Illinois Divorce Records

United States   Illinois    Divorce Records

In the early 1800s, the legislature, the circuit courts, and city courts granted divorces. Illinois 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. Requests can be made by mail, fax, or in person.

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 for that county.

Illinois Regional Archives Depository System (IRAD) has divorce records for many counties. IRAD is run by the Illinois State Archives to archive records from local governments in Illinois. There are 7 depositories covering the state of Illinois. You must know the county the divorce took place. Click here for a map to determine what depository to contact. Click here to see what records are available for the county you are searching.

The Family History Library has microfilm copies of divorce records for some counties. They can be loaned to your local Family History Center. You must know the county where the divorce took place. Use the Family History Library Catalog to locate the correct microfilm searching the county in the topics of court records, divorce records and/or vital records. How to locate a microfilm number in the Family History Library Catalog. How to locate a Family History Center.