Saline County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Saline County in 2026
SalineCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Saline County, Illinois. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, final decrees, and related court documents. Available record categories may include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property division orders, parenting plans, and post-judgment modifications. Access and completeness of records vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Divorce records in Saline County may be searched through official court resources, the Circuit Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and select online tools.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Saline County Circuit Clerk maintains the official index of all court filings, including dissolution of marriage cases. Members of the public may search case information through the Circuit Clerk's office, which serves as the official record keeper for all court-related documents. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for certified copies or printed documents.
2. State Court System Portal
The Illinois Courts statewide directory provides access to court information, local rules, and calendars for the Saline County Courthouse. This portal allows members of the public to locate court-specific resources and navigate to case management tools maintained by the Illinois judiciary.
3. State Vital Records
The Illinois Department of Public Health maintains dissolution of marriage records at the state level; however, as the agency notes, "The Division of Vital Records does not issue certified copies of dissolution of marriage records. 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 Saline County Circuit Clerk directly.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Saline County Courthouse
Saline County Circuit Clerk
10 East Poplar Street
Harrisburg, IL 62946
Phone: (618) 253-8197
Circuit Clerk - Saline County, Illinois
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance available during business hours
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
By Mail
Members of the public may submit written requests for divorce records to the Circuit Clerk's office. Mail requests to:
Saline County Circuit Clerk
10 East Poplar Street
Harrisburg, IL 62946
Include the following with each written request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
Processing time for mail requests is typically one to two weeks, depending on case volume and whether records require retrieval from archive storage.
By Phone
Saline County Circuit Clerk: (618) 253-8197
By telephone, staff may confirm whether a case exists in the system, provide a case number, confirm case status, and verify the filing date. Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or confidential case information over the telephone.
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Illinois may access court records on behalf of a client, request sealed documents through proper legal channels, and obtain certified copies with professional authorization. Members of the public seeking assistance with complex or sealed records may consult the Illinois State Bar Association for attorney referral services.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or year of filing
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Saline County
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under Illinois law, a petition for dissolution of marriage is filed in the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Members of the public who cannot locate a record in Saline County may need to search adjacent counties. A divorce record cannot be located by searching the county where the marriage ceremony occurred unless one spouse also resided there at the time of filing.
Illinois requires that at least one spouse have resided in the state for a minimum of 90 days before filing, pursuant to 750 ILCS 5/401, the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces: Cases finalized within the past several weeks may not yet appear in online indexes. Members of the public should allow standard processing time after the final hearing before searching electronic records.
Older Divorces: Cases predating electronic filing systems may exist only in paper format and may require retrieval from archive storage. Additional processing time applies to archived records, and some older files may not be digitized.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common reasons a record may not appear in a search include:
- Incorrect county of filing
- Name variations between maiden and married names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records held in off-site storage
- Case sealed by court order
Members of the public encountering these issues may contact the Circuit Clerk at (618) 253-8197, attempt alternate name spellings, search under both spouses' names, or consult the Illinois Department of Public Health dissolution of marriage records page for additional guidance.
What Are Saline County Divorce Records?
Saline County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Saline County Circuit Court. These records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk and constitute part of the permanent family law court file. Under 750 ILCS 5/401, Illinois recognizes the dissolution of marriage as the legal termination of a marital relationship, and all proceedings are documented in the official court record.
Types of Divorce Records
Court Case Files include the petition for dissolution of marriage, the respondent's answer or counterpetition, financial affidavits, parenting plans, settlement agreements, motions, court orders, hearing transcripts, and the final judgment of dissolution.
The Final Decree is the official court order ending the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, division of marital property, spousal support terms if applicable, child custody and support arrangements if applicable, and any court-ordered name changes. Certified copies of the final decree are available from the Circuit Clerk.
Supporting Documents may include marriage certificates submitted as exhibits, financial disclosure documents, property inventories, parenting plan attachments, and post-judgment modification orders.
Purpose of Divorce Records
Divorce records serve legal purposes including proof of marital status for remarriage, name change documentation, property transfer verification, estate planning, immigration proceedings, and Social Security benefit determinations. They also serve personal purposes such as genealogical research, family history documentation, and verification of divorce terms.
Who Maintains Divorce Records
The Saline County Circuit Clerk is the primary custodian of all dissolution of marriage records. The office maintains complete case files, provides certified copies, and indexes records by party name. The County Clerk & Recorder maintains separate vital records and property-related documents but does not serve as the primary custodian of divorce case files.
Are Saline County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Saline County Circuit Court are public court records subject to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140) and the Illinois Supreme Court Rules governing access to court records. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, court orders, and final judgments without demonstrating a specific need or interest.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and times
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information: Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from publicly accessible documents pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138. Detailed tax returns and financial statements may be subject to limited access upon court order.
Children's Information: Names of minor children, residential addresses, school information, medical records, psychological evaluations, child custody evaluations, and guardian ad litem reports may be restricted or sealed to protect the welfare of minors.
Sensitive Personal Information: Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence, mental health records, medical records, substance abuse treatment information, and personal addresses in cases involving protective orders may be withheld from public access.
Sealed Records: A court may seal all or part of a case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlements may be subject to sealing orders.
Who Can Access Records:
- General Public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees.
- Parties to the Case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents subject to restricted public access.
- Attorneys: May access case files and, with appropriate court authorization, may seek access to sealed documents.
- Researchers and Media: May access public portions of case files; sealed records require a court order or demonstrated First Amendment basis.
Prohibited Uses: Members of the public may not use divorce records for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or violation of existing protective orders.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Saline County?
The Saline County Circuit Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with 705 ILCS 105/27.1, which governs clerk fees in Illinois circuit courts. Current fees are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of document | $2.00 per document plus copy fees |
| Certification seal | $2.00 |
| Search fee (when applicable) | Varies |
- Inspection of records: Members of the public may inspect public court records at no charge at the courthouse during regular business hours.
- Electronic copies: Availability and fees for electronic format copies should be confirmed directly with the Circuit Clerk, as electronic access options may vary.
- Certified copies of the final decree: Require payment of the per-page copy fee plus the certification fee.
- Fee waivers: Parties who have been granted a fee waiver (indigency waiver) in their underlying case may be entitled to copies at reduced or no cost. Members of the public seeking a fee waiver must file the appropriate petition with the court.
Accepted payment methods at the Saline County Circuit Clerk's office include cash, check, and money order made payable to the Saline County Circuit Clerk. Members of the public should confirm current accepted payment methods before submitting mail requests.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Saline County
A complete dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Saline County Circuit Clerk contains documents generated at every stage of the proceeding.
Basic Case Information includes the case caption with case number, court name, names of petitioner and respondent, assigned judge, and attorneys of record, as well as the filing date, case type designation, and jurisdictional basis.
Initial Pleadings consist of the petition for dissolution of marriage (identifying both parties, the marriage date and location, grounds for dissolution, children's information, property claims, and relief requested), the respondent's answer or counterpetition, and financial affidavits disclosing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities for both parties.
Discovery Documents may include financial disclosure materials such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, investment and retirement account statements, and business financial records, as well as written interrogatories and responses, and requests for production of documents.
Property-Related Documents include marital asset inventories, debt inventories, real property appraisals, business valuations, and expert reports on asset values.
Children-Related Documents, where applicable, include the parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, the timesharing schedule, child support calculation worksheets, custody evaluations ordered by the court, and guardian ad litem reports. These documents may be subject to partial or full sealing.
Support Documents include alimony or spousal support orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions, as well as supporting calculation worksheets.
Settlement Documents include the marital settlement agreement resolving all contested issues, and any mediation agreement incorporated into the final order.
Court Orders and Judgments include temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case, the final judgment of dissolution containing the court's findings of fact and conclusions of law, and any Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) dividing retirement accounts.
Post-Judgment Documents may include petitions to modify custody or support, court orders on modifications, contempt motions, income deduction orders, and enforcement actions.
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers (redacted per Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138)
- Financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details where a protective order is in effect
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Saline County
Proof of divorce in Saline County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage issued by the Saline County Circuit Clerk. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature and is accepted as legal proof of divorce for remarriage, name change, immigration, Social Security, and other official purposes.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the case by searching the Circuit Clerk's records using the full names of both parties and the approximate year of filing.
- Note the case number from the docket index.
- Submit a request to the Circuit Clerk in person, by mail, or as otherwise permitted by the office.
- Provide the case number, names of both parties, and the specific document requested (final judgment of dissolution).
- Pay the applicable certification fee and per-page copy fee.
- Receive the certified copy in person or by mail with a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Saline County Circuit Clerk
10 East Poplar Street
Harrisburg, IL 62946
Phone: (618) 253-8197
Circuit Clerk - Saline County, Illinois
As noted by the Illinois Department of Public Health, the state vital records office does not issue certified copies of dissolution of marriage records; the circuit court clerk in the county where the divorce was granted is the sole source for certified copies.
Members of the public who need to verify a divorce without obtaining a certified copy may request a plain copy of the final decree or ask the Circuit Clerk to confirm the existence and date of the final judgment by telephone.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Saline County?
A divorce proceeding in Saline County may be partially or fully confidential under specific legal circumstances. Illinois courts apply a balancing test between the public's right of access to court records and the privacy interests of the parties and their children.
Circumstances under which divorce records or portions thereof may be confidential include:
- Domestic violence cases: Addresses and identifying information of protected parties may be withheld pursuant to the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, 750 ILCS 60.
- Minor children's information: Schools, residential addresses, and psychological evaluations related to minor children may be sealed to protect their welfare.
- Financial account numbers and Social Security numbers: Redacted from public documents by operation of Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138.
- Mental health and medical records: Submitted as exhibits may be sealed upon motion.
- Mediation communications: Confidential by statute and not part of the public court record.
- Court-ordered sealing: Any party may petition the court to seal all or part of the case file upon a demonstrated showing of good cause; the court issues a written order specifying the scope of sealing.
- High-conflict or high-profile cases: May be subject to sealing orders at the court's discretion.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the Saline County Circuit Court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access.
How Long Does Saline County Keep Divorce Records?
Saline County retains divorce records in accordance with the Illinois Supreme Court's records retention schedule, which governs the preservation of circuit court case files throughout the state.
Retention periods for dissolution of marriage records are as follows:
- Final judgments of dissolution: Retained permanently as part of the official court record.
- Complete case files (contested dissolutions): Retained for a minimum of 20 years from the date of final judgment under the Illinois Supreme Court Records Retention Schedule.
- Uncontested dissolution case files: Retained for a minimum of 7 years from the date of final judgment, after which non-essential documents may be disposed of in accordance with approved schedules.
- Post-judgment modification orders: Retained as part of the original case file for the duration of the retention period applicable to that file.
- Archived paper records: Older case files may be transferred to off-site storage; retrieval requires advance notice to the Circuit Clerk.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's case management system and are subject to the same retention schedules.
Members of the public seeking records from cases that may have been archived should contact the Saline County Circuit Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval timelines. The Saline County Courthouse page maintained by the Illinois Courts provides current contact and operational information for the court.