Find Divorce Decrees in Tazewell County
Tazewell County divorce decree records are maintained by the 10th Judicial Circuit Court Clerk in Pekin. Cases can be searched online through Judici.com, requested in person at the courthouse, or verified through the Illinois Department of Public Health statewide index.
Tazewell County Quick Facts
Tazewell County Circuit Court Clerk
Lincoln C. Hobson serves as the Tazewell County Circuit Court Clerk. His office maintains all civil court records in the county, including divorce decrees and orders related to dissolution of marriage. The courthouse is in Pekin, which sits on the Illinois River south of Peoria. If you need a certified copy of a divorce decree filed in Tazewell County, this is where to start.
| Office | Tazewell County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Lincoln C. Hobson |
| Address | 342 Court Street, Pekin, IL 61554 |
| Phone | (309) 477-2214 |
| Fax | (309) 478-5792 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
Staff can search records by the names of the parties or by case number. Bring a valid photo ID when you visit. For mail requests, include both party names, the year the divorce was finalized, and a check or money order made out to the clerk's office. Call ahead to confirm the current fee for certified copies before sending payment.
Search Cases Online
Tazewell County is covered by Judici.com, a statewide public court records portal. No account is needed. Search by party name or case number to find dissolution of marriage cases filed in the 10th Circuit.
For broader searches across county lines, re:SearchIL lets you query multiple Illinois counties at once. This is useful when you are not sure whether a divorce was filed in Tazewell, Peoria, or another nearby county. Both tools show case status, filing dates, and court activity but do not provide certified copies. Once you find the right case, contact the clerk's office to get official documents.
Free Legal Help for Tazewell County Residents
If you are going through a divorce and need help understanding your options, Illinois Legal Aid Online is a solid starting point.
Illinois Legal Aid Online provides free guides and resources that help Tazewell County residents navigate the divorce process, understand their rights, and complete court forms correctly.
The site covers topics like uncontested divorce, parenting plans, spousal support, and property division. It also has a guided interview tool that can help you fill out forms step by step. If your case is complex or contested, the site can refer you to local legal aid organizations. Many residents use it before deciding whether to hire an attorney. It is especially useful for people handling their own case.
Requesting Certified Copies
A certified copy of a divorce decree is required for many legal and financial purposes. Banks, the Social Security Administration, and foreign governments typically need certified copies, not plain photocopies. Only the court clerk can issue a certified copy.
You can request copies at the courthouse in person or by mail. In-person requests are usually processed the same day. Mail requests take longer. Include as much detail as you can: full legal names of both parties, the approximate year the case was filed or finalized, and a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want documents returned by mail. Tazewell County charges a per-page fee for copies plus a certification fee. Call (309) 477-2214 to confirm current rates.
IDPH Statewide Verification Service
The Illinois Department of Public Health runs a statewide divorce index covering records from 1962 to the present. For a $5 fee, IDPH will search the index and send you a written verification confirming a divorce took place in Illinois.
This verification is not a certified copy of the decree. It simply confirms that the marriage was dissolved and gives basic identifying information. If you need the full decree, you still need to contact the Tazewell County Circuit Clerk. Mail IDPH requests to 925 E. Ridgely Ave., Springfield, IL 62702-2737. Call (217) 782-6554 for help. Plan for 4 to 6 weeks of processing time.
Filing for Divorce in Tazewell County
Illinois uses a no-fault divorce system. The only ground is irreconcilable differences, as set out in 750 ILCS 5/, the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. You do not need to prove fault or assign blame.
To file in Tazewell County, at least one spouse must have lived in Illinois for 90 days. The case should be filed in the county where one of the spouses currently lives. If you and your spouse have been living apart for six months, the law treats that separation as an irrebuttable presumption of irreconcilable differences. You do not have to wait six months if both parties agree the marriage is over. Public access to court records is governed by 735 ILCS 5/.
Court Forms and eFileIL
Free, standardized divorce forms are available on the Illinois Courts forms page. These forms are approved for all circuit courts, including the 10th Circuit in Tazewell County. They cover uncontested divorce, child support, and maintenance orders.
Attorneys must file electronically through eFileIL, which has been required since July 1, 2018. Self-represented filers in Tazewell County can also use eFileIL to submit their paperwork without coming to the courthouse. Create a free account, upload your documents, and pay fees online. You will get an electronic confirmation when your filing is accepted.
Nearby Counties
Under Illinois law, divorce must be filed in the county where at least one spouse lives. If Tazewell County is not the right venue for your situation, check the nearby county pages below.