Search Randolph County Divorce Records
Randolph County divorce records are maintained by the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court Clerk in Chester, Illinois. This page explains how to access dissolution of marriage filings, obtain certified copies of decrees, and use state resources when you need records from this southern Illinois county.
County at a Glance
Randolph County Circuit Court Clerk
The 2nd Judicial Circuit Court Clerk's office in Chester is where all Randolph County divorce records are filed and stored. Julie A. Carnahan serves as circuit clerk. The office is located at #1 Taylor Street, Room 302, in Chester. Every dissolution of marriage case filed in this county is part of the clerk's records, from the initial petition through the final decree. That includes any motions, financial disclosures, custody agreements, and property orders that became part of the case file.
Call the clerk's office at 618/826-5000 or fax at 618/826-3761. Before visiting, check the clerk's website at randolphcountyillinois.gov for current hours and any forms you can download ahead of time. When you go in person, bring a valid photo ID. Having the names of both parties and the approximate filing year will help staff locate the case quickly. Without that basic information, searches can take longer and may not be productive.
There are two types of copies. Certified copies carry a court seal and are used for legal transactions. Plain copies cost less and suit personal research. Ask which type you need before you pay.
The IDPH page on dissolution of marriage records explains the state's process for issuing certificates that confirm a divorce was granted in Illinois.
Note: The clerk's office is the primary source for full case files. IDPH only provides certificates confirming the dissolution, not the complete court records.
State Records Through IDPH
The Illinois Department of Public Health keeps a statewide index of divorce records going back to 1962. This is different from what the county clerk holds. IDPH records are summary certificates. They confirm that a divorce was granted, list the parties, and note the county and date. They do not include the full case file or the text of the decree. For legal purposes like remarriage or passport applications, IDPH certificates are often acceptable.
To request a certificate from IDPH, write to 925 E. Ridgely Ave., Springfield, IL 62702, or call (217) 782-6553. The fee is $5 per search. You need to include a completed request form and a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID. The IDPH list of acceptable IDs includes driver's licenses, state ID cards, and U.S. passports. Processing by mail takes four to six weeks. If the record is not found, the search fee is still charged, so confirm filing details before you submit.
For more on what IDPH provides, visit the IDPH dissolution of marriage records page. It also covers how to get records for deceased individuals or for historical research.
What Is in a Divorce File
Divorce case files in Randolph County vary in size. A simple uncontested case may have only a few documents. A contested case with disputes over property, support, or children can produce a thick file. Typical contents include the petition for dissolution, any counter-petitions, motions for temporary orders, mandatory financial disclosures, and the final decree. If children were involved, you will also find parenting agreements or custody orders attached to the file.
The final decree is the most commonly requested document. It shows both parties' names, the date the court granted the divorce, and the terms of any settlement. Illinois courts issue decrees under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, 750 ILCS 5, which sets consistent requirements across all 102 counties. So while courts in Chester follow local procedures, the structure of the final decree follows state law.
Some files are restricted. If a judge sealed the case or specific documents within it, the clerk will tell you what is and is not accessible. Sealed records are not common in divorce cases, but they do happen.
Requesting Records by Mail
If you cannot visit Chester in person, a mail request is an option. Write a short letter with the names of both parties, the approximate year of filing, the type of document you need, and your contact information. Include a copy of your photo ID and a check or money order made out to the Randolph County Circuit Clerk. Do not send cash. Mail to: Randolph County Circuit Clerk, #1 Taylor Street, Room 302, Chester, IL 62233.
Response times for mail requests depend on how busy the office is. Allow at least a week or two for routine requests. If you need the records quickly, calling ahead at 618/826-5000 to confirm procedures and current fees is a good idea. The clerk may have a specific request form they prefer you use. Check the website at randolphcountyillinois.gov before mailing to see if a form is posted there.
Note: Mail requests sometimes take longer than expected during busy court periods. If time is short, an in-person visit is more reliable.
Illinois Legal Framework
Two main laws shape how divorce records are created and accessed in Illinois. The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, 750 ILCS 5, governs what courts must do when processing a divorce. It covers everything from residency requirements and grounds for dissolution to how property is divided and how parenting time is determined. Randolph County courts follow this law the same as every other county.
The Vital Records Act, 410 ILCS 535, gives IDPH authority over the statewide records index and sets rules for access. Together, these two laws mean that divorce records in Illinois are public by default, though access to certain sensitive documents may be restricted by a judge. The county circuit clerk's office follows local court rules that are consistent with these state statutes.
Older Records and Historical Research
Randolph County has records dating back to the 1800s. IDPH only covers 1962 forward. For older divorces, you have two main options. First, the Randolph County Circuit Clerk may hold older records in archive storage. Ask when you call. Second, the Illinois State Archives in Springfield stores historical court records transferred from counties across the state. Contact the archives at (217) 782-4682 or visit the Illinois State Archives site for request guidance.
Genealogists working on older family history often find the Illinois State Genealogical Society helpful. Their site at ilgensoc.org has research guides that point to county-level records and indexes not easily found online. Some older Randolph County records may exist only in handwritten ledgers that require an in-person visit to review.
Nearby Counties
Randolph County borders several Illinois counties, each with its own circuit clerk for divorce filings.