Divorce records in DeKalb County, Illinois, can be accessed through several channels. DekalbILCourt.us can help find publicly available divorce record information for the county. Beyond that, the circuit court that issued the decree, the DeKalb County Clerk & Recorder's office, and the Illinois Department of Public Health's Division of Vital Records each serve as access points depending on the type of document you need.
DeKalb Divorce Records Search
In Illinois, divorce is legally referred to as "dissolution of marriage." DeKalb County dissolution of marriage case files are maintained by the Circuit Clerk at the DeKalb County Courthouse, which is part of the 23rd Judicial Circuit. The Circuit Clerk's office holds the complete court record, including:
- Petitions for dissolution of marriage
- Judgments of dissolution (divorce decrees)
- Marital settlement agreements
- Custody and allocation of parental responsibilities orders
- Property division orders
- Related motions and post-decree filings
The Illinois Department of Public Health maintains a statewide index of dissolution of marriage records but does not issue certified copies. Certified copies must be obtained from the circuit court clerk in the county where the divorce was granted.
DeKalb County Courthouse — Circuit Clerk's Office
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in DeKalb
Understanding where divorce records are filed in DeKalb County depends on which type of document you need.
Circuit Court — Complete Case File
All dissolution of marriage cases in DeKalb County are heard by the Circuit Court of the 23rd Judicial Circuit. Once a judge enters the judgment of dissolution, the decree and all associated documents remain on file with the Circuit Clerk at the DeKalb County Courthouse. This is the office to contact if you need:
- A certified copy of a divorce decree
- A copy of a settlement agreement or custody order
- Court docket information or case details
Illinois Department of Public Health — Verification Only
The Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records, maintains a statewide index of dissolution of marriage records dating from January 1962 to the present. However, this office does not issue certified copies of dissolution records. It can verify that a dissolution occurred and provide non-certified abstracts. If you need a certified copy, the Department will direct you back to the circuit court clerk in the county where the divorce was finalized.
DeKalb County Clerk & Recorder
The DeKalb County Clerk & Recorder handles various public records but does not typically maintain or issue copies of divorce decrees. For dissolution of marriage documents, contact the Circuit Clerk's office directly.
Quick Reference: Which Office to Contact
| What You Need | Office to Contact |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of divorce decree | DeKalb County Circuit Clerk |
| Settlement agreement or custody order | DeKalb County Circuit Clerk |
| Verification that a divorce occurred (1962–present) | Illinois Department of Public Health |
| Case docket or filing information | DeKalb County Circuit Clerk |
Self-represented individuals navigating the divorce process can find forms and guidance through Illinois Courts' self-help resources.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in DeKalb
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of dissolution of marriage judgment (Circuit Clerk) | $2.00 per page for certification; additional per-page copy fees may apply | Same day to several business days for in-person requests |
| Non-certified court document copies (Circuit Clerk) | $0.50–$2.00 per page (varies by document type) | Same day for in-person requests |
| Dissolution of marriage verification (Illinois Department of Public Health) | $10.00 for a non-certified record search | 4–6 weeks by mail |