Madison County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Madison County in 2026
MadisonILRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Madison County, Illinois. Members of the public may find dissolution of marriage filings, final decrees, case numbers, party names, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories may include:
- Dissolution of marriage petitions
- Final judgments and decrees
- Parenting plans and custody orders
- Property settlement agreements
- Post-judgment modification orders
Records can be searched through official resources including the Madison County Circuit Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online case search tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce records.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Madison County Circuit Clerk Records Search is the most common method for locating divorce case information online. Members of the public may search by party name or case number at no charge for basic case information. Obtaining copies of documents may require payment of applicable fees. The system may experience slow load times; users are advised to allow additional time when accessing the portal.
2. Illinois Courts Statewide Portal
The Illinois Courts website provides access to statewide court information, including approved forms and procedural guidance. This portal allows users to search across jurisdictions and access consolidated court resources.
3. State Vital Records
The Illinois Department of Public Health maintains dissolution of marriage records at the state level; however, the Illinois Department of Public Health's Division of Vital Records does not issue certified copies of dissolution of marriage records. Certified copies are available exclusively from the circuit court clerk in the county where the divorce was granted.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Family Division:
Madison County Circuit Clerk's Office
155 North Main Street
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Phone: (618) 692-6240
Madison County Circuit Clerk
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees
- Obtain staff assistance for locating records
- Submit written requests for archived materials
The Madison County Circuit Court's Family Division handles all dissolution of marriage proceedings and maintains the complete case files for all divorce actions filed in the county.
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Madison County Circuit Clerk, 155 North Main Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025
- Include the following in the written request:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request (if required)
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, subject to volume and record availability.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Circuit Clerk's Office: (618) 692-6240
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number
- Case status
- Filing date
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
An attorney of record may access the complete case file, including documents that may be restricted from general public view. Attorneys may petition the court for access to sealed records upon a showing of good cause. Members of the public seeking legal representation may consult the Illinois State Bar Association for attorney referral services. Legal assistance is particularly useful in complex cases involving sealed records, contested custody matters, or post-judgment enforcement proceedings.
Information Needed for Search:
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Madison County
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County:
Divorce proceedings in Illinois are filed in the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. Under 750 ILCS 5/401, one spouse must have been a resident of Illinois for at least 90 days before filing a petition for dissolution of marriage. The divorce is filed in the county of residence, not necessarily the county where the marriage occurred.
Time Considerations:
- Recent divorces may not appear in the online system immediately following the final hearing; records are available within days to weeks of entry of the final judgment.
- Older divorce records may be archived and not fully digitized; retrieval of archived materials may require additional processing time and a written request.
- Cases still pending before the court will not reflect a final decree until the judgment is entered.
What If You Cannot Find a Record:
- Verify the correct county of filing
- Attempt alternate spellings of party names
- Search under both the petitioner's and respondent's names
- Confirm the divorce was finalized and not still pending
- Contact the Circuit Clerk's office at (618) 692-6240 for assistance
- Check the Illinois Department of Public Health's dissolution of marriage index for cases filed after 1962
- Consult an attorney for assistance locating records in sealed or archived cases
What Are Madison County Divorce Records?
Madison County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed with the Madison County Circuit Court. These records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk's office as part of the family law case file and constitute public records subject to applicable access laws.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and rulings
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
Final Decree:
The final judgment of dissolution of marriage 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 obligations, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available from the Circuit Clerk's office upon payment of applicable fees.
Supporting Documents:
- Marriage certificate (submitted as exhibit)
- Financial disclosure documents
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Parenting plan details
- Post-judgment modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Divorce records serve a range of legal and personal purposes, including:
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Name change documentation
- Property transfer and title recording
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration proceedings
- Social Security benefit determinations
- Genealogical and family history research
Legal Framework:
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Illinois are governed by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, 750 ILCS 5/, which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for divorce in the state. Public access to court records is governed by Illinois Supreme Court Rules and the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140/, which provides the framework for access to government-held records.
Are Madison County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed with the Madison County Circuit Court are public court records, accessible to members of the public subject to applicable restrictions. The presumption under Illinois law favors public access to court proceedings and records.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of the parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from public-facing documents
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be filed under seal or with restricted access
- Certain financial affidavits may have limited public availability
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted
- Schools attended by children are not disclosed
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children may be sealed
- Guardian ad litem reports are restricted
- Child custody evaluations ordered by the court may be sealed
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed
- Mental health and substance abuse records are restricted
- Personal addresses of domestic violence victims are protected
- Mediation communications are confidential and not part of the public record
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public. Parties to the case, their attorneys, and certain authorized government agencies retain access to sealed materials.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents; may require ID and payment of fees |
| Parties to the case | Full access to their own case file |
| Attorneys of record | Full access; may petition for sealed records |
| Law enforcement | Authorized access per statutory authority |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
Prohibited Uses:
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use them for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or in violation of any protective order issued by the court.
Obtaining Confidential Records:
A party seeking access to restricted or sealed records must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal need. The court applies a balancing test weighing the requestor's interest against privacy protections. Certain parties, including child protection investigators and court-appointed evaluators, are entitled by statute to access otherwise restricted materials.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Madison County?
The Madison County Circuit Clerk's office charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Current fees are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $6.00 per document (first page) + $0.25 per additional page |
| Certification seal | Included in certified copy fee |
| Record search (in person) | No charge for basic search |
| Electronic copy (if available) | Varies; contact clerk's office |
- Accepted payment methods at the Circuit Clerk's office include cash, check, money order, and credit or debit card.
- Mail requests must include a check or money order payable to the Madison County Circuit Clerk.
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors upon submission of a completed fee waiver application. Members of the public who cannot afford fees may seek assistance through the Legal Self-Help Center located in the Law Library of the Madison County Courthouse, as noted on the divorce information page.
- Fees are established pursuant to 705 ILCS 105/27.1, which governs clerk of court fees in Illinois.
- Inspection of records at public access terminals in the courthouse is available at no charge.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Madison County
A complete Madison County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the Circuit Clerk from the initiation of proceedings through final judgment and any post-judgment actions. The following summarizes the principal categories of documents found in a dissolution of marriage case file.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record and their contact information
- Filing date and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
The petition for dissolution of marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for divorce (in Illinois, irretrievable breakdown of the marriage under 750 ILCS 5/401), information regarding minor children, and the relief requested. The respondent's answer or counterpetition, if filed, is also part of the record.
Financial Affidavits:
- Income from all sources
- Monthly expenses
- Assets including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and personal property
- Liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt
Discovery Documents:
- Financial disclosure statements
- Interrogatories and answers under oath
- Requests for production of documents
- Deposition transcripts, if taken
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with valuations
- Debt inventory
- Real property appraisals
- Business valuations, if applicable
- Expert reports on asset values
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan specifying legal and physical custody
- Timesharing schedule including regular, holiday, and summer provisions
- Child support calculation worksheets
- Income deduction orders
- Custody evaluations ordered by the court
- Guardian ad litem reports (access may be restricted)
Support Documents:
- Spousal maintenance orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Calculation worksheets reflecting income and standard of living analysis
Settlement Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement resolving all contested issues
- Mediation agreement, if the case was mediated (note: mediation communications are confidential, but the resulting agreement may be incorporated into the court record)
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property
- Temporary restraining orders or injunctions, if issued
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage including all findings, property awards, support orders, and custody determinations
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts
Post-Judgment Documents:
- Petitions to modify custody or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders and liens
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers (redacted from all public documents)
- Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details (may be sealed by court order)
- Mental health evaluations and substance abuse records
- Settlement negotiations (not filed with the court)
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
How the File Is Organized:
Documents are filed in chronological order and indexed by document type and filing date. Recent cases are maintained in electronic format through the court's case management system. Older cases may exist in paper format or as scanned images. The docket sheet reflects the complete filing history of the case and is accessible through the online case search portal.
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Madison County
Proof of divorce in Madison County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage, issued by the Madison County Circuit Clerk's office. A certified copy bears the official court seal and the clerk's certification, making it legally acceptable for remarriage, name change, immigration, and other official purposes.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the case by searching the Madison County Circuit Clerk Records Search using the names of both parties or the case number.
- Note the case number and the date the final judgment was entered.
- Submit a request to the Circuit Clerk's office by one of the following methods:
- In person: Present at the Circuit Clerk's office at 155 North Main Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025, during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), provide the case number and party names, and pay the applicable certification fee.
- By mail: Send a written request to Madison County Circuit Clerk, 155 North Main Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025, including the case number, party names, approximate date of divorce, requestor's contact information, and a check or money order for the applicable fee, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Receive the certified copy in person at the time of the request or by mail within approximately one to two weeks.
Members of the public who are uncertain whether a divorce was finalized in Madison County may also consult the Illinois Department of Public Health's dissolution of marriage records index, which covers divorces granted in Illinois from 1962 to the present. The state index confirms the county of filing but does not issue certified copies.
Madison County Circuit Clerk's Office
155 North Main Street
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Phone: (618) 692-6240
Madison County Circuit Clerk
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Madison County?
Certain portions of a divorce case file in Madison County may be sealed or restricted from public access, though complete confidentiality of an entire divorce proceeding is uncommon and requires a specific court order.
- Sealed by court order: A party may file a motion requesting that the court seal all or part of the case file. The court evaluates the motion by balancing the public's interest in open court records against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children.
- Domestic violence cases: Under Illinois law, information that could endanger a domestic violence victim, including residential addresses and contact information, may be withheld from the public record.
- Children's information: Names, addresses, schools, and medical or psychological information pertaining to minor children are subject to heightened protection and may be redacted or sealed.
- Financial account numbers and Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents as a matter of standard court practice.
- Mediation records are confidential by statute and are not filed with the court or made part of the public record.
- Mental health and substance abuse records incorporated into the case file are restricted from general public access.
The legal basis for sealing court records in Illinois is found in Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138, which governs the protection of personal identity information in court filings. Members of the public seeking to seal a divorce record must file a motion with the Madison County Circuit Court's Family Division and demonstrate good cause.
How Long Does Madison County Keep Divorce Records?
Madison County divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Illinois court record retention requirements, which mandate permanent preservation of final judgments and case files in civil proceedings.
- Final judgments of dissolution of marriage are retained permanently and do not expire or become unavailable over time.
- Complete case files, including all pleadings, orders, and supporting documents, are retained for a minimum of 20 years following the close of the case under Illinois court record retention schedules.
- Post-judgment modification records are retained as part of the original case file and are subject to the same retention period.
- Archived records from older cases may be stored off-site or in paper format; retrieval of archived materials may require additional processing time and a written request to the Circuit Clerk's office.
- Electronic records for cases filed in recent years are maintained in the court's case management system and are accessible through the online case search portal.
- Microfilmed or scanned records from cases predating electronic filing are maintained by the Circuit Clerk and are available upon request.
Illinois court record retention requirements are established by the Illinois Supreme Court and the Illinois Local Records Act, 50 ILCS 205/, which governs the preservation and disposal of public records maintained by local government agencies, including circuit court clerks.