Search Montgomery County Dissolution of Marriage
Montgomery County dissolution of marriage records are held at the Circuit Clerk office in Hillsboro. The 4th Judicial Circuit oversees all dissolution of marriage filings in Montgomery County. If you need to look up a case, get a copy of a final decree, or start a new dissolution filing, the clerk office in Hillsboro is where you go. Cases are public records in Illinois. The clerk can search by name or case number and can provide copies in person or by mail.
Montgomery County Quick Facts
Montgomery County Circuit Clerk
Sandy Leitheiser serves as the Circuit Clerk for Montgomery County. Her office keeps all dissolution of marriage records filed in the county. The mailing address is P.O. Box 617, Hillsboro, IL 62049. If you visit in person, call 217/532-9546 first to confirm the street address and hours. Staff at this office can search for dissolution of marriage records using a party name or case number and can give out copies once they locate the file.
For written requests, include the full names of both spouses, the approximate year the dissolution was filed, and any case number you already have. Send a check for copy fees along with your request. The clerk will mail copies back to your return address. Fax requests may be sent to 217/532-9549, though a phone call first is recommended to confirm the current process for receiving fax requests.
| Circuit Clerk | Sandy Leitheiser |
|---|---|
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 617 Hillsboro, IL 62049 |
| Phone | 217/532-9546 |
| Fax | 217/532-9549 |
| Judicial Circuit | 4th Judicial Circuit |
The Illinois Courts clerk directory includes Montgomery County and is kept current with any changes to local court office contacts and resources.
Online Access to Montgomery County Dissolution Records
Montgomery County dissolution of marriage case records are accessible through Judici. Visit judici.com and select Montgomery County to search by party name or case number. Basic case information, including party names, case status, and hearing dates, is available at no cost. Document images may carry a small viewing fee per document.
For a statewide verification, the Illinois Department of Public Health maintains a dissolution of marriage index covering records from 1962 forward for every Illinois county, including Montgomery. The IDPH search is useful when you are not sure which county handled the case. They do not provide certified court copies but can confirm a dissolution is on file. The IDPH charges $5 per name searched and processes requests by mail in 4 to 6 weeks.
The Illinois Courts clerk directory shown above is a reliable resource for finding Montgomery County contact details and any online tools connected to the 4th Judicial Circuit.
Fees and Costs in Montgomery County
Montgomery County copy fees for dissolution of marriage records are governed by 705 ILCS 105, the Clerks of Courts Act. Standard page copy rates apply. Certified copies cost more than plain photocopies. Call 217/532-9546 to get the exact amounts before you send in a request or visit the office. Fees can change, so always confirm before you pay.
If you are starting a dissolution of marriage case in Montgomery County, a filing fee is due when you submit the petition. People who cannot afford the fee can apply for a waiver. Ask the clerk for the Application to Sue or Defend as a Poor Person form. Free dissolution forms for Illinois courts are at illinoiscourts.gov and can be used in Montgomery County.
Note: IDPH searches cost $5 per name. That fee only covers the IDPH index search, not copies of actual court documents from the Montgomery County Circuit Clerk.
Montgomery County Dissolution of Marriage Process
Illinois calls the legal end of a marriage a dissolution of marriage. The governing law is the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act at 750 ILCS 5. Under 750 ILCS 5/401, Illinois requires that at least one spouse have lived in the state for 90 days before the court can hear the case. Illinois only allows no-fault dissolution based on irreconcilable differences. There is no requirement to prove fault.
In Montgomery County, the person starting the case files a petition with the Circuit Clerk in Hillsboro. The clerk opens a case file and assigns a number. The other spouse is served notice of the case. After that, both sides either negotiate a settlement or go before a judge. If both agree on all terms, the case is uncontested and usually resolves more quickly. Disputed issues like property, child custody, or support require additional hearings in the 4th Judicial Circuit court in Hillsboro.
Marital property is divided under 750 ILCS 5/503, which calls for equitable distribution. Child support follows the income shares model under 750 ILCS 5/505. Couples with no children and limited assets may qualify for Joint Simplified Dissolution under 750 ILCS 5/452.
The court records access guide above explains how Illinois residents, including those in Montgomery County, can request copies of dissolution of marriage files from their circuit clerk.
What Dissolution Records Include in Montgomery County
Montgomery County dissolution of marriage files hold all documents from the start of the case to its close. The petition begins the record. From there, the file grows to include summons, answers, financial statements, motions, court orders, and any hearing transcripts. Every paper filed with the clerk becomes part of the permanent case file.
The most sought-after document in any dissolution file is the final dissolution decree. This is the judge's signed order that formally ends the marriage and sets out all binding terms. It covers property division under 750 ILCS 5/503, any spousal maintenance, and if children are involved, a parenting plan and child support order under 750 ILCS 5/505. Certified copies of the decree are what most people need for tasks like name changes, insurance updates, or property transfers.
Montgomery County dissolution records are public. Under Supreme Court Rule 138, personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from public copies. Information about minor children may be limited in public records as well. The public can access the rest of the file at the clerk office in Hillsboro.
IDPH Verification of Dissolution Records
The Illinois Department of Public Health maintains a statewide dissolution of marriage index that includes Montgomery County records from 1962 onward. This index lets you verify that a dissolution of marriage took place in Illinois without knowing the exact county or case number.
To submit a request, write to IDPH at 925 E. Ridgely Ave., Springfield, IL 62702-2737 or call (217) 782-6554. Send $5 per name searched. Allow 4 to 6 weeks for a response by mail. The IDPH provides a summary record or a no-record letter. They do not provide certified copies of court documents. Visit the IDPH dissolution records page to learn more about the process and what information to include in your request.
Legal Help for Dissolution of Marriage in Montgomery County
Residents of Montgomery County who need help with dissolution of marriage cases have several free and low-cost options. Illinois Legal Aid Online at illinoislegalaid.org provides guides, step-by-step instructions, and an Easy Form tool for building court documents. This is a good first stop for anyone considering handling their own dissolution case in Montgomery County without hiring a lawyer.
Land of Lincoln Legal Aid serves central and southern Illinois, which includes Montgomery County. They offer free civil legal help to people who qualify based on income. Dissolution of marriage is among the types of cases they handle. Call to check availability and see if you are eligible. The Illinois Courts forms page also has all the standardized dissolution forms used in Montgomery County courts.
The Easy Form tool shown above guides Montgomery County residents through preparing their dissolution of marriage paperwork without needing legal training or a paid attorney.
Cities in Montgomery County
Montgomery County includes Hillsboro, Litchfield, Nokomis, Witt, and other small communities. All dissolution of marriage cases from these towns are filed with the Circuit Clerk in Hillsboro. No city in Montgomery County has a population over 50,000, so no city pages exist for this county on this site.
All cases in Montgomery County go to the courthouse in Hillsboro. The mailing address is P.O. Box 617, Hillsboro, IL 62049. Call 217/532-9546 for clerk office details.
Nearby Counties
Montgomery County borders five other counties in central and southern Illinois. You must file your dissolution case in the county where you or your spouse lives right now.