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Sangamon County Divorce Records

What Are Sangamon County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Sangamon County are official legal documents that provide documentation of the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are maintained by the Sangamon County Circuit Clerk's Office and are governed by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act § 750 ILCS 5.

Divorce records typically consist of several components:

  • Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
  • Summons
  • Response to the Petition
  • Financial Affidavits
  • Marital Settlement Agreement
  • Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage
  • Post-decree motions and orders (if applicable)

These records serve multiple important purposes, including:

  • Providing legal proof of marital status change
  • Enabling individuals to legally remarry
  • Supporting name change processes
  • Documenting eligibility for Social Security benefits
  • Verifying marital status for loan applications
  • Establishing marital history for immigration matters

The Seventh Judicial Circuit Court of Sangamon County processes and maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. Divorce records are part of the county's vital records system, which documents significant life events of county residents.

Are Sangamon County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records in Sangamon County have a complex public access status that varies depending on the specific document type and information contained therein. Generally, court divorce case files are considered public records under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act § 5 ILCS 140, but with significant exceptions.

The public accessibility of divorce records is subject to the following conditions:

  • Court Proceedings: Most divorce hearings and trials are open to the public, and the resulting court documents become part of the public record.

  • Restricted Information: Certain sensitive information within divorce files may be redacted or restricted, including:

    • Social Security numbers
    • Financial account numbers
    • Names of minor children
    • Victim information in cases involving domestic violence
    • Medical and mental health information

  • Sealed Records: In some cases, divorce records may be sealed by court order if the judge determines that privacy interests outweigh the public's right to access. This typically occurs in high-profile cases or those involving significant safety concerns.

  • Certified Divorce Certificates: These documents have restricted access and are generally only available to:

    • The parties named in the divorce
    • Legal representatives with proper authorization
    • Individuals with a direct interest who can demonstrate a need for the record

The Illinois Department of Public Health maintains a central registry of divorce records but does not issue certified copies. These must be obtained from the circuit court clerk in Sangamon County where the divorce was granted.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Sangamon County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Sangamon County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The following steps outline the current procedure for obtaining divorce records:

  1. Determine the appropriate office: Divorce records are maintained by the Sangamon County Circuit Clerk's Office.

  2. Gather necessary information: Before initiating a search, compile the following details:

    • Full names of both parties (including maiden names if applicable)
    • Approximate date of divorce
    • Case number (if known)

  3. Submit a records request: Requestors may submit their inquiry through one of these methods:

    • In-person at the Circuit Clerk's Office
    • By mail with a written request
    • Online through the county's electronic records system (if available)

  4. Complete required forms: The Circuit Clerk requires completion of a Record Search Request form, which can be obtained from the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court forms page.

  5. Pay applicable fees: Record searches in Sangamon County currently require a fee of $4.00 per year searched. Additional fees apply for copies of documents:

    • Regular copies: $2.00 per page
    • Certified copies: $5.00 per document plus copy fees

  6. Present identification: For certified copies or restricted records, proper identification must be presented to verify eligibility.

Sangamon County Circuit Clerk's Office
200 South 9th Street, Room 405
Springfield, IL 62701
(217) 753-6674
Sangamon County Circuit Clerk

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Sangamon County Online?

Sangamon County provides limited online access to divorce records through its electronic court records system. The following procedure outlines how to conduct an online search for divorce records:

  1. Access the Sangamon County Judicial Case Inquiry System: This system is accessible through the Sangamon County Courts website.

  2. Register for an account: First-time users must create an account with valid contact information.

  3. Select the appropriate search parameters:

    • Choose "Domestic Relations" as the case type
    • Enter known information such as:
      • Party names (last name, first name)
      • Case number (if known)
      • Filing date range

  4. Review search results: The system will display basic case information including:

    • Case number
    • Filing date
    • Party names
    • Case status
    • Judge assigned

  5. Note limitations: The online system typically provides only:

    • Case docket information (chronological list of filings)
    • Basic case status information
    • Limited document access

  6. Request complete records: For comprehensive records or certified copies, users must still contact the Circuit Clerk's office directly, as not all documents are available online.

  7. Pay applicable fees: Online access may require payment of search fees via credit card.

For cases filed before the implementation of electronic filing, records may not be available online and will require an in-person or written request to the Sangamon County Circuit Clerk.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Sangamon County?

While most official divorce record searches in Sangamon County involve fees, there are limited options for accessing basic divorce information at no cost:

  1. Public access terminals: The Sangamon County Circuit Clerk's Office provides public access terminals where individuals may conduct basic case searches at no charge. These terminals are available during regular business hours:

    • Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
    • Excluding county holidays

  2. Law library resources: The Sangamon County Law Library, located within the courthouse, offers free access to certain public records:

    Sangamon County Law Library
    200 South 9th Street, Room 600
    Springfield, IL 62701
    (217) 753-6310

  3. Online case information: Basic case information may be viewed through the Sangamon County Courts website without charge, though detailed documents typically require payment.

  4. Newspaper archives: For older divorce cases, local newspaper archives may contain public notices of divorce filings. These can be accessed at:

    Lincoln Library - Springfield Public Library
    326 South 7th Street
    Springfield, IL 62701
    (217) 753-4900

  5. Illinois State Archives: For historical divorce records, the Illinois State Archives may provide access to certain records without fees:

    Illinois State Archives
    Margaret Cross Norton Building
    Springfield, IL 62756
    (217) 782-4682

It is important to note that while basic case information may be available without charge, obtaining copies of actual divorce documents will typically involve fees as established by 705 ILCS 105/27.2a, which governs circuit court fees.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Sangamon County

Divorce records in Sangamon County contain comprehensive documentation of the dissolution process. The contents typically include:

  1. Petition for Dissolution of Marriage: The initial filing that includes:

    • Names and addresses of both parties
    • Date and place of marriage
    • Names and ages of minor children
    • Grounds for divorce
    • Residency information
    • Requested relief

  2. Summons and Service of Process: Documentation showing the non-filing spouse was properly notified of the proceedings.

  3. Response or Answer: The non-filing spouse's formal reply to the petition.

  4. Financial Disclosure Statements: Detailed information about:

    • Income from all sources
    • Monthly expenses
    • Assets (real estate, vehicles, accounts, investments)
    • Liabilities (mortgages, loans, credit card debt)

  5. Parenting Plan (if children are involved):

    • Allocation of parental responsibilities
    • Parenting time schedules
    • Decision-making authority
    • Child support calculations

  6. Marital Settlement Agreement: The negotiated terms covering:

    • Division of marital property and debts
    • Maintenance (alimony) arrangements
    • Tax considerations
    • Insurance provisions

  7. Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage: The final court order that:

    • Legally terminates the marriage
    • Incorporates all agreements
    • Establishes post-divorce obligations
    • Restores maiden name (if requested)

  8. Post-Decree Motions and Orders: Any subsequent modifications to the original judgment.

  9. Certificate of Dissolution: A summary document recording the basic facts of the divorce for vital records purposes.

The Seventh Judicial Circuit Court maintains these records in accordance with Illinois court procedures and the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Sangamon County?

Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Sangamon County must obtain a certified copy of the divorce decree or certificate of dissolution. The following procedure outlines the steps to secure this documentation:

  1. Submit a request to the Circuit Clerk's Office: Requests may be made through several methods:

    • In-person at the courthouse
    • By mail with a written request
    • Through an authorized representative with proper documentation

  2. Provide required identification: Requestors must present:

    • Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID)
    • Documentation proving relationship to the case (if not a named party)
    • Legal authorization (if requesting on behalf of someone else)

  3. Complete the Record Search Request form: This form requires:

    • Full names of both parties to the divorce
    • Date of divorce (approximate if exact date unknown)
    • Case number (if known)
    • Reason for requesting the record

  4. Pay the applicable fees:

    • Record search fee: $4.00 per year searched
    • Certification fee: $5.00 per document
    • Copy fees: $2.00 per page

  5. Specify delivery method:

    • In-person pickup (with identification)
    • Mail delivery (with self-addressed stamped envelope)

For expedited service, requestors should provide as much specific information as possible about the case. The Sangamon County Circuit Clerk typically processes requests within 3-5 business days, though more complex searches may require additional time.

Sangamon County Circuit Clerk's Office
200 South 9th Street, Room 405
Springfield, IL 62701
(217) 753-6674
Sangamon County Circuit Clerk

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Sangamon County?

While divorce proceedings in Sangamon County are generally matters of public record, certain mechanisms exist to protect sensitive information and, in limited circumstances, to seal divorce records from public view. The confidentiality of divorce records is governed by Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138 regarding personal identity information.

The following provisions apply to confidentiality in divorce cases:

  1. Automatic Redaction: Certain personal information is automatically protected in all court filings:

    • Social Security numbers
    • Financial account numbers
    • Driver's license numbers
    • Names of minor children (in many contexts)

  2. Motion to Impound: Parties may file a motion requesting specific documents be impounded (sealed) if they contain:

    • Sensitive medical or mental health information
    • Information that could lead to identity theft
    • Details that might endanger a party's safety

  3. Protective Orders: The court may issue protective orders to:

    • Limit disclosure of certain information
    • Restrict access to specific documents
    • Protect victims of domestic violence

  4. Sealing Entire Case: In exceptional circumstances, a judge may order an entire divorce case sealed, but this requires:

    • Demonstration of compelling reasons
    • Showing that privacy interests substantially outweigh public interest
    • Proof that less restrictive measures are inadequate

  5. Confidential Alternative Dispute Resolution: Mediation sessions and collaborative divorce proceedings remain confidential, though final agreements become part of the public record.

Parties seeking confidentiality must file appropriate motions with the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court and demonstrate good cause for restricting public access. The court balances privacy concerns against the presumption of openness in judicial proceedings established by the First Amendment and Illinois law.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Sangamon County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Sangamon County varies significantly based on several factors. The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act establishes the legal framework, but practical timelines depend on case specifics.

Key factors influencing divorce timeframes include:

  1. Type of Divorce:

    • Uncontested divorces: 2-3 months
    • Contested divorces: 6-18 months
    • Complex litigation: 1-3 years

  2. Residency Requirements:

    • At least one spouse must have resided in Illinois for 90 days before filing
    • This statutory waiting period affects the earliest possible completion date

  3. Mandatory Waiting Periods:

    • No mandatory waiting period if both parties agree to the divorce
    • Six-month separation period may be required to establish irreconcilable differences

  4. Court Congestion:

    • The Seventh Judicial Circuit Court currently processes approximately 1,200 divorce cases annually
    • Average time from filing to first hearing: 30-45 days
    • Contested hearing scheduling: 60-90 days from request

  5. Complexity Factors:

    • Child custody disputes add 3-6 months on average
    • High-value asset division extends timeframes by 4-8 months
    • Business valuation requirements add 2-4 months
    • Pension and retirement division adds 1-3 months

  6. Settlement Negotiations:

    • Mediation typically requires 1-3 sessions over 30-90 days
    • Attorney-led negotiations average 60-120 days
    • Collaborative divorce process: 4-8 months

According to statistics from the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, the median time from filing to judgment for all divorce cases in Sangamon County is approximately 8.5 months, with uncontested cases resolving significantly faster than contested matters.

How Long Does Sangamon County Keep Divorce Records?

Sangamon County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule established by the Illinois Supreme Court Records Management Section and governed by 705 ILCS 105/27, which addresses court record retention.

The retention periods for divorce records in Sangamon County are as follows:

  1. Case Files and Judgments:

    • Complete divorce case files: Permanent retention
    • Judgments for Dissolution of Marriage: Permanent retention
    • Docket entries: Permanent retention

  2. Supporting Documentation:

    • Financial disclosure statements: Minimum 5 years after case closure
    • Discovery materials: Minimum 3 years after case closure
    • Exhibits (if not returned): Minimum 5 years after final judgment

  3. Post-Decree Modifications:

    • Child support modifications: Permanent retention
    • Custody modifications: Permanent retention
    • Maintenance modifications: Permanent retention

  4. Electronic Records:

    • Digital case management records: Permanent retention
    • Scanned documents: Follow same schedule as paper originals
    • Audio/video recordings of proceedings: Minimum 2 years

  5. Index and Finding Aids:

    • Case indexes: Permanent retention
    • Party name indexes: Permanent retention

The Sangamon County Circuit Clerk maintains these records in both physical and electronic formats. Older records may be transferred to microfilm or digital storage while maintaining their permanent retention status. Records designated for permanent retention are never destroyed, though their storage format may change over time for preservation and accessibility purposes.

How To Get a Divorce In Sangamon County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Sangamon County must follow specific procedures established by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. The process involves several key steps:

  1. Establish Residency: At least one spouse must have resided in Illinois for a minimum of 90 days prior to filing.

  2. Determine Divorce Type:

    • Uncontested: Both parties agree on all issues
    • Contested: Disagreement exists on one or more issues
    • Default: Respondent fails to participate in proceedings
    • Joint Simplified: Qualifying couples with minimal assets and no children

  3. Prepare Required Documents:

    • Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
    • Summons
    • Financial Affidavit
    • Parenting Plan (if children involved)
    • UCCJEA Affidavit (for cases with minor children)

  4. File Documents with Circuit Clerk:

    • Submit completed forms to the Sangamon County Circuit Clerk
    • Pay filing fees (currently $337 for dissolution cases)
    • Fee waivers available for qualifying low-income individuals

  5. Serve the Respondent:

    • Sheriff's service: $40 within Sangamon County
    • Private process server: Fees vary
    • Publication: For cases where respondent cannot be located

  6. Attend Required Parenting Classes (if children involved):

    • Both parents must complete approved parenting education program
    • Certificate of completion must be filed with the court

  7. Financial Disclosure:

    • Complete comprehensive financial affidavits
    • Exchange supporting documentation
    • Participate in discovery process if contested

  8. Negotiate Settlement:

    • Mediation (mandatory for contested custody cases)
    • Attorney-led negotiations
    • Four-way conferences

  9. Prepare Final Documents:

    • Marital Settlement Agreement
    • Allocation of Parental Responsibilities
    • Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage

  10. Attend Court Hearings:

    • Prove-up hearing for uncontested cases
    • Pretrial conferences for contested matters
    • Trial if settlement cannot be reached

  11. Obtain Final Judgment:

    • Judge signs Judgment for Dissolution
    • Clerk enters judgment into record
    • Certified copies available for $5 plus copy fees

Forms and detailed instructions are available from the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court. Self-represented litigants may also receive assistance from the Self-Help Center located in the courthouse.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Sangamon County

Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Sangamon County can obtain the necessary forms through several methods. The following options are currently available for accessing divorce papers:

  1. Courthouse Self-Help Center:

    • Located in the Sangamon County Courthouse
    • Staffed by court personnel who can provide forms and basic procedural information
    • Available Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

    Sangamon County Courthouse Self-Help Center
    200 South 9th Street, First Floor
    Springfield, IL 62701
    (217) 753-6674

  2. Online Resources:

    • Seventh Judicial Circuit Court Forms website provides downloadable PDF forms
    • Illinois Supreme Court standardized forms available at Illinois Courts website
    • Forms include:
      • Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
      • Summons
      • Entry of Appearance
      • Financial Affidavit
      • Parenting Plan templates
      • Judgment for Dissolution

  3. Circuit Clerk's Office:

    • Paper copies of forms available for purchase
    • Staff cannot provide legal advice but can identify required forms
    • Fee schedule: $5 for first page, $1 for each additional page

    Sangamon County Circuit Clerk's Office
    200 South 9th Street, Room 405
    Springfield, IL 62701
    (217) 753-6674
    Sangamon County Circuit Clerk

  4. Legal Aid Services:

    • Land of Lincoln Legal Aid provides assistance to qualifying low-income individuals
    • Services include form preparation and limited representation

    Land of Lincoln Legal Aid
    3 West Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 200
    Springfield, IL 62701
    (877) 342-7891

  5. Law Library Resources:

    • Reference materials and form books available
    • Computer terminals with access to legal research databases
    • Staff available to direct users to appropriate resources

    Sangamon County Law Library
    200 South 9th Street, Room 600
    Springfield, IL 62701
    (217) 753-6310

Individuals should note that while forms are readily available, the Illinois Supreme Court Rules of Professional Conduct prohibit court staff from providing legal advice. Those with complex cases are encouraged to consult with an attorney.

Lookup Divorce Records in Sangamon County

Sangamon County Circuit Clerk's Office

Seventh Judicial Circuit Court Forms

Illinois Department of Public Health - Dissolution of Marriage Records

State of Illinois Office of the Illinois Courts

Sangamon County Courts

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