Peoria Public Records /Peoria County Divorce Records

Peoria County Divorce Records

What Are Peoria County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Peoria 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 and are considered vital records within the county's record-keeping system. The Circuit Clerk of Peoria County serves as the official custodian of these court records, which document the legal proceedings and final judgment dissolving the marital relationship.

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
Judgment for dissolution of marriage
Post-decree modifications (if applicable)

These records serve multiple important purposes for individuals and society, including:

Providing legal proof of marital status change
Enabling individuals to legally remarry
Supporting name change processes
Verifying eligibility for Social Security benefits
Documenting information needed for loan applications
Establishing status for immigration matters
Creating a permanent legal record of the court's decisions regarding property division, child custody, and support obligations

The Illinois Department of Public Health maintains a statewide index of dissolution of marriage records that occurred after January 1962, though certified copies must be obtained from the county where the divorce was granted.

Are Peoria County Divorce Records Public?

Peoria County divorce records have a complex public access status that varies depending on the specific document type and information contained therein. Generally, court case files related to divorce proceedings are considered public records under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act § 5 ILCS 140, but with significant limitations and exceptions.

The public accessibility of divorce records in Peoria County is structured as follows:

Court Case Files: Basic case information including party names, case numbers, and general procedural history is typically available to the public through the Peoria County Circuit Clerk's office.
Restricted Information: Certain sensitive information within divorce files may be redacted or restricted, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account information
- Minor children's identifying information
- Victims of domestic violence information (by court order)
- Information sealed by specific court order
Certified Divorce Certificates: Access to certified divorce certificates is limited to:
- The parties named in the divorce
- Legal representatives with proper authorization
- Individuals with a direct and tangible interest as defined by Illinois law

The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act provides courts with the authority to seal certain records when necessary to protect privacy interests, particularly those of minor children. Additionally, the Illinois Supreme Court's M.R. 15741 regarding electronic court records has established further guidelines for public access to court documents.

Members of the public seeking divorce records should be aware that while general case information may be accessible, detailed financial disclosures, custody evaluations, and other sensitive materials may have restricted access pursuant to court order or statutory protection.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Peoria County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Peoria County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The primary custodian of divorce records is the Peoria County Circuit Clerk's office, which maintains court files for divorce cases adjudicated within the county.

To locate a divorce record, individuals may follow these steps:

Gather necessary information before initiating a search:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce (month and year)
- Case number (if known)
Contact the Peoria County Circuit Clerk's office:

Peoria County Circuit Clerk
Peoria County Courthouse
324 Main Street, Room G-22
Peoria, IL 61602
(309) 672-6059
Peoria County Circuit Clerk

Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
Submit a records request using the official request form available at the Circuit Clerk's office or through their website. Requests may be submitted:
- In person at the courthouse
- By mail with appropriate fees enclosed
- Online through the Circuit Clerk's electronic records portal
Pay the required fees for record searches and copies:
- Record search fee: $6 per name searched
- Copy fees: $2.00 for the first page, $0.50 for each additional page
- Certification fee: $4.00 per document (if certified copies are needed)
Verify eligibility for certain records, as some documents within divorce files may have restricted access pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138.

For divorces granted prior to the current electronic record-keeping system, requestors may need to provide additional time for retrieval from archived storage. The Circuit Clerk's office currently maintains computerized indexes for divorces granted after 1980, with older records requiring manual searches of physical indexes.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Peoria County Online?

Peoria County provides digital access to certain divorce record information through its online court records system. The electronic search capabilities allow members of the public to locate basic case information without visiting the courthouse in person.

To conduct an online search for divorce records in Peoria County, individuals should:

Access the Peoria County Circuit Clerk's online case lookup system through the official county website.
Select the appropriate search method:
- Case number search (if the case number is known)
- Name search (using party names)
- Date range search (for cases filed within specific timeframes)
Enter the required search parameters:
- For name searches: Last name, first name (middle initial optional)
- For divorce cases specifically, select "Dissolution of Marriage" under case types
- Specify date ranges if known to narrow results
Review the search results, which typically include:
- Case number
- Filing date
- Party names
- Case type
- Judge assigned
- Current case status
Access available documents that have been digitized and approved for public viewing. Note that:
- Not all documents within a divorce file may be available online
- Sensitive financial information and documents containing personal identifiers are generally restricted
- Documents filed before the implementation of electronic filing may not be available digitally
Pay any applicable fees for viewing or downloading documents through the online system. The current fee structure includes:
- Basic case information search: Free
- Document view/download fees: Varies by document type and length

Users should be aware that pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Order M.R. 18368, certain personal information is redacted from court filings available online, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and information regarding minors.

For comprehensive divorce records that may not be available online, individuals will need to contact the Circuit Clerk's office directly.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Peoria County?

Members of the public seeking to access divorce records in Peoria County without incurring fees have limited but viable options. While comprehensive certified copies typically require payment of statutory fees, basic information may be obtained at no cost through several methods.

Free access options for divorce record information include:

Public access terminals located at the Peoria County Courthouse:

Peoria County Circuit Clerk
Peoria County Courthouse
324 Main Street, Room G-22
Peoria, IL 61602
(309) 672-6059
Peoria County Circuit Clerk

These terminals allow visitors to search basic case information at no charge during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays).
Basic online case information through the Circuit Clerk's website, which provides:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Filing dates
- Case status
- Scheduled court dates
Law library resources at the Peoria County Law Library:

Peoria County Law Library
Peoria County Courthouse
324 Main Street, 5th Floor
Peoria, IL 61602
(309) 672-6056

The law library provides public access to legal research materials and may assist with locating published court opinions related to divorce cases.
Fee waivers for individuals who meet financial eligibility requirements. Pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 298, persons unable to afford record fees may file an Application for Waiver of Court Fees. If approved, this waiver may cover:
- Record search fees
- Copy fees
- Certification fees

It is important to note that while basic case information may be accessed without charge, obtaining complete divorce records, particularly certified copies, typically requires payment of statutory fees as established by the Illinois Clerks of Courts Act. Additionally, records that have been sealed by court order or contain confidential information will not be accessible regardless of fee payment.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Peoria County

Divorce records in Peoria County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the legal dissolution process from initiation through final judgment. These records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk of Peoria County in accordance with Illinois state law and contain multiple components that document various aspects of the marital dissolution.

A complete divorce file typically includes the following documents:

Initial Pleadings
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage - outlines the grounds for divorce and requested relief
- Summons - official notice to the respondent about the divorce action
- Response or Answer to the petition - the non-filing spouse's formal reply
- Proof of Service - documentation showing proper legal notification
Financial Documentation
- Financial Affidavits - sworn statements detailing each party's income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
- Property Inventories - listings of marital and non-marital property
- Pension and Retirement Account Information - details about retirement benefits subject to division
Child-Related Documents (if applicable)
- Parenting Plans - proposed or agreed arrangements for parental responsibilities and parenting time
- Child Support Calculations - worksheets showing statutory support obligations
- Guardian ad Litem Reports - if appointed to represent children's interests
Settlement Documents
- Marital Settlement Agreements - contracts detailing property division, support, and other terms
- Joint Parenting Agreements - detailed arrangements for co-parenting
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) - specialized orders for dividing retirement accounts
Court Orders and Judgments
- Temporary Orders - interim rulings on support, custody, or property issues during proceedings
- Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage - final decree ending the marriage
- Post-Judgment Modifications - subsequent changes to support, custody, or other provisions
Procedural Documents
- Court Notices and Motions - requests for court action and hearing notifications
- Transcripts - official records of testimony (if hearings were transcribed)
- Exhibits - evidence presented during hearings or trial

The level of detail in divorce records varies significantly based on whether the case was contested or uncontested, the complexity of property division, and whether children were involved. All divorce records must comply with the Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138 regarding personal identity protection, which requires redaction of sensitive personal identifiers from court filings.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Peoria County?

Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Peoria County have several options for obtaining this documentation. The type of proof needed often depends on the purpose for which it will be used, with certain institutions requiring certified copies while others may accept informational copies.

To obtain official proof of divorce, individuals should follow these procedures:

Request a certified copy of the Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage from the Peoria County Circuit Clerk:

Peoria County Circuit Clerk
Peoria County Courthouse
324 Main Street, Room G-22
Peoria, IL 61602
(309) 672-6059
Peoria County Circuit Clerk

This document serves as the official legal proof that a marriage has been dissolved.
Submit a written request that includes:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce (including maiden name if applicable)
- Date of divorce (approximate if exact date unknown)
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's relationship to the case
- Contact information
- Purpose for which the document is needed
Provide proper identification when requesting records:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Documentation of legal right to access if not a party to the case
Pay the required fees:
- Search fee: $6 per name
- Certification fee: $4 per document
- Copy fees: $2 for first page, $0.50 for each additional page
Specify delivery method:
- In-person pickup (available same day for recent records)
- Mail delivery (include self-addressed stamped envelope)
- Expedited courier service (additional fees apply)

For divorce records needed for international use, requestors should inquire about apostille certification, which may be required for recognition in foreign countries. This additional authentication is provided by the Illinois Secretary of State after the document has been certified by the Circuit Clerk.

It is important to note that pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138, certain personal information in court records is protected from public disclosure. Certified copies provided as proof of divorce will contain only information deemed appropriate for public access under current law.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Peoria County?

Divorce proceedings in Peoria County are generally matters of public record; however, under specific circumstances, certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential through various legal mechanisms. The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act and related court rules provide several avenues for protecting sensitive information within divorce proceedings.

Confidentiality options in Peoria County divorce cases include:

Sealing of Records: Pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138, parties may petition the court to seal all or portions of a divorce file. The court may grant such requests when:
- The interest in privacy substantially outweighs the presumption of public access
- Less restrictive alternatives are inadequate
- The seal is narrowly tailored to protect specific information
Redaction of Personal Identifiers: Illinois law requires the redaction of certain information from court filings, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Minor children's names (initials may be used instead)
- Dates of birth (year only may be included)
- Home addresses in certain circumstances
Confidential Document Designation: Under court rules, certain documents may be filed as "confidential" and not accessible to the general public, including:
- Financial disclosure statements
- Medical and mental health records
- Guardian ad litem reports
- Custody evaluations
- Income tax returns
Protective Orders: The court may issue specific protective orders to prevent disclosure of sensitive information when disclosure would cause:
- Undue embarrassment
- Risk of identity theft
- Potential harm to minor children
- Danger to victims of domestic violence
Alternative Dispute Resolution: Mediation and collaborative divorce processes offer greater privacy as these proceedings occur outside the courtroom and typically result in fewer public filings.

Parties seeking confidentiality must file appropriate motions with the Peoria County Circuit Court demonstrating good cause for restricting public access. It is important to note that complete confidentiality of an entire divorce proceeding is extremely rare and granted only in exceptional circumstances, as courts generally favor transparency in judicial proceedings.

The court balances privacy interests against the public's right to access court records as established in Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138 and related case law. Even when certain documents are sealed, basic case information typically remains accessible through public indexes.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Peoria County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Peoria County varies significantly based on multiple factors related to case complexity, cooperation between parties, and court scheduling. Under Illinois law, specifically the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act § 750 ILCS 5/401, there is a mandatory 30-day waiting period after filing before a divorce can be finalized, but most cases extend beyond this minimum timeframe.

The approximate timeframes for divorce proceedings in Peoria County are as follows:

Uncontested Divorces with Complete Agreement
- Typical timeframe: 2-4 months
- Factors affecting duration:
  - Completeness of initial paperwork
  - Court calendar availability
  - Statutory waiting period compliance
  - Processing time for judgment entry
Contested Divorces with Negotiated Settlement
- Typical timeframe: 6-12 months
- Factors affecting duration:
  - Complexity of asset division
  - Child custody and support negotiations
  - Attorney scheduling conflicts
  - Time needed for financial disclosure
  - Mediation or settlement conference scheduling
Fully Contested Divorces Requiring Trial
- Typical timeframe: 12-24+ months
- Factors affecting duration:
  - Court congestion and trial date availability
  - Complexity of contested issues
  - Need for expert witnesses (financial, custody evaluators)
  - Discovery disputes and motion practice
  - Post-trial motion and judgment preparation

According to statistics from the Illinois Supreme Court's Annual Report, the average time to disposition for contested domestic relations cases in the 10th Judicial Circuit, which includes Peoria County, is approximately 9.8 months from filing to final judgment. However, individual cases may vary significantly from this average.

Additional factors that may extend the divorce timeline include:

Temporary orders and emergency motions
Complex business valuation issues
High-conflict custody disputes requiring guardian ad litem involvement
Relocation requests
Appeals of temporary orders
Bankruptcy filings by either party

The Peoria County Circuit Clerk's office can provide general information about case processing times, but cannot predict the duration of specific cases due to the variables involved in each situation.

How Long Does Peoria County Keep Divorce Records?

Peoria 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 timeframes for the preservation of various components of divorce case files.

The retention periods for divorce records in Peoria County are structured as follows:

Permanent Retention
- Final Judgments for Dissolution of Marriage
- Orders modifying the original judgment
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs)
- Custody determinations
- Name change orders within divorce judgments
Extended Retention (75 years)
- Cases involving minor children's interests
- Support orders and payment records
- Parenting time and responsibility allocations
Medium-Term Retention (20 years)
- General case files for divorces without minor children
- Financial disclosure statements
- Property settlement agreements
- Trial exhibits (unless returned to parties)
Shorter-Term Retention (5-7 years)
- Routine procedural motions
- Notices of hearing
- Discovery materials not admitted as evidence
- Temporary orders superseded by final judgment

The Peoria County Circuit Clerk, as the official custodian of court records, implements these retention schedules through a combination of physical and electronic storage systems. Records management practices include:

Microfilming or digital conversion of older records
Secure on-site storage for recent case files
Off-site archival storage for older physical records
Electronic case management systems for cases filed after system implementation

It is important to note that while some components of divorce files may be destroyed after their retention period expires, the fundamental record of the divorce judgment is maintained permanently. The permanent index of divorce cases includes party names, case numbers, filing dates, and disposition information, ensuring that proof of the divorce remains available indefinitely.

Individuals seeking older divorce records should contact the Circuit Clerk's office directly, as retrieval methods and timeframes may vary depending on the age of the records and their storage format.

How To Get a Divorce In Peoria County

Obtaining a divorce in Peoria County requires adherence to specific legal procedures established under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act § 750 ILCS 5. The process involves multiple steps that must be completed in sequence to legally dissolve a marriage.

To initiate and complete a divorce in Peoria County, individuals must:

Meet residency requirements:
- Either spouse must have been an Illinois resident for at least 90 days
- The case may be filed in Peoria County if either spouse resides there
Prepare and file initial documents with the Peoria County Circuit Clerk:

Peoria County Circuit Clerk
Peoria County Courthouse
324 Main Street, Room G-22
Peoria, IL 61602
(309) 672-6059
Peoria County Circuit Clerk

Required documents include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Summons
- Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage
- Domestic Relations Cover Sheet
- Filing fees (currently $337 for dissolution with children, $292 without children)
Serve the non-filing spouse through one of these methods:
- Sheriff's service (additional fee applies)
- Private process server (court approval required)
- Publication (if spouse cannot be located)
- Voluntary appearance and acknowledgment of service
Complete financial disclosure by exchanging:
- Financial Affidavits (mandatory in all cases)
- Supporting documentation (pay stubs, tax returns, account statements)
- Property inventories
Address temporary issues if needed:
- File for temporary child support/maintenance
- Request temporary allocation of parental responsibilities
- Seek temporary possession of marital residence
Negotiate settlement of all issues:
- Property and debt division
- Maintenance (alimony)
- Child support and parenting time
- Allocation of parental responsibilities
Participate in required programs:
- Parenting education program (mandatory in cases with minor children)
- Mediation (required for contested parenting issues)
Finalize the divorce through either:
- Prove-up hearing for uncontested cases
- Trial for contested issues
- Entry of Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage
Implement post-divorce requirements:
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders for retirement accounts
- Deed transfers for real estate
- Title transfers for vehicles
- Name change procedures if applicable

The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice has developed standardized forms for divorce proceedings that are accepted in all Illinois courts, including Peoria County. These forms are available online and provide guidance for self-represented litigants.

For individuals unable to afford filing fees, an Application for Waiver of Court Fees may be submitted pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 298.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Peoria County

Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Peoria County have multiple options for obtaining the necessary legal forms. The required documents, commonly referred to as "divorce papers," are available through several official channels to ensure accessibility for all county residents.

To obtain divorce papers in Peoria County, individuals may utilize the following resources:

Illinois Supreme Court Standardized Forms:
- Access the comprehensive suite of approved divorce forms developed by the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice
- These forms are mandatory and must be accepted by all Illinois courts
- Available online in fillable PDF format with detailed instructions
- Includes separate form packets for divorces with and without children
Peoria County Circuit Clerk's Office:

Peoria County Circuit Clerk
Peoria County Courthouse
324 Main Street, Room G-22
Peoria, IL 61602
(309) 672-6059
Peoria County Circuit Clerk
- Printed copies of divorce forms available at the clerk's office
- Staff can provide form locations but cannot offer legal advice
- Forms may be purchased for a nominal fee to cover printing costs
Peoria County Law Library:

Peoria County Law Library
Peoria County Courthouse
324 Main Street, 5th Floor
Peoria, IL 61602
(309) 672-6056
- Reference materials and form books available
- Public access computers for downloading and printing forms
- Research assistance for locating appropriate forms
Prairie State Legal Services (for income-eligible individuals):

Prairie State Legal Services - Peoria Office
331 Fulton Street, Suite 600
Peoria, IL 61602
(309) 674-9831
Prairie State Legal Services
- Legal assistance with form completion
- Eligibility screening required
- Limited representation services

The basic divorce packet for Peoria County typically includes:

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
Summons
Entry of Appearance (if spouse agrees to participate without formal service)
Financial Affidavit (mandatory in all cases)
Parenting Plan (for cases involving minor children)
Certificate of Dissolution (statistical reporting form)
Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage (to be completed and submitted for court approval)

Additional specialized forms may be required depending on the specific circumstances of the case, such as:

Application for Waiver of Court Fees (for those unable to afford filing fees)
Petition for Temporary Relief (for immediate court orders during the pendency of the case)
Notice of Motion and Motion forms (for requesting court action)
Qualified Domestic Relations Order forms (for dividing retirement accounts)

All forms must comply with Illinois Supreme Court Rules 10-101 regarding standardized forms and Rule 138 concerning personal identity protection in court filings.

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