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:

Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Vital Records 605 W. Jefferson St. Springfield, IL 62702-5097 217-523-2648

You must use the Application for Verification of Divorce Record Files form to make your request.

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

http://www.countyregistry.org/divorce-records/illinois/