Divorce records in Cook County, Illinois, can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, the court that issued the decree, the county clerk, and the state vital records office. CookCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information for Cook County. You can also request records directly from the Clerk of the Circuit Court's Domestic Relations Division, the Cook County Clerk's office, or the Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Vital Records.
Cook County Divorce Records Search
The Domestic Relations Division of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County maintains divorce case files for dissolutions granted in Cook County. These records include divorce decrees (judgments of dissolution of marriage), settlement and property agreements, custody and support orders, and related court filings. The Illinois Department of Public Health also keeps an index of dissolution of marriage records reported statewide since January 1, 1962.
The Clerk of the Circuit Court provides online case information as a public service, though access to certain document images may be limited under the Illinois Supreme Court's Electronic Access Policy. For certified copies or complete case files, contact the Domestic Relations Division directly.
Clerk of the Circuit Court — Domestic Relations Division
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Cook County
In Illinois, divorce cases — formally called dissolution of marriage proceedings — are handled by the circuit courts. In Cook County, the Circuit Court of Cook County's Domestic Relations Division hears all divorce, legal separation, and declaration of invalidity (annulment) cases. Once a judge enters a judgment of dissolution, the decree and all related filings remain on file with the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
The state also maintains a separate record. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Division of Vital Records, keeps an index of dissolution of marriage records for divorces granted anywhere in Illinois since 1962. IDPH can verify that a divorce occurred and issue a certified abstract, but it does not hold the full court file.
Which office to contact
- For the full court record — including the decree, settlement agreements, custody orders, and all motions — contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division.
- For a certified dissolution of marriage abstract or verification — contact the Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records.
Clerk of the Circuit Court — Domestic Relations Division
Illinois Department of Public Health — Division of Vital Records
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Cook County
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of a divorce decree (Clerk of the Circuit Court) | $6.00 per page (certification fee may apply) | Same day to several business days if requested in person |
| IDPH dissolution of marriage verification letter | $10.00 | 4–6 weeks by mail |
| IDPH certified abstract of dissolution record | $10.00 | 4–6 weeks by mail |
| IDPH expedited processing (optional) | Additional fee applies | Approximately 1–2 weeks |