Stephenson County Divorce Decree Records
Divorce decree records in Stephenson County are filed with the 15th Judicial Circuit Court Clerk in Freeport. You can search cases online for free, request certified copies in person or by mail, or verify a divorce through the Illinois Department of Public Health statewide index.
Stephenson County Quick Facts
Circuit Clerk Office in Freeport
The Stephenson County Circuit Court Clerk handles all dissolution of marriage filings for the county. Clerk Shanelle Bardell and her staff maintain the official case files. If you need a certified copy of a divorce decree, this office is where to go. They can pull records from cases that were filed in Stephenson County going back many years.
| Office | Stephenson County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Shanelle Bardell |
| Address | 15 North Galena Avenue, Freeport, IL 61032-0785 |
| Phone | (815) 235-8266 |
| Fax | (815) 233-1576 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
When you visit in person, bring a photo ID. Know the names of the parties involved and, if possible, the approximate year the divorce was filed. Staff can look up records by name or case number. Call ahead to confirm fees before you go, since copy costs can vary.
Free Online Case Search
Stephenson County divorce cases can be searched for free on Judici.com, a public court records portal that covers over 80 Illinois counties without requiring any account or login.
Judici includes Stephenson County court records and lets you search by party name or case number to find dissolution of marriage cases filed in the 15th Circuit.
Another option is re:SearchIL, which lets you run a single query across multiple Illinois counties at once. That is helpful if you are not sure which county a divorce was filed in. Both tools are free. Neither gives you certified copies, but they confirm whether a case exists and show basic case details like filing date, case number, and judge assignment.
Online results are a good starting point. Once you locate the case, you can contact the Circuit Clerk directly for official documents.
Getting Certified Copies
A certified copy of a Stephenson County divorce decree carries the official court seal and signature of the Circuit Clerk. That is the version accepted by banks, government agencies, and attorneys. Plain photocopies do not count as certified.
To get a certified copy in person, visit the clerk's office at 15 North Galena Avenue in Freeport during regular hours. Bring ID and the case number if you have it. To request by mail, write to the same address and include the full names of both parties, the approximate year of the divorce, and a check or money order for the copy fee. Call (815) 235-8266 to confirm the current fee before sending payment. Processing time for mail requests is typically longer than in-person visits, so plan accordingly.
IDPH Statewide Divorce Index
The Illinois Department of Public Health keeps a statewide divorce index that goes back to 1962. For $5, IDPH will search the index and send back a verification letter confirming that a divorce occurred in Illinois. This is not a certified copy of the decree itself. It simply confirms the divorce on record.
To request a verification, mail your request to: IDPH, 925 E. Ridgely Ave., Springfield, IL 62702-2737. You can also call (217) 782-6554 with questions. Processing usually takes 4 to 6 weeks. If you need the actual decree, you still need to go through the Stephenson County Circuit Clerk. But IDPH is a good option if you just need to confirm a marriage ended and know the general timeframe.
Illinois Divorce Law Basics
Illinois divorce is governed by 750 ILCS 5/, the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. The only ground for divorce in Illinois is irreconcilable differences. There is no fault-based option. Before filing, at least one spouse must have lived in Illinois for 90 days.
Under this law, living apart for six months creates what is called an irrebuttable presumption that irreconcilable differences exist. That means if you and your spouse have been separated for at least six months, the court will accept that the marriage has broken down without needing more proof. Venue is set in the county where at least one spouse currently lives, which is why Stephenson County is the proper place to file if you or your spouse lives in Freeport or elsewhere in the county.
Access to court records is covered under 735 ILCS 5/. Most divorce decrees are public records once the case is closed. Some financial details or items involving minor children may be sealed.
Free Forms and Legal Resources
The Illinois Courts forms page has standardized divorce forms approved for use in all circuit courts, including Stephenson County. These forms cover uncontested divorces, child support, and maintenance. They are free to download and print.
If you need help understanding the forms or the process, Illinois Legal Aid Online offers free guides, document prep tools, and referrals. You do not need an attorney to file for divorce in Illinois, but having help with the paperwork can prevent delays. The 15th Circuit may also have self-help resources at the courthouse.
Electronic Filing Through eFileIL
Illinois requires attorneys to file court documents electronically through eFileIL. That requirement has been in place since July 1, 2018. Self-represented parties in Stephenson County can also use eFileIL to submit their divorce paperwork online instead of going to the courthouse.
To use eFileIL, create a free account on the site. You can upload documents, pay filing fees online, and receive electronic confirmation once your filing is accepted. This is useful if you live far from Freeport or just prefer to avoid a trip to the courthouse. Keep copies of everything you file. Confirmation emails from eFileIL serve as your receipt.
Nearby Counties
Under Illinois law, divorce must be filed in the county where at least one spouse lives. If Stephenson County is not the right venue for your situation, check the nearby county pages below.