Will County Divorce Records
What Are Will County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Will County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are maintained pursuant to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/), which governs divorce proceedings throughout the state. The Will County Circuit Court, as part of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit of Illinois, maintains these records as part of its official court functions.
Divorce records typically consist of several components:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Summons and proof of service
- Financial affidavits
- Parenting plans (if children are involved)
- Property settlement agreements
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
These documents serve multiple important purposes for individuals and government agencies:
- Legal proof of marital status change
- Documentation for name change processes
- Evidence for Social Security benefit adjustments
- Required documentation for remarriage
- Supporting documentation for loan applications
- Verification for immigration matters
- Historical and genealogical research
The Illinois Department of Public Health also maintains an index of all divorces granted within the state, though the detailed court files remain with the county where the divorce was granted.
Are Will County Divorce Records Public?
Will County divorce records have a dual status regarding public accessibility. Court case files related to divorce proceedings are generally considered public records under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/), with certain important exceptions. However, certified divorce certificates have restricted access limited to the parties involved and other authorized persons.
The public components of divorce records typically include:
- Case numbers and docket information
- Names of parties involved
- Filing dates
- Hearing dates
- Final judgment dates
- Names of attorneys
- General court orders
Information that may be redacted or restricted from public view includes:
- Financial affidavits and detailed financial information
- Social Security numbers
- Birth dates
- Names and identifying information of minor children
- Victim information in cases involving domestic violence
- Medical and mental health information
- Information sealed by specific court order
Pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138, personal identity information must be redacted from court filings to protect privacy while maintaining the public's right to access court records. Additionally, in cases where domestic violence is a concern, parties may petition the court to seal certain records under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act (750 ILCS 60/).
How To Find a Divorce Record In Will County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Will County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The primary repository for divorce records is the Will County Circuit Clerk's Office, which maintains all court files related to divorces granted within the county.
To obtain divorce records, individuals may:
- Visit the Will County Circuit Clerk's Office in person:
Will County Circuit Clerk
14 W. Jefferson Street
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 727-8592
Will County Circuit Clerk
-
Submit a written request by mail, including:
- Full names of both parties
- Date of divorce (approximate if exact date unknown)
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Copy of valid photo identification
- Required fee payment
-
Request certified copies of divorce decrees through the Illinois Department of Public Health's Division of Vital Records for divorces granted after January 1962:
Illinois Department of Public Health
Division of Vital Records
925 E. Ridgely Avenue
Springfield, IL 62702
(217) 782-6553
Illinois Department of Public Health
Requestors must provide proper identification and pay applicable fees, which currently stand at $17 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy requested at the same time. Expedited service may be available for an additional fee.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Will County Online?
Will County provides several digital resources for accessing divorce record information online, though complete divorce files may not be available through these platforms. The county's electronic access systems allow for basic case information searches and limited document viewing.
To search for divorce records online:
-
Access the Will County Circuit Clerk's Judicial Case Lookup system. This system allows users to search for cases by:
- Case number
- Party name
- Attorney name
- Filing date range
-
Create a free account on the Illinois Judiciary's re:SearchIL platform, which provides access to court records across multiple Illinois counties, including Will County.
-
Utilize the Illinois Department of Public Health's Vital Records service for verification of divorce records (limited to confirmation of divorce occurrence rather than full document access).
When searching online, users should note:
- Complete divorce files are not typically available for download
- Some documents may be restricted from online viewing
- Certified copies cannot be obtained through online systems
- Fees may apply for accessing certain documents
- Records prior to the digital conversion period may not be available online
For comprehensive access to divorce records, particularly for older cases or those requiring certified copies, in-person requests remain the most reliable method.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Will County?
While obtaining certified copies of divorce records in Will County requires payment of statutory fees, several options exist for accessing basic divorce record information at no cost:
- Utilize the public access terminals at the Will County Circuit Clerk's Office:
Will County Circuit Clerk
14 W. Jefferson Street
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 727-8592
Will County Circuit Clerk
These terminals provide free access to basic case information and docket entries for divorce cases. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Visit the Will County Law Library, which offers free public access to legal research tools and court records:
Will County Law Library
Will County Courthouse
14 W. Jefferson Street, 3rd Floor
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 727-8436
Will County Law Library
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Access the Will County Circuit Clerk's online case lookup system, which provides basic case information at no charge.
-
Consult the Will County Recorder of Deeds for property transfer records related to divorce settlements, which may reference divorce cases.
Researchers should note that while basic information may be available without charge, fees will apply for:
- Certified copies of divorce decrees
- Complete case file copies
- Document certification
- Expedited service requests
Additionally, records research assistance from clerk staff may be limited due to workload constraints, and users may need to conduct their own searches using the provided resources.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Will County
Divorce records in Will County consist of multiple documents that collectively document the legal dissolution of marriage. These records are maintained pursuant to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/) and typically include:
-
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage:
- Names and addresses of both parties
- Date and place of marriage
- Date of separation
- Names and ages of minor children
- Grounds for divorce
- Residency information
- Requested relief
-
Summons and Proof of Service:
- Official notice to respondent
- Documentation of legal service
- Response from respondent (if filed)
-
Financial Disclosure Statements:
- Income information
- Asset listings
- Debt schedules
- Monthly expense declarations
-
Parenting Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan
- Allocation of parental responsibilities
- Parenting time schedules
- Child support calculations
-
Property Settlement Agreement:
- Division of marital assets
- Allocation of debts
- Maintenance (alimony) provisions
- Tax considerations
-
Final Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage:
- Court's final order
- Effective date of divorce
- Judge's signature
- Terms of the divorce settlement
- Name restoration (if requested)
-
Post-Decree Motions and Orders (if applicable):
- Modifications to original judgment
- Enforcement actions
- Appeals documentation
The certified divorce decree, which serves as official proof of divorce, contains a summary of the key information from the final judgment, including the names of parties, date of marriage, date of divorce, and the court's jurisdiction. This document bears the official seal of the court and is recognized as legal proof of divorce for all official purposes.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Will County?
Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Will County may obtain this documentation through established procedures at the county and state levels. The primary document serving as proof of divorce is a certified copy of the divorce decree or judgment.
To obtain certified proof of divorce:
- Request in person at the Will County Circuit Clerk's Office:
Will County Circuit Clerk
14 W. Jefferson Street
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 727-8592
Will County Circuit Clerk
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Required information includes:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden name if applicable)
- Date of divorce (approximate if exact date unknown)
- Case number (if known)
- Valid government-issued photo identification
-
Submit a written request by mail to the Circuit Clerk's Office, including:
- Completed request form (available on the clerk's website)
- Copy of valid identification
- Self-addressed stamped envelope
- Payment of required fees ($17 for first copy, $4 for each additional copy)
-
For divorces granted after January 1962, request verification through the Illinois Department of Public Health's Division of Vital Records.
-
For expedited service, utilize the Circuit Clerk's e-request system available through their official website.
Certified copies are required for:
- Legal name changes
- Remarriage license applications
- Immigration proceedings
- Social Security benefit adjustments
- Insurance policy changes
- Pension distributions
Requestors should note that only parties to the divorce, their legal representatives, or individuals with a court order may obtain certified copies of complete divorce records. Third parties with legitimate interest may obtain verification of divorce occurrence but not complete records.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Will County?
While divorce proceedings in Will County are generally matters of public record, Illinois law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential under specific circumstances.
Confidentiality provisions may apply to divorce records through:
-
Sealing of Records: Pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138, parties may petition the court to seal all or portions of a divorce case file. The court applies a balancing test weighing:
- Privacy interests of the parties
- Public interest in access to court records
- Potential harm from disclosure
- Availability of less restrictive alternatives
-
Redaction of Personal Information: Certain sensitive information must be redacted from all court filings, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Minor children's names (in many circumstances)
- Dates of birth
- Home addresses in certain cases
-
Protective Orders: Under 750 ILCS 60/, the court may issue protective orders restricting access to information in cases involving:
- Domestic violence
- Stalking
- Harassment
- Threats to physical safety
-
Confidential Financial Disclosures: Financial affidavits and supporting documentation may be filed under seal to protect sensitive financial information.
-
Joint Simplified Dissolution Procedures: Cases filed under the Joint Simplified Dissolution procedures may have reduced public information due to the streamlined nature of the filings.
Parties seeking confidentiality must file specific motions with the court demonstrating good cause for restricting public access. The court retains discretion in determining whether to grant such requests, with a presumption favoring public access that must be overcome by specific factual showings.
Even when records are sealed, certain basic information typically remains public, including the names of the parties and the fact that a divorce was granted.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Will County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Will County varies significantly based on multiple factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, court caseload, and procedural requirements established by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/).
Typical timeframes for Will County divorces include:
-
Joint Simplified Dissolution: 30-60 days
- Requires complete agreement on all issues
- Limited to marriages of less than 8 years
- No children involved
- Limited assets and liabilities
- Neither party seeking maintenance (alimony)
-
Uncontested Divorce: 2-4 months
- Parties agree on all issues
- Settlement agreement prepared and signed
- Minimal court appearances required
- Standard statutory waiting periods apply
-
Contested Divorce with Negotiated Settlement: 6-12 months
- Initial disagreement on key issues
- Discovery process completed
- Negotiation and mediation utilized
- Settlement reached before trial
-
Fully Contested Divorce: 12-24+ months
- Significant disputes regarding children, property, or support
- Extensive discovery required
- Multiple court appearances
- Trial on contested issues
- Possible post-trial motions
According to the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, the average time to disposition for dissolution cases in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit (which includes Will County) is approximately 9.7 months from filing to final judgment.
Statutory requirements affecting timeline include:
- Residency requirement: At least one spouse must have resided in Illinois for 90 days
- Mandatory waiting period: None if both parties agree irreconcilable differences exist
- Parenting education: Required for cases involving minor children
- Financial disclosure: Mandatory exchange of comprehensive financial information
Court congestion, attorney scheduling, and the need for expert witnesses (such as child custody evaluators or business valuation experts) may further extend these timeframes.
How Long Does Will County Keep Divorce Records?
Will County maintains divorce records in accordance with the Illinois Supreme Court's Record Retention Schedule and the Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205/). These regulations establish specific retention periods for different components of divorce case files.
The retention schedule for divorce records in Will County includes:
-
Case Files and Judgments:
- Permanent retention for final judgments of dissolution
- Minimum 75-year retention for complete case files
- Microfilm or digital preservation for older records
-
Docket Books and Indexes:
- Permanent retention
- Conversion to digital format for accessibility
- Maintained as public finding aids
-
Exhibits and Evidence:
- Retained until 30 days after final disposition
- May be returned to parties or destroyed after appeal period
- Exhibits of historical significance may be preserved longer
-
Financial Affidavits and Supporting Documents:
- Minimum 5-year retention after case closure
- May be destroyed earlier if returned to parties
- Sealed financial records follow same retention schedule
-
Temporary Orders:
- Retained as part of the permanent case file
- Incorporated into final judgment documentation
The Illinois Department of Public Health's Division of Vital Records maintains a permanent index of all divorces granted in the state since January 1962, providing an additional repository for basic divorce verification.
For records management purposes, Will County implements a multi-tiered storage system:
- Active cases: Maintained in the clerk's office
- Recently closed cases: Stored in on-site archives
- Older records: Transferred to off-site storage or converted to microfilm/digital format
Researchers seeking historical divorce records should note that older records may require additional processing time to retrieve from archives. Records predating the county's formation in 1836 would be found in the parent counties of Cook and Iroquois.
How To Get a Divorce In Will County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Will County must follow procedures established by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act and local court rules. The process varies depending on the circumstances of the marriage and the level of agreement between parties.
To initiate a divorce in Will County:
-
Determine eligibility:
- At least one spouse must have resided in Illinois for 90 days
- Case may be filed in Will County if either spouse resides there or if the respondent is served in Will County
-
Select the appropriate procedure:
- Joint Simplified Dissolution (for qualifying simple cases)
- Uncontested Dissolution (when parties agree on all issues)
- Contested Dissolution (when disputes exist)
-
Prepare and file required documents with the Will County Circuit Clerk:
Will County Circuit Clerk
14 W. Jefferson Street
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 727-8592
Will County Circuit Clerk
Required documents typically include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Summons
- Financial Affidavit
- Parenting Plan (if children involved)
- Certificate of Dissolution
-
Pay filing fees (currently $337 for dissolution cases) or apply for a fee waiver if eligible.
-
Serve the non-filing spouse through:
- Sheriff's service
- Private process server
- Publication (if spouse cannot be located)
- Voluntary appearance
-
Complete mandatory parenting education if minor children are involved.
-
Exchange financial information through the discovery process.
-
Attend court hearings as scheduled, which may include:
- Status hearings
- Temporary order hearings
- Pre-trial conferences
- Trial (if issues remain unresolved)
-
Finalize the divorce through:
- Prove-up hearing for uncontested cases
- Trial and judgment for contested matters
-
Obtain certified copies of the final judgment from the Circuit Clerk.
Legal assistance is available through:
Will County Legal Aid
58 N. Chicago Street, 5th Floor
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 727-5123
Will County Legal Aid
Prairie State Legal Services
63 N. Chicago Street, 2nd Floor
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 727-5123
Prairie State Legal Services
How To Get Divorce Papers In Will County
Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Will County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms and documents. The county provides resources to ensure access to required paperwork for both represented and self-represented litigants.
To obtain divorce papers in Will County:
-
Access forms through the Will County Circuit Clerk's website:
- Visit the Circuit Clerk's Forms page
- Navigate to the Family Law section
- Download fillable PDF forms for dissolution of marriage
-
Visit the Will County Law Library for in-person assistance:
Will County Law Library
Will County Courthouse
14 W. Jefferson Street, 3rd Floor
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 727-8436
Will County Law Library
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
-
Utilize the Illinois Supreme Court's standardized forms:
- Access the Illinois Supreme Court's approved divorce forms
- These forms are accepted in all Illinois counties, including Will County
-
Request forms in person at the Circuit Clerk's Office:
Will County Circuit Clerk
14 W. Jefferson Street
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 727-8592
Will County Circuit Clerk
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Seek assistance from the Will County Self-Help Legal Center:
Will County Self-Help Legal Center
Will County Courthouse
14 W. Jefferson Street, 1st Floor
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 740-5096
Will County Self-Help Center
Basic divorce forms typically include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Summons
- Entry of Appearance
- Financial Affidavit
- Parenting Plan (if children involved)
- Marital Settlement Agreement
- Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage
- Certificate of Dissolution
Self-represented litigants should note that while forms are available without charge, filing fees apply unless a fee waiver is granted. Additionally, the clerk's staff cannot provide legal advice but can offer procedural information about form completion and filing requirements.
Lookup Divorce Records in Will County
Will County Courthouse - Twelfth Judicial Circuit