Monroe County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Monroe County in 2026
MonroeCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Monroe County, Illinois. Members of the public seeking dissolution of marriage records may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, final decrees, and related court documents. Available record categories may include petitions for dissolution, settlement agreements, custody orders, and final judgments. Access and completeness of records vary depending on the case, filing date, and applicable privacy protections.
Divorce records in Monroe County may be searched through official resources including the Circuit Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online court portals. The following methods are available to members of the public.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Monroe County Circuit Clerk maintains the official case management system for all court filings, including dissolution of marriage proceedings. Members of the public may search basic case information at no charge. Obtaining copies of documents may require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
The Illinois Courts statewide directory provides access to court locations, contact information, and case search tools across all Illinois jurisdictions. This portal allows users to identify the correct court and access consolidated case information.
3. State Vital Records
As clarified by the Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Vital Records, the IDPH does not issue certified copies of dissolution of marriage records. Certified copies of divorce decrees must be obtained directly from the Circuit Clerk of the county where the divorce was filed.
In-Person Searches
Monroe County Circuit Clerk — Family Division
Monroe County Circuit Clerk
100 S. Main St.
Waterloo, IL 62298
Phone: (618) 939-8681
Monroe County Circuit Clerk
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Services available in person include:
- Searching case files by party name or case number
- Viewing documents at public access terminals
- Requesting certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating records
By Mail
Members of the public may submit written requests for divorce records by mail to the Circuit Clerk's office. Requests should include:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's name and return address
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope
Mail requests to:
Monroe County Circuit Clerk
100 S. Main St.
Waterloo, IL 62298
Phone: (618) 939-8681
Circuit Clerk – Monroe County, Illinois
Processing time for mail requests is typically one to two weeks, depending on record volume and archival status.
By Phone
The Circuit Clerk's office may be reached by phone to confirm whether a case exists, obtain a case number, verify case status, or confirm a filing date. Staff are not able to provide detailed document contents, copies, or confidential information by phone.
- Clerk of Court: (618) 939-8681
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Illinois may access court records on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing of cause, and assist with complex or older cases. Members of the public seeking legal representation may consult the Illinois State Bar Association for referral services.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Monroe County
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under Illinois law, a petition for dissolution of marriage is filed in the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. The county where the marriage ceremony occurred is not necessarily the county where the divorce was filed.
Illinois requires that at least one spouse have resided in the state for a minimum of 90 days before a dissolution action may be filed, pursuant to 750 ILCS 5/401.
Time Considerations
- Recent divorces: Records may not appear in the case management system immediately following a final hearing. Members of the public should allow several days to weeks for processing after the final order is entered.
- Older divorces: Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format. Retrieval of archived records may require additional time and a specific written request.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common reasons a record may not be located include:
- The divorce was filed in a different county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case is still pending and has not been finalized
- The record is sealed or subject to confidentiality protections
- Very old records may be stored off-site or not yet digitized
Members of the public experiencing difficulty locating a record may contact the Circuit Clerk at (618) 939-8681, attempt alternate name spellings, search under both spouses' names, or consult the 24th Judicial Circuit for guidance on Monroe County court records.
What Are Monroe County Divorce Records?
Monroe County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Circuit Court of Monroe County, Illinois. These records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk and constitute part of the permanent family law court file. As stated on the Monroe County Circuit Clerk website, "The Clerk is required to attend all sessions of court, keep and preserve all records and files of the court, issue process as required by law."
Types of Divorce Records
Court Case Files
The complete case file for a dissolution of marriage proceeding may include:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits from both parties
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
Final Decree
The final judgment of dissolution is the official court order terminating the marriage. It constitutes legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal maintenance, if ordered
- Child custody and parenting time arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Circuit Clerk's office.
Supporting Documents
Supporting documents filed in a dissolution case may include financial disclosure statements, property inventories, appraisals, parenting plan details, and post-judgment modification orders.
Who Maintains Divorce Records
The Circuit Clerk of Monroe County is the primary custodian of all dissolution of marriage records. The clerk maintains complete case files, provides certified copies, and indexes records by party name. As noted by the Illinois Department of Public Health, the IDPH Division of Vital Records does not issue certified copies of dissolution of marriage records; those must be obtained from the county Circuit Clerk.
Legal Framework
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Illinois are governed by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, codified at 750 ILCS 5/101 et seq. Public access to court records is governed by Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138, which also establishes requirements for the redaction of sensitive personal identifiers from court filings.
Are Monroe County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Monroe County Circuit Court are public court records subject to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1) and applicable Illinois Supreme Court Rules. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents. Certain categories of information are restricted or may be sealed by court order.
What Is Public
The following information is accessible to members of the public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and times
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted
Financial Information
- Social Security numbers (redacted pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138)
- Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal)
- Specific account balances (subject to protective orders)
Children's Information
- Names and addresses of minor children (may be redacted)
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Child custody evaluations (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Sensitive Personal Information
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Sealed Records
A court may seal records upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis.
Who Can Access Records
| Requestor | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents, docket entries, final orders |
| Parties to the case | Full access to own case file |
| Attorneys of record | Full access; may petition for sealed documents |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to certain restricted records |
Prohibited Uses
Members of the public are prohibited from using divorce records for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or violation of existing protective orders.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Monroe County?
The Monroe County Circuit Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of court records. Current fees are established pursuant to 705 ILCS 105/27.1, which governs clerk fees in Illinois circuit courts.
Standard Fee Schedule
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of court document | $2.00 per document plus $0.50 per page |
| Certification fee | $2.00 |
| Electronic copy (if available) | Varies; contact clerk |
| Record search (if applicable) | Contact clerk for current schedule |
Accepted Payment Methods
The Circuit Clerk's office accepts cash, money orders, and checks made payable to the Monroe County Circuit Clerk. Members of the public submitting mail requests should include a money order or check. Credit card acceptance should be confirmed directly with the clerk's office prior to submission.
Fee Waivers
Members of the public who are parties to a case and who qualify as indigent may petition the court for a waiver of fees pursuant to applicable Illinois law. Fee waiver requests require completion of a financial affidavit and approval by the court.
What Is Available at No Charge
- Viewing case docket entries at public access terminals in the courthouse
- Verbal confirmation of case existence, case number, and status by phone
- Online case summary information through the clerk's electronic portal, where available
What's Included in Divorce Records in Monroe County
A complete dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Monroe County Circuit Clerk may contain the following categories of documents.
Initial Pleadings
The petition for dissolution of marriage identifies both parties, states the date and location of the marriage, provides the basis for dissolution (in Illinois, irretrievable breakdown of the marriage under 750 ILCS 5/401), lists any minor children, and sets forth the relief requested. The respondent's answer or counterpetition is also part of the initial pleadings.
Financial Affidavits and Disclosure
Both parties are required to submit financial affidavits disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets (real property, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement accounts, investments, and personal property), and liabilities (mortgages, loans, and credit card debt). Supporting financial documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, and account statements may be filed as exhibits.
Property-Related Documents
The case file may include a marital asset inventory, debt inventory, real property appraisals, business valuations, and expert reports on the value of specific assets. These documents support the court's equitable distribution of marital property.
Children-Related Documents
Where minor children are involved, the case file includes a parenting plan addressing legal custody, physical custody, parenting time schedules (including holidays, summers, and vacations), transportation arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities. Child support calculation worksheets, income information, and the support order are also included.
Settlement Documents
A marital settlement agreement, if reached by the parties, comprehensively resolves all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal maintenance, and child-related provisions. Mediation agreements, if applicable, may be incorporated into the settlement agreement, though mediation communications themselves are confidential.
Court Orders and Final Judgment
Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case, including temporary custody, support, and use of property, are part of the record. The final judgment of dissolution constitutes the court's definitive order ending the marriage and resolving all contested issues. Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs), if retirement accounts are divided, are filed as separate orders.
Post-Judgment Documents
After entry of the final judgment, the case file may be supplemented with petitions to modify custody or support, contempt motions, enforcement actions, income deduction orders, and related court orders.
What Is Typically Redacted or Sealed
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted per Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details subject to protective orders
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Trade secrets contained in business valuations
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Monroe County
Proof of divorce in Monroe County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage issued by the Monroe County Circuit Clerk. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature and is accepted as legal proof of divorce for purposes of remarriage, name change, immigration proceedings, Social Security benefits, and estate planning.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy
- Identify the case: Confirm the case number and filing county. The divorce must have been filed in Monroe County Circuit Court.
- Contact the Circuit Clerk: Reach the clerk's office at (618) 939-8681 or visit in person at 100 S. Main St., Waterloo, IL 62298, during business hours (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday).
- Submit a request: Provide the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and the case number if known. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or through the clerk's online portal where available.
- Pay applicable fees: Current fees for certified copies are $2.00 per document plus $0.50 per page. Payment may be made by cash, check, or money order payable to the Monroe County Circuit Clerk.
- Receive the certified copy: In-person requests are processed at the time of visit, subject to staff availability. Mail requests are processed within one to two weeks.
Members of the public may also access the Circuit Clerk – Monroe County, Illinois page for additional guidance on requesting court records. The Monroe County Courthouse listing on the Illinois Courts website confirms the courthouse address and Trial Court Administrator contact information.
Monroe County Circuit Clerk
100 S. Main St.
Waterloo, IL 62298
Phone: (618) 939-8681
Monroe County Circuit Clerk
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Monroe County?
Divorce proceedings in Monroe County are presumptively public, but Illinois law and court rules permit certain records or entire cases to be sealed under defined circumstances. The following categories of information may be subject to confidentiality protections:
- Redacted identifiers: Pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138, Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and other sensitive personal identifiers must be redacted from all public court filings.
- Children's information: Names, addresses, and school information of minor children may be restricted to protect their safety and privacy.
- Domestic violence cases: Where a party has obtained an order of protection or where domestic violence allegations are present, personal address information and related evidence may be sealed to protect the safety of the victim.
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Medical and psychological records filed in a dissolution case are subject to confidentiality protections under applicable Illinois health privacy statutes.
- Mediation communications: Under the Illinois Uniform Mediation Act (710 ILCS 35/1), communications made during mediation are confidential and are not part of the public court record.
- Court-ordered sealing: A party may petition the court to seal specific documents or the entire case file upon a showing of good cause. The court balances the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a written motion with the Monroe County Circuit Court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access.
How Long Does Monroe County Keep Divorce Records?
Monroe County Circuit Court divorce records are retained in accordance with the Illinois Supreme Court's records retention schedule, which establishes minimum retention periods for all court case files.
- Final judgments and decrees: Permanent retention. Final judgments of dissolution of marriage are maintained indefinitely as part of the permanent court record.
- Complete case files (contested dissolution): Retained for a minimum of 20 years from the date of the final order, pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court records retention guidelines.
- Complete case files (uncontested dissolution): Retained for a minimum of 10 years from the date of the final order.
- Post-judgment modification orders: Retained as part of the original case file for the duration of the case file's retention period.
- Archived records: Cases older than the active retention period may be transferred to off-site storage or microfilm. Retrieval of archived records requires a written request to the Circuit Clerk and may take additional processing time.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's case management system and are subject to the same retention schedules as paper records.
Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the Monroe County Circuit Clerk directly at (618) 939-8681 to confirm availability and retrieval procedures. The 24th Judicial Circuit serves Monroe County and may provide additional guidance on records management practices.