Divorce records in Sangamon County, Illinois, are available through several channels. SangamonCourt.us allows you to search publicly accessible information about divorce records in the county. Additionally, official court documents are maintained by the Sangamon County Circuit Clerk, and verification of divorce can be requested through the Illinois Department of Public Health. To obtain records, you can also visit the court clerk's office in person or contact the County Clerk for vital records inquiries.
Sangamon Divorce Records Search
In Illinois, divorce cases (dissolution of marriage) are handled by the Circuit Court. In Sangamon County, this is the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court, and the official custodian of all court materials is the Circuit Clerk. This office maintains the archive of divorce decrees, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and related procedural documents.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) keeps statistical records of divorces, but does not issue certified copies — these must be obtained directly from the Circuit Clerk of the county where the decision was made.
Record searches are available at the Circuit Clerk's office for a fee of $4.00 per year searched. Request forms can be downloaded from the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court's website.
Sangamon County Circuit Clerk
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Sangamon
When a Circuit Court judge issues a divorce decree, the Circuit Clerk's office records the decree and maintains the complete court file of the case. This is the only place where a certified copy of the court's decision, settlement agreement, or custody order can be obtained.
Which institution to choose depends on what you need:
- Complete court decision or certified copy of the decree — contact the Sangamon County Circuit Clerk.
- Verification of divorce (verification letter) — can be requested through IDPH, although this office does not provide certified copies of the decision itself.
Sangamon County Circuit Clerk (court records)
Illinois Department of Public Health — Division of Vital Records
Note: Sangamon County Complex has an electronic filing kiosk in Room 405 — the same location as the Circuit Clerk's office. For general information about the state court system, use the public resources of Illinois Courts.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Sangamon
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Record search — per year | $4.00 | During visit or 5–10 business days by mail |
| Certified copy of decree | $2.00 for the first page + $0.50 for each additional page | During visit or 5–10 business days by mail |
| Non-certified copy of document | $0.50 per page | During visit |