Jackson County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Jackson County in 2026
JacksonILRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Jackson County, Illinois. Members of the public may find dissolution of marriage filings, final decrees, case numbers, and related court documents. Record availability may vary depending on the age of the case, the nature of the proceedings, and any court-ordered restrictions. Available record categories include:
- Dissolution of marriage petitions
- Final judgments and decrees
- Property settlement agreements
- Child custody and support orders
- Post-judgment modification orders
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce records in Jackson County.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Illinois Circuit Court Case Search portal maintained by the Illinois Courts system allows members of the public to search case information by party name or case number. Basic case information is available at no charge. Obtaining copies of filed documents may require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
The Illinois Courts website provides a consolidated statewide portal through which members of the public may search across jurisdictions. This resource is particularly useful when the county of filing is uncertain.
3. State Vital Records
As clarified by the Illinois Department of Public Health, the state vital records office 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 — Jackson County Circuit Court
Jackson County Circuit Clerk
1001 Walnut Street
Murphysboro, IL 62966
Phone: (618) 687-7300
Jackson County Circuit Clerk
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View filed documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees
- Staff assistance for locating records
By Mail
Written Request:
Mail requests to the Jackson County Circuit Clerk at the address listed above. Each written request should include:
- Full legal 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 correspondence
Processing time for mail requests is subject to current court workload and may range from one to three weeks.
By Phone
Limited Information:
- Jackson County Circuit Clerk: (618) 687-7300
- Staff may confirm whether a case exists, provide a case number, confirm case status, and verify the filing date
- Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or confidential case information by telephone
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Illinois may access court records on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing, and assist with complex or older cases. Members of the public seeking legal representation may consult the Illinois State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service.
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 Jackson 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.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Records may not appear in online systems immediately following a final hearing
- Allow several business days to several weeks for processing after the final judgment is entered
Older Divorces:
- Records predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format
- Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time
- Not all historical records have been digitized
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county of search
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records held in off-site storage
- Case sealed or subject to confidentiality order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Circuit Clerk's office at (618) 687-7300
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Verify the filing county based on residency at the time of divorce
- Consult an attorney for sealed or difficult-to-locate records
What Are Jackson County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Jackson County are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed with the Jackson County Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the court's permanent family law case files and are maintained by the Circuit Clerk as the official custodian of record.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files include the full range of documents filed during the proceeding:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Parenting plans and child custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and hearing transcripts
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
Final Decree is the official court order terminating the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, division of marital property, spousal support obligations if any, child custody and visitation arrangements, child support orders, and any court-approved name changes. Certified copies of the final decree are available from the Circuit Clerk.
Supporting Documents may include marriage certificates submitted as exhibits, financial disclosure statements, property inventories, parenting plan attachments, and any post-judgment modification orders entered after the original decree.
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Divorce records serve numerous legal and personal purposes, including:
- Providing proof of marital status for remarriage
- Supporting name change documentation
- Facilitating property transfers and estate planning
- Documenting legal status for immigration proceedings
- Establishing eligibility for Social Security or pension benefits
- Supporting genealogical and family history research
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. Access to court records is further governed by Illinois Supreme Court Rules and the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140/1 et seq., which establishes the presumption of public access to government records.
Are Jackson County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records in Jackson County are public court records subject to the presumption of public access under Illinois law. Members of the public may access basic case information and most filed documents. Certain categories of information are restricted or may be sealed by court order to protect sensitive personal data.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties to the proceeding
- 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 all public filings
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
- Certain financial statements may be filed under seal upon motion
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Child custody evaluations may be sealed
- Guardian ad litem reports are subject to restricted access
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
- Sexual abuse allegations and related evidence
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. Mediation communications are confidential under Illinois law and are not part of the public court record.
Who Can Access Records:
- General Public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees
- Parties to the Case: Entitled to full access to their own case file, including confidential information pertaining to their proceeding
- Attorneys: May access case files and, upon proper motion, may seek access to sealed documents
- Researchers and Media: May access public portions of the record; sealed records require a court order
Prohibited Uses:
Members of the public are prohibited from using divorce records for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or any use that violates an existing protective order.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Jackson County?
The Jackson County Circuit Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with Illinois statutory authority. Under 705 ILCS 105/27.1, circuit clerks are authorized to collect fees for copies and certifications of court records.
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.25–$0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $6.00–$10.00 (varies) |
| Certification fee | $6.00 per document |
| Search fee | No separate search fee |
| Electronic copies | Varies by request |
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Check or money order payable to the Jackson County Circuit Clerk
- Credit or debit card (availability subject to current office policy)
Fee Waivers:
Members of the public who are unable to pay copy fees may petition the court for a fee waiver. The Illinois Legal Aid Online resource provides guidance on fee waiver eligibility and procedures.
Free Access:
Basic case information, including case numbers, party names, filing dates, and docket entries, may be viewed at no charge through the court's public access terminals located at the courthouse or through the Illinois Courts online case search system.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Jackson County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Jackson County Circuit Clerk contains the following categories of documents.
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 respondent's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for dissolution (irretrievable breakdown under Illinois no-fault law), information regarding minor children, property claims, and the relief requested.
The Response or Answer states the respondent's position, admissions or denials of the petition's allegations, any counterpetition, and the respondent's requested relief.
Financial Affidavits submitted by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and personal property, and all liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt.
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with descriptions and valuations
- Debt inventory covering all marital liabilities
- Real property appraisals and business valuations
- Expert reports on asset values
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
The Parenting Plan addresses legal custody and decision-making authority, physical custody and primary residence, the regular and holiday timesharing schedule, transportation arrangements, communication provisions, and restrictions on relocation. The Child Support Calculation Worksheet reflects both parties' income, the number of overnights, health insurance costs, childcare costs, and the support amount ordered.
Settlement Documents:
The Marital Settlement Agreement is a comprehensive document resolving all contested issues, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support terms, child-related provisions, tax treatment of transfers, and attorney fee allocation.
Court Orders and Judgments:
Temporary orders may address interim custody, support, use of marital property, and restraining orders during the pendency of the proceeding. The Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage is the court's definitive order ending the marriage, containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, all property and support determinations, child custody and support orders, any name restoration, and the judge's signature and seal.
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- 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 filings)
- 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 and substance abuse evaluations (restricted access)
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed agreements
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Jackson County?
Proof of divorce in Jackson County is obtained through a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage issued by the Jackson County Circuit Clerk. A certified copy bears the court's official 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 number by searching the Illinois Circuit Court Case Search or by contacting the Circuit Clerk's office directly.
- Submit a written request or appear in person at the Jackson County Circuit Clerk's office.
- Provide the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and the case number if known.
- Pay the applicable certification fee at the time of request.
- Receive the certified copy in person or by mail, depending on the method of request.
Jackson County Circuit Clerk
1001 Walnut Street
Murphysboro, IL 62966
Phone: (618) 687-7300
Jackson County Circuit Clerk
As noted by the Illinois Department of Public Health, the state vital records office does not issue certified copies of dissolution of marriage records. The circuit court clerk in the county where the divorce was granted is the sole source of certified copies.
Members of the public who require verification of divorce status without obtaining a full certified copy may request a case summary or docket printout, which reflects the final judgment date and case disposition. This document is available at a lower cost than a certified copy of the full decree.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Jackson County?
Divorce proceedings in Jackson County are presumptively public, but Illinois law and court rules permit certain records or portions of records to be treated as confidential under defined circumstances.
Circumstances Under Which Records May Be Confidential:
- Domestic violence cases: Courts may restrict public access to addresses, contact information, and evidence related to domestic violence allegations to protect the safety of victims
- Sealed by court order: Any party may file a motion requesting that specific documents or the entire case file be sealed upon a showing of good cause; the court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests at stake
- Children's information: Under Illinois Supreme Court rules, certain identifying information about minor children, including residential addresses and school information, is subject to redaction from publicly accessible filings
- Mental health and medical records: Records pertaining to mental health evaluations, substance abuse treatment, and medical conditions are subject to restricted access under applicable state and federal privacy laws
- Mediation communications: Under 750 ILCS 5/602.10, mediation communications in parenting disputes are confidential and are not part of the public court record
- Confidential settlements: Settlement terms that the parties agree to keep confidential may be incorporated by reference into the final decree without being set forth in full in the public record
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access.
How Long Does Jackson County Keep Divorce Records?
Jackson County Circuit Court divorce records are subject to retention schedules established under Illinois law and Illinois Supreme Court administrative orders.
Retention Periods:
- Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently; these documents constitute the official record of the court's disposition and are never destroyed
- Complete case files (contested proceedings): Retained for a minimum of 20 years following the date of final judgment under Illinois court record retention guidelines
- Complete case files (uncontested proceedings): Retained for a minimum of 7 to 10 years, subject to current Illinois Supreme Court retention schedules
- Post-judgment modification orders: Retained as part of the original case file for the duration of the case file's retention period
- Archived paper records: Older records that predate electronic filing are maintained in physical storage and may require additional retrieval time; availability is subject to the condition of the original documents
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's case management system and are accessible through the clerk's office and online portals
The Illinois Supreme Court establishes uniform record retention schedules applicable to all circuit courts in the state. Members of the public seeking records from cases more than 20 years old should contact the Jackson County Circuit Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.
Jackson County Circuit Clerk
1001 Walnut Street
Murphysboro, IL 62966
Phone: (618) 687-7300
Jackson County Circuit Clerk