Henry County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Henry County in 2026
HenryCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Henry County, Illinois. Members of the public may locate dissolution of marriage records, final decrees, case filings, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories may include petitions for dissolution, final judgments, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and support determinations.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce records in Henry County.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Henry County Circuit Clerk maintains case records that may be accessible through the Illinois Courts system. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for document copies.
2. State Court System Portal
The Illinois Courts directory provides access to the Henry County Courthouse court information, including case lookup resources and jurisdictional details.
3. State Vital Records
The Illinois Department of Public Health maintains dissolution of marriage records at the state level; however, as the agency notes, "The Illinois Department of Public Health 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." Index records from 1962 forward are available through IDPH for verification purposes only.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Henry County Circuit Clerk:
Henry County Circuit Clerk
307 W Center St
Cambridge, IL 61238
Phone: (309) 937-3578
Henry County Courthouse
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees
- Staff assistance for locating records
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Henry County Circuit Clerk, 307 W Center St, Cambridge, IL 61238
- Include the following:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Payment for copies (check or money order payable to Henry County Circuit Clerk)
- Self-addressed stamped envelope
- Processing time: Requests are processed within 1–2 weeks, subject to volume
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Henry County Circuit Clerk: (309) 937-3578
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists
- Case number
- Case status
- Filing date
- Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies, or confidential information by phone
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Illinois may access court records on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon proper showing, and assist with complex or older cases. The Illinois State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Henry 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.
Residency Requirement
Pursuant to 750 ILCS 5/401, one spouse must have been a resident of Illinois or stationed in Illinois as a member of the armed services for a minimum of 90 days before the filing of a petition for dissolution of marriage.
Time Considerations
- Recent divorces: Records may not appear in electronic systems immediately following a final hearing; allow several business days to weeks for processing.
- Older divorces: Pre-digitization records may be archived in paper format and require additional retrieval time; requestors should contact the Circuit Clerk directly.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
- Verify the correct county of filing
- Attempt alternate name spellings, including maiden names
- Search under both spouses' names
- Confirm the case has been finalized, not merely filed
- Contact the Henry County Circuit Clerk at (309) 937-3578
- Check the IDPH dissolution of marriage index for verification
What Are Henry County Divorce Records?
Henry County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Henry County Circuit Court. These records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk as part of the family law case file and constitute public records subject to applicable state law.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to petition
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and rulings
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
Final Decree
The final judgment of dissolution is the official court order terminating the marriage. It establishes:
- The legal date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Spousal maintenance provisions, if any
- Child custody and parenting time arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Henry County Circuit Clerk.
Supporting Documents
- Original marriage certificate (submitted as exhibit)
- Financial disclosure statements
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Parenting plan details
- Post-decree modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Legal Purposes
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Name change documentation
- Property transfer and title recording
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration proceedings
- Social Security benefit determinations
Personal Purposes
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping
- Verification of divorce terms and obligations
Legal Framework:
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Illinois are governed by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, 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, 5 ILCS 140/1 et seq. The Illinois Department of Public Health laws and rules further govern the registration and access to vital and dissolution records at the state level.
Are Henry County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Henry County Circuit Court are public court records, accessible to members of the public under Illinois law. Access is subject to the Illinois Supreme Court Rules governing court records and the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Certain categories of information within a divorce file may be restricted or redacted to protect sensitive personal data.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments
- Final judgment of dissolution
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers (redacted pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 138)
- Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal)
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Child custody evaluation reports (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
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 specific documents or an entire case file upon motion and 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 court record.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor Category | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents; may require ID and payment of fees |
| Parties to the case | Full access to own case file, including restricted documents |
| Attorneys of record | Access to case files; may petition for sealed documents |
| Researchers and media | Access to public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to certain restricted information |
Prohibited Uses:
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use such records for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or in violation of any protective order issued by the court.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Henry County?
The Henry 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 Copy Fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of court document | $2.00 for certification plus $0.50 per page |
| Exemplified (triple-certified) copy | Additional fee; contact clerk for current amount |
| Search fee (when applicable) | Contact clerk for current fee schedule |
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Check or money order payable to Henry County Circuit Clerk
- Credit or debit card (availability subject to clerk's office policy; confirm by phone)
Fee Waivers:
Members of the public who qualify as indigent may petition the court for a waiver of fees pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 298. The Illinois Courts divorce and child support forms include approved fee waiver application forms accepted by all Illinois courts.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Viewing case docket entries at a public access terminal in the clerk's office
- Verbal confirmation of case existence, case number, and status by phone
What's Included in Divorce Records in Henry County
A complete dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Henry County Circuit Clerk contains documents generated from the initial filing through post-decree proceedings. The scope of documents varies depending on whether the case was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant assets were involved.
Basic Case Information:
- Case caption, case number, court division, and assigned judge
- Names of petitioner, respondent, and attorneys of record
- Filing date, case type, and jurisdictional basis
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage, including marriage date and location, grounds for dissolution (irretrievable breakdown under Illinois law), children's information, property claims, and relief requested
- Response or answer filed by the respondent, including any counterpetition
- Financial affidavits disclosing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities for both parties
Discovery Documents:
- Financial disclosure statements, tax returns, pay stubs, bank and investment account statements
- Interrogatories and answers under oath
- Requests for production and responsive documents
- Business financial statements, where applicable
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory covering real property, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property
- Debt inventory covering mortgages, loans, and credit obligations
- Appraisals and expert valuations
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, parenting time schedule, holiday provisions, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support calculation worksheet, income information, and support order
- Custody evaluation reports (which may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Support Documents:
- Spousal maintenance (alimony) orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Income and need analysis worksheets
Settlement Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement resolving all issues, including property division, debt allocation, support terms, and attorney fee provisions
- Mediation agreement, if the case was mediated (note: mediation communications are confidential)
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage, including findings of fact, conclusions of law, property awards, support orders, custody determinations, and name restoration
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts
Post-Judgment Documents:
- Petitions to modify custody or support and resulting orders
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders and liens
What Is Typically Redacted or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details subject to protective orders
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Mediation communications
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Henry County?
Proof of divorce in Henry County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage issued by the Henry 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:
-
In person: Visit the Henry County Circuit Clerk's office at 307 W Center St, Cambridge, IL 61238, during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.). Provide the names of both parties and the approximate date of divorce. Pay the applicable certification fee.
-
By mail: Submit a written request to the Henry County Circuit Clerk at the address above. Include the names of both parties, approximate divorce date, case number if known, requestor's contact information, payment by check or money order, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
-
State verification: For index-level verification only (not a certified copy), members of the public may contact the Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Vital Records, which maintains a statewide dissolution of marriage index from 1962 forward. As IDPH states, certified copies are issued exclusively by the circuit court clerk in the county where the divorce was granted.
Henry County Circuit Clerk
307 W Center St
Cambridge, IL 61238
Phone: (309) 937-3578
Henry County Courthouse
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Henry County?
Divorce proceedings in Henry County are presumptively public; however, specific documents or entire case files may be made confidential under certain circumstances recognized by Illinois law and Illinois Supreme Court Rules.
Circumstances Under Which Records May Be Sealed or Restricted:
- Domestic violence cases: Courts may restrict access to addresses, contact information, and case details to protect victims of domestic violence pursuant to the Illinois Domestic Violence Act.
- Children's information: Names, addresses, schools, and evaluations pertaining to minor children may be redacted or sealed to protect the children's welfare.
- Mental health and medical records: Records pertaining to mental health treatment or medical conditions submitted as exhibits may be filed under seal.
- Confidential settlements: Terms of settlement reached through mediation are confidential by statute and do not become part of the public record.
- Court-ordered sealing: Any party may file a motion requesting that the court seal specific documents or the entire file upon a showing of good cause. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties.
- High-profile or sensitive cases: Courts retain discretion to restrict access in cases where public disclosure would cause substantial harm.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the Henry County Circuit Court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140/1, and applicable Illinois Supreme Court Rules govern the standards applied to such requests.
How Long Does Henry County Keep Divorce Records?
Henry County Circuit Court divorce records are retained for extended periods in accordance with Illinois court records retention schedules established by the Illinois Supreme Court.
Retention Periods:
- Final judgments of dissolution of marriage: Retained permanently. Final decrees are considered permanent court records and are not subject to destruction.
- Complete case files (contested cases): Retained for a minimum of 20 years following the close of the case under Illinois court records retention guidelines.
- Complete case files (uncontested cases): Retained for a minimum of 7 years following the close of the case, subject to the specific retention schedule applicable to the case type.
- Post-decree modification files: Retained according to the same schedule as the underlying case.
- Archived paper records: Older records that predate electronic filing may be stored in physical archives; retrieval may require additional time and a specific request to the Circuit Clerk.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's case management system and are accessible through the clerk's office.
Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the Henry County Circuit Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures. Illinois court records retention schedules are established pursuant to authority granted to the Illinois Supreme Court under the Illinois Court Records Act and related administrative orders.
Henry County Circuit Clerk
307 W Center St
Cambridge, IL 61238
Phone: (309) 937-3578
Henry County Courthouse