Washington County Dissolution of Marriage
Dissolution of marriage records in Washington County are filed and maintained at the Circuit Clerk office in Nashville. The 4th Judicial Circuit Court handles all dissolution cases for Washington County. If you need to search for a dissolution case, request a certified copy of a decree, or start a new filing, the Circuit Clerk in Nashville is your primary contact. This page covers how to access Washington County dissolution of marriage records, what fees apply, what the case files contain, and where to get legal help.
Washington County Quick Facts
Washington County Circuit Clerk
Clerk Vicki M. Zeigler heads the Washington County Circuit Clerk office at 101 East St. Louis Street in Nashville. This office is the official keeper of dissolution of marriage records for Washington County. Staff handle new filings, maintain case files, and respond to copy requests. Call ahead before visiting since this is a small county office with limited staffing.
Walk-in visitors can search dissolution records by name or case number. Bring a photo ID. Know the names of both parties and the approximate filing year. Certified copies and plain copies are both available from the clerk. Certified copies have the clerk's seal and are required for legal purposes. For mail requests, send your written request along with a check for the copy fee to 101 East St. Louis Street, Nashville, IL 62263. The check should be made payable to the Washington County Circuit Clerk. Call 618/327-4800 to confirm fees and hours before visiting or mailing.
| Circuit Clerk | Vicki M. Zeigler |
|---|---|
| Address | 101 East St. Louis Street Nashville, IL 62263 |
| Phone | 618/327-4800 |
| Fax | 618/327-4801 |
| Judicial Circuit | 4th Judicial Circuit |
| Illinois Courts | Circuit Court Clerks Directory |
Online Dissolution Records Search in Washington County
Washington County dissolution cases may be searchable through Judici, the Illinois online court records tool. Check Judici.com and enter the party's name or case number. If Washington County is available, you can view basic case docket information for free. For full document copies, contact the Circuit Clerk in Nashville.
Illinois Legal Aid Online provides a guide on how to request court records at illinoislegalaid.org. The state courts website at illinoiscourts.gov lists every circuit clerk in Illinois with current contact information, including Washington County.
Judici may have Washington County dissolution of marriage records available for free online access.
Dissolution Filing Fees in Washington County
Dissolution of marriage fees in Washington County are set by the 4th Judicial Circuit and state statute. Base petition fees in Illinois commonly range from $200 to $300 depending on the county. Call the clerk at 618/327-4800 to confirm the exact fee in Washington County before filing. The clerk is the only source for the current fee schedule.
Copy fees are charged per page under rates set by 705 ILCS 105/. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. If you cannot afford the fees, request an Application to Sue or Defend as an Indigent Person from the clerk. A judge reviews the application and can waive fees based on your financial situation. This applies to filing fees and, in some cases, copy fees.
Note: Additional charges may apply for service of process, hearing fees, and pulling older paper records from off-site storage.
Filing Dissolution of Marriage in Washington County
Illinois law under 750 ILCS 5/401 requires at least one spouse to have lived in Illinois for 90 days before filing. Washington County residents file at the courthouse in Nashville. Illinois is a no-fault state. The only legal ground for dissolution is that irreconcilable differences have caused an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.
To start the case, file a petition with the Washington County Circuit Clerk. Pay the filing fee and get a case number. Then serve your spouse with the summons and petition through an approved method such as sheriff service or certified mail. Your spouse has 30 days to respond after being served. If both parties agree on all terms, a short prove-up hearing in Nashville can close the case quickly. For contested matters, the judge may order mediation or set a trial date.
Property is allocated equitably under 750 ILCS 5/503. Child support uses the income shares model at 750 ILCS 5/505. For couples who qualify, a joint simplified dissolution under 750 ILCS 5/452 offers a faster path. Standard forms for Washington County filings are at illinoiscourts.gov.
What Washington County Dissolution Records Show
A dissolution file in Washington County holds all documents filed from the start of the case to its conclusion. The petition is first, followed by proof of service, any responses by the other spouse, motions, and temporary orders. The case closes with the final judgment for dissolution of marriage signed by the judge.
The final judgment is the most commonly requested document from Washington County dissolution records. It states that the marriage is dissolved and includes all the court's orders on property, support, and parenting. Certified copies carry the clerk's seal and signature and are valid for legal use. Under Rule 138, sensitive data such as Social Security numbers must be redacted from all public copies of Washington County court records.
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Summons and return of service
- Respondent's answer or appearance
- Settlement agreement
- Parenting plan if children are involved
- Final judgment for dissolution of marriage
IDPH Verification for Washington County Dissolutions
The Illinois Department of Public Health maintains a statewide index of dissolution records that includes Washington County. IDPH can verify that a dissolution took place and provide the date and county. IDPH records do not include the court file, the decree, or the settlement terms.
Write to IDPH at 925 E. Ridgely Ave, Springfield, IL 62702-2737 or call (217) 782-6554. The fee is $5 per name search. Mail processing takes 4 to 6 weeks. IDPH does not issue certified court copies. For certified Washington County court records, contact the Circuit Clerk in Nashville. Full details are at dph.illinois.gov.
IDPH dissolution records can verify whether a dissolution was recorded in Washington County for a $5 search fee.
Legal Help in Washington County
Illinois Legal Aid Online at illinoislegalaid.org provides free guides and forms for dissolution cases in Washington County. Their easy form tool walks you through filling out the required court paperwork step by step. Land of Lincoln Legal Aid serves southern Illinois and may offer free legal assistance to qualifying low-income Washington County residents.
The Illinois State Bar Association's referral service can connect you with a licensed attorney near Nashville if you need full legal representation. The clerk's office in Washington County can direct you to the right forms but cannot give legal advice. For guidance on your specific case, consulting a licensed Illinois attorney is the best step.
Cities in Washington County
Nashville is the county seat and largest city in Washington County with a population around 3,100. Other communities in the county include Okawville, Ashley, and Irvington. No city in Washington County has a population large enough to qualify for a separate city page here. All dissolution of marriage cases for Washington County residents go to the Circuit Clerk in Nashville.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Washington County in southern Illinois. File your dissolution in the county where you currently live.