Marion County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Marion County in 2026
MarionCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Marion County, Illinois. Members of the public may find case summaries, final decrees, dissolution filings, property division orders, and related court documents. Available record categories may include petitions for dissolution of marriage, final judgments, child custody orders, spousal support determinations, and post-judgment modifications. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Divorce records in Marion County are maintained by the Marion County Circuit Clerk and may be searched through official court resources, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking dissolution of marriage records.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Marion County Circuit Clerk maintains court records for all civil and family law cases filed in the county. Basic case information, including party names, case numbers, filing dates, and case status, is available at no charge. Copies of documents may require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
The Illinois Courts website provides access to statewide court information, approved forms, and procedural guidance. Members of the public may use this portal to locate case information across multiple Illinois jurisdictions and access standardized forms for dissolution proceedings.
3. State Vital Records
The Illinois Department of Public Health maintains a statewide index of dissolution of marriage records. As the Department notes, it "does not issue certified copies of dissolution of marriage records. Certified copies are available from the circuit court clerk in the county where the divorce was granted." The state index may be used to confirm that a dissolution occurred and to identify the county of filing.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Marion County Circuit Clerk
Marion County Circuit Clerk
100 E. Main Street
Salem, IL 62881
Phone: (618) 548-3856
Circuit Clerk | Marion County, Illinois
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 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 and orders
- Staff assistance for locating records
By Mail
Members of the public may submit written requests for divorce records to the Marion County Circuit Clerk. Mail requests to:
Marion County Circuit Clerk
100 E. Main Street
Salem, IL 62881
Written requests should include:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of the divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
Processing time for mail requests is typically one to two weeks, depending on case volume and whether records require retrieval from archives.
By Phone
The Marion County Circuit Clerk may be reached at (618) 548-3856 during regular business hours. Staff can confirm whether a case exists, provide the case number, and advise on case status and filing date. Detailed document contents and copies of filed materials are not available by telephone.
Through Attorneys
Licensed Illinois attorneys may access court records on behalf of clients and may petition the court for access to sealed or restricted materials upon a showing of good cause. Members of the public seeking legal representation may consult the Illinois State Bar Association for attorney referral services.
Information Needed for Search
To conduct an effective search, the following information is recommended:
- Full legal names of both spouses, including maiden names
- Approximate date of the divorce or filing
- Case number, if previously obtained
- Marriage date and county of residence at the time of filing
Search in the Correct County
Under Illinois law, a petition for dissolution of marriage must be filed in the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties or consult the Illinois Department of Public Health's statewide dissolution index to identify the correct jurisdiction.
Residency Requirement
Pursuant to 750 ILCS 5/401, one spouse must have been a resident of Illinois for at least 90 days before a judgment of dissolution may be entered. The petition is filed in the county of that spouse's residence.
Time Considerations
Recent dissolution cases may not appear in online systems immediately following the final hearing. Members of the public should allow several business days to weeks for records to be processed and indexed. Older cases, particularly those predating electronic filing, may be archived and require additional retrieval time. Cases filed prior to the adoption of electronic records management may not be fully digitized.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
If a record cannot be located, common causes include:
- The case was filed in a different county
- Name variations or spelling differences between maiden and married names
- The case remains pending and has not been finalized
- The record is archived and requires a special retrieval request
- The case has been sealed by court order
Members of the public experiencing difficulty locating a record may contact the Circuit Clerk's office at (618) 548-3856, attempt alternate name spellings, search under both spouses' names, or consult the Illinois Department of Public Health's dissolution index.
What Are Marion County Divorce Records?
Marion County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Marion County Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the court's permanent family law case files and are maintained by the Circuit Clerk as the official custodian of record.
Types of Divorce Records
Divorce case files in Marion County contain a range of documents depending on whether the dissolution was contested or uncontested:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage — the initiating pleading filed by the petitioner, identifying both parties, the marriage date, grounds for dissolution, and relief requested
- Response or Answer — the respondent's formal reply, including any counterpetition
- Financial Affidavits — sworn statements of income, expenses, assets, and liabilities submitted by both parties
- Parenting Plans — detailed agreements or court orders governing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedules, and decision-making authority
- Marital Settlement Agreement — a comprehensive written agreement resolving all contested issues, including property division, debt allocation, and support
- Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage — the court's official order terminating the marriage, signed by the presiding judge
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) — separate orders directing the division of retirement plan benefits
- Post-Judgment Modifications — subsequent petitions and orders modifying custody, support, or other terms
Purpose of Divorce Records
Dissolution records serve numerous legal and personal purposes, including:
- Establishing proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documenting name changes
- Supporting immigration proceedings and Social Security benefit claims
- Facilitating property transfers and estate planning
- Providing documentation for 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. This statute establishes the grounds for dissolution, procedural requirements, and the framework for property division, support, and parenting arrangements. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140/1 et seq., governs public access to government records, including court documents maintained by county offices.
The Illinois Department of Public Health maintains a statewide dissolution of marriage index, though certified copies of decrees are issued exclusively by the circuit court clerk in the county of filing.
Are Marion County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Marion County Circuit Court are public court records subject to the presumption of public access under Illinois law. Members of the public may inspect and obtain copies of most documents in a dissolution case file without demonstrating a specific need or purpose.
What Is Public
The following categories of information are accessible to the general public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of both parties and their attorneys
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and disposition
What May Be Restricted
Certain categories of information within divorce case files are subject to redaction or restricted access:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138
- Bank account numbers and credit card numbers are similarly redacted
- Detailed tax returns and financial statements may be subject to limited access
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be restricted in cases involving safety concerns
- Custody evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and psychological assessments of children may be sealed by court order
- Schools attended by minor children and medical information are protected
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations, protective order proceedings, and related evidence may be sealed to protect victim safety
- Mental health records, substance abuse treatment information, and medical records incorporated into case files are subject to applicable privacy protections
Sealed Records
A court may seal all or part of a dissolution case file upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public. Parties seeking access to sealed materials must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for disclosure.
Who Can Access Records
- General public: Access to all non-restricted, non-sealed documents; may be required to present identification and pay copying fees
- Parties to the case: Full access to their own case file, including materials otherwise restricted from public view
- Attorneys of record: Access to complete case files on behalf of clients; may petition for sealed materials
- Researchers and media: Access to public portions of case files; First Amendment considerations apply to news reporting on matters of public concern
Prohibited Uses
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use such information for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates an existing protective order or Illinois law.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Marion County?
The Marion County Circuit Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of court records. Current fees are established pursuant to 705 ILCS 105/27.1, which governs clerk fees in Illinois circuit courts.
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $6.00 (first page) + $0.50 per additional page |
| Certification fee | $6.00 |
| Electronic copy (if available) | Varies; contact clerk |
| Search fee | No separate search fee at present |
- Inspection of records at public access terminals in the courthouse is available at no charge.
- Certified copies of the final judgment of dissolution are the most commonly requested documents and carry the certification fee in addition to per-page copy charges.
- Payment methods accepted by the Marion County Circuit Clerk include cash, money order, and checks made payable to the Marion County Circuit Clerk. Members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods directly with the clerk's office prior to submitting mail requests.
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent parties. Members of the public seeking a fee waiver must file a petition with the court demonstrating financial inability to pay. The court forms page maintained by the Marion County Circuit Clerk provides access to applicable fee waiver petition forms.
- Basic case information, including case number, filing date, and case status, is available at no charge through the clerk's public access terminals and online case search tools.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Marion County
A complete dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Marion County Circuit Clerk contains documents generated at every stage of the proceeding. The scope of the file varies depending on whether the case was contested or resolved by agreement.
Basic Case Information
Every case file includes a case caption identifying the court, case number, names of the petitioner and respondent, the assigned judge, and attorneys of record. Filing information reflects the date the petition was filed, fees paid, and the jurisdictional basis for the proceeding.
Initial Pleadings
The petition for dissolution of marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the marriage date and location, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for dissolution (in Illinois, irretrievable breakdown of the marriage under 750 ILCS 5/401), information regarding minor children, and the relief requested. The respondent's answer or counterpetition, if filed, is also part of the record.
Financial Affidavits and Discovery
Both parties are required to submit financial affidavits disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets, and liabilities. Discovery materials, including interrogatories, requests for production, tax returns, bank statements, and investment account records, may be incorporated into the case file.
Property-Related Documents
The case file contains inventories of marital and non-marital assets, including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property. Debt inventories, appraisals, and expert valuations are included where applicable.
Children-Related Documents
In cases involving minor children, the file contains the parenting plan or allocation judgment, child support calculation worksheets, income information for both parties, and any custody evaluation reports or guardian ad litem recommendations. The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice has approved standardized forms for divorce, child support, and maintenance proceedings, which are incorporated into case files when used.
Support Documents
Spousal maintenance orders, if any, specify the type, amount, duration, and termination conditions of support. Calculation worksheets and supporting financial documentation are part of the record.
Settlement Documents
In uncontested cases, the marital settlement agreement constitutes the primary resolution document, addressing all issues of property, debt, support, and parenting. Mediation agreements, where applicable, may be incorporated by reference.
Court Orders and Final Judgment
Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case, including temporary custody, support, and restraining orders, are part of the file. The final judgment of dissolution of marriage is the court's definitive order terminating the marriage and resolving all pending issues. It bears the judge's signature and the court's seal.
Post-Judgment Documents
Petitions to modify custody, support, or other terms, along with the court's orders on those petitions, are filed in the original case and become part of the permanent record. Contempt motions, income deduction orders, and enforcement actions are similarly included.
Confidential or Redacted Information
The following categories of information are redacted or restricted from public access within case files:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence evidence and related sealed materials
- Mental health and substance abuse records
- Mediation communications, which are confidential under Illinois law
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Marion County?
Proof of divorce in Marion County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage, issued by the Marion 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.
Members of the public may obtain a certified copy through the following methods:
In Person
Present at the Marion County Circuit Clerk's office at 100 E. Main Street, Salem, IL 62881, during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Provide the case number or the full names of both parties and the approximate date of dissolution. Pay the applicable certification and per-page copy fees.
By Mail
Submit a written request to the Marion County Circuit Clerk at 100 E. Main Street, Salem, IL 62881. Include the names of both parties, the approximate date of dissolution, the case number if known, requestor contact information, payment for fees, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
State Vital Records Index
The Illinois Department of Public Health maintains a dissolution of marriage records index for dissolutions granted in Illinois. While the Department does not issue certified copies, the index may be used to confirm that a dissolution occurred and to identify the county of filing, after which a certified copy may be requested from the appropriate circuit clerk.
Illinois Courts Standardized Forms
Members of the public initiating or responding to dissolution proceedings may access approved divorce, child support, and maintenance forms through the Illinois Courts website. These forms are approved by the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice for use in circuit court proceedings statewide.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Marion County?
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Marion County are presumptively public, but Illinois law and court rules permit certain records or portions of records to be sealed or restricted under defined circumstances.
The following categories of information may be subject to confidentiality protections:
- Domestic violence cases: Courts may seal records or portions of records to protect the safety of victims of domestic violence, including residential addresses and contact information
- Children's information: Names, addresses, schools, and medical information pertaining to minor children may be restricted, particularly where disclosure could endanger the child
- Mental health and medical records: Records pertaining to mental health treatment, substance abuse, or medical conditions incorporated into case files are subject to applicable state and federal privacy protections, including HIPAA
- Mediation communications: Under Illinois law, communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not part of the public record
- Sealed cases: A party may petition the court to seal all or part of a case file upon a demonstrated showing of good cause; the court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties
- Redacted financial identifiers: Pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138, Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar identifiers are redacted from all publicly accessible court documents
Members of the public seeking to seal records must file a motion with the Marion County Circuit Court. The court's decision is made on a case-by-case basis, and parties receive notice of any sealing petition.
How Long Does Marion County Keep Divorce Records?
Marion County Circuit Court divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Illinois court records retention requirements established by the Illinois Supreme Court.
Retention periods for dissolution of marriage records are as follows:
- Final judgments of dissolution of marriage: Retained permanently as part of the court's permanent record
- Complete case files (contested cases): Retained for a minimum of 20 years following the close of the case under Illinois Supreme Court records retention schedules
- Complete case files (uncontested cases): Retained for a minimum of 7 years following the close of the case, though many counties retain these records for longer periods
- Post-judgment modification files: Retained as part of the original case file for the duration of the applicable retention period
- Archived records: Cases beyond the active retention period may be transferred to archival storage; retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time and advance notice to the clerk's office
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's electronic case management system; older paper records may be partially digitized
Members of the public seeking records from cases closed many years ago should contact the Marion County Circuit Clerk directly at (618) 548-3856 to confirm availability and retrieval procedures. Illinois court records retention schedules are established by the Illinois Supreme Court and apply uniformly to all circuit courts in the state.