Find Dissolution of Marriage Records in Mercer County
Mercer County dissolution of marriage records are maintained at the Circuit Clerk office in Aledo, the county seat. The 14th Judicial Circuit has authority over all dissolution of marriage cases filed in Mercer County. Residents of Aledo and every other community in the county file their cases at this courthouse. You can search Mercer County dissolution records in person during business hours or request copies by mail. The clerk keeps records going back many decades, and most files are accessible to the public under Illinois law.
Mercer County Quick Facts
Mercer County Circuit Clerk
Kristin Relander serves as the Circuit Clerk for Mercer County. Her office is the official repository for all dissolution of marriage records filed in this county. The clerk handles incoming filings, stores court documents, and processes requests for copies. You can reach the office by phone or visit in person at the courthouse in Aledo. The staff can search for dissolution of marriage cases by party name or case number.
When you visit or write to request dissolution of marriage records in Mercer County, give the clerk the full names of both parties and the approximate year the case was filed. This helps staff locate the right file quickly. If you only have a case number, that works too. For certified copies, expect to pay a per-page fee plus a certification charge. The clerk's fax number is 309/582-7121 if you need to send a written request that way.
| Circuit Clerk | Kristin Relander |
|---|---|
| Address | 100 Southeast 3rd Street Aledo, IL 61231 |
| Phone | 309/582-7122 |
| Fax | 309/582-7121 |
| Judicial Circuit | 14th Judicial Circuit |
The Illinois Courts clerk directory lists Mercer County and every other county in the state. Use that page to verify contact details and get links to any online resources for the 14th Judicial Circuit.
Online Dissolution of Marriage Records in Mercer County
Mercer County is one of the counties covered by Judici, the online court case portal used across much of Illinois. You can search dissolution of marriage cases at judici.com by selecting Mercer County. Search by party name or case number. Basic case status and party information is free. Document images may require a small fee per document.
The Illinois Department of Public Health also operates a statewide dissolution of marriage index. Their database holds records from 1962 onward for all Illinois counties, including Mercer. The IDPH search confirms whether a dissolution of marriage is on file, but they do not provide certified court copies. For a certified copy of the final decree, you must contact the Mercer County Circuit Clerk directly in Aledo.
The Illinois Courts clerk directory shown above is the best starting point when you need to find contact details or online resources for the Mercer County Circuit Clerk office.
Note: Some older Mercer County dissolution of marriage records may not appear in Judici and will require an in-person or mail request to the Aledo courthouse.
Mercer County Dissolution of Marriage Fees
Copy fees in Mercer County are governed by 705 ILCS 105, the Clerks of Courts Act. This law sets the framework for what clerks can charge across Illinois. Actual per-page rates vary slightly by county. Call the Mercer County Circuit Clerk at 309/582-7122 to confirm the current fee before you send in a request.
If you are filing a new dissolution of marriage case in Mercer County, a filing fee applies at the time you submit the petition. The amount depends on the type of case. Courts can waive fees for people who cannot afford them. Ask the clerk for a fee waiver form. The Illinois Courts provide standardized forms for dissolutions at illinoiscourts.gov.
The IDPH charges $5 per name searched in their dissolution of marriage index. This fee covers the search only. Mail requests to IDPH at 925 E. Ridgely Ave., Springfield, IL 62702-2737. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks by mail.
Dissolution of Marriage Law in Mercer County
Mercer County courts follow the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, which you can read at 750 ILCS 5. Illinois is a no-fault state. You do not need to prove fault or wrongdoing to end a marriage. The only recognized ground is irreconcilable differences. Under 750 ILCS 5/401, one spouse must have lived in Illinois for 90 days before filing.
The dissolution process in Mercer County starts when the petitioner files a petition with the Circuit Clerk in Aledo. The clerk stamps the petition, opens a case file, and assigns a case number. The petitioner then serves the other spouse with notice of the case. Both parties have a chance to negotiate terms for property, support, and parenting. If they agree on everything, the case is uncontested and can close faster. Contested cases involve more hearings and take longer to resolve.
Property division follows 750 ILCS 5/503, which requires equitable distribution of marital assets. Child support is set under 750 ILCS 5/505 using the income shares model. Couples who qualify under 750 ILCS 5/452 may use the Joint Simplified Dissolution process to end the marriage quickly with fewer forms and court appearances.
The guide above explains how the public can access dissolution of marriage case records through Illinois courts, which applies to cases filed in Mercer County as well.
What Mercer County Dissolution Files Include
The dissolution of marriage case file in Mercer County holds every document filed by the parties and the court. This starts with the petition and the summons. It continues with any responses, motions, financial disclosures, and orders. The file grows until the final decree closes the case. All of these papers are stored at the Circuit Clerk office in Aledo.
The final dissolution decree is the key document most people seek. It ends the marriage and sets the terms that both parties must follow going forward. This includes property division under 750 ILCS 5/503, any maintenance award, child custody, the parenting plan, and child support amounts. A certified copy of this decree is often needed for legal tasks outside of court, such as changing a name with the Social Security Administration or refinancing a mortgage.
Some content in dissolution files is redacted in public copies under Supreme Court Rule 138. Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and details about minor children are typically removed. Most of the file remains public under 5 ILCS 140, the Freedom of Information Act framework for court records.
IDPH Dissolution of Marriage Verification for Mercer County
The Illinois Department of Public Health holds a statewide dissolution of marriage index that includes Mercer County records dating back to 1962. You can request a search to confirm whether a dissolution of marriage is on file for a specific person in Illinois. This is useful when you are not sure which county handled the case or when the courthouse is far away.
Send your IDPH request to 925 E. Ridgely Ave., Springfield, IL 62702-2737. Include the full names of both parties, the approximate year of the dissolution, and a check or money order for $5. Call (217) 782-6554 with questions before you send your request. The IDPH can take 4 to 6 weeks to respond by mail. Full details are on the IDPH dissolution records page.
Legal Resources for Mercer County Residents
Illinois Legal Aid Online at illinoislegalaid.org offers free guides on dissolution of marriage law, step-by-step instructions for filing, and an Easy Form tool for preparing court documents. This is one of the best free resources for Mercer County residents who do not have an attorney. The site covers all Illinois counties and follows state law, which applies equally in Mercer County.
Prairie State Legal Services serves a wide area of western and northern Illinois, including Mercer County. They offer free civil legal help to people who meet income requirements. Dissolution of marriage cases are among the matters they handle. Call ahead to check availability and eligibility. The Illinois Courts also have approved forms for dissolution cases at illinoiscourts.gov that are accepted in any circuit court, including Mercer County.
The Mercer County Bar Association can refer you to local attorneys who handle dissolution of marriage cases. A referral can help you find a lawyer who knows the local 14th Circuit court procedures well.
Cities in Mercer County
Mercer County includes Aledo, New Windsor, Keithsburg, and several other small communities. All dissolution of marriage cases from these towns are filed at the Circuit Clerk office in Aledo. No city in Mercer County exceeds the 50,000 population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site.
Residents of all Mercer County communities file dissolution cases at 100 Southeast 3rd Street in Aledo. Call 309/582-7122 to reach the clerk before making the trip.
Nearby Counties
The counties below share borders with Mercer County. File your dissolution of marriage case in the county where you or your spouse lives at the time of filing.