Divorce records in McLean County, Illinois, are available through several sources. McLeanCourt.us allows quick access to publicly available information on divorce cases in the county. Additionally, records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk's office, which is the official custodian of court documents. The County Clerk maintains vital records, and the Illinois Department of Public Health maintains a limited database on marriage dissolutions. A personal visit to the court, online search, or written request—each of these methods works depending on the specific document you need.
McLean Divorce Records Search
The official custodian of all court materials in McLean County is the Circuit Clerk. This office handles divorce cases (dissolution of marriage), including court decisions, property division agreements, child custody orders, and related motions. Circuit Clerk data has been available in the electronic system since 1991—searches can be conducted by last name or case number through the public access civil case system.
For older records, a personal visit is required: copies are available from the original case file or microfilm. The Family Division of the court provides information on obtaining a copy of the divorce decree, child support, and other matters.
McLean County Circuit Clerk
Important: The Illinois Department of Public Health does not issue certified copies of marriage dissolution records. This department only maintains index information that can confirm the fact of divorce, but for the full text of the decision, you need to contact the county court where the case was heard.
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in McLean
In Illinois, divorce cases are handled by the Circuit Court—a court of general jurisdiction. McLean County is part of the 11th Judicial Circuit. After a judgment of dissolution of marriage, the document remains in the case file maintained by the Circuit Clerk.
Depending on what you need, contact the appropriate office:
- Full text of the court decision, property division agreement, custody order—Circuit Clerk. Copies are always available to the parties of the case—from the original or microfilm.
- Verification of divorce (verification)—Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records. The department only maintains an index record, not the actual decision.
- Vital records (birth, marriage, death) and general inquiries—McLean County Clerk.
McLean County Clerk
Illinois Department of Public Health — Division of Vital Records
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in McLean
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Search of court case through public access system (online) | Free | Immediate |
| Regular copy of a document from the case (Circuit Clerk) | $0.50 per page | During visit or 5–10 business days by mail |
| Certified copy of a document (Circuit Clerk) | $2.00 per document plus $0.50 for each additional page | During visit or 5–10 business days by mail |
| Verification of divorce (IDPH) | $10.00 | 4–6 weeks |