Cook County Divorce Records
What Are Cook County Divorce Records?
Cook County divorce records are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of marriage between two individuals within Cook County, Illinois. These records are maintained pursuant to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/), which governs all aspects of divorce proceedings in the state. The Domestic Relations Division of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County is the official custodian of these records.
Divorce records typically consist of:
- Petitions for dissolution of marriage
- Court orders and judgments
- Settlement agreements
- Child custody and support arrangements
- Property division documents
- Name change authorizations
These records serve multiple important purposes for individuals and society, including:
- Providing legal proof of marital status change
- Enabling remarriage by demonstrating legal termination of previous marriage
- Supporting name change processes following divorce
- Documenting eligibility for Social Security benefits
- Verifying marital status for loan applications
- Establishing legal status for immigration matters
- Creating historical documentation for genealogical research
The Circuit Court of Cook County processes thousands of divorce cases annually, making it one of the busiest family court systems in the United States. All divorce proceedings in Cook County must be filed through the Circuit Court of Cook County's Domestic Relations Division.
Are Cook County Divorce Records Public?
Cook County divorce records maintain a dual status regarding public accessibility. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/), government records are generally presumed to be open to public inspection. However, divorce records are subject to specific limitations and protections.
The public accessibility of divorce records in Cook County is structured as follows:
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Court Case Files: Basic divorce case information including party names, case numbers, filing dates, and general procedural information is available to the public through the Circuit Court Clerk's office. These records can be accessed via the Cook County Court Records and Archives system.
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Restricted Information: Certain sensitive information within divorce files is redacted or restricted from public view, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account information
- Minor children's identifying information
- Victims of domestic violence information (by court order)
- Medical and mental health records
- Guardian ad litem reports
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Certified Divorce Certificates: The official certificate of divorce (dissolution of marriage) has restricted access. Pursuant to 410 ILCS 535/25, these certificates are available only to:
- The individuals named in the record
- Legal representatives with written authorization
- Persons with a direct and tangible interest (as defined by statute)
- Law enforcement or government agencies for official purposes
The Illinois Supreme Court has established specific Electronic Access Policy for Circuit Court Records that governs how divorce records may be accessed electronically, balancing transparency with privacy concerns.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Cook County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Cook County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The process varies depending on the type of record needed and the requester's relationship to the case.
For general divorce case information:
- Visit the Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court in person at:
Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court
Richard J. Daley Center
50 W. Washington St., Room 802
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 603-5030
Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court
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Provide the clerk with:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Approximate date of divorce (month and year)
- Case number (if known)
- Valid government-issued photo identification
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Complete a record request form available at the clerk's office or downloadable from the Circuit Court's website.
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Pay the applicable search and copy fees:
- Record search: $6.00 per name
- Certified copies: $15.00 for first page, $6.00 for each additional page
- Regular copies: $2.00 per page
For certified divorce certificates:
- Contact the Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records at:
Illinois Department of Public Health
Division of Vital Records
925 E. Ridgely Ave.
Springfield, IL 62702
(217) 782-6553
Illinois Department of Public Health
- Submit a completed Application for Dissolution of Marriage Record along with:
- Proof of identity (government-issued photo ID)
- Appropriate fee ($5.00 per copy)
- Documentation proving legal right to access if not a party to the divorce
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Cook County Online?
Cook County provides several digital resources for accessing divorce records online. The electronic systems offer convenience while maintaining appropriate privacy protections.
To search for divorce records online:
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Visit the Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court Electronic Filing System portal.
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Create a user account if you don't already have one. This requires:
- Valid email address
- Creation of username and password
- Agreement to terms of service
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Once registered, select "Court Case Search" from the main menu.
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Choose "Domestic Relations Division" from the case type options.
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Enter search criteria:
- Case number (if known)
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Filing date range (if known)
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Review search results, which will display:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Filing dates
- Case status
- Judge assigned
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Select specific cases to view publicly available information.
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For copies of documents, users may:
- View non-confidential documents online (subscription fee may apply)
- Request certified copies through the e-filing system
- Print available documents (standard printing fees apply)
The online system provides access to case dockets and some non-confidential filings, but certain documents may only be available in person at the courthouse due to privacy restrictions. The Illinois Supreme Court's Electronic Access Policy governs what information is available online.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Cook County?
While most official divorce record searches and document copies involve fees, Cook County residents have several options for accessing basic divorce record information at no cost:
- Public Access Terminals: The Circuit Court of Cook County provides free public access terminals at:
Richard J. Daley Center Law Library
50 W. Washington St., 29th Floor
Chicago, IL 60602
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
(312) 603-5423
These terminals allow users to search basic case information including:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Filing dates
- Hearing dates
- Case status
- District Courthouse Libraries: Similar public access terminals are available at suburban district courthouses throughout Cook County, including:
Second Municipal District Courthouse
5600 Old Orchard Road
Skokie, IL 60077
(847) 470-7250
Third Municipal District Courthouse
2121 Euclid Avenue
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
(847) 818-2200
- Online Case Information: Basic case information (not documents) can be viewed without charge through the Cook County Court Electronic Docket Search. This free service provides:
- Case number verification
- Party name confirmation
- Next court date information
- Judge assignment
- General case status
- Public Records Assistance: The Cook County Clerk's Office provides free assistance to individuals seeking guidance on locating divorce records. Staff cannot conduct searches but can direct requesters to appropriate resources.
It is important to note that while basic case information may be accessed without charge, obtaining actual documents or certified copies will incur the standard fees established by the Circuit Court Clerk's office.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Cook County
Cook County divorce records comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the legal dissolution of marriage. The content of these records is governed by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/).
A complete divorce file typically contains:
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Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Filing date
- Names and addresses of both parties
- Date and place of marriage
- Date of separation
- Names and ages of minor children
- Grounds for divorce (Illinois is a no-fault state)
- Residency verification
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Summons and Service Documentation
- Proof that respondent was properly notified
- Sheriff's return of service or publication notice
- Voluntary appearance documentation (if applicable)
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Financial Disclosure Statements
- Assets and liabilities of both parties
- Income verification
- Property valuations
- Retirement account information
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Parenting Documents (if children involved)
- Parenting plan
- Allocation of parental responsibilities
- Parenting time schedule
- Child support calculations
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Settlement Agreement
- Division of marital property
- Allocation of debts
- Maintenance (alimony) provisions
- Tax considerations
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Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage
- Final court order terminating the marriage
- Judge's signature and date
- Terms of the divorce settlement
- Name restoration (if requested)
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Post-Decree Motions and Orders (if applicable)
- Modifications to original judgment
- Enforcement proceedings
- Contempt actions
- Appeals documentation
The Domestic Relations Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County maintains these records in accordance with state retention requirements. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies to protect privacy interests.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Cook County?
Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Cook County have several options for obtaining this documentation. The type of proof needed often depends on the purpose for which it will be used.
For official proof of divorce, requesters may obtain:
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Certified Copy of Divorce Decree
- Visit the Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court at:
Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court
Richard J. Daley Center
50 W. Washington St., Room 802
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 603-5030
Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court- Complete the "Request for Certified Copy" form
- Provide case number or names of both parties and approximate date
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay the certification fee ($15.00 for first page, $6.00 for each additional page)
- Certified copies bear the Clerk's official seal and signature
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Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage
- Contact the Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records
- Complete the "Application for Dissolution of Marriage Record"
- Submit proof of identity and legal right to the record
- Pay the required fee ($5.00 per copy)
- Allow 4-6 weeks for processing by mail, or visit in person for same-day service
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Verification Letter
For some purposes, a verification letter confirming divorce status may be sufficient:
- Submit a written request to the Circuit Court Clerk's office
- Include names of both parties, case number (if known), and date of divorce
- Specify the information needing verification
- Pay the verification letter fee ($4.00)
- Receive an official letter confirming divorce status
For urgent needs, expedited service is available at the Circuit Court Clerk's office for an additional fee. Mail requests typically require 4-6 weeks for processing, while in-person requests may be fulfilled the same day depending on workload and record availability.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Cook County?
While divorce proceedings in Cook County are generally matters of public record, Illinois law provides several mechanisms for maintaining confidentiality in certain circumstances. The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/) and the Illinois Supreme Court Rules establish the framework for confidentiality.
Circumstances where confidentiality may be granted include:
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Sealing of Records
- Parties may petition the court to seal all or portions of the divorce file
- Judge must find compelling reason that privacy interests outweigh public interest
- Complete sealing of records is rare and requires exceptional circumstances
- Partial sealing of sensitive information is more commonly granted
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Automatic Privacy Protections
- Certain information is automatically protected from public disclosure:
- Social Security numbers (redacted to last four digits)
- Financial account numbers (redacted to last four digits)
- Names of minor children (may use initials only)
- Victims of domestic violence (identity protection)
- Medical and mental health records
- Certain information is automatically protected from public disclosure:
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Impoundment Orders
- Court may issue impoundment orders for specific documents
- Requires showing of good cause
- Limited to information that would cause undue harm if disclosed
- May be temporary or permanent
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Confidential Name Change
- Pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/21-103, victims of domestic violence may request confidential name changes
- Requires evidence of domestic violence or stalking
- Name change records are sealed from public inspection
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Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Mediation proceedings are confidential by law
- Collaborative divorce processes maintain privacy
- Settlement negotiations generally not part of public record
To request confidentiality, parties must file a "Motion to Impound" or "Motion to Seal" with the Circuit Court of Cook County. The motion must specifically identify the documents to be protected and provide compelling reasons for confidentiality. The court balances privacy interests against the presumption of public access to court records when making its determination.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Cook County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Cook County varies significantly based on multiple factors. The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/) establishes the procedural framework, but case-specific circumstances determine the actual timeline.
Key factors affecting divorce duration include:
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Type of Divorce
- Uncontested divorces: 2-4 months
- Contested divorces: 6-18 months
- Complex high-asset divorces: 1-3 years
- Divorces involving child custody disputes: 8-24 months
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Statutory Waiting Periods
- Illinois has eliminated the traditional waiting period for no-fault divorces
- Residency requirement: At least one spouse must have resided in Illinois for 90 days
- Mandatory 6-month separation period (can be waived if both parties agree)
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Court Congestion
- The Circuit Court of Cook County processes approximately 30,000 divorce cases annually
- Average time to first status hearing: 30-45 days
- Time between court dates: 30-90 days depending on calendar congestion
- Judge availability and caseload impact scheduling
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Complexity Factors
- Child-related issues (custody, support, parenting time)
- Business valuation requirements
- Real estate appraisals and property division
- Retirement account division (QDROs)
- Contested maintenance (alimony) claims
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Cooperation Level
- Full agreement on all issues: fastest resolution
- Partial agreement requiring negotiation: moderate timeline
- High-conflict cases requiring trial: longest duration
According to the Circuit Court of Cook County Annual Report, the median time from filing to disposition for divorce cases is approximately 10 months. However, this varies significantly by case type and complexity.
Expedited processes are available for simplified divorces meeting specific criteria:
- No children
- Marriage less than 8 years
- Limited assets (under $50,000 excluding vehicles)
- No real estate ownership
- Limited income (under $60,000 combined)
- No maintenance requests
These simplified cases can be resolved in as little as 30-60 days from filing to final judgment.
How Long Does Cook County Keep Divorce Records?
Cook County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule established by the Illinois Supreme Court Records Management Section and the Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205/). These retention periods ensure both historical preservation and practical access to important legal documents.
The retention schedule for divorce records in Cook County is as follows:
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Case Files and Judgments
- Complete case files: Permanent retention
- Final judgments of dissolution: Permanent retention
- Court orders: Permanent retention
- Settlement agreements: Permanent retention
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Supporting Documentation
- Financial disclosure statements: 5 years after case closure
- Discovery materials: 3 years after case closure
- Temporary orders: 5 years after case closure
- Guardian ad litem reports: 5 years after youngest child reaches majority
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Index and Docket Information
- Case indices: Permanent retention
- Docket entries: Permanent retention
- Party name records: Permanent retention
- Case number assignments: Permanent retention
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Certificates of Dissolution
- Original certificates: Transferred to Illinois Department of Public Health
- County clerk copies: Permanent retention
- Index of certificates: Permanent retention
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Electronic Records
- Digital case management records: Permanent retention
- Scanned documents: Retention period matches original document type
- E-filed documents: Permanent retention for core case documents
The Cook County Circuit Court Archives maintains historical divorce records dating back to the county's founding. Records from 1871-present are maintained in searchable formats, while earlier records may require specialized archival assistance to locate.
For practical purposes, individuals seeking divorce records should be aware that:
- Recent records (less than 10 years old) are readily accessible through the Clerk's office
- Older records (10-25 years) may be stored in off-site facilities requiring additional retrieval time
- Historical records (over 25 years) are maintained by the Archives Division and may require appointment for research
How To Get a Divorce In Cook County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Cook County must follow specific procedures established by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/). The process involves several key steps and requirements.
To initiate a divorce in Cook County:
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Determine Eligibility
- Residency requirement: At least one spouse must have lived in Illinois for 90 days
- Venue requirement: File in Cook County if either spouse resides there or if the parties agree
- No-fault grounds: Illinois recognizes only "irreconcilable differences" as grounds for divorce
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Prepare Required Documents
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Summons
- Domestic Relations Cover Sheet
- Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage
- Financial Affidavit (if property, support, or maintenance is at issue)
- Parenting Plan (if children are involved)
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File the Petition
- Submit documents to the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County at:
Clerk of the Circuit Court - Domestic Relations Division
Richard J. Daley Center
50 W. Washington St., Room 802
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 603-5030
Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court- Pay filing fees:
- Petition filing: $388.00
- Appearance fee (respondent): $251.00
- Fee waivers available for qualifying low-income individuals
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Serve the Respondent
- Sheriff's service: $60.00 within Cook County
- Private process server: Fees vary
- Publication (if respondent cannot be located): Approximately $200.00
- Voluntary appearance: No service fee if respondent agrees to accept papers
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Proceed Based on Response
- Uncontested: If respondent agrees to all terms, proceed to prove-up hearing
- Contested: Case assigned to judge for status hearings, discovery, and potential trial
- Default: If no response after proper service, may request default judgment
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Finalize the Divorce
- Attend prove-up hearing
- Present Marital Settlement Agreement and Parenting Plan (if applicable)
- Judge reviews and signs Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage
- Obtain certified copies of judgment
The Circuit Court of Cook County offers free resources to assist self-represented litigants, including:
- Form packets with instructions
- Help desk staffed by volunteer attorneys
- Procedural assistance (not legal advice) from court clerks
- Online resources and guides
How To Get Divorce Papers In Cook County
Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Cook County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms and documents. The Circuit Court of Cook County provides standardized forms that comply with Illinois law requirements.
To obtain divorce papers in Cook County:
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In-Person at the Courthouse
- Visit the Forms Division of the Clerk's Office:
Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court - Forms Division
Richard J. Daley Center
50 W. Washington St., Room 801
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 603-5031
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM- Request divorce packet appropriate to your situation:
- Simplified Dissolution packet (if eligible)
- Standard Dissolution packet
- Dissolution with Children packet
- Fee waiver application (if needed)
- Pay form packet fee: $5.00-$25.00 depending on complexity
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Online Resources
- Download forms from the Circuit Court of Cook County website
- Access Illinois Supreme Court standardized forms at Illinois Courts Approved Forms
- Use Illinois Legal Aid Online interactive form preparation system
- Forms available include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Summons
- Financial Affidavit
- Parenting Plan
- Marital Settlement Agreement
- Judgment for Dissolution
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Self-Help Legal Centers
- Visit the courthouse self-help center:
Cook County Law Library Self-Help Web Center
Richard J. Daley Center
50 W. Washington St., 29th Floor
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 603-5423
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM- Receive assistance with form selection and completion
- Access computers and printers for document preparation
- Obtain procedural guidance (not legal advice)
- No appointment necessary
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Legal Aid Organizations
- Contact Legal Aid Chicago:
Legal Aid Chicago
120 S. LaSalle St., Suite 900
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 341-1070- Eligibility based on income guidelines
- Free assistance with divorce paperwork
- Possible representation for qualifying individuals
After obtaining the appropriate forms, individuals must complete them accurately, make the required number of copies, and file them with the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Filing fees apply unless a fee waiver is granted based on financial hardship.