Divorce records in Coles County, Illinois, are available through several channels. ColesCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information for Coles County. You can also request records directly from the circuit court that issued the decree, the Coles County Circuit Clerk's office, or the Illinois Department of Public Health's Division of Vital Records. Each office holds different types of documentation, so the right contact depends on what you need.
Coles County Divorce Records Search
In Illinois, divorce is legally referred to as "dissolution of marriage." The Coles County Circuit Clerk is the official record keeper for all court-related documents, including dissolution of marriage cases filed in Coles County. The Circuit Clerk maintains divorce decrees, judgment orders, settlement agreements, custody orders, and all related filings from the court proceeding.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) maintains a statewide index of dissolution of marriage records but does not issue certified copies — those must come from the circuit clerk in the county where the divorce was granted.
Records maintained in Coles County typically include:
- Dissolution of marriage decrees (final judgments)
- Dissolution certificates
- Marital settlement agreements
- Custody and support orders
- Petitions and related court filings
Coles County Circuit Clerk's Office
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Coles County
Coles County is part of the Fifth Judicial Circuit in the Illinois Circuit Court system. Dissolution of marriage cases are handled by the Circuit Court of Coles County. Once a judge enters a dissolution decree, the judgment and all associated documents are filed with and maintained by the Circuit Clerk's office.
Here is how the filing structure works and which office to contact based on what you need:
- Court case records (decrees, settlement agreements, custody orders, full case files) — contact the Coles County Circuit Clerk.
- Verification of dissolution (non-certified confirmation that a divorce occurred) — the IDPH Division of Vital Records maintains a statewide index and can verify that a dissolution was recorded, but they do not issue certified copies.
- Certified copies of the decree — only available from the Coles County Circuit Clerk's office, since that is the court of record.
Coles County Circuit Clerk
Illinois Department of Public Health — Division of Vital Records
If you are unsure which office holds the record you need, start with the Circuit Clerk. They handle the complete court file and can issue certified copies of the dissolution decree. The Illinois Courts approved forms page provides standardized forms that may be required for certain requests.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Coles County
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of dissolution decree (Circuit Clerk) | $2.00 per page plus $6.00 certification fee | Same day to several business days if requested in person |
| IDPH dissolution verification search | $10.00 | 4–6 weeks by mail |
| Non-certified court document copies (Circuit Clerk) | $0.50–$2.00 per page | Same day if requested in person |