Access Union County Divorce Records
Union County divorce records are held at the Circuit Court Clerk's office in Jonesboro, where all dissolution of marriage cases for this county are filed and stored. This page walks you through the process of locating, reviewing, and requesting copies of Union County divorce records, along with state-level resources that can help verify divorce information.
Union County at a Glance
Where Union County Divorce Records Are Kept
The Circuit Court Clerk in Jonesboro maintains every divorce record for Union County. Illinois law designates the circuit court clerk as the official record keeper for all civil court filings, and dissolution of marriage cases fall squarely within that responsibility. When a petition for divorce is filed at the Union County courthouse, the clerk opens a file, gives it a case number, and tracks every document that comes in or goes out. That file stays with the clerk's office after the case closes and becomes part of the permanent public record.
The clerk can be reached by phone at (618) 833-5913. This is the best number to call when you want to know if a particular divorce case is on file in Union County. Staff will search by name and can give you the case number if a record is found. They can also tell you what documents are in the file and how to get copies.
The Illinois Courts circuit clerk directory is a reliable way to confirm the Union County clerk's current mailing address and hours. This directory is maintained by the Illinois Supreme Court and updated as changes occur. Union County is part of the 1st Judicial Circuit, which serves the far southern end of the state, bordering Missouri via the Mississippi River.
Note: Union County's relatively small size means the clerk's office staff often handles multiple functions, so in-person visits during peak court hours may involve a short wait.
How to Get Divorce Records in Union County
Three routes lead to Union County divorce records: going in person to Jonesboro, calling the clerk by phone, or sending a written mail request. All three work, though each has trade-offs in terms of speed and convenience.
In person is the most efficient method. You show up at the courthouse with a photo ID, provide the names of the parties, and the clerk searches the index. Public files can be reviewed on the spot, and copies can usually be made during the same visit. If you are traveling specifically for this purpose, it makes sense to call ahead to confirm that the record exists before making the drive to Jonesboro.
Phone calls are free and fast for confirming basic information. The clerk's staff can check whether a case was filed in Union County and give you the case number. They cannot provide detailed document information over the phone, but knowing whether the record exists and what the case number is can save you significant time in subsequent steps.
Mail requests work when you need copies sent to you. Write to the Circuit Court Clerk in Jonesboro and include the party names, approximate filing year, and a clear description of what you need. Enclose payment for copy fees and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Allow two to four weeks for the clerk's office to process and return your request.
What You Will Find in a Union County Divorce File
Divorce files in Union County follow the same general pattern as those in every Illinois county. The process starts with the petition for dissolution of marriage, which is the document filed by the party seeking the divorce. It describes the marriage, any children, and the relief being sought. If the other party files a response or counterpetition, those documents are added to the file next.
Throughout the case, the file grows. Financial disclosure affidavits are required by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5). Court orders covering temporary custody or support are entered before the final hearing. If the parties reach a settlement agreement, that document becomes part of the file. The case closes when the judge enters the judgment of dissolution of marriage.
Cases involving children also include a parenting plan approved by the court. This document sets out the allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time, and it remains in the file as part of the permanent record. More complex cases with property disputes may also contain appraisals, business valuations, or pension orders.
Note: Sealed portions of a file, if any exist, will not be accessible to the general public, but the clerk will tell you if part of a file is restricted when you make your request.
IDPH Divorce Verification for Union County
The Illinois Department of Public Health runs a statewide divorce index covering all Illinois divorces granted since 1962. If you are trying to confirm that a divorce occurred without knowing which county handled the case, or if you need a quick summary without requesting the full court file, the IDPH is a practical option. They charge $5 per search and process requests by mail.
The IDPH issues a verification letter, not a certified copy of the decree. The letter confirms that a dissolution of marriage was granted and provides the basic identifying information. That is enough for some purposes, such as confirming a marital history for a genealogy project or verifying basic facts before contacting the court. Legal and financial matters generally require the actual certified copy from the court clerk.
You can reach IDPH at (217) 782-6553 or submit a request through their dissolution of marriage records page. Processing takes four to six weeks. A valid government-issued photo ID must accompany every request.
The Illinois Courts circuit court clerk directory lists current contact information for Union County and all other counties in the state.
This directory is the most reliable place to confirm clerk office hours and addresses before submitting a request.
Illinois Law and Public Access to Divorce Records
Illinois generally treats court records as public. Divorce records are court records. The Vital Records Act (410 ILCS 535) governs what IDPH collects and shares, while the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act covers the court-side records. Illinois Supreme Court rules also bear on access to court records across all circuits, including the 1st Circuit that serves Union County.
Restrictions do exist. Judges can seal specific documents or entire files in unusual circumstances. Courts can also redact certain information, such as Social Security numbers and minors' birth dates, from documents that are otherwise public. But routine divorce records from Union County are open, and any member of the public can walk into the courthouse and ask to review them.
Historical Records Research
Union County's divorce records go back well over a century. For cases from before 1962, the courthouse in Jonesboro holds the older files, or they may have been transferred to the Illinois State Archives. The Archives system at illinois.gov/ihpa/Archives can help you identify what is available from Union County. The Illinois State Genealogical Society is another avenue for finding older dissolution records, particularly for genealogical research going back generations.
Because Union County borders Missouri via the Mississippi River, some historical divorces involving Union County residents may have been filed across the state line. Missouri court records are a separate system and would require contact with the relevant Missouri county courthouse.
Legal Help in Union County
Land of Lincoln Legal Aid serves southern Illinois, including Union County, and provides free civil legal services to qualifying residents. For those seeking an attorney referral, the Illinois State Bar Association can connect you with a family law practitioner. The Illinois Courts website provides standard forms for dissolution of marriage cases that work statewide.
Nearby Counties
If you are not sure which county filed a case, the neighboring circuit court clerks for these counties can check their own records: