St. Ephenson County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In St. Ephenson County in 2026
StEphensonRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Stephenson County, Illinois. Members of the public may find case numbers, party names, filing dates, final decrees, and related court documents. Record categories available through official channels include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, parenting plans, property settlement agreements, and post-judgment modification orders. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Divorce records in Stephenson County may be searched through the Circuit Clerk and Court office, public access terminals at the courthouse, the JUDICI online case database, and the Illinois Courts statewide portal. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking dissolution of marriage records.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Stephenson County Circuit Clerk's Office maintains an online case search through the JUDICI platform, which provides access to the public portion of court records. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for certified copies or document downloads.
- Access the Self Help Center for links to JUDICI and additional online resources
- Search by party name or case number
- Free basic case information; document fees may apply
2. State Court System Portal
The Stephenson County Courthouse – Illinois Courts directory provides links to court calendars, local rules, and case management resources for the 15th Judicial Circuit.
3. State Vital Records
Illinois does not issue divorce certificates through the Illinois Department of Public Health in the same manner as birth or death certificates. The official record of a divorce is maintained by the Circuit Clerk of the county where the case was filed. Members of the public seeking proof of divorce must obtain a certified copy of the final judgment directly from the Circuit Clerk.
In-Person Searches
Stephenson County Circuit Clerk – Family Division
Stephenson County Circuit Clerk
15 N. Galena Ave.
Freeport, IL 61032
Phone: (815) 235-8266
Circuit Clerk and Court
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Case file searches by party name or case number
- Viewing of public court documents
- Requests for certified copies of final decrees
- Public access computer terminals
- Staff assistance for locating records
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Stephenson County Circuit Clerk, 15 N. Galena Ave., Freeport, IL 61032
- Include the following:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Requester's contact information
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed in the order received; allow one to two weeks for standard requests
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Circuit Clerk: (815) 235-8266
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or sealed case information
Through Attorneys
Members of the public involved in complex dissolution matters, or those seeking access to sealed or restricted documents, may retain legal counsel. An attorney of record may access the complete case file and, upon proper motion, petition the court for access to restricted materials. The Illinois State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing year
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior addresses in Stephenson County
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Pursuant to 750 ILCS 5/401, a petition for dissolution of marriage must be 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 of filing.
Residency Requirement: Under current Illinois law, at least one spouse must have resided in Illinois for 90 days prior to filing for dissolution of marriage.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Cases finalized within the past several weeks may not yet be fully indexed in online systems
- Allow processing time following the final hearing before searching online databases
- Records are entered into the system within days to weeks of finalization
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may exist only in paper form
- Archived records may require additional retrieval time
- Staff assistance is available for locating historical case files
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 stored in physical archives
- Case sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Circuit Clerk at (815) 235-8266
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Submit a FOIA request if records are not accessible through standard search methods
- Consult an attorney for sealed or restricted records
What Are St. Ephenson County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Stephenson County are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the 15th Judicial Circuit Court. As stated on the official county website, "The Stephenson County Circuit Clerk's Office is the official record-keeper of Stephenson County's trial court." These records are part of the family law court file and are maintained by the Circuit Clerk and Court office.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files include the following documents:
- 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, orders, and notices
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
Final Decree is the official court order terminating the marriage. It establishes:
- The legal 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 and serve as legal proof of divorce for purposes including remarriage, name changes, estate planning, immigration proceedings, and Social Security benefit applications.
Supporting Documents filed in the case record may include:
- Marriage certificate (submitted as exhibit)
- Financial disclosure statements
- Real and personal property inventories
- Appraisals and expert valuations
- Post-judgment modification orders
Legal Framework:
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Illinois are governed by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, 750 ILCS 5/101 et seq. Public access to court records is governed by Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138, which addresses the protection of personal identity information in court filings, and by the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.
Are St. Ephenson County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Stephenson County are public court records subject to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act and applicable Illinois Supreme Court Rules. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, court orders, and the final judgment of dissolution. As noted in the county's official FOIA policy, "In accordance with statutes, all service information and court records will be provided with courtesy and efficiency."
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and the final judgment of dissolution
- Property division orders
- General case status
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)
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted by court order)
- Child custody evaluations (may be sealed)
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
Sealed Records:
A court may seal specific documents or an entire case file 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:
| Requester | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents, docket entries, final decree |
| Parties to the case | Full access to own case file |
| Attorneys of record | Full access; may petition for sealed materials |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to restricted materials |
Prohibited Uses of Divorce Records:
- Stalking or harassment of any party
- Identity theft or fraudulent purposes
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Commercial exploitation where prohibited by law
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in St. Ephenson County?
The Stephenson County Circuit Clerk's office 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 order or decree | $2.00 per document plus $0.50 per page |
| Certification fee | $2.00 |
| Electronic copy (where available) | Fees may vary |
| Search fee | No separate search fee for standard requests |
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Check or money order payable to Stephenson County Circuit Clerk
- Credit and debit cards (availability subject to office policy)
Fee Waivers:
Members of the public who qualify as indigent may petition the court for a waiver of fees pursuant to applicable Illinois law. A completed fee waiver application must be submitted to the Circuit Clerk's office for review.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Viewing case docket entries on public access terminals at the courthouse
- Basic case status information provided verbally by clerk staff
- Online case summary information through JUDICI (where available without charge)
What's Included in Divorce Records in St. Ephenson County
A complete dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Stephenson County Circuit Clerk contains the following categories of documents.
Basic Case Information:
- Case caption (case number, court name, parties' names, judge assigned, attorneys of record)
- Filing date, filing fees paid, and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage (petitioner's information, marriage date and location, grounds for divorce, children's information, property and support claims)
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Counterpetition, if filed
- Financial affidavits from both parties (income, expenses, assets, and liabilities)
Discovery Documents:
- Financial disclosure statements
- Interrogatories and answers under oath
- Requests for production of documents
- Bank statements, tax returns, pay stubs, and investment account records
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory (real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, personal property)
- Debt inventory (mortgages, car loans, credit card debt, tax obligations)
- Appraisals and expert valuations
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan (legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, holiday and vacation provisions, decision-making responsibilities)
- Child support calculation worksheet and order
- Custody evaluations ordered by the court
- Guardian ad litem reports, if appointed
Support Documents:
- Spousal maintenance (alimony) order specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Income and standard-of-living analysis
Settlement Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement resolving all issues (property division, debt allocation, support terms, attorney fees)
- Mediation agreement, if applicable (note: mediation communications are confidential and not part of the public record)
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders (temporary custody, support, use of property, restraining orders)
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage (findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody and parenting time, name restoration)
- Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), if retirement accounts are divided
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 Redacted:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted per Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details (may be sealed)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents
How to Get Proof of Divorce in St. Ephenson County?
Proof of divorce in Stephenson County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage issued by the Circuit Clerk's office. A certified copy bears the official court seal and the clerk's certification, making it legally acceptable for remarriage applications, name change requests, immigration filings, and other official purposes.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Gather the full names of both parties and the approximate year of the divorce.
- Locate the case number through the JUDICI online database, the Self Help Center, or by contacting the Circuit Clerk's office directly.
- Submit a request in person, by mail, or as directed by the clerk's office:
Stephenson County Circuit Clerk
15 N. Galena Ave.
Freeport, IL 61032
Phone: (815) 235-8266
Circuit Clerk and Court
- Pay the applicable certification fee (currently $2.00 per document plus $0.50 per page).
- Receive the certified copy in person or by mail with a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Members of the public who are parties to the case may also access their records and request certified copies through the Stephenson County Clerk and Recorder for related vital records needs. For FOIA-based requests, members of the public may submit a written request pursuant to the county's Freedom of Information Act procedures.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in St. Ephenson County?
Certain divorce records in Stephenson County may be made confidential or sealed by court order, though the default presumption under Illinois law is that court records are open to the public.
Circumstances under which records may be confidential include:
- Domestic violence cases: Courts may restrict access to addresses, contact information, and case details to protect the safety of victims, consistent with the Illinois Domestic Violence Act.
- Cases involving minor children: Psychological evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and child custody evaluations may be sealed to protect the best interests of the children.
- Sensitive financial information: Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and similar identifiers are redacted from public filings pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138.
- Sealed settlements: Parties may petition the court to seal specific settlement terms upon a showing of good cause.
- Mediation records: Communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential by statute and are not filed in the public court record.
A party seeking to seal records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public's interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties.
How Long Does St. Ephenson County Keep Divorce Records?
Stephenson County retains dissolution of marriage records in accordance with the Illinois Local Records Act, 50 ILCS 205/1 et seq., and the retention schedules approved by the Illinois Local Records Commission.
Retention periods for divorce-related records include:
- Final judgments of dissolution of marriage: Retained permanently as part of the official court record.
- Complete case files (active and closed): Retained for a minimum of 20 years following the close of the case; many records are retained permanently.
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained for the duration of the case file retention period; may be purged after the statutory minimum period.
- Post-judgment modification orders: Retained as part of the original case file for the same period as the underlying case.
- Archived paper records: Older cases predating electronic filing are maintained in physical archives and may require additional retrieval time.
Members of the public seeking records from cases closed many years ago should contact the Circuit Clerk's office directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures. Electronic records are indexed and searchable through the JUDICI system for cases within the digitized period.