Find Dissolution of Marriage in Clark County
Clark County dissolution of marriage records are held at the Circuit Clerk's office in Marshall, Illinois. The 5th Judicial Circuit covers Clark County and handles all dissolution cases filed here. Whether you need a copy of a final decree, want to search an old case, or are just confirming a dissolution took place, the clerk's office in Marshall is your starting point. Most modern records can be searched online, while older case files require a direct request to the court.
Clark County Quick Facts
Clark County Circuit Clerk
Ami Shaw serves as Circuit Clerk for Clark County. The clerk's office handles all court filings in Clark County, including dissolution of marriage cases. Every petition, order, and final decree filed in a Clark County dissolution case is stored and managed by this office. Copies can be obtained in person during business hours or by submitting a written request by mail.
The mailing address is P.O. Box 187, Marshall, IL 62441. The office can be reached at 217/826-2811 by phone, or you can send a fax to 217/826-1391. When you call, staff can help you search for a case by name or case number. They can also tell you the copy fees and what you need to bring if you plan to visit in person. For dissolution of marriage records in Clark County, this is the only office that holds the official case file.
| Circuit Clerk | Ami Shaw |
|---|---|
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 187, Marshall, IL 62441 |
| Phone | 217/826-2811 |
| Fax | 217/826-1391 |
| Judicial Circuit | 5th Judicial Circuit |
| Circuit Clerks Directory | Illinois Courts - Circuit Court Clerks |
Clark County Dissolution Records Online
Judici is the online court records portal that covers Clark County. It gives free public access to circuit court case information, including dissolution of marriage filings. You can search by the name of either party or by case number. The search results show filing dates, case status, and upcoming hearing dates. Go to judici.com and choose Clark County from the list to run a search.
For cases not found online, or for certified copies of documents, you must contact the Clark County Circuit Clerk directly. Some older dissolution records have not been entered into digital systems and exist only as paper files at the courthouse. A written request to the clerk at P.O. Box 187, Marshall, IL 62441 is the right step for those cases. Include both party names, the approximate year of the dissolution, and any case number you may already have.
Judici provides online access to Clark County court records, including dissolution of marriage cases, free to the public.
Dissolution of Marriage Fees in Clark County
Filing fees and copy fees apply when you file or request records related to a dissolution of marriage in Clark County. The Clark County Circuit Clerk sets copy fees per page, and certified copies carry an additional certification charge. Call 217/826-2811 to get the current fee schedule before you send a request or visit the courthouse.
When you file a new dissolution case in Clark County, you pay a filing fee to open the case. Additional fees may apply for service of process, motions, and other steps as the case moves forward. The Illinois Clerks of Courts Act (705 ILCS 105/) governs how fees are set and collected by circuit clerks across the state. Fee waivers are available for those who qualify based on income. Ask the clerk about the Application to Sue or Defend as an Indigent Person when you call.
Note: Fees can change without advance notice. Always confirm current amounts with the clerk before submitting payment.
Filing Dissolution of Marriage in Clark County
To file for dissolution of marriage in Clark County, you must first meet the residency requirement under 750 ILCS 5/401: at least one spouse must have lived in Illinois for 90 days before the petition is filed. You file the petition at the Clark County Circuit Clerk's office in Marshall. Once filed, the other spouse must be properly served with copies of the court papers.
The dissolution process in Clark County follows the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/). Grounds for dissolution in Illinois are irreconcilable differences. There is no need to prove fault. If both spouses agree on all issues including property division under 750 ILCS 5/503, child support under 750 ILCS 5/505, and parenting arrangements, the case can move quickly through the Clark County courts. Contested cases take longer and may require hearings or mediation before the judge signs the final decree.
Approved dissolution forms are available from the Illinois Courts website at no cost. These are standardized forms accepted in all Illinois courts, including Clark County.
What's in a Clark County Dissolution Case File
A Clark County dissolution of marriage file holds all the papers created during the case. The petition starts the file. It names both parties, states the grounds for dissolution, and lists what the petitioner is asking the court to order. The respondent can file a counter-petition or a response. Temporary orders for support or parenting time may be added while the case is open.
The final piece is the judgment for dissolution of marriage, also called the decree. This document is signed by the judge and makes the dissolution official. It includes all the agreed or ordered terms: how property is divided, any spousal support, and all child-related decisions. This is the document most people need when they are done with the case, and it is what you would request from the Clark County Circuit Clerk as a certified copy.
Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138 requires that certain personal identifiers, such as Social Security numbers and financial account numbers, be redacted from public court filings. This means some information in the public file may appear blacked out. Under 5 ILCS 140/, the FOIA statute, most court records are public unless a specific exemption applies.
IDPH Dissolution Verification for Clark County
The Illinois Department of Public Health keeps a statewide index of dissolution of marriage records going back to 1962. IDPH does not issue full decrees, but it can confirm basic facts about a dissolution: the names of the parties, dates of birth, and when and where the dissolution was granted. This covers Clark County dissolutions recorded since 1962.
To use this service, write to IDPH at 925 E. Ridgely Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702-2737, or call (217) 782-6554. The search fee is $5, paid by check or money order to "Illinois Department of Public Health." Mail requests take 4 to 6 weeks. For complete details, visit dph.illinois.gov. If you need the full decree with all terms, contact the Clark County Circuit Clerk instead.
The IDPH maintains dissolution verification records for Clark County cases filed since 1962.
Legal Help for Clark County Dissolution Cases
Illinois Legal Aid Online has guides and tools for people going through dissolution of marriage in Clark County. The site covers every step of the process, from filing the petition to getting the final decree. Visit illinoislegalaid.org to read plain-language explanations and find legal aid programs near Clark County.
Prairie State Legal Services covers Clark County and can provide free legal help to people who meet income guidelines. Their attorneys handle dissolution, child support, and related civil matters. Call or use the referral tool on Illinois Legal Aid Online to find out if you qualify. The Clark County area also has private attorneys who handle family law cases. A referral from the Illinois State Bar Association can help you find one who works in the 5th Judicial Circuit area.
Cities in Clark County
Clark County includes Marshall, Casey, Westfield, and other small towns. All dissolution of marriage filings from communities across Clark County go through the Circuit Clerk in Marshall. No cities in Clark County meet the population threshold for a separate city records page on this site.
Nearby Counties
These counties are adjacent to Clark County. Each has its own circuit court for dissolution of marriage cases. File in the county where you or your spouse lives.