Fulton County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Fulton County in 2026
FultonCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Fulton County, Illinois. Members of the public may find dissolution of marriage filings, final decrees, case numbers, party names, and related court documents. Available record categories may include divorce decrees, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, support orders, and docket entries. Access and completeness of records vary depending on the case, filing date, and applicable privacy restrictions.
Records may be searched through official resources including the Fulton County Circuit Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, the Illinois Courts online portal, and the Illinois Department of Public Health's vital records division.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Fulton County Circuit Clerk maintains case records for dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the county. Members of the public may access basic case information, including party names, case numbers, filing dates, and hearing schedules, through the clerk's office. The Divorce, Family, Child Support, and Orders of Protection page on the Fulton County website provides direct guidance on accessing these records. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for certified copies and document reproduction.
2. State Court System Portal
The Fulton County Circuit Court is listed in the Illinois Courts directory maintained by the State of Illinois Office of the Illinois Courts. This statewide portal allows members of the public to locate court locations, contact information, and jurisdictional details across Illinois counties.
3. State Vital Records
As noted by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Division of Vital Records, the IDPH does not issue certified copies of dissolution of marriage records. Certified copies of divorce decrees must be obtained directly from the Circuit Clerk in the county where the divorce was filed.
In-Person Searches
Fulton County Circuit Clerk – Family Division
Fulton County Circuit Clerk
100 N. Main, P.O. Box 152, Room 207
Lewistown, IL 61542
Phone: Not publicly listed — contact via county website
Divorce, Family, Child Support, and Orders of Protection
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Members of the public may visit the Circuit Clerk's office to search case files, view documents, request certified copies, and use public access terminals. Staff assistance is available during regular business hours.
By Mail
Written requests for divorce records may be submitted by mail to the Circuit Clerk's office. Requestors should include:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names, if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of the request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
Mail requests to: Fulton County Circuit Clerk, 100 N. Main, P.O. Box 152, Room 207, Lewistown, IL 61542. Processing time is typically one to two weeks, depending on record volume and archival status.
By Phone
The Circuit Clerk's office may confirm by phone whether a case exists, provide a case number, verify case status, and confirm a filing date. Staff are not able to provide detailed document contents, copies of filings, or confidential case information over the phone.
Through Attorneys
An attorney of record may access the complete case file, including documents that may be restricted to parties or their legal representatives. Attorneys may also petition the court for access to sealed records upon a showing of good cause. 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
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Fulton 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 are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. The county where the marriage ceremony occurred is not necessarily the county where the divorce was filed.
Residency Requirement
Pursuant to 750 ILCS 5/401, one party to a dissolution of marriage proceeding must have been a resident of Illinois or stationed in Illinois as a member of the armed services for at least 90 days before the filing of the petition.
Time Considerations
- Recent divorces: Records may not appear in the system immediately following a final hearing. Members of the public should allow several days to weeks for processing after the final judgment is entered.
- Older divorces: Records predating electronic filing systems may be archived in paper format. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time and a specific written request.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common reasons a record may not be located include:
- 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 has not been finalized
- Very old records stored in off-site archives
- The case has been sealed by court order
Members of the public encountering these issues may try alternate name spellings, search under both spouses' names, or contact the Circuit Clerk's office directly for assistance.
What Are Fulton County Divorce Records?
Fulton County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed with the Fulton County Circuit Court. These records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk and constitute part of the public court file, subject to applicable privacy restrictions under Illinois law.
Types of Divorce Records:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage: The initiating document filed by the petitioner, identifying both parties, the marriage date, grounds for dissolution, and relief requested.
- Response/Answer: The respondent's formal reply to the petition, including any counterpetition.
- Financial Affidavits: Sworn statements disclosing each party's income, expenses, assets, and liabilities.
- Parenting Plans: Documents establishing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedules, and decision-making responsibilities for minor children.
- Marital Settlement Agreement: A comprehensive written agreement resolving all contested issues, including property division, support, and custody.
- Temporary Orders: Court orders entered during the pendency of the case governing custody, support, and use of property.
- Final Judgment of Dissolution: The court's official order terminating the marriage, incorporating all findings and agreements.
- Post-Judgment Modifications: Petitions and orders modifying custody, support, or other terms after the final judgment.
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs): Separate orders directing the division of retirement plan benefits.
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Divorce records serve legal purposes including proof of marital status for remarriage, name change documentation, property transfer, estate planning, immigration proceedings, and Social Security benefit determinations. They also serve personal purposes such as genealogical research and verification of divorce terms.
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Fulton County Circuit Clerk is the primary custodian of dissolution of marriage records. As confirmed by the Illinois Department of Public Health, the IDPH Division of Vital Records does not issue certified copies of dissolution of marriage records; those must be obtained from the Circuit Clerk in the county of filing.
The legal framework governing dissolution of marriage proceedings in Illinois is established under 750 ILCS 5/, the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, which sets forth the grounds, procedures, and requirements for divorce filings in the state.
Are Fulton County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed with the Fulton County Circuit Court are public court records under Illinois law. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/) establishes a presumption of public access to government records, and court records are subject to the Illinois Supreme Court Rules governing public access to court documents. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and outcomes
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted:
Financial information such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers is redacted from publicly accessible documents pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138, which requires the redaction of personal identity information from court filings. Detailed tax returns and financial statements may be subject to limited access.
Information concerning minor children, including their residential addresses, schools, and medical or psychological evaluations, may be restricted or sealed. Guardian ad litem reports and custody evaluations are subject to restricted access in many cases.
In cases involving domestic violence, sexual abuse, or mental health records, the court may seal specific documents or entire case files to protect the safety and privacy of the parties involved.
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 that may be restricted to the general public.
- Attorneys of record: Have professional access to case files and may petition for access to sealed documents upon a showing of good cause.
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files; sealed records require a court order or demonstrated legal basis.
Prohibited Uses:
Members of the public are prohibited from using divorce records for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or any use that violates an existing protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background research, genealogical research, news reporting, and personal verification.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Fulton County?
The Fulton County Circuit Clerk charges standard fees for the reproduction and certification of court records. Under Illinois law, fees for court document copies are governed by 705 ILCS 105/27.1, which authorizes clerks of the circuit court to collect fees for copies and certifications.
Standard Fee Structure:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.25–$0.50 per page (varies) |
| Certified copy of judgment/decree | $6.00–$10.00 (varies by document) |
| Certification fee | Included in certified copy fee |
| Search fee | No separate search fee in most cases |
- Inspection: Members of the public may inspect public court records at the courthouse at no charge during regular business hours.
- Plain copies: Per-page fees apply for paper reproductions of case documents.
- Certified copies: A certification fee is charged for documents bearing the official court seal, which are required for legal purposes such as remarriage or name change.
- Electronic copies: Availability and fees for electronic format copies should be confirmed directly with the Circuit Clerk's office.
- Payment methods: The Circuit Clerk's office accepts cash, money orders, and checks made payable to the Fulton County Circuit Clerk. Members of the public should confirm current accepted payment methods before submitting requests.
- Fee waivers: Parties who qualify as indigent under Illinois law may petition the court for a waiver of fees pursuant to applicable Illinois Supreme Court Rules.
Members of the public may obtain basic case information, including case numbers, party names, and filing dates, at no charge through the clerk's office or public access terminals.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Fulton County
A complete dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Fulton County Circuit Clerk contains all documents filed with the court from the initiation of proceedings through final judgment and any post-judgment actions. The contents of a given file vary depending on whether the case was contested or uncontested, whether children were involved, and the complexity of the marital estate.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record
- Filing date and case type
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, including marriage date and location, grounds for dissolution (irretrievable breakdown under Illinois no-fault law), identification of minor children, property claims, and relief requested
- Response or answer filed by the respondent, including any counterpetition
- Financial affidavits from both parties disclosing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
Discovery Documents:
- Interrogatories and answers under oath
- Requests for production of documents and responses
- Tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, investment and retirement account statements, and loan documents
- Business financial statements, where applicable
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory listing real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property with estimated values
- Debt inventory covering mortgages, car loans, credit card balances, and other liabilities
- Appraisals and expert valuations of real property, businesses, and personal property
Children-Related Documents (where applicable):
- Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedules for regular periods, holidays, and vacations, and decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities
- Child support calculation worksheets reflecting income, overnight counts, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses
- Custody evaluations and home studies, which may be subject to restricted access
- Guardian ad litem reports, which are subject to restricted access
Support Documents:
- Alimony or spousal support orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Income and standard-of-living analysis supporting support determinations
Settlement Documents:
- Marital Settlement Agreement resolving all contested issues, including property division, debt allocation, support terms, and child-related provisions
- Mediation agreements, where applicable
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders governing custody, support, and property use during the pendency of the case
- Final Judgment of Dissolution incorporating all findings, property awards, support orders, custody determinations, and any name restoration
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders directing the division of retirement plan benefits
Post-Judgment Documents (where applicable):
- Petitions and orders modifying custody, support, or other terms
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders and liens
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted per Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138)
- Residential addresses and school information for minor children
- Domestic violence allegations and related evidence (may be sealed)
- Mental health and substance abuse records
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents
Documents are organized chronologically within the case file, with a docket index reflecting each filing by date and document type. Recent cases are maintained in electronic format; older cases may exist in paper or hybrid format.
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Fulton County?
Proof of divorce in Fulton County is obtained through a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage issued by the Fulton County Circuit Clerk. A certified copy bears the official court seal and the clerk's certification, making it legally acceptable for purposes such as remarriage, name change, immigration proceedings, and Social Security applications.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the case: Confirm the case number, filing date, and names of both parties. This information may be verified through the Fulton County Circuit Clerk's office.
- Submit a request in person: Visit the Circuit Clerk's office at 100 N. Main, Room 207, Lewistown, IL 61542, during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.). Present a valid government-issued photo ID and pay the applicable certification fee.
- Submit a request by mail: Send a written request to Fulton County Circuit Clerk, P.O. Box 152, Lewistown, IL 61542, including the case number, names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, your contact information, payment for fees, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Confirm fee and payment method: Contact the clerk's office in advance to confirm current fees and accepted payment methods.
As confirmed by the Illinois Department of Public Health's dissolution of marriage records page, the IDPH does not issue certified copies of dissolution of marriage records. The Circuit Clerk in the county of filing is the sole source for certified copies.
Fulton County Circuit Clerk
100 N. Main, P.O. Box 152, Room 207
Lewistown, IL 61542
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Divorce, Family, Child Support, and Orders of Protection
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Fulton County?
Divorce proceedings in Fulton County are presumptively public under Illinois court rules; however, specific documents or entire case files may be sealed or restricted under defined legal circumstances.
Circumstances Under Which Divorce Records May Be Confidential:
- Domestic violence cases: Courts may seal identifying information, residential addresses, and related evidence to protect the safety of victims pursuant to the Illinois Domestic Violence Act (750 ILCS 60/).
- Children's information: Names, addresses, schools, and medical or psychological records of minor children may be restricted or redacted to protect minors.
- Mental health and substance abuse records: These records are subject to confidentiality protections under state and federal law and are not part of the publicly accessible court file.
- Sealed by court order: Any party may petition the court to seal specific documents or the entire case file upon a showing of good cause. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties.
- Mediation communications: Under 710 ILCS 35/, the Illinois Uniform Mediation Act, communications made during mediation are confidential and are not part of the public court record.
- Confidential settlements: Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents are not part of the public record.
Members of the public seeking to seal a divorce record must file a motion with the Fulton County Circuit Court and demonstrate a legally sufficient basis for sealing.
How Long Does Fulton County Keep Divorce Records?
The Fulton County Circuit Clerk retains dissolution of marriage records in accordance with the Illinois Supreme Court's record retention schedules, which govern the preservation and disposal of court documents statewide.
Retention Periods:
- Final judgments and decrees: Permanent retention. Final judgments of dissolution of marriage are maintained indefinitely as part of the permanent court record.
- Complete case files: Retained for a minimum of 20 years following the close of the case under Illinois Supreme Court retention guidelines for civil court records.
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file for the applicable retention period; may be purged after the minimum retention period has elapsed.
- Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file and subject to the same retention schedule.
- Archived records: Cases older than the active retention period may be transferred to off-site storage or microfilm. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time and a written request to the Circuit Clerk.
Members of the public seeking records from cases closed many years ago should contact the Fulton County Circuit Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures. Illinois court record retention requirements are established under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 21 and the Illinois Local Records Act.