Fayette County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Fayette County in 2026
FayetteILRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Fayette County, Illinois. Members of the public may find records such as:
- Dissolution of marriage filings
- Final divorce decrees
- Case docket entries
- Court orders and judgments
- Post-judgment modification records
Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case, the nature of the proceedings, and any court-ordered restrictions.
Divorce records in Fayette County may be searched through official court resources, the Circuit Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and select online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking dissolution of marriage records.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Fayette County Circuit Clerk maintains the official records for the entire court system. Members of the public may search basic case information online at no charge. Obtaining copies of filed documents may require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
The Illinois Courts website provides directory information for the Fayette County Courthouse, which is part of the Fourth Judicial Circuit. This portal allows users to locate court contact information and navigate the unified circuit structure.
3. State Vital Records
The Illinois Department of Public Health maintains dissolution of marriage records at the state level; however, the state office does not issue certified copies. As stated by the Illinois Department of Public Health: "Certified copies are available from the circuit court clerk in the county where the divorce was granted." Members of the public seeking certified copies must contact the Fayette County Circuit Clerk directly.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Fayette County Courthouse
Fayette County Circuit Clerk
221 S. 7th St.
Vandalia, IL 62471
Phone: (618) 283-5009
Circuit Clerk — Fayette County, Illinois
Services available in person include:
- Searching case files by party name or case number
- Viewing filed documents at public access terminals
- Requesting certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating records
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Fayette County Circuit Clerk, 221 S. 7th St., Vandalia, IL 62471
- Include the following:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's contact information
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed in the order received; allow one to two weeks for standard requests.
By Phone
Limited Information:
- Fayette County Circuit Clerk: (618) 283-5009
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Illinois may access court records on behalf of a client, request documents from sealed or restricted files upon proper showing, and assist with complex or older cases where records may be archived. Members of the public seeking legal representation may consult the Illinois State Bar Association for attorney referral services.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Fayette County
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Illinois are filed in the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Under 750 ILCS § 5/401, one spouse must have been a resident of Illinois for at least 90 days before filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties if either party relocated during or after the proceedings.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Records may not appear in online systems immediately following a final hearing
- Allow several days to weeks for processing after the court enters a final judgment
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be stored in paper archives
- Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time
- Not all historical records are digitized
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- The divorce was filed in a different county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case is still pending and no final judgment has been entered
- Very old records stored in off-site archives
- The case has been sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Circuit Clerk at (618) 283-5009
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Illinois Department of Public Health dissolution of marriage records for index information
- Consult a licensed Illinois attorney for sealed or complex cases
What Are Fayette County Divorce Records?
Fayette County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Fourth Judicial Circuit. The Circuit Clerk serves as the primary custodian of these records, maintaining complete case files and providing certified copies upon request. As stated on the Circuit Clerk's official page: "The Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains the official records for the entire court system and is the official recorder of documents for filing."
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to petition
- Financial affidavits from both parties
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and hearing transcripts
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
Final Decree
The final decree is the official court order terminating the marriage. It establishes:
- The legal date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal support terms, if any
- Child custody and parenting time arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Circuit Clerk's office.
Supporting Documents
- Original marriage certificate (submitted as exhibit)
- Financial disclosure statements
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Post-judgment modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Legal Purposes
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Name change documentation
- Property transfer and title recording
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration proceedings
- Social Security benefit determinations
Personal Purposes
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping
- Verification of divorce terms and obligations
Legal Framework:
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Illinois are governed by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, 750 ILCS § 5/101 et seq. Public access to court records is further governed by Illinois Supreme Court Rules and the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS § 140/1 et seq.
Are Fayette County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed with the Fayette County Circuit Clerk are public court records, accessible to any member of the public under Illinois law. The presumption of public access applies to court filings; however, certain categories of information within a case file may be restricted, redacted, or sealed by court order.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments
- Final judgment of dissolution
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information
- Social Security numbers (redacted pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138)
- Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal)
- Salary and income details (subject to limited access in some cases)
Children's Information
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Child custody evaluations (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Sensitive Personal Information
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a case file upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public. Parties to the case, their attorneys, and certain government agencies may retain access to sealed materials pursuant to court order or statutory authority.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents and docket entries |
| Parties to the case | Full access to own case file |
| Licensed attorneys | Case files; sealed records upon proper showing |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to restricted records |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
Prohibited Uses:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation
- Identity theft or fraud
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Any purpose prohibited by Illinois law
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Fayette County?
The Fayette County Circuit Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified documents. Current fees are established pursuant to 705 ILCS § 105/27.1, which governs clerk fees in Illinois circuit courts.
Standard Copy and Certification Fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.25–$0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $6.00–$10.00 (varies by document length) |
| Certification fee (per document) | $6.00 |
| Search fee (if applicable) | Varies |
- Fees are subject to change; members of the public should confirm current fees directly with the Circuit Clerk at (618) 283-5009 before submitting a request.
- Accepted payment methods at the Fayette County Courthouse include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the Fayette County Circuit Clerk. Members of the public should confirm whether credit or debit card payments are accepted at the time of their request.
- Online payments for court-related matters may be initiated through the Fayette County Quick Links portal.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Viewing case docket entries at a public access terminal in the courthouse
- Confirming the existence of a case by name or case number
- Reviewing documents in person without requesting copies
Fee Waivers:
- Parties who have been granted a fee waiver (in forma pauperis) by the court may be entitled to copies at reduced or no cost, subject to judicial approval.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Fayette County
A complete dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Fayette County Circuit Clerk contains documents generated at every stage of the proceedings.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and assigned judge
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Attorneys of record and their contact information
- Filing date and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage, including grounds (irretrievable breakdown of the marriage under Illinois no-fault law), marriage date and location, children's information, and relief requested
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Counterpetition, if filed
- Financial affidavits from both parties disclosing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
Discovery Documents:
- Interrogatories and answers under oath
- Requests for production of financial records
- Tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements (subject to redaction)
- Business financial statements, if applicable
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory (real property, vehicles, accounts, retirement funds, personal property)
- Debt inventory (mortgages, loans, credit card obligations)
- Appraisals and expert valuations
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan detailing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, holiday provisions, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support calculation worksheet
- Income deduction orders
- Custody evaluations (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Support Documents:
- Alimony or spousal support orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Calculation worksheets reflecting need and ability to pay
Settlement Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement resolving all contested issues
- Mediation agreement, if the case was mediated (mediation communications remain confidential)
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage, including findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody and parenting time, and name restoration if requested
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts
Post-Judgment Documents:
- Petitions to modify custody or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders and liens
What Is Typically Confidential or Redacted:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Domestic violence evidence (may be sealed)
- Mediation communications
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed agreements
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Fayette County?
Proof of divorce in Fayette County takes the form of a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage, issued by the Fayette County Circuit Clerk. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature, making it legally acceptable for remarriage, name change, immigration, and other official purposes.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the case. Locate the case number and filing date using the Circuit Clerk's records system or by contacting the office directly.
- Submit a request in person or by mail. Requests may be made at the Circuit Clerk's office at 221 S. 7th St., Vandalia, IL 62471, or submitted by mail with the required information and payment.
- Provide identifying information. Include the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and the case number if known.
- Pay applicable fees. Certification fees apply per document; confirm current amounts with the clerk's office at (618) 283-5009.
- Receive the certified copy. In-person requests may be fulfilled the same day, subject to staff availability. Mail requests require additional processing time.
The Illinois Department of Public Health maintains a statewide index of dissolution of marriage records but does not issue certified copies. All certified copies must be obtained from the Circuit Clerk in the county where the divorce was granted.
Fayette County Circuit Clerk
221 S. 7th St.
Vandalia, IL 62471
Phone: (618) 283-5009
Circuit Clerk — Fayette County, Illinois
The Fayette County Clerk & Recorder/FOIA Officer maintains separate county records including vital records and property documents, but dissolution of marriage records are held exclusively by the Circuit Clerk.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Fayette County?
A divorce proceeding in Fayette County may be partially or fully confidential under specific legal circumstances. Illinois law and Illinois Supreme Court rules permit courts to restrict public access to certain records upon a showing of good cause or pursuant to statutory mandate.
Circumstances Under Which Records May Be Confidential:
- Domestic violence cases: Addresses, contact information, and evidence related to domestic violence may be sealed to protect the safety of victims, consistent with the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, 750 ILCS § 60/101 et seq.
- Children's information: Names, addresses, schools, and evaluations involving minor children may be restricted or redacted to protect the children's welfare.
- Mental health and medical records: Records pertaining to mental health treatment or medical conditions are protected under both state and federal law, including HIPAA.
- Sealed by court order: Either party may petition the court to seal all or part of the case file. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the individual's privacy interest.
- Mediation records: Communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential by statute and are not part of the public court record.
- Confidential settlements: Terms of settlement not incorporated into a filed court order may remain private between the parties.
Members of the public seeking access to restricted records must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access.
How Long Does Fayette County Keep Divorce Records?
Fayette County Circuit Court divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Illinois court record retention schedules established by the Illinois Supreme Court.
Retention Periods:
- Final judgments of dissolution of marriage: Retained permanently. Final decrees are considered permanent court records and are not subject to routine destruction.
- Complete case files (active and closed): Retained for a minimum of 20 years following the close of the case under Illinois court record retention guidelines.
- Temporary orders and interlocutory documents: Retained as part of the complete case file for the applicable retention period.
- Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file or as a separate case file, subject to the same retention schedule.
- Archived paper records: Older cases predating electronic filing are maintained in paper or microfilm format and may require additional retrieval time.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's case management system and are accessible through the Circuit Clerk's office.
Illinois court record retention schedules are established pursuant to authority vested in the Illinois Supreme Court under 705 ILCS § 105/16. Members of the public seeking records from cases more than 20 years old should contact the Circuit Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.
Fayette County Circuit Clerk
221 S. 7th St.
Vandalia, IL 62471
Phone: (618) 283-5009
Circuit Clerk — Fayette County, Illinois