Logan County Public Records /Logan County Divorce Records

Logan County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Logan County in 2026

LoganILRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Logan County, Illinois. Members of the public may find case summaries, filing dates, party names, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories may include dissolution of marriage decrees, final judgments, parenting plans, property settlement agreements, and post-judgment modification orders. Access and completeness of records vary depending on the case, filing date, and applicable privacy protections.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Logan County Circuit Court Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, the Illinois Courts online case search portal, and the Illinois Department of Public Health's vital records division.

Online Searches

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The Logan County Circuit Court Clerk maintains an online case search tool that allows members of the public to search court records by party name or case number.

Access the Logan County court case search portal directly through the county website
Basic case information is available at no charge
Certified copies of documents require payment of applicable fees
Search results display case number, filing date, party names, and case status

2. State Court System Portal

The Illinois Courts directory provides access to the Logan County Courthouse information and links to court resources statewide.

Allows users to identify the correct court and contact information
Useful for locating cases filed across multiple Illinois jurisdictions
Directs users to the appropriate circuit court for record requests

3. State Vital Records

The Illinois Department of Public Health maintains dissolution of marriage records at the state level; however, the Division of Vital Records does not issue certified copies of dissolution of marriage records. Certified copies are available exclusively from the circuit court clerk in the county where the divorce was granted.

The state office can confirm whether a dissolution record exists in its index
Requests for certified copies must be directed to the Logan County Circuit Court Clerk
State records are indexed by year and county of filing

In-Person Searches

Clerk of Court — Logan County Circuit Court:

Logan County Courthouse
601 Broadway Street
Lincoln, IL 62656
Phone: (217) 735-2376
Logan County, Illinois

Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Obtain staff assistance for locating records
- Submit written requests for archived or older case files

Records Department:

The Circuit Court Clerk's office maintains both active and archived divorce case files. Historical records predating electronic filing may be stored separately and may require additional retrieval time. Staff can assist with locating archived cases upon request.

By Mail

Written Request:

Mail requests to: Logan County Circuit Court Clerk, 601 Broadway Street, Lincoln, IL 62656
Include the following with each request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce or case number if known
- Your name, mailing address, and contact information
- Purpose of the request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy and certification fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
Processing time is typically one to two weeks, depending on record volume and whether the file requires retrieval from archives

By Phone

Limited Information Available:

Clerk of Court: (217) 735-2376
Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- The assigned case number
- Current case status
- The original filing date
Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents over the phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted case information

Through Attorneys

Members of the public involved in complex dissolution matters may retain legal counsel to access court records on their behalf. An attorney of record has full access to the case file, may request sealed documents upon a proper showing to the court, and can obtain certified copies through professional channels. The Illinois State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking legal representation in family law matters.

Information Needed for Search

Essential Information:

Full legal names of both spouses, including maiden names where applicable
Approximate date of the divorce or the year the case was filed
Case number, if previously obtained

Helpful Information:

Date and location of the marriage
Prior addresses of either spouse in Logan County
Names of children involved, 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, at least one spouse must have been a resident of Illinois for a minimum of 90 days before a judgment of dissolution of marriage may be entered. The petition is filed in the county of that spouse's residence.

Time Considerations

Recent Divorces:

Newly finalized cases may not appear in the online system immediately following the final hearing
Allow several business days to several weeks for processing after the final judgment is entered
Court staff can confirm whether a case has been entered into the system

Older Divorces:

Cases filed before electronic records were implemented may be stored in paper archives
Digitization of older records varies; some files may require manual retrieval
Allow additional processing time for archived case requests

What If You Cannot Find a Record

Common Issues:

The divorce may have been filed in a different county
Name variations, including maiden names or spelling differences, may affect search results
The case may still be pending and not yet finalized
Very old records may be stored off-site or in a format not accessible online
The case may have been sealed by court order

Next Steps:

Contact the Circuit Court Clerk at (217) 735-2376 to request staff assistance
Attempt alternate name spellings or search under the other spouse's name
Search the Illinois Department of Public Health's dissolution of marriage index
Consult an attorney if the record cannot be located through standard channels

What Are Logan County Divorce Records?

Logan County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed with the Logan County Circuit Court. These records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk and constitute part of the permanent family law case file. They serve as the legal documentation of the termination of a marriage and establish the rights and obligations of both parties following dissolution.

Types of Divorce Records:

Court Case Files contain the complete record of the proceeding, including:

Petition for dissolution of marriage
Response or answer filed by the respondent
Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
Parenting plans and child custody arrangements
Marital settlement agreements
Motions, orders, and court hearing transcripts
Final judgment of dissolution of marriage

Final Decree is the official court order that legally ends the marriage. It establishes:

The date of dissolution
Division of marital property and debts
Spousal support or maintenance terms, if any
Child custody and parenting time arrangements, if applicable
Child support obligations, if applicable
Any court-ordered name restoration
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Circuit Court Clerk

Supporting Documents filed during the proceeding may include:

The original marriage certificate
Financial disclosure statements and tax returns
Property inventories and appraisals
Post-judgment modification orders

Purpose of Divorce Records:

Divorce records serve numerous legal and personal purposes, including:

Providing proof of marital status for remarriage
Supporting name change documentation
Facilitating property transfers and estate planning
Documenting eligibility for Social Security or pension benefits
Supporting immigration proceedings
Enabling genealogical and family history research

Who Maintains Divorce Records:

The Logan County Circuit Court Clerk is the primary custodian of all dissolution of marriage case files. The clerk's office indexes records by the names of both parties and provides certified copies upon request. At the state level, the Illinois Department of Public Health maintains a statistical index of dissolution records but, as noted in its official guidance, does not issue certified copies; those must be obtained from the circuit court clerk in the county of filing.

Legal Framework:

Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Illinois are governed by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, 750 ILCS § 5/101 et seq., which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for obtaining a divorce in the state. Public access to court records is governed by Illinois Supreme Court Rules and the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS § 140/1 et seq., which establishes the presumption of public access to government records while providing specific exemptions for sensitive information.

Are Logan County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed with the Logan County Circuit Court are public court records, accessible to any member of the public under Illinois law. The presumption of public access applies to most documents in a dissolution case file; however, certain categories of information are restricted, redacted, or sealed to protect sensitive personal data and the privacy of children and domestic violence victims.

What Is Public:

Case number and original filing date
Full names of both parties to the proceeding
Names of attorneys of record
Scheduled court hearing dates and times
Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
Property division orders
General case status and docket entries reflecting the chronological history of the case

What May Be Restricted:

Financial Information:

Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents
Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
Detailed financial statements and tax returns may be subject to limited access

Children's Information:

Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted in certain circumstances
Schools attended by children, medical information, and psychological evaluations may be sealed
Guardian ad litem reports and child custody evaluations are frequently restricted

Sensitive Personal Information:

Domestic violence allegations, evidence, and related protective orders may be sealed
Mental health and substance abuse treatment records are restricted
Personal addresses of domestic violence victims are protected from public disclosure

Sealed Records:

A court may seal a divorce case file or specific documents within it upon a showing of good cause. Circumstances that may warrant sealing include cases involving abuse, high-profile parties, confidential settlement terms, or court-ordered mediation records, which are confidential by statute.

Legal Basis for Public Access:

The Illinois Freedom of Information Act establishes the legal framework for public access to government records. Illinois Supreme Court Rules further govern access to court records, balancing the principle of judicial transparency against the privacy interests of litigants and their children.

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. Photo identification may be required.
Parties to the Case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents that may be restricted from general public view.
Attorneys of Record: Have professional access to the complete case file and may petition the court for access to sealed materials upon a proper showing.
Researchers and Media: May access the public portions of case files; access to sealed records requires a court order. First Amendment protections apply to news reporting on matters of public concern.

Restrictions on Use:

Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use them for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates an existing protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background research, genealogical inquiry, news reporting, and personal verification of marital status.

Obtaining Confidential Records:

A party seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal need. The court evaluates such requests on a case-by-case basis, applying a balancing test that weighs the requesting party's need against the privacy interests of those protected by the seal. Certain entities, including law enforcement agencies, child protection investigators, and court-appointed evaluators, may be entitled to access restricted records by statute.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Logan County?

The Logan County Circuit Court Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Current fees are established pursuant to 705 ILCS § 105/27.1, which governs clerk fees in Illinois circuit courts.

Service	Current Fee
Plain copy (per page)	$0.50 per page
Certified copy of document	$6.00 for the first page + $0.50 per additional page
Certification fee (seal)	Included in certified copy fee
Electronic copy (where available)	Varies; contact clerk for current rate
Search fee	No separate search fee for standard requests

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash (in-person only)
Check or money order made payable to the Logan County Circuit Court Clerk
Credit or debit card (availability subject to change; confirm with clerk's office)

Fee Waiver Provisions:

Individuals who are parties to the case and who qualify as indigent may petition the court for a waiver of fees. A completed fee waiver application must be submitted to the court for review. Approval is at the court's discretion based on the applicant's financial circumstances.

What Is Available at No Charge:

Viewing case docket entries and basic case information through the online case search portal
In-person review of public case documents at the courthouse public access terminal, without obtaining copies

What's Included in Divorce Records in Logan County

A complete dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Logan County Circuit Court Clerk contains the following categories of documents, subject to applicable redactions and sealing orders.

Basic Case Information:

Case caption including case number, court name, and names of petitioner and respondent
Name of the assigned judge and attorneys of record
Filing date, case type designation, and jurisdictional basis

Initial Pleadings:

The Petition for Dissolution of Marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for dissolution (in Illinois, irretrievable breakdown of the marriage under a no-fault standard), information regarding minor children, claims regarding marital property, and the relief requested.

The Response or Answer filed by the respondent states the respondent's position, admissions or denials of the petition's allegations, any counterpetition, and the respondent's requests for relief.

Financial Affidavits submitted by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, marital and non-marital assets, and liabilities.

Discovery Documents:

Financial disclosure statements including tax returns, pay stubs, bank and investment account statements, and retirement account records
Interrogatories and answers under oath
Requests for production of documents and responses thereto
Property inventories and supporting documentation

Property-Related Documents:

Marital asset inventory listing real property, vehicles, financial accounts, business interests, and personal property with estimated values
Debt inventory covering mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card balances, and other liabilities
Appraisals and expert valuations of real property, business interests, and personal property

Children-Related Documents (where applicable):

Parenting plan establishing legal custody, physical custody, and a detailed timesharing schedule including regular, holiday, summer, and vacation provisions
Child support calculation worksheet reflecting both parties' incomes, number of overnights, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses
Child support order specifying the amount, payment schedule, and method of payment
Custody evaluations prepared by court-appointed psychologists or evaluators (these documents are frequently restricted from public access)
Guardian ad litem reports, which are subject to access restrictions

Support Documents:

Spousal maintenance or alimony orders specifying the type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
Income and expense analysis supporting the maintenance determination

Settlement Documents:

Marital Settlement Agreement comprehensively resolving all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions
Mediation agreement, if the parties participated in mediation (mediation communications are confidential under Illinois law, but the resulting agreement may be incorporated into the court record)

Court Orders and Judgments:

Temporary orders addressing custody, support, and use of property during the pendency of the case
Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, which is the court's definitive order ending the marriage, containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division determinations, support orders, custody and parenting time provisions, and any court-ordered name restoration
Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), if retirement accounts are divided, directing the plan administrator to distribute benefits

Post-Judgment Documents (where applicable):

Petitions to modify custody, parenting time, or support, and court orders resolving those petitions
Contempt motions and enforcement actions, including income deduction orders and lien filings

Miscellaneous Documents:

Proof of service of the initial petition and summons
Notices of hearings and depositions
Certificates of service accompanying all filed documents

What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:

Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted as a matter of course)
Children's residential addresses and school information
Domestic violence-related evidence and protective order details
Mental health evaluations and substance abuse records
Settlement negotiations and mediation communications

How to Get Proof of Divorce in Logan County

Proof of divorce in Logan County is obtained through a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, issued by the Logan County Circuit Court Clerk. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature and is accepted as legal proof of divorce for purposes of remarriage, name changes, immigration proceedings, Social Security applications, and other official matters.

Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:

Identify the case. Locate the case number and filing date using the Logan County court case search tool or by contacting the clerk's office directly.
Submit a request in person, by mail, or by phone.
- In person: Visit the Logan County Courthouse at 601 Broadway Street, Lincoln, IL 62656, during business hours (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday).
- By mail: Send a written request to the same address, including the names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, the case number if known, your contact information, and payment for applicable fees.
- By phone: Call (217) 735-2376 to confirm case information before submitting a formal request.
Pay applicable fees. The current fee for a certified copy is $6.00 for the first page plus $0.50 for each additional page.
Receive the certified copy. In-person requests are typically fulfilled the same day. Mail requests are processed within one to two weeks.

Members of the public who are uncertain whether a dissolution record exists at the state level may also consult the Illinois Department of Public Health's dissolution of marriage records index, which maintains a statistical record of divorces granted in Illinois. The state office does not issue certified copies but can confirm whether a record is indexed and direct the requester to the appropriate county clerk.

Logan County Courthouse
601 Broadway Street
Lincoln, IL 62656
Phone: (217) 735-2376
Logan County, Illinois

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Logan County?

Divorce proceedings in Logan County are presumptively public; however, Illinois law and court rules permit certain records or entire case files to be sealed under defined circumstances.

Circumstances Under Which Records May Be Confidential:

Domestic violence cases: Courts may seal identifying information, including addresses and contact details, of domestic violence victims to prevent further harm.
Children's information: Names, addresses, schools, and medical or psychological records of minor children may be redacted or sealed to protect their welfare.
Mental health and substance abuse records: Records reflecting a party's mental health treatment or substance abuse history are restricted under state and federal privacy laws.
Sealed by court order: Either party may petition the court to seal specific documents or the entire file upon a showing of good cause. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests at stake.
Mediation records: Communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential by statute and are not part of the public court record.
Confidential settlement terms: Parties may agree to keep specific settlement terms confidential, though the existence of the settlement and the final judgment remain public.

The procedures for sealing court records in Illinois are governed by Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138, which addresses the protection of personal identity information in court filings, and by individual circuit court rules applicable in Logan County.

How Long Does Logan County Keep Divorce Records?

Logan County Circuit Court divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Illinois court record retention requirements.

Retention Periods:

Final judgments of dissolution of marriage: Retained permanently. The final decree is a permanent court record and is not subject to destruction.
Complete case files (active and closed): Retained for a minimum of 20 years following the close of the case under Illinois court record retention schedules.
Temporary orders and interlocutory documents: Retained as part of the complete case file for the applicable retention period.
Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file or as a separate case file, depending on how the modification was docketed, for the applicable retention period.
Archived paper records: Older case files that predate electronic filing are maintained in physical archives and may require additional retrieval time. These records are not subject to destruction under current retention schedules applicable to final judgments.
Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's case management system and are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records.

Illinois court record retention schedules are established by the Illinois Supreme Court and administered through the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts. Members of the public seeking records from cases filed many decades ago should contact the Logan County Circuit Court Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.