Perry County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Perry County in 2026
PerryCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Perry County, Illinois. Members of the public may locate dissolution of marriage filings, final decrees, case numbers, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories include:
- Dissolution of marriage petitions
- Final judgments and decrees
- Case docket entries
- Certified copy requests
- Post-judgment modification orders
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by the Illinois court system.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Perry County Circuit Clerk maintains case records accessible through the 24th Judicial Circuit Court portal. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for document copies.
2. State Court System Portal
The State of Illinois Office of the Illinois Courts provides a statewide courts directory and access to circuit court information across all Illinois jurisdictions, enabling searches across multiple counties from a single platform.
3. State Vital Records
The Illinois Department of Public Health maintains dissolution of marriage indexes; however, as the agency notes, "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 from the circuit court clerk in the county where the divorce was granted."
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Perry County Courthouse
Perry County Circuit Clerk
1 Public Square, Floor 2
Pinckneyville, IL 62274
Phone: (618) 357-6726
Perry County Courthouse
Services available in person include:
- Searching case files by party name or case number
- Viewing filed documents at public access terminals
- Requesting certified copies of final decrees
- Staff assistance for locating archived records
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Perry County Circuit Clerk, 1 Public Square, Floor 2, Pinckneyville, IL 62274
- Include the full names of both parties, approximate date of divorce, case number if known, requester's contact information, payment for applicable copy fees, and a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Processing time: 1–2 weeks for standard requests
By Phone
Limited Information:
- Circuit Clerk: (618) 357-6726
- Staff may confirm whether a case exists, provide the case number, case status, and filing date
- Detailed document contents and copies of filed documents are not provided by telephone
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Illinois may access case files, request documents, and, where legally authorized, petition the court for access to sealed records. The Illinois State Bar Association maintains a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation in family law matters.
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 Perry County
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under Illinois law, a dissolution of marriage action is filed in the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing, pursuant to 735 ILCS 5/2-101. Members of the public who cannot locate a record in Perry County may need to search adjacent counties if residency was established elsewhere.
Residency Requirement: Under 750 ILCS 5/401, at least one spouse must have been a resident of Illinois for 90 days prior to the entry of a judgment of dissolution.
Time Considerations
- Recent filings may require several business days to appear in the electronic case management system following the final hearing
- Older records predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format and require additional retrieval time
- Requesters should allow extra processing time for cases filed prior to the mid-1990s
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common reasons a record may not appear in a search include the wrong county of filing, name variations between married and maiden names, spelling differences, a case that remains pending and has not been finalized, or a record that has been sealed by court order. Requesters may contact the Circuit Clerk at (618) 357-6726, attempt alternate name spellings, search under both spouses' names, or consult the Illinois Department of Public Health's dissolution of marriage index.
What Are Perry County Divorce Records?
Perry County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the 24th Judicial Circuit Court. These records are maintained by the Perry County Circuit Clerk as part of the family law case file and constitute public records subject to applicable Illinois law.
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 hearing notices
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
Final Decree:
The final judgment of dissolution 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-ordered name restoration. Certified copies of the final decree are available from the Circuit Clerk.
Supporting Documents:
- Financial disclosure statements
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Parenting plan attachments
- Post-judgment modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records
Dissolution records serve legal purposes including proof of marital status for remarriage, name change documentation, property transfer proceedings, estate planning, immigration proceedings, and Social Security benefit determinations. Records are also accessed for genealogical research and personal verification of divorce terms.
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 Rules and the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.
Are Perry County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Perry County are public court records under Illinois law, and members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, court orders, and final judgments. Certain categories of information within a case file are restricted or redacted to protect sensitive personal data.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of the parties and 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 are redacted from all public filings pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Guardian ad litem reports, which may be sealed by court order
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and related evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
Sealed Records:
A court may seal a case file or specific documents upon a showing of good cause. Parties seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for disclosure.
Who Can Access Records:
- The general public may view docket entries and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees
- Parties to the case retain full access to their own case file, including confidential portions
- Attorneys of record may access case files in their professional capacity
- Researchers and members of the media may access public portions of case files; access to sealed records requires a court order
Prohibited Uses:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation of any party
- Identity theft or fraudulent purposes
- Violation of any existing protective order
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Perry County?
The Perry County Circuit Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certifications of court records. Current fees are established pursuant to 705 ILCS 105/27.1, which governs clerk fees in Illinois circuit courts.
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.25–$0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $6.00 per document (plus per-page copy fee) |
| Certification fee | $6.00 |
| Record search (in-person) | No charge for basic search |
| Electronic copy (if available) | Varies by request |
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Money order or cashier's check payable to the Perry County Circuit Clerk
- Personal checks (subject to clerk's current policy)
- Credit or debit cards (availability subject to clerk's current policy; confirm by calling (618) 357-6726)
Fee Waivers:
Members of the public who qualify as indigent may petition the court for a waiver of filing and copy fees. A completed fee waiver application must be submitted to the Circuit Clerk and approved by the presiding judge prior to the waiver taking effect.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- In-person review of public case docket entries at the courthouse
- Basic case status information provided by telephone
- Online case index searches through the court's public portal
What's Included in Divorce Records in Perry County
A complete dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Perry County Circuit Clerk contains the following categories of documents:
Basic Case Information:
- Case caption, case number, court name, and assigned judge
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Attorneys of record and filing dates
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage, including marriage date and location, grounds for dissolution (irretrievable breakdown under Illinois no-fault law), children's information, property claims, and relief requested
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Counterpetition, if filed
Financial Affidavits: Both parties are required to submit financial affidavits disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and retirement accounts, as well as all liabilities.
Discovery Documents:
- Interrogatories and answers under oath
- Requests for production of financial records
- Tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and investment account statements
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with descriptions and valuations
- Debt inventory including mortgages, loans, and credit obligations
- Appraisals and expert valuations of real property or business interests
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan specifying legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, holiday and vacation provisions, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support calculation worksheet reflecting income, overnights, health insurance, and childcare costs
- Custody evaluations and home studies, which may be sealed
- Guardian ad litem reports, which may be restricted
Settlement Documents:
- Marital Settlement Agreement resolving all issues including property division, spousal support, and child-related provisions
- Mediation agreements, if the case was mediated
Court Orders and Final Judgment:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property
- Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, including findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody and timesharing, and any name restoration
- Post-judgment modification orders and enforcement actions
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence evidence (may be sealed)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Perry County?
Proof of divorce in Perry County is obtained through a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage issued by the Perry County Circuit Clerk. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature and is accepted as legal proof of dissolution for remarriage, name change, immigration, and other official purposes.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the case number by searching the 24th Judicial Circuit Court case index or by contacting the Circuit Clerk at (618) 357-6726.
- Submit a written request in person or by mail to the Perry County Circuit Clerk, 1 Public Square, Floor 2, Pinckneyville, IL 62274.
- Include the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, the case number if known, and payment for applicable fees.
- Certified copies are issued at the standard certification fee plus per-page copy charges.
As the Illinois Department of Public Health confirms, certified copies of dissolution records are available exclusively from the circuit court clerk in the county where the divorce was granted, not from the state vital records office.
Perry County Circuit Clerk
1 Public Square, Floor 2
Pinckneyville, IL 62274
Phone: (618) 357-6726
Perry County Courthouse
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Perry County?
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Perry County are presumptively public; however, Illinois law and Illinois Supreme Court Rules provide mechanisms by which specific documents or entire case files may be made confidential.
- Court-ordered sealing: A party may file a motion requesting that the court seal specific documents or the entire case file upon a demonstrated showing of good cause, such as the presence of domestic violence, child safety concerns, or highly sensitive personal information.
- Automatic redactions: Pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138, Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar identifiers are automatically redacted from all public filings.
- Children's information: Documents containing the residential addresses of minor children, school information, and psychological evaluations may be restricted or sealed to protect the welfare of the children involved.
- Domestic violence protections: Cases involving allegations of domestic violence may have victim addresses and related evidence sealed to protect the safety of the affected party.
- Mediation records: Communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential under 750 ILCS 5/602.10 and are not part of the public case file.
- High-profile cases: Courts retain discretion to seal records in cases where public disclosure would cause substantial harm disproportionate to the public interest in access.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the 24th Judicial Circuit Court and demonstrate a legally sufficient basis for disclosure.
How Long Does Perry County Keep Divorce Records?
The Perry County Circuit Clerk retains dissolution of marriage records in accordance with the Illinois Supreme Court's records retention schedule, which establishes minimum retention periods for all circuit court case files.
- Final judgments of dissolution: Retained permanently as part of the official court record. These documents are never destroyed and remain accessible indefinitely.
- Complete case files (contested dissolutions): Retained for a minimum of 20 years following the close of the case under the Illinois Supreme Court Records Retention Schedule.
- Uncontested dissolution files: Retained for a minimum of 7 years following the entry of the final judgment, after which non-permanent documents may be disposed of in accordance with the approved schedule.
- Post-judgment modification orders: Retained as part of the original case file for the duration of the applicable retention period.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's case management system and are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records.
- Archived paper records: Cases predating electronic filing are maintained in physical storage and may require additional retrieval time for access.
Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the Perry County Circuit Clerk directly at (618) 357-6726 to confirm availability and retrieval procedures for archived files.