Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Illinois Divorce Records

By Ben Kingsley


Divorce certificates, like many vital documents, are considered as a matter of public domain. This means that, with the proper requirements and credentials, any member of the public can have access to any vital information they seek, including divorce decrees and other pertinent data. In the state of Illinois, public documents fall under the jurisdiction of the state's Department of Public Health. Its Division of Vital Records keeps Illinois divorce records that date back to January 1962. Unfortunately, the state office does not release certified copies of such reports.

The Illinois Department of Public Health is capable of disseminating certified copies of vital documents such as birth certificates and death reports. When it comes to marriage and divorce papers, on the other hand, you may only verify public records that are registered in their office. A five dollar verification fee will be charged to each requester, in the form of money order, or certified or personal check. You will need to comply with the procedures and requirements set forth by the Division of Vital Records of the Illinois Department of Public Health.

If you are after a certified copy of a divorce certificate, then you should visit or call the Clerk of Circuit Court or the county clerk's office in the county where the divorce was granted. Try to find someone in the office to help you with the proper procedures in requesting a certified copy of the document. Figure out the requirements and the current fees, especially since each county has different procedures, requirements and application charges. And always remember to comply with the policies put forth by the county office to avoid any complications later on.

The Illinois State Archives may also be a good alternative source of public information, especially for those who are conducting genealogy research. The Illinois Regional Archives Depository or IRAD maintains an impressive divorce index much earlier than those maintained by the Division of Vital Records. It's no surprise that many researchers, especially those involved with genealogy, frequent this particular office for fact checking and data gathering.

For background research purposes, on the other hand, an online information resource is a much more convenient and practical option. There are quite a few online record retrieval services available that is capable of disseminating comprehensive vital record data. Reputable online record providers can offer unrestricted and unlimited access to an extensive database of birth certificates, death reports, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. All you will need is a working computer and an Internet connection.

When opting for an online record provider, you will only be charged a one-time fee upon registration. Once the process is completed, you are free to run as many searches as you want. For example, if you are interested in a particular individual's divorce records, all you have to do is enter his or her name and the state where the event occurred. There are no additional charges to be paid and no waiting period. In a few short minutes, you will know everything there is to know about the subject.




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