Jefferson County Divorce Decree Records
Jefferson County divorce decree records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, and serve as the official source for certified dissolution of marriage documents in the 2nd Judicial Circuit. Whether you want to search a case online, request a certified copy in person, or verify a divorce through the state, this page walks you through every available method.
Jefferson County Quick Facts
Jefferson County Circuit Clerk Office
Randy Pollard, Jr. serves as the Circuit Court Clerk for Jefferson County. The clerk's office is the official custodian of all civil and domestic court filings in this county, including divorce decrees. If you need a certified copy of a dissolution of marriage judgment, this is the only place to get one for cases filed in Jefferson County, Illinois.
| Office | Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Randy Pollard, Jr. |
| Address | P.O. Box 1266, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864-1266 |
| Phone | (618) 244-8008 |
| Fax | (618) 244-8029 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
When reaching out, have the full names of both parties and the approximate year of the divorce. Staff can look up case numbers, confirm whether a file is available, and tell you the current fees for copies. It is worth calling ahead so you are not caught off guard by a fee change or office closure.
Search Jefferson County Divorce Cases Online
Jefferson County cases can be searched for free through Judici.com. This platform covers more than 80 Illinois counties and does not require you to create an account. You can search by party name or case number. Results include the case type, filing date, and key court events like when a divorce judgment was entered.
If you need to search across several counties at once, try re:SearchIL. This is useful when you are not sure which county handled the filing. Both platforms are read-only. They do not allow you to download certified documents or submit filings. For in-person searches, visit the clerk's office in Mt. Vernon during regular business hours.
The Judici system provides free public access to Jefferson County court records, including dissolution of marriage cases going back many years.
Getting Certified Copies in Jefferson County
Certified copies of divorce decrees carry an official court seal and signature. They are needed for legal purposes such as name changes, loan applications, remarriage in some states, and property-related transactions. Only the Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk can issue certified copies for cases filed here.
Visit the clerk's office in Mt. Vernon with a government-issued photo ID. Bring the full names of both spouses and any case details you have. Fees for certified copies vary. Call (618) 244-8008 before your visit to confirm the current rate. Staff can also tell you whether a record is sealed or restricted in any way.
To request by mail, write a letter with the case information, include a copy of your ID, and send a check or money order to the Jefferson County Circuit Clerk at the P.O. Box address listed above. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail requests typically process in one to three weeks. Plain uncertified copies cost less but may not work for most legal uses, so clarify what you need when you write.
IDPH Statewide Divorce Verification
The Illinois Department of Public Health maintains a statewide divorce index covering cases from 1962 to the present. IDPH can verify that a divorce occurred and provide basic details like the names of the parties and the county of filing. This is not a certified copy and cannot be used in place of one for most legal matters.
The verification fee is $5. Mail your request to IDPH at 925 E. Ridgely Ave., Springfield, IL 62702-2737. You can also call (217) 782-6554. Processing takes four to six weeks. For divorces before 1962, the state index will have no record. Contact the Jefferson County clerk directly for those older cases.
IDPH verification is most useful when you just need to confirm basic facts about a past divorce. For anything requiring official proof, get a certified copy from the county clerk in Mt. Vernon.
Illinois Law and Jefferson County Divorce Filings
Illinois divorce law falls under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, 750 ILCS 5/. The only recognized ground for divorce is irreconcilable differences. There are no fault-based grounds in Illinois. If spouses have lived apart for six months, the law presumes irreconcilable differences exist under Section 401(a)(2). This speeds things along for many filers.
At least one spouse must have lived in Illinois for 90 days before the divorce petition is filed. Venue rules in Section 104 allow filing in any county where either spouse resides. Jefferson County is a valid venue as long as one party lives here. Court records, including divorce decrees, are public documents under 735 ILCS 5/, and most people can access them without special justification.
Divorce Forms and Legal Resources
Free standardized divorce forms approved for use in all Illinois circuit courts are available at the Illinois Courts forms page. This includes petition forms, financial disclosure statements, and proposed judgment templates. The forms apply to the 2nd Circuit serving Jefferson County.
If cost is a barrier to getting legal help, Illinois Legal Aid Online provides free step-by-step guides on the Illinois divorce process. The site explains each stage, from filing the initial petition to attending a final hearing. It also lists local legal aid providers if you need more hands-on help in this area.
Illinois Legal Aid Online covers the full divorce process under Illinois law and links to resources relevant to Jefferson County residents in the 2nd Judicial Circuit.
eFileIL and Online Filing in Jefferson County
Electronic filing became mandatory for attorneys in all Illinois circuit courts on July 1, 2018. Self-represented parties in Jefferson County can also file through eFileIL. The platform accepts petitions, answers, motions, and many other case documents. It is a good option for routine submissions when you do not need to visit the courthouse.
E-filing does not replace in-person visits when you need certified copies or when a judge requires original signed documents. If you are unsure whether to file electronically or in person, call the clerk's office at (618) 244-8008 for guidance. The 2nd Judicial Circuit's e-filing portal works the same as other Illinois circuits.
Nearby Counties
Under Illinois law, divorce must be filed in the county where at least one spouse lives. If Jefferson County is not the right venue for your situation, check the nearby county pages below.