Kankakee County Divorce Decree Search

Kankakee County divorce decree records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk in the city of Kankakee, Illinois, where the 21st Judicial Circuit handles all dissolution of marriage cases for this county of over 107,000 residents. This page explains how to search for a divorce case, obtain a certified copy, or verify a record through the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Kankakee County Circuit Clerk Office

Sandra Cianci serves as the Circuit Court Clerk for Kankakee County. The clerk's office is the official custodian of all civil and domestic court records in the county, including every divorce decree and dissolution of marriage judgment. Certified copies of divorce decrees for Kankakee County cases can only be obtained from this office.

Call ahead before visiting to ask about wait times and current fees. Staff can search records by party name or case number. Bring a photo ID and as much case detail as you have -- both parties' names and the approximate year of the divorce help the search go quickly.

How to Search Kankakee County Divorce Records

Kankakee County is part of the Judici network, which means free case searches are available at Judici.com. You do not need an account. Search by the name of either spouse or by case number. Results show the case type, filing date, and court events including when a final dissolution judgment was entered. This is a good starting point before you contact the clerk's office.

For a broader search across several counties, re:SearchIL covers multiple Illinois courts at once. This helps when you are unsure whether a case was filed in Kankakee County or in an adjacent county like Will, Grundy, Iroquois, Livingston, or Ford. Both platforms are read-only. You cannot file documents or get certified copies through them.

In-person searches are also available at 450 East Court Street in Kankakee. Bring identification and any known case information.

Judici provides free public access to Kankakee County court records, including dissolution of marriage filings in the 21st Judicial Circuit.

Getting Certified Copies of Kankakee County Divorce Decrees

A certified copy of a divorce decree is required for many legal uses. Name changes on government IDs, property deed transfers, Social Security updates, and some remarriage requirements all call for a certified copy with the court's official seal. Only the Kankakee County Circuit Court Clerk can issue these for cases filed here.

For in-person requests, go to the clerk's office at 450 East Court Street in Kankakee. Bring a government-issued photo ID. You will need the full names of both spouses and, if available, the case number or year the divorce was finalized. Call (815) 936-5700 to confirm the current fee before your visit. Fees vary and are set at the county level.

Mail requests are accepted. Write a letter with the case details, include a copy of your ID, and send a check or money order payable to the Kankakee County Circuit Clerk. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail requests typically process in one to three weeks. Plain uncertified copies cost less, but many legal purposes require the certified version.

IDPH Statewide Divorce Verification

The Illinois Department of Public Health maintains a statewide divorce index covering Illinois cases from 1962 forward, including those filed in Kankakee County. IDPH verification confirms that a divorce took place and shows basic facts -- the parties' names and the county of filing -- but it is not a certified court document.

The fee is $5. Mail your request to IDPH at 925 E. Ridgely Ave., Springfield, IL 62702-2737, or call (217) 782-6554. Processing takes four to six weeks. For divorces that predate 1962, the state has no index. Contact the Kankakee County clerk directly for those older records.

IDPH verification is a lower-cost option when you only need to confirm basic facts. If you need an official document for a legal proceeding, get a certified copy from the county clerk instead.

Illinois Divorce Law and Kankakee County Filings

All Illinois divorces are governed by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, 750 ILCS 5/. The only recognized ground is irreconcilable differences. There are no fault grounds. Under Section 401(a)(2), a six-month separation is conclusive proof of irreconcilable differences, which simplifies many cases.

At least one spouse must have lived in Illinois for 90 consecutive days before filing. Venue rules under Section 104 allow filing in any county where either spouse resides. So if one spouse lives in Kankakee County and the other lives in Will or Livingston County, Kankakee is a valid venue. Talk to an attorney or the clerk's office if you are unsure where to file.

Divorce decrees are public records in Illinois under 735 ILCS 5/. Most people can view them without giving a reason, though some file contents may be restricted by court order.

Divorce Forms and Legal Resources in Kankakee County

The Illinois Courts forms page has free standardized divorce forms approved for use in all Illinois circuit courts, including the 21st Circuit serving Kankakee County. Download petition forms, financial disclosures, parenting plans, and proposed judgment forms from the site at no charge.

For free legal guidance, Illinois Legal Aid Online provides plain-language explanations of every step in the Illinois divorce process. The site also lists legal aid providers by county. Kankakee County residents may find options through organizations that serve the greater Chicago region or through local legal aid programs.

Illinois Legal Aid covers the complete divorce process under Illinois law and links to resources relevant to Kankakee County filers in the 21st Judicial Circuit.

eFileIL Electronic Filing in Kankakee County

Electronic filing has been mandatory for attorneys in all Illinois circuit courts since July 1, 2018. Self-represented filers in Kankakee County can also use eFileIL to submit petitions and other documents online. This is convenient for initial filings and ongoing case submissions when visiting the courthouse is not practical.

E-filing does not allow you to request or receive certified copies. For those, contact the clerk's office directly at (815) 936-5700 or visit in person at 450 East Court Street in Kankakee.

Nearby Counties

Illinois requires that a divorce be filed in the county where at least one spouse lives. If Kankakee County is not the right venue for your case, check these adjacent county pages.