Search Washington County Divorce Decrees
Divorce decree records in Washington County are maintained by the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court Clerk in Nashville, Illinois. You can search cases online through Judici.com, request certified copies from the clerk's office, or verify a divorce using the IDPH statewide dissolution index.
Washington County Quick Facts
Washington County Circuit Clerk
Andrea Renken is the Washington County Circuit Court Clerk. Her office handles all court filings in the county, including divorce petitions, dissolution orders, and final decrees. The courthouse is in Nashville, which is Washington County's seat of government. If you need a certified copy of a divorce decree from a case filed here, this is the office to contact.
| Office | Washington County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Clerk | Andrea Renken |
| Address | 125 E. Elm Street, Nashville, IL 62263-1100 |
| Phone | (618) 327-4800 |
| Fax | (618) 327-3583 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
In-person visits are the fastest way to get copies. Bring a photo ID and the names of both parties. For mail requests, send to 125 E. Elm Street, Nashville, IL 62263-1100. Include both party names, the year of the divorce, and a check for the copy fee. Call (618) 327-4800 to confirm the current fee before mailing anything.
Finding Clerk Info and Court Contacts
The Illinois Courts website lists contact details for every circuit court clerk across the state, including Washington County's clerk office in Nashville.
The Illinois Courts website lists clerk contact details for Washington County and all other circuits, making it easy to verify current addresses, phone numbers, and office hours for court offices statewide.
If you are looking up information for Washington County and want to verify that contact details are current, the Illinois Courts directory is a reliable source. It is updated regularly and covers all 102 counties. The site also has links to circuit court websites for counties that have them, which may offer additional local information about fees, forms, and self-help resources available in Nashville.
Online Case Search Tools
Washington County court records are available for free through Judici.com. No account is needed. Search by party name or case number to find dissolution of marriage cases filed in the 2nd Circuit. This tool is a good first step before calling or visiting the clerk's office.
For searches across multiple counties at once, use re:SearchIL. This portal queries several Illinois counties in a single search, which is useful if you are not sure whether a divorce was filed in Washington County or a nearby county like Jefferson or Marion. Neither site provides certified copies. They help you find the case number so you can follow up with the clerk directly.
IDPH Divorce Index
The Illinois Department of Public Health maintains a statewide divorce index from 1962 to the present. A search of the index costs $5. IDPH sends a verification letter confirming that the divorce took place in Illinois.
This is not a certified court copy. To get the actual decree, contact the Washington County Circuit Clerk. To request an IDPH search, mail your written request with both party names and the approximate year of the divorce to 925 E. Ridgely Ave., Springfield, IL 62702-2737. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks. Call (217) 782-6554 if you have questions before submitting your request.
Certified Copies: In Person and by Mail
A certified copy carries the official court seal and clerk's signature. Most legal and government agencies require certified copies, not plain prints. Call the clerk's office to find out the current fee before you go or mail a request.
In-person requests at the Nashville courthouse are typically processed the same day. For mail requests, include the full names of both spouses, the approximate year the case was filed, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment. If you do not know the case number, staff can search by name. Response times for mail requests depend on office volume but are generally completed within one to two weeks.
Illinois Divorce Law
Washington County divorces are governed by 750 ILCS 5/, the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. The only legal ground for divorce in Illinois is irreconcilable differences. This is a no-fault state. Neither spouse has to prove the other did something wrong.
To file in Washington County, at least one spouse must have been an Illinois resident for at least 90 days. The case must be filed in the county where one spouse lives, making Nashville the proper venue if you or your spouse resides in Washington County. A separation of six months or more triggers an irrebuttable presumption of irreconcilable differences. Court records are public under 735 ILCS 5/ once a case is finalized.
Forms, Legal Aid, and eFileIL
Standardized divorce forms are free to download from the Illinois Courts forms page. These forms are approved for all circuits in Illinois, including the 2nd Circuit. They cover uncontested divorce, child support, and maintenance.
Illinois Legal Aid Online provides free help with forms and explains the divorce process step by step. Attorneys in Washington County must file electronically through eFileIL. That requirement has been in place since July 1, 2018. Self-represented filers may also use eFileIL to submit documents and pay fees online without visiting the courthouse in Nashville.
Nearby Counties
Under Illinois law, divorce must be filed in the county where at least one spouse lives. If Washington County is not the right venue for your situation, check the nearby county pages below.