Jefferson County Illinois Dissolution of Marriage
Dissolution of marriage records in Jefferson County, Illinois are maintained by the Circuit Clerk in Mount Vernon, the county seat. The 2nd Judicial Circuit handles all divorce and dissolution cases filed in Jefferson County. This page covers how to access dissolution of marriage records in Jefferson County, what those records contain, what fees apply, and where to turn for help whether you are filing a new case or searching for an existing one.
Jefferson County Quick Facts
Jefferson County Circuit Clerk Office
Randy Pollard, Jr. serves as the Circuit Clerk for Jefferson County, Illinois. His office in Mount Vernon is the keeper of all dissolution of marriage records filed in the county. The clerk's office handles new case filings, maintains the court file for every dissolution case, and issues copies of decrees and other case documents. If you need to find a dissolution of marriage record or get a certified copy of a final decree in Jefferson County, this is the right place to start.
Staff can search records by name or case number. In-person visits are welcome during office hours. You can also call or send a written request. Older records may take more time to locate, especially if they are stored off-site. All dissolution of marriage cases filed in Jefferson County are on file at the courthouse in Mount Vernon. The clerk's mailing address is a post office box, so if you send documents by mail, use the P.O. Box rather than the street address.
| Circuit Clerk | Randy Pollard, Jr. |
|---|---|
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 1266, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864 |
| Phone | 618/253-5096 |
| Fax | 618/253-3904 |
| Judicial Circuit | 2nd Judicial Circuit |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Circuit Court Clerks Directory | Illinois Courts - Circuit Court Clerks |
Online Access to Jefferson County Dissolution Records
Judici is the primary online tool for searching dissolution of marriage records in Jefferson County. The platform lets you search by party name or case number and shows case status, hearing information, and filing dates. Some records are free to view. Full document access may require a paid account. Visit judici.com and select Jefferson County, Illinois to search.
The Illinois Department of Public Health maintains a separate statewide dissolution of marriage index. This index can confirm that a dissolution was granted in Jefferson County but does not provide full case details or certified court copies. Contact IDPH at 925 E. Ridgely Ave, Springfield IL 62702-2737 or call (217) 782-6554. The search fee is $5.00 per name and mail requests take four to six weeks. For more on what IDPH offers, visit dph.illinois.gov.
The Illinois Courts website at illinoiscourts.gov also provides a directory of circuit court clerks, including Jefferson County, with contact details and any available online resources.
Fees for Jefferson County Dissolution of Marriage Records
Copy fees for dissolution of marriage records in Jefferson County are governed by 705 ILCS 105/, the Clerks of Courts Act. Standard copies typically cost $2.00 for the first page and $0.50 per page thereafter. Certified copies of final decrees carry an additional fee. Call 618/253-5096 to verify the current rates before visiting the courthouse.
Filing a new dissolution of marriage in Jefferson County requires a filing fee set by the 2nd Judicial Circuit. Fees can be updated, so always confirm with the clerk before filing. If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may apply for a waiver by submitting a financial affidavit to the court. The Illinois Legal Aid Online site has detailed guidance on fee waivers and how to qualify. Residents who meet income guidelines in Jefferson County may have fees reduced or waived entirely.
Note: The IDPH charges a $5.00 search fee per name and this is separate from any fees charged by the Jefferson County Circuit Clerk.
Dissolution of Marriage Process in Jefferson County
Filing for dissolution of marriage in Jefferson County begins at the Circuit Clerk's office in Mount Vernon. Under 750 ILCS 5/401, at least one spouse must have lived in Illinois for 90 days before filing. Illinois uses a no-fault system, and the only ground is irreconcilable differences. You do not need to prove fault. Once you file the petition, the clerk assigns a case number and opens a public case file.
If both parties agree on all the terms of the dissolution, the case is uncontested. This is the faster path. Under 750 ILCS 5/452, couples who qualify may use the Joint Simplified Dissolution process. This requires no children, no real estate, limited joint debt, and agreement on all terms. It cuts down on paperwork and court time. Approved forms for both standard and simplified dissolution are available free at illinoiscourts.gov.
When the case is contested, the court may set hearings, require financial disclosures, and hear arguments on property, support, or custody. Property division in Jefferson County follows 750 ILCS 5/503. Child support is set under 750 ILCS 5/505. Once resolved, the judge signs the final decree, which becomes part of the permanent public record in Jefferson County.
What Jefferson County Dissolution of Marriage Records Contain
The case file for a dissolution of marriage in Jefferson County holds every document from the start of the case to its close. This includes the original petition, the spouse's response, any temporary orders entered during the proceedings, financial disclosures, parenting plans if children are involved, and the final decree. Each document becomes part of the public record when filed, unless the court has ordered it sealed.
The final dissolution decree is the document most people request. It names both parties, gives the date the marriage ended, and sets out all the terms of the dissolution. This covers property and debt division, custody and visitation, child support, and any maintenance payments. Banks, courts, and government agencies often need a certified copy of this decree. You can get one from the Jefferson County Circuit Clerk. Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138, certain personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from public copies, but the rest of the file is accessible to the public.
A complete Jefferson County dissolution record typically contains the names of both spouses, the date of marriage, the date the petition was filed, the grounds stated, all orders entered, the property settlement agreement or court ruling on property, and the final judgment of dissolution.
IDPH Dissolution Records for Jefferson County
The Illinois Department of Public Health keeps a statewide index of dissolution of marriage records. Dissolutions granted in Jefferson County are part of this index. You can use IDPH to confirm that a dissolution occurred when you do not have a case number or are not sure which county handled the filing. The search costs $5.00 per name. Mail requests are processed in four to six weeks. IDPH does not issue certified court copies.
To submit a request to IDPH, write to 925 E. Ridgely Ave, Springfield IL 62702-2737 or call (217) 782-6554. More details are at dph.illinois.gov. For a certified copy of the court decree, contact the Jefferson County Circuit Clerk at 618/253-5096.
Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Jefferson County
Illinois Legal Aid Online at illinoislegalaid.org is a free resource for anyone dealing with a dissolution of marriage case in Jefferson County. The site has articles, guided forms, and step-by-step instructions for filing in Illinois. The EasyForm tool can generate court-ready documents for straightforward, uncontested cases without requiring a lawyer.
Land of Lincoln Legal Aid serves southern Illinois, including Jefferson County. They provide free legal help for dissolution cases to those who meet the income guidelines. Call their office to apply. For those who want a private attorney, the Illinois State Bar Association offers a referral service. Getting a legal consultation before filing can be especially useful in contested cases involving property, business assets, or children. The clerk at the courthouse in Mount Vernon can also tell you what self-help resources are available locally at 618/253-5096.
Court forms for dissolution of marriage are available at no cost from illinoiscourts.gov. These are state-approved forms that work in all Illinois courts, including the 2nd Judicial Circuit in Jefferson County.
Cities in Jefferson County
Jefferson County includes several towns and communities. All dissolution of marriage cases are filed at the courthouse in Mount Vernon, the county seat, regardless of which city or town the parties live in. No city in Jefferson County exceeds the 50,000 population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site.
Communities in Jefferson County include Mount Vernon, Benton (in Franklin County), Woodlawn, Ina, and Bluford. All residents in these areas file dissolution cases with the Jefferson County Circuit Clerk in Mount Vernon.
Nearby Counties
Jefferson County borders several other counties in southern Illinois. If you are not sure which county filed your dissolution of marriage case, check where you or your spouse lived at the time of filing.