal and state tax returns for recent years
- Pay stubs and employer verification documents
- Bank and investment account statements
- Retirement account statements
- Business financial statements, if a party owns a business interest
- Written interrogatories and sworn answers
- Requests for production of documents and responses
Property-Related Documents
- Inventory of marital assets with estimated values
- Inventory of marital debts and liabilities
- Real property appraisals
- Business valuations prepared by qualified experts
- Personal property appraisals for significant items
Children-Related Documents
When minor children are involved, the case file includes:
Parenting Plan:
- Allocation of parental responsibilities (legal custody)
- Primary residential parent designation
- Detailed parenting time schedule, including regular, holiday, and summer provisions
- Transportation and exchange arrangements
- Decision-making authority for education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities
- Relocation restrictions
Child Support:
- Child support calculation worksheet prepared under Illinois guidelines
- Income information for both parties
- Number of overnights allocated to each parent
- Health insurance and childcare cost allocations
- Amount of support ordered and payment schedule
- Income withholding order, if applicable
Custody Evaluations (if ordered):
- Reports prepared by court-appointed psychologists or evaluators
- Home study findings
- Recommendations regarding parental responsibilities and parenting time
- These documents may be subject to restricted access
Guardian ad Litem Reports (if appointed):
- Report of the attorney appointed to represent the children's best interests
- Findings and recommendations
- Subject to restricted access in many cases
Support Documents
Spousal Maintenance:
- Type of maintenance ordered (temporary, rehabilitative, or fixed-term)
- Monthly amount and duration
- Conditions for modification or termination
- Tax treatment provisions
Settlement Documents
Marital Settlement Agreement:
- Comprehensive written agreement resolving all contested issues
- Real property distribution, including transfer instructions
- Division of financial accounts and retirement assets
- Allocation of marital debts
- Spousal maintenance terms
- Child-related provisions, if applicable
- Attorney fee allocation
- Signatures of both parties and notarization
Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO):
- Separate court order directing the division of retirement plan benefits
- Instructions to the plan administrator
- Filed when retirement accounts are divided as part of the property settlement
Court Orders and Judgments
- Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case
- Temporary restraining orders or injunctions, if issued
- Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, including all findings of fact, conclusions of law, and orders
- Judge's signature and court seal
Post-Judgment Documents
- Petitions to modify custody, parenting time, or support
- Court orders on modification petitions
- Contempt motions and orders
- Income deduction orders for support enforcement
- Liens filed in connection with property division
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed
- Social Security numbers (redacted from all public documents)
- Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Residential addresses and school information for minor children
- Mental health evaluation records
- Substance abuse treatment records
- Domestic violence evidence in cases involving protective measures
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Clinton County?
Proof of divorce in Clinton County is obtained through a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage issued by the Clinton County Circuit Court Clerk. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the clerk's certification, making it legally acceptable for remarriage, name change applications, immigration proceedings, and other official purposes.
Members of the public may obtain a certified copy through the following methods:
In Person:
Visit the Clinton County Circuit Court Clerk's office at 850 Fairfax Street, Carlyle, IL 62231, during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.). Present the full names of both parties and the approximate date of the divorce. Staff will locate the case and prepare a certified copy upon payment of the applicable fee.
By Mail:
Submit a written request to the Clinton County Circuit Court Clerk at 850 Fairfax Street, Carlyle, IL 62231. Include the names of both parties, the approximate date of dissolution, the case number if known, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check or money order for the applicable fee payable to the Clinton County Circuit Court Clerk.
State-Level Verification:
As noted by the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Division of Vital Records does not issue certified copies of dissolution records. The circuit court clerk in the county of filing is the sole source of certified copies.
Standardized Forms:
The Illinois Courts system provides standardized forms related to dissolution proceedings, including the Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union, through the divorce, child support, and maintenance forms page. These forms are used in conjunction with court proceedings and are not substitutes for certified copies of judgments.
Clinton County Circuit Court Clerk
850 Fairfax Street
Carlyle, IL 62231
Phone: (618) 594-2464
Clinton County Circuit Courthouse
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Clinton County?
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Clinton County are presumptively public under Illinois law; however, specific documents or entire case files may be made confidential under defined circumstances.
The following categories of information or records may be subject to confidentiality protections:
- Sealed case files: A judge may order an entire case file sealed upon a showing of compelling circumstances, such as cases involving public figures or extraordinary privacy concerns.
- Domestic violence cases: Documents disclosing the address or location of a domestic violence victim may be withheld from public access to protect the safety of the individual.
- Children's information: Residential addresses, school information, and psychological evaluation records pertaining to minor children are subject to restricted access under Illinois Supreme Court rules.
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Records pertaining to mental health treatment or substance abuse rehabilitation are protected under both state and federal law and are not part of the public record.
- Mediation communications: Under 710 ILCS 35/6, communications made during mediation are confidential and are not subject to disclosure in court proceedings or public records requests.
- Sealed settlements: Confidential settlement terms that are not incorporated into the final judgment are not filed with the court and do not become part of the public record.
Members of the public seeking access to restricted or sealed records must file a motion with the Clinton County Circuit Court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for disclosure.
How Long Does Clinton County Keep Divorce Records?
The Clinton County Circuit Court retains dissolution of marriage records in accordance with the Illinois Supreme Court's records retention schedule, which governs the preservation and disposal of court records throughout the state.
Retention periods applicable to dissolution records include the following:
- Final judgments of dissolution: Retained permanently. The final decree is a permanent court record and is not subject to destruction.
- Complete case files (contested dissolution): Retained for a minimum of 20 years following the entry of the final judgment, after which certain non-essential documents may be eligible for disposal in accordance with the retention schedule.
- Complete case files (uncontested dissolution): Retained for a minimum of 7 to 10 years, depending on the nature of the documents and whether minor children were involved.
- Cases involving minor children: Records are retained for a minimum period extending beyond the youngest child's 18th birthday, ensuring availability for post-judgment modification proceedings.
- Post-judgment modification orders: Retained as part of the original case file for the duration of the applicable retention period.
- Archived paper records: Older paper-format records that have not been digitized are maintained in secure storage and remain retrievable upon request, subject to additional processing time.
Members of the public seeking records from cases that may have exceeded standard retention periods should contact the Clinton County Circuit Court Clerk directly to confirm availability.