Adams County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Adams County in 2026
AdamsILRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Adams County, Illinois. Members of the public may find case summaries, filing dates, party names, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage decrees, parenting plans, property settlement agreements, child support orders, and post-judgment modification records. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Records may be searched through official resources including the Adams County Circuit Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, the Illinois Courts online portal, and the Illinois Department of Public Health's vital records division.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Adams County Circuit Clerk maintains an online case search system that allows members of the public to search dissolution of marriage cases by party name or case number. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for obtaining copies of documents.
2. State Court System Portal
The Illinois Courts website provides access to statewide court information, approved forms, and procedural guidance. Members of the public may use this portal to locate case information across Illinois jurisdictions and access standardized forms for divorce and child support proceedings.
3. State Vital Records
The Illinois Department of Public Health maintains statistical records of dissolutions of marriage; however, as the agency notes, "The Illinois Department of Public Health's Division of Vital Records does not issue certified copies of dissolution of marriage records. Certified copies are available from the circuit court clerk in the county where the divorce was granted." Members of the public seeking certified copies must contact the Adams County Circuit Clerk directly.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Adams County Circuit Clerk
Adams County Circuit Clerk
521 Vermont Street, Room 101
Quincy, IL 62301
Phone: (217) 277-2150
Adams County Circuit Clerk
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Members of the public may search case files, view documents, request certified copies, and use public access terminals with staff assistance available during business hours.
Records Department
The Circuit Clerk's office maintains both current and historical divorce records. Archived cases, including those predating electronic filing, may require additional retrieval time. Certified copy requests for older records should be submitted in writing.
By Mail
Written Request
Written requests for divorce records may be mailed to:
Adams County Circuit Clerk
521 Vermont Street, Room 101
Quincy, IL 62301
Phone: (217) 277-2150
Adams County Circuit Clerk
Requests should include the full names of both parties, the approximate date of the divorce, the case number if known, the requestor's contact information, and payment for applicable copy fees. A self-addressed stamped envelope should be included. Processing time is typically one to two weeks for standard requests.
By Phone
The Circuit Clerk's office may be reached at (217) 277-2150. Staff can confirm whether a case exists, provide the case number, case status, and filing date. Detailed document contents, copies of filings, and confidential information cannot be provided by telephone.
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Illinois may access court records on behalf of a client, including requesting sealed documents upon a proper showing to the court. Members of the public seeking legal representation may consult the Illinois State Bar Association for attorney referral services. Attorney access is particularly useful in complex cases involving sealed records or post-judgment enforcement matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of the divorce
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Adams County
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under Illinois law, a petition for dissolution of marriage is filed in the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. The county where the marriage ceremony occurred is not necessarily the county where the divorce was filed.
Illinois requires that at least one spouse have resided in the state for a minimum of 90 days before filing, pursuant to 750 ILCS § 5/401. The petition is filed in the county of that spouse's residence.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately after the final hearing
- Allow several business days to weeks for processing after the final judgment is entered
- Court staff can confirm whether a case has been finalized
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format
- Digitization of older records varies; some files require physical retrieval
- Additional processing time should be anticipated for archived cases
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- The divorce was filed in a different county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case is still pending and has not been finalized
- Very old records stored in off-site archives
- The case has been sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Adams County Circuit Clerk at (217) 277-2150
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Illinois Department of Public Health's dissolution of marriage records index
- Consult an attorney for sealed or complex cases
What Are Adams County Divorce Records?
Adams County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Adams County Circuit Court. These records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk and constitute part of the public court file, subject to applicable confidentiality provisions under Illinois law.
Types of Divorce Records
Court Case Files include the petition for dissolution of marriage, the respondent's answer or counterpetition, financial affidavits, parenting plans, settlement agreements, motions, court orders, hearing transcripts, and the final judgment of dissolution.
The Final Decree is the official court order terminating the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, division of marital property, spousal support arrangements if any, child custody and visitation schedules if applicable, child support orders, and any court-ordered name restoration. Certified copies of the final decree are available from the Circuit Clerk.
Supporting Documents may include the original marriage certificate submitted as an exhibit, financial disclosure statements, property inventories, parenting plan attachments, and any post-judgment modification orders entered after the original decree.
Purpose of Divorce Records
Divorce records serve legal purposes including proof of marital status for remarriage, name change documentation, property transfer verification, estate planning, immigration proceedings, and Social Security benefit determinations. They also serve personal purposes such as genealogical research and family history documentation.
Who Maintains Divorce Records
The Adams County Circuit Clerk is the primary custodian of all dissolution of marriage records filed in Adams County. The office indexes records by the names of both parties and provides certified copies upon request. The Illinois Department of Public Health maintains a statewide index of dissolution records for statistical purposes but does not issue certified copies.
Legal Framework
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Illinois are governed by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, codified at 750 ILCS § 5/101 et seq. Public access to court records is governed by Illinois Supreme Court Rules and the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, which establishes the presumption of public access to government records while providing specific exemptions for sensitive personal information.
Are Adams County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Adams County Circuit Court are public court records under Illinois law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, court orders, and the final judgment of dissolution. Certain categories of information within the case file are restricted or redacted pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court rules and state statute.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of both parties
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and outcomes
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all public filings
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
- Salary and income details may carry partial restrictions
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Child custody evaluations may be sealed by court order
- Guardian ad litem reports are restricted
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
Sealed Records
A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential by statute and are not part of the public record.
Who Can Access Records:
- General Public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees
- Parties to the Case: Have full access to their own case file, including confidential portions
- Attorneys: Have professional access to case files and may petition the court for access to sealed records upon a proper showing
- Researchers and Media: May access public portions of the record; sealed records require court authorization
Prohibited Uses:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation
- Identity theft or fraud
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Commercial exploitation where prohibited by law
Obtaining Confidential Records
A party seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the Adams County Circuit Court demonstrating a legitimate legal need. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties. Certain governmental entities, including law enforcement agencies and child protection investigators, may be entitled to access by statute.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Adams County?
The Adams County Circuit Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of court records. Current fees are established pursuant to 705 ILCS § 105/27.1, which governs clerk fees in Illinois circuit courts.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy | $6.00 for the first page, $0.50 per additional page |
| Certification seal | Included in certified copy fee |
| Electronic copy (where available) | Varies; contact clerk |
| Search fee | No separate search fee for in-person requests |
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Check or money order payable to Adams County Circuit Clerk
- Credit and debit cards (availability subject to clerk's current policy)
Free Access:
- Members of the public may inspect public court records at the courthouse without charge
- Public access terminals are available at the Circuit Clerk's office at no cost for viewing case information
- Basic case status information may be confirmed by telephone at no charge
Fee Waivers:
- Parties who have been granted a fee waiver (indigency waiver) in their own case may be entitled to copies at no charge
- Fee waiver requests must be submitted to the court and approved by a judge
What's Included in Divorce Records in Adams County
A complete Adams County dissolution of marriage case file contains documents generated from the initial filing through final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings. The contents vary depending on whether the case was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant assets were involved.
Basic Case Information includes the case caption with the case number, court name, names of the petitioner and respondent, the assigned judge, and attorneys of record. Filing information reflects the date filed, filing fees paid, and the jurisdictional basis for the action.
Initial Pleadings consist of the petition for dissolution of marriage, which sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the marriage date and location, the date of separation if applicable, grounds for dissolution (Illinois is a no-fault state, requiring only a showing of irreconcilable differences), information about minor children, property claims, and relief requested. The respondent's answer or counterpetition is also included, along with financial affidavits from both parties detailing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities.
Discovery Documents may include interrogatories and responses, requests for production of documents, financial disclosure statements, tax returns, bank and investment account statements, retirement account records, and business financial statements where applicable.
Property-Related Documents include a marital asset inventory covering real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investment and retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property. A corresponding debt inventory lists mortgages, car loans, credit card balances, and other liabilities. Appraisals and expert valuations are included where property values were disputed.
Children-Related Documents, where applicable, include the parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, the timesharing schedule for regular, holiday, and summer periods, child support calculation worksheets, income information for both parties, health insurance and childcare cost documentation, and the child support order. Custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports, where ordered, are part of the file but may be restricted from public access.
Support Documents address alimony or spousal support, including the type, amount, duration, payment schedule, and termination conditions. Illinois courts consider factors including the length of the marriage, each party's income and earning capacity, and the standard of living established during the marriage.
Settlement Documents include the Marital Settlement Agreement, which is a comprehensive written agreement resolving all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions. Mediation agreements, where applicable, may be incorporated into the settlement agreement, though the mediation communications themselves remain confidential.
Court Orders and Judgments include any temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case, the final judgment of dissolution containing the court's findings of fact and conclusions of law, property division orders, support orders, custody and timesharing provisions, and any name restoration order. Where retirement accounts are divided, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is entered as a separate order directing the plan administrator.
Post-Judgment Documents, where applicable, include petitions to modify custody or support, court orders on modification requests, contempt motions and orders, income deduction orders, and enforcement actions.
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted from all public filings)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details where a protective order is in place
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Mediation communications
- Trade secrets contained in business valuations
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Adams County?
Proof of divorce in Adams County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage issued by the Adams County Circuit Clerk. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature and is accepted as legal proof of divorce for remarriage, name change, immigration, and other official purposes.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the case number by searching the Circuit Clerk's records online or in person at the courthouse.
- Submit a written request to the Adams County Circuit Clerk specifying the names of both parties, the approximate date of the divorce, and the case number.
- Pay the applicable certification fee (currently $6.00 for the first page, $0.50 per additional page).
- Receive the certified copy in person or by mail, depending on the method of request.
Adams County Circuit Clerk
521 Vermont Street, Room 101
Quincy, IL 62301
Phone: (217) 277-2150
Adams County Circuit Clerk
Members of the public who are uncertain whether a divorce was finalized in Adams County may also consult the Illinois Department of Public Health's dissolution of marriage records index, which provides a statewide reference for locating the county of filing, though certified copies must be obtained from the circuit court clerk in the county where the divorce was granted.
For individuals who require standardized court forms related to divorce proceedings, the Illinois Courts divorce and child support forms page provides approved statewide forms prepared by the Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Adams County?
Divorce proceedings in Adams County are presumptively public; however, Illinois law and Illinois Supreme Court rules permit the sealing or restriction of specific records or entire case files under defined circumstances.
Circumstances Under Which Records May Be Confidential:
- Domestic violence cases: Where a party has obtained an order of protection, personal address and contact information may be withheld from the public record to protect the safety of the protected party.
- Sealed case files: A judge may order an entire case file sealed upon a written motion and a showing of compelling circumstances that outweigh the public interest in access.
- Children's information: Pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court rules, certain identifying information about minor children, including residential addresses and school enrollment, is restricted from public disclosure.
- Mental health and medical records: Records pertaining to mental health evaluations, substance abuse treatment, and medical conditions submitted as exhibits are subject to restricted access.
- Mediation communications: Under the Illinois Uniform Mediation Act, 710 ILCS § 35/1 et seq., communications made during mediation are confidential and are not part of the public court record.
- Confidential settlements: Terms of settlement that the parties designate as confidential may be incorporated by reference into the final judgment without being set forth in the public record, subject to court approval.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the Adams County Circuit Court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access.
How Long Does Adams County Keep Divorce Records?
Adams County divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Illinois court record retention schedules established by the Illinois Supreme Court. Retention periods vary by record type.
Retention Periods:
- Final judgments of dissolution of marriage: Retained permanently. The final decree is a permanent court record and is not subject to destruction.
- Complete case files (contested cases): Retained for a minimum of 20 years from the date of the final judgment under current Illinois Supreme Court retention guidelines.
- Complete case files (uncontested cases): Retained for a minimum of 7 years from the date of the final judgment, subject to applicable Supreme Court rules.
- Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file and subject to the same retention schedule as the underlying case.
- Archived paper records: Older records that predate electronic filing are maintained in physical storage and may require additional retrieval time.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's electronic case management system and are accessible through the clerk's online portal.
Illinois court record retention schedules are established pursuant to authority vested in the Illinois Supreme Court under the Illinois Court Records Management Act. Members of the public seeking records from cases that may have been archived should contact the Adams County Circuit Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.
Adams County Circuit Clerk
521 Vermont Street, Room 101
Quincy, IL 62301
Phone: (217) 277-2150
Adams County Circuit Clerk