Illinois Divorce Records

In the early 1800s, the legislature, the circuit courts, and city courts granted divorces. Divorce records may indicate the date and place the marriage was dissolved. Circuit or city courts have handled most divorce proceedings. The Superior Court of Cook County in Chicago also has jurisdiction over divorces.

The Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records has a register of divorces statewide and can verify the date and county of a divorce or annulment recorded after 1 January 1962. Their address can be found in the "Vital Records" section.

The actual records before and after 1962 are available in the county where the divorce occurred, and certified copies may be obtained from the Clerk of the Circuit Court. IRAD depositories have divorce records for many counties.

The Family History Library has copies of the records for some counties. They can be found in the Family History Catalog by using a Place Search under:

ILLINOIS, [COUNTY]- COURT RECORDS

ILLINOIS, [COUNTY]- DIVORCE RECORDS

ILLINOIS, [COUNTY]- VITAL RECORDS

Web Sites
http://www.idph.state.il.us/vitalrecords/index.htm

http://www.vitalrec.com/il.html