Find Dissolution of Marriage in Scott County
Scott County dissolution of marriage records are kept at the Circuit Clerk office in Winchester, the county seat. All dissolution cases in Scott County go through the 8th Judicial Circuit Court. Whether you are searching for an old case, need a copy of a final decree, or are ready to file a new dissolution petition, the Circuit Clerk handles these records. This guide explains how to find Scott County dissolution of marriage records, what fees to expect, and how the process works under Illinois law.
Scott County Quick Facts
Scott County Circuit Clerk Office
Clerk Staci J. Evans runs the Circuit Clerk office in Winchester. This office is the keeper of all dissolution of marriage records in Scott County. Staff handle filings, store case files, issue copy requests, and maintain the court docket. If you need a decree or want to check a case status, call or visit the office directly.
Scott County is a small county, so the clerk office has limited staff. It is a good idea to call ahead before making the trip to Winchester. The office accepts walk-in visits during regular courthouse hours. For mail requests, send your request to 35 East Market Street, Winchester, IL 62694. Include the full names of both parties and the estimated year of the dissolution. Enclose a check for the copy fee payable to the Scott County Circuit Clerk.
| Circuit Clerk | Staci J. Evans |
|---|---|
| Address | 35 East Market Street Winchester, IL 62694 |
| Phone | 217/742-5217 |
| Fax | 217/742-5853 |
| Judicial Circuit | 8th Judicial Circuit |
| Circuit Court Info | Illinois Courts - Circuit Court Clerks |
Searching Dissolution Records Online
Judici is an online court records portal that covers many Illinois counties, including Scott County. You can search dissolution of marriage cases by name or case number at Judici.com. Basic docket information is free to view. Full document copies may need to be requested from the clerk office in Winchester.
Illinois Legal Aid Online offers a step-by-step guide on how to get copies of court records. Visit illinoislegalaid.org for that guide. The Illinois courts site also lists every circuit clerk in the state at illinoiscourts.gov.
Judici provides free online access to case records for Scott County and many other Illinois counties.
Scott County Dissolution of Marriage Fees
Filing fees for a dissolution of marriage petition in Scott County are set by state law and local court schedule. In Illinois, base petition fees generally run between $200 and $300 for most counties. Scott County's small size may affect the local fee structure. Always call the clerk at 217/742-5217 to confirm the current fee before filing.
Copy fees are set per page under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act and related statutes. Certified copies cost more than plain photocopies. You will need a certified copy for legal matters like changing your name with the Social Security Administration or the DMV. Plain copies work for personal reference. The clerk can tell you the exact rates when you call or visit.
Note: Fee waivers are available for people who cannot afford court costs. Ask the clerk for an Application to Sue or Defend as an Indigent Person.
Dissolution of Marriage Process in Scott County
To file for dissolution of marriage in Scott County, at least one spouse must have lived in Illinois for 90 days under 750 ILCS 5/401. You file at the courthouse in Winchester. The petition names both parties and states what you are asking the court to order. The clerk gives you a case number and a date for the first appearance.
After filing, you must serve your spouse with a copy of the petition. Service must follow the rules set by the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure. Once served, your spouse has a set number of days to respond. If both parties agree on all issues, a joint simplified dissolution under 750 ILCS 5/452 may be an option. This is a faster path when the parties meet certain income and asset limits and have no children together.
If there is disagreement, the case may go to mediation or a hearing before a judge. The judge applies the equitable distribution standard under 750 ILCS 5/503 for property. Child support, if needed, is calculated under 750 ILCS 5/505. All court orders are filed with the Circuit Clerk and become part of the public record in Scott County.
Standard Illinois forms for dissolution cases are available at illinoiscourts.gov.
What Scott County Dissolution Records Show
The dissolution of marriage case file in Scott County holds all court documents from start to finish. The petition is filed first. It is followed by proof of service on your spouse. Any temporary orders for custody or support are also part of the file. If the parties reach an agreement, a written settlement is filed with the clerk. The judge then signs the final decree, which closes the case.
The decree is the most requested document from Scott County dissolution files. It states that the marriage is dissolved and sets out all the terms. For most legal purposes, you need a certified copy of the decree. The clerk stamps and signs certified copies to show they are official court documents. Rule 138 requires that sensitive personal data, like Social Security numbers and bank account numbers, be blacked out in public copies of court records in Scott County.
Common documents in a Scott County dissolution file include:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Summons and proof of service
- Temporary restraining orders if any
- Settlement agreement or marital settlement agreement
- Parenting plan if children are involved
- Final judgment for dissolution of marriage
IDPH Dissolution Records for Scott County
The Illinois Department of Public Health keeps a statewide index of dissolution of marriage records. IDPH records cover Scott County dissolutions and can provide a verification letter showing the event took place. IDPH records are not court records. They do not include the decree terms or any custody or property details.
To request a Scott County dissolution verification from IDPH, write to 925 E. Ridgely Ave, Springfield, IL 62702-2737 or call (217) 782-6554. The fee is $5 per name search. IDPH does not issue certified court copies. Mail requests take 4 to 6 weeks. Visit dph.illinois.gov for full instructions.
IDPH maintains statewide dissolution records and can verify whether a dissolution took place in Scott County.
Legal Help for Scott County Dissolution Cases
Illinois Legal Aid Online at illinoislegalaid.org has free guides, forms, and an easy form tool for people who need help filing for dissolution in Scott County. The site covers the full process from start to finish and is written in plain language.
Prairie State Legal Services may provide free legal help to low-income Scott County residents. Contact them to check if you qualify. The Illinois State Bar Association also has a lawyer referral program that can connect you with a local attorney. For self-represented parties, the clerk's office in Winchester can direct you to the right forms, though staff cannot give legal advice.
Cities in Scott County
Scott County is one of the smallest counties in Illinois. Winchester is the county seat and largest town. No cities in Scott County meet the population threshold for individual city pages. All dissolution of marriage cases are filed at the Circuit Clerk office in Winchester, regardless of where in Scott County you live.
Nearby Counties
These counties share a border with Scott County. File your dissolution case in the county where you live.