Montgomery County Divorce Records Search
Montgomery County divorce records are maintained by the 4th Judicial Circuit Court Clerk in Hillsboro, Illinois. This page covers how to find dissolution of marriage filings, request certified copies of decrees, and use state-level resources when researching cases from this central Illinois county.
County at a Glance
The Circuit Clerk in Hillsboro
Daniel Robbins serves as the 4th Judicial Circuit Court Clerk for Montgomery County. The clerk's office is at 120 N. Main Street, Room 125 in Hillsboro. Every divorce case filed in Montgomery County is on record here, from the original petition through the final judgment of dissolution. The file may also hold motions, court orders, financial statements, and parenting agreements depending on the nature of the case.
Call 217/532-9546 to reach the clerk, or fax at 217/532-2142. The clerk's website at montgomeryco.com may have posted hours, current fees, and any forms you can download before your visit. If you plan to come in person, bring a government-issued photo ID. Having the full names of both parties and the approximate year the case was filed will help staff find the record quickly. A case number, if you have it, is even better.
Certified copies carry the official court seal and are required for legal uses. Plain copies are less expensive and suit personal research. Confirm which type you need when you contact the office.
The IDPH vital records page covers how Illinois collects and maintains dissolution of marriage records at the state level, separate from county court records.
Getting a State Certificate From IDPH
For a state-level summary of a divorce, the Illinois Department of Public Health is the place to go. IDPH has maintained a statewide index of dissolution of marriage records since 1962. A certificate from IDPH is not a copy of the court file. It confirms the divorce happened, identifies both parties, and notes when and where it was granted. That is often enough for insurance, passport, or remarriage purposes.
Send requests to IDPH at 925 E. Ridgely Ave., Springfield, IL 62702. Call (217) 782-6553 with questions. You need a completed request form, a copy of a valid ID (see the IDPH valid ID list for accepted types), and a $5 search fee. Mail processing takes about four to six weeks. The fee is non-refundable if the record is not found, so verify the case details before you submit. Full instructions are on the IDPH dissolution of marriage records page.
Note: If you need the actual decree or case documents, you must contact the Montgomery County circuit clerk directly. IDPH cannot provide those.
What the Case File Holds
A Montgomery County divorce file typically starts with a petition for dissolution of marriage and includes any responses the other party filed, motions the court heard, financial affidavits, temporary orders, and the final judgment of dissolution. The judgment is the key document. It names both parties, gives the date of the divorce, and spells out property division, any support obligations, and if children were involved, the parenting plan.
Illinois courts issuing these judgments must follow the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, 750 ILCS 5. This law applies statewide, so the format and substance of decrees from Hillsboro follow the same legal framework as decrees from Chicago or Springfield. The clerk in Hillsboro keeps the original judgment on file permanently.
Files that were sealed by a court order are not open to the public. The clerk's office will tell you if a specific case is sealed. This is uncommon in divorce matters but worth confirming when you make your request.
Making a Request
In-person requests at the courthouse in Hillsboro are the most straightforward option. Visit Room 125 at 120 N. Main Street during business hours. Bring a photo ID and the case details you have. Staff will search the records, tell you what is available, and quote you a fee. Call ahead at 217/532-9546 to confirm hours and accepted payment forms.
Mail requests are also accepted. Write a letter with the names of both parties, the approximate year of filing, and the type of copy you need. Include a copy of your ID and a check or money order made out to the Montgomery County Circuit Clerk. Do not send cash. Mail to: Circuit Clerk, 120 N. Main Street, Room 125, Hillsboro, IL 62049. Check the website at montgomeryco.com for any posted request forms that could speed up processing. Response time by mail is typically one to three weeks depending on how busy the office is.
Illinois Statutes on Divorce Records
The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, 750 ILCS 5, is the core law governing divorce in Illinois. It covers how couples can file for divorce, what grounds the court accepts, how assets are divided, and how parenting time is allocated. Montgomery County courts follow this law like every other circuit in the state.
The Vital Records Act, 410 ILCS 535, gives IDPH the authority to maintain the statewide index and defines who can access those records. Illinois treats divorce records as public by default, meaning anyone can request them. A judge can seal specific records, but that requires a formal court order. Montgomery County is part of the 4th Judicial Circuit, which also serves Bond, Christian, Clay, Clinton, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Jefferson, Marion, Moultrie, Shelby, and Washington counties.
Historical Records
Pre-1962 divorce records are not in the IDPH index. For older cases, contact the circuit clerk's office in Hillsboro first, then try the Illinois State Archives at (217) 782-4682. The archives website at illinois.gov/ihpa/Archives explains what types of records they store and how to request them. Very old records may exist only in handwritten format.
The Illinois State Genealogical Society at ilgensoc.org publishes guides to county court records and can help genealogists find sources that are not indexed online. Some researchers also find county history books and microfilm collections at local libraries useful for older case searches.
Nearby Counties
Montgomery County is in central Illinois and borders several counties that each have their own circuit clerk for divorce records.