St. Clair County Divorce Records

What Are St. Clair County Divorce Records?

St. Clair County divorce records are official legal documents generated by the Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court that formally document the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are created and maintained pursuant to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS § 5/101 et seq.), which governs all dissolution proceedings in the state of Illinois. The Circuit Court of St. Clair County serves as the court of record for all family law matters, including divorce, legal separation, and annulment cases filed within the county.

Members of the public and parties to a divorce proceeding may require these records for a variety of legally significant purposes, including:

• Providing legal proof of a change in marital status
• Satisfying requirements for remarriage
• Supporting a legal name change petition
• Applying for Social Security survivor or spousal benefits
• Completing mortgage, loan, or financial aid applications
• Fulfilling documentation requirements in immigration proceedings
• Updating beneficiary designations on insurance policies or retirement accounts

The St. Clair County Courthouse houses the Circuit Clerk's Office, which is the primary custodian of all divorce case files and related court records for the county.

St. Clair County Circuit Clerk's Office 10 Public Square, Belleville, IL 62220 (618) 277-6832 St. Clair County Circuit Clerk

Are St. Clair County Divorce Records Public?

Access to St. Clair County divorce records is governed by a combination of Illinois public records law and court rules, resulting in a system of partial public access. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS § 140/1 et seq.), court records maintained by the Circuit Clerk are generally accessible to members of the public, subject to specific statutory exemptions. Divorce case files — including petitions, responses, motions, and final judgments of dissolution — are ordinarily available for public inspection at the Circuit Clerk's Office.

However, certified copies of divorce decrees and certain sensitive documents within a case file may carry restricted access. The following distinctions apply under current law:

• General case file documents (petitions, orders, judgments): Available for public inspection at the courthouse
• Certified copies of the Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage: Typically issued only to parties of record, their legal representatives, or individuals presenting a demonstrable legal interest
• Financial affidavits, minor children's identifying information, and sealed exhibits: May be restricted or redacted pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rules and local court orders
• Dissolution of marriage index records: The Illinois Department of Public Health maintains a statewide index of dissolution records but does not issue certified copies; certified copies must be obtained directly from the Circuit Clerk of the county where the divorce was granted

Members of the public seeking to inspect non-restricted divorce case records may do so in person at the Circuit Clerk's Office during regular business hours without providing a reason for the request.

How To Find a Divorce Record In St. Clair County in 2026

Locating a divorce record in St. Clair County requires identifying the correct court and submitting a request through the appropriate channel. The following steps outline the standard process:

1. Identify the county of filing. Divorce proceedings in Illinois are filed in the circuit court of the county where at least one spouse resides. Confirm that the divorce was filed in St. Clair County before submitting a request.
2. Gather identifying information. Requestors should have available the full legal names of both parties, the approximate year the divorce was filed or finalized, and, if known, the case number.
3. Contact or visit the Circuit Clerk's Office. The Circuit Clerk's Office at 10 Public Square, Belleville, IL 62220, maintains all divorce case files for the Twentieth Judicial Circuit. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
4. Submit a records request. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or, where available, through the court's online case search portal. Written requests should include the names of the parties, the approximate filing date, and the type of document sought.
5. Pay applicable fees. The Circuit Clerk's Office charges fees for certified copies and document reproduction. Fee schedules are available at the clerk's office.
6. Receive the record. In-person requests are typically fulfilled on the same day if the record is readily available. Mail requests may take additional processing time.

St. Clair County Circuit Clerk's Office 10 Public Square, Belleville, IL 62220 (618) 277-6832 St. Clair County Circuit Clerk

How To Look Up Divorce Records in St. Clair County Online?

Members of the public may access certain St. Clair County divorce case information through online resources maintained by the state and county. The following methods are currently available:

• Illinois Courts Case Search: The Illinois Courts system provides an online case search tool that allows users to search for circuit court cases by party name or case number. Users may access basic case information, including filing dates and case status, through the Illinois Courts online portal.
• Circuit Clerk's Online Portal: St. Clair County's Circuit Clerk may offer an online docket search for civil and family law cases. Members of the public are advised to visit the St. Clair County service resources page for links to available online tools, including parcel inquiry and county code resources.
• Third-party aggregate databases: Various commercial services compile publicly available court data; however, these sources may not reflect the most current case information and do not provide certified copies.

Certified copies of divorce judgments are not available for download online and must be obtained directly from the Circuit Clerk's Office.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In St. Clair County?

Members of the public may access certain divorce record information at no cost through the following methods:

• In-person inspection at the Circuit Clerk's Office: Illinois law permits members of the public to inspect public court records in person without charge. Fees apply only when copies or certified documents are requested.
• Online case search tools: Basic case information available through the Illinois Courts online portal is accessible at no cost.
• Illinois State Archives: The Illinois State Archives maintains historical court records and indexes that may be searched without charge for older dissolution cases.
• Public library resources: Some public libraries in St. Clair County provide access to legal research databases that index court records.

Individuals who require only confirmation of a divorce — rather than a certified copy — may be able to obtain that information at no cost through the clerk's public index.

What's Included in a Divorce Record In St. Clair County

A complete St. Clair County divorce record typically encompasses all documents filed and issued throughout the dissolution proceeding. Standard components include:

• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage: The initiating document filed by the petitioner, identifying both parties and the grounds for dissolution
• Summons and proof of service: Documentation confirming that the respondent was properly notified of the proceedings
• Response or answer: The respondent's formal reply to the petition, if filed
• Financial disclosure affidavits: Statements of income, assets, and liabilities submitted by both parties
• Marital settlement agreement: A negotiated agreement addressing property division, spousal support, and, where applicable, child custody and support
• Parenting plan or custody order: Court-approved arrangements for the care of minor children
• Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage: The final court order legally terminating the marriage, including all terms of the settlement or court-ordered resolution
• Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs): Orders dividing retirement accounts, if applicable
• Motions, hearings, and court orders: All intermediate filings and rulings issued during the proceeding

The Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage is the document most commonly requested as proof of divorce.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In St. Clair County?

Proof of divorce in St. Clair County is obtained by requesting a certified copy of the Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage from the Circuit Clerk's Office. A certified copy bears the official court seal and the clerk's certification, making it legally acceptable for government agencies, financial institutions, and other entities requiring verification of marital status.

To obtain proof of divorce, requestors should:

1. Submit a written request to the Circuit Clerk's Office, including the names of both parties and the approximate year of the divorce
2. Present valid government-issued photo identification
3. Pay the applicable certification and copy fees
4. Receive the certified document in person or by mail

As noted by the Illinois Department of Public Health's Division of Vital Records, that agency does not issue certified copies of dissolution of marriage records; all certified copies must be obtained from the Circuit Clerk of the county where the divorce was granted.

St. Clair County Circuit Clerk's Office 10 Public Square, Belleville, IL 62220 (618) 277-6832 St. Clair County Circuit Clerk

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In St. Clair County?

Certain components of a divorce proceeding in St. Clair County may be treated as confidential or sealed under applicable law and court rules. Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138 governs the protection of personal identity information in court filings, requiring that Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and other sensitive identifiers be redacted from publicly accessible documents. Additionally, courts may enter protective orders sealing specific exhibits or financial records upon a showing of good cause.

Under the Local Rule 8.03 of the Twentieth Judicial Circuit, parties in dissolution proceedings may be required to submit position statements addressing contested issues; these documents may contain sensitive personal and financial information subject to court-ordered confidentiality.

Records involving minor children — including guardian ad litem reports, psychological evaluations, and certain custody-related documents — are routinely restricted from public access to protect the welfare of the children involved. A party seeking to seal an entire divorce case file must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a compelling interest that outweighs the public's right of access.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In St. Clair County?

The duration of a divorce proceeding in St. Clair County varies significantly depending on the complexity of the case and the degree of agreement between the parties. Illinois law imposes no mandatory waiting period for dissolution of marriage under current statutory provisions, though practical timelines differ by case type:

• Uncontested divorce (joint simplified dissolution): Cases in which both parties agree on all terms and meet the eligibility requirements for a joint simplified dissolution may be resolved in as few as four to eight weeks from the date of filing.
• Uncontested divorce (standard): Cases in which the parties reach a full agreement but do not qualify for the simplified procedure typically conclude within two to four months, depending on court scheduling and document preparation.
• Contested divorce: Cases involving disputed property division, spousal support, or child custody matters may take six months to two years or longer, depending on the complexity of the issues, the need for discovery, and the availability of hearing dates on the court's docket.
• High-conflict or complex asset cases: Proceedings involving business valuations, significant marital estates, or protracted custody disputes may extend beyond two years.

Factors that influence the overall timeline include the responsiveness of both parties, the completeness of financial disclosures, the availability of mediation, and the current caseload of the Twentieth Judicial Circuit.

How Long Does St. Clair County Keep Divorce Records?

St. Clair County Circuit Court divorce records are subject to retention schedules established under Illinois law and the Illinois Supreme Court's records management guidelines. Under current Illinois court records retention policies:

• Judgments for Dissolution of Marriage and final orders: Retained permanently as part of the official court record
• Case files for contested dissolution proceedings: Retained for a minimum of twenty years following the close of the case
• Case files for uncontested or simplified dissolution proceedings: Retained according to applicable Supreme Court retention schedules, which may provide for transfer to the Illinois State Archives after a specified period
• Financial affidavits and exhibits: Retained as part of the case file for the applicable retention period

Members of the public seeking records from older cases may need to contact the Illinois State Archives if the original case file has been transferred from the Circuit Clerk's custody.

How To Get a Divorce In St. Clair County

Initiating a divorce in St. Clair County requires filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the Circuit Clerk's Office of the Twentieth Judicial Circuit. The following steps outline the standard process under Illinois law:

1. Confirm residency eligibility. At least one spouse must have been a resident of Illinois for a minimum of 90 days prior to filing, as required by 750 ILCS § 5/401.
2. Obtain and complete the required forms. The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice has approved standardized forms for dissolution proceedings. These divorce, child support, and maintenance forms are accepted by all Illinois courts, including the Twentieth Judicial Circuit.
3. File the petition with the Circuit Clerk. The completed petition and supporting documents are filed at the Circuit Clerk's Office. Filing fees apply and vary based on the type of proceeding.
4. Serve the respondent. The petitioner must arrange for proper legal service of the summons and petition on the other spouse in accordance with Illinois Supreme Court Rules.
5. Attend required hearings. Depending on the nature of the case, the parties may be required to attend case management conferences, mediation sessions, or evidentiary hearings before a judge of the Twentieth Judicial Circuit.
6. Obtain the final judgment. Upon resolution of all contested issues or approval of a marital settlement agreement, the court enters the Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage.

St. Clair County Circuit Clerk's Office 10 Public Square, Belleville, IL 62220 (618) 277-6832 St. Clair County Circuit Clerk

Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court 10 Public Square, Belleville, IL 62220 (618) 277-6832 St. Clair County Courthouse – Illinois Courts

How To Get Divorce Papers In St. Clair County

Divorce papers — including blank petition forms, financial disclosure affidavits, and marital settlement agreement templates — are available through several official sources in St. Clair County. Members of the public may obtain these documents by:

• Downloading approved forms online: The Illinois Supreme Court provides standardized dissolution of marriage and child support forms that are accepted by all Illinois circuit courts, including the Twentieth Judicial Circuit in St. Clair County.
• Visiting the Circuit Clerk's Office in person: Staff at the Circuit Clerk's Office can direct members of the public to the appropriate forms for their type of proceeding. The office is located at 10 Public Square, Belleville, IL 62220, and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Accessing the St. Clair County website: The county's official website provides access to local court rules and procedural documents. Members of the public may consult the St. Clair County service and resource directory for links to relevant county departments and online tools.
• Consulting a licensed Illinois attorney: Parties with complex financial circumstances, minor children, or contested issues are advised to retain legal counsel to ensure that all required documents are properly prepared and filed.

Completed divorce papers must be filed with the Circuit Clerk's Office along with the applicable filing fee. The clerk's office does not provide legal advice regarding the completion of forms.

Lookup Divorce Records in St. Clair County

• St. Clair County Courthouse – Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court information and calendars
• Illinois Courts approved divorce, child support, and maintenance forms
• Illinois Department of Public Health – dissolution of marriage records index
• Twentieth Judicial Circuit Local Rule 8.03 – Position Statement for dissolution proceedings
• St. Clair County service resources – county departments and online tools