Cook County Dissolution of Marriage Records

Cook County dissolution of marriage records are handled by the Cook County Circuit Court, the largest unified court system in the world. With over 5.1 million residents, Cook County processes more dissolution of marriage cases than any other county in Illinois. All dissolution filings go through the Domestic Relations Division, which operates out of the Richard J. Daley Center in Chicago and five suburban district courthouses. This page explains how to find records, who to contact, what fees apply, and where to get legal help in Cook County.

Cook County Circuit Clerk and Domestic Relations Division

Mariyana T. Spyropoulos serves as Circuit Clerk of Cook County. Her office handles all court filings, including the thousands of dissolution of marriage cases filed in Cook County each year. The main office is at 50 W. Washington Street, Suite 1001, Chicago, IL 60602. Phone is 312/603-5030. The clerk's office manages case records for the entire Cook County court system and gives access to court documents for both parties and the general public.

All dissolution of marriage cases in Cook County are processed through the Domestic Relations Division. Per General Order 1.2 and 2.1(c) of the Circuit Court of Cook County, the Domestic Relations Division handles dissolution of marriage, dissolution of civil union, declaration of invalidity of marriage or civil union, legal separation, parentage, child support, maintenance, and allocation of parental responsibilities. The division does not handle adoptions or guardianships. The Domestic Relations Division is located at the Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, Room 802, Chicago, IL 60602. The phone is 312-603-6300. You can also reach the division by email at DomesticRelDivservices@cookcountycourt.com. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

The Cook County Circuit Clerk's office manages dissolution of marriage filings and public access to court records throughout Cook County.

Search Cook County Dissolution Records Online

Cook County has a robust free online search tool available at the Circuit Clerk's website. You can search dissolution of marriage records by case number or by the name of either party. The search is open to the public at no cost. Go to cookcountyclerkofcourt.org and use the case search function to find dissolution cases filed in Cook County. The database covers a wide range of years and includes cases from all six court districts.

The Cook County Circuit Clerk's public search gives you case numbers, filing dates, party names, and the names of attorneys of record. You can see what documents have been filed and when hearings are scheduled or took place. For the actual documents in the file, you need to request copies through the clerk's office. Certified copies of dissolution decrees and other documents are available by visiting any clerk's office location or by submitting a written request. The search tool can also be used to look up other dissolution-related matters like child support modifications and parenting time orders filed in Cook County.

The Cook County Domestic Relations Division page shows what types of cases the division handles, including dissolution of marriage and related family law matters.

Cook County also offers a separate records lookup through the county government at cookcountyil.gov. This page provides guidance on how to access dissolution records and what to expect when you request them. Judici also covers some Cook County case data. Visit judici.com to check whether it has what you need if the main circuit clerk search does not return results for an older case.

Cook County Dissolution of Marriage Fees

Cook County has a published fee schedule for dissolution of marriage records and filings. For record searches, the fee is $6 per name searched. Certified copies of dissolution documents cost $15 for the first page and $6 for each additional page. Plain (uncertified) copies cost $2 per page. These fees apply at the clerk's office locations across Cook County.

When you file for dissolution of marriage in Cook County, you pay a filing fee to open the case. Cook County, as the most active circuit court in Illinois, processes a high volume of dissolution cases each year. Filing fees cover the petition, any counter-petitions, and additional motions filed throughout the case. The fee structure is tied in part to the Illinois Clerks of Courts Act (705 ILCS 105/). For the most up-to-date Cook County filing fees, check directly with the Domestic Relations Division at 312-603-6300 or visit the circuit clerk website before you file.

If you cannot afford the fees in Cook County, you can ask the court for a fee waiver. File the Application to Sue or Defend as an Indigent Person along with your petition. The court reviews your income and expenses and decides whether to waive all or part of the fees.

The Cook County government records page covers how to access dissolution records, including where to go, what to bring, and what the fees are for copies and searches.

Cook County Dissolution of Marriage Process

Dissolution of marriage in Cook County follows the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/). Illinois uses irreconcilable differences as the only ground for dissolution. No one has to prove fault. At least one spouse must have lived in Illinois for 90 days before filing, per 750 ILCS 5/401. You file the petition at the Domestic Relations Division of the Cook County Circuit Court at the Daley Center, Room 802.

Once the petition is filed, the other spouse must be served with the court papers. Cook County offers several methods for service of process, and the Domestic Relations Division staff can explain the options. After service, the respondent has time to file an answer or counter-petition. Most dissolution cases in Cook County go through some form of case management conference before trial or settlement. The court may order mediation for disputes about parenting time or parental responsibilities. When both sides agree, a settlement is drafted and submitted to the judge for approval. If there is no agreement, the judge decides the contested issues at trial.

Property is divided under equitable distribution rules in 750 ILCS 5/503. Child support is calculated using the Income Shares model under 750 ILCS 5/505. For couples who qualify, the Joint Simplified Dissolution process under 750 ILCS 5/452 allows a much shorter process when there are no children, limited assets, and both parties agree. Standardized Illinois dissolution forms are available at no cost from the Illinois Courts forms page and are accepted in Cook County courts.

What Cook County Dissolution Case Files Contain

A Cook County dissolution of marriage case file begins with the petition for dissolution. This document names both parties, states that irreconcilable differences exist, and sets out what the petitioner is asking for. The other party files a response or counter-petition. As the case moves through the Domestic Relations Division, the file grows to include financial disclosures, any temporary orders for support or parenting time, settlement proposals, and ultimately the final judgment.

The judgment for dissolution of marriage is what ends the case. It is signed by a Cook County judge and contains all the final orders on property division, spousal maintenance if any, allocation of parental responsibilities, parenting time schedules, and child support. This is the document most people need certified copies of after the case is over. Common reasons include updating legal documents, changing a name, refinancing a home, or remarrying. Certified copies are obtained from the Cook County Circuit Clerk and carry the court's official seal.

Cook County dissolution records are public under 5 ILCS 140/. Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138 requires redaction of Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and similar identifiers in court documents. So while the file is public, certain details are blacked out in copies given to people who are not parties to the case. This protects sensitive personal information while keeping the court's proceedings accessible to the public.

Cook County Suburban Court Districts

Cook County is divided into six court districts. Dissolution of marriage cases filed in suburban parts of Cook County may be heard at one of five suburban courthouses, depending on where the petitioner lives. Each suburban district has its own courthouse and handles dissolution filings for residents in that area of Cook County.

The five suburban districts are: Skokie at 5600 Old Orchard Road (847-470-7250), Rolling Meadows at 2121 Euclid Avenue (847-818-3000), Maywood at 1500 Maybrook Drive (708-865-6040), Bridgeview at 10220 S. 76th Avenue (708-974-6500), and Markham at 16501 South Kedzie Parkway (708-232-4551). If you live in the suburbs and are not sure which district handles your area, call the main Domestic Relations Division at 312-603-6300 and they can direct you. Records from all six districts are accessible through the Cook County Circuit Clerk's online case search.

Note: While cases may be heard at a suburban district courthouse, the central Domestic Relations Division at the Daley Center in Chicago handles administrative questions and can access records from all districts.

IDPH Dissolution Verification for Cook County

The Illinois Department of Public Health maintains a statewide index of dissolution of marriage records from 1962 to the present. Cook County, as the most populous county in Illinois, contributes a large share of the records in this index. IDPH can verify that a dissolution of marriage was granted in Cook County, confirm the names of both parties, and provide the date of the dissolution. IDPH does not issue certified copies of decrees or provide the full terms of the settlement.

To request a verification, write to IDPH at 925 E. Ridgely Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702-2737, or call (217) 782-6554. The search fee is $5 per request, paid by check or money order to "Illinois Department of Public Health." Mail processing takes about 4 to 6 weeks. For the full dissolution decree with all terms, request a certified copy directly from the Cook County Circuit Clerk. Details about the IDPH process are at dph.illinois.gov.

Legal Help for Cook County Dissolution Cases

Cook County has more legal aid resources than any other county in Illinois. Illinois Legal Aid Online covers dissolution of marriage law, forms, and procedures, and has a directory of legal aid offices serving Cook County. Visit illinoislegalaid.org to find guides and search for a legal aid organization near you in Cook County.

The Legal Aid Chicago (formerly the Legal Aid Society of Metropolitan Family Services) provides free civil legal help to income-eligible residents of Cook County. They handle dissolution of marriage cases, especially those involving domestic violence, child custody, and support. The Chicago Bar Association also runs a lawyer referral service for Cook County residents who need a family law attorney. Many attorneys in Cook County offer an initial consultation that can help you assess your case before deciding on representation.

The Cook County court system also has a self-help center at the Daley Center for people who are representing themselves in dissolution cases. Staff can help you understand what forms to fill out and how the process works. They cannot give legal advice, but they can point you to the right forms and explain what documents you need to file. For all Illinois dissolution forms, including those used in Cook County, visit the Illinois Courts website. These are free, standardized, and accepted throughout Cook County courts.

Cities in Cook County

Cook County is home to Chicago and dozens of large suburban communities. All dissolution of marriage cases filed by Cook County residents go through the Cook County Circuit Court. The city or suburban district where you live determines which courthouse handles your case.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Cook County. Each has its own circuit court system for dissolution of marriage. If you live outside Cook County, file your petition in the county where you or your spouse resides.