Lake County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Lake County in 2026
LakeCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Lake County, Illinois. Members of the public may find case numbers, party names, filing dates, final decrees, and related court documents. Available record categories may include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, parenting plans, property settlement agreements, and post-judgment modification orders. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Records may be searched through the Lake County Circuit Court Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online case search tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce records.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Lake County Circuit Court Clerk maintains an online case search portal that allows members of the public to search dissolution of marriage cases by party name or case number. Basic case information, including filing date, case status, and docket entries, is available at no charge. Copies of documents may require payment of applicable fees.
2. Illinois Courts Portal
The Illinois Courts website provides statewide access to court information, approved forms, and procedural guidance. Members of the public may use this portal to locate circuit court resources across all Illinois counties, including Lake County.
3. Illinois Vital Records — Dissolution of Marriage
The Illinois Department of Public Health maintains statistical dissolution of marriage records; however, it does not issue certified copies of divorce decrees. Certified copies are available exclusively from the circuit court clerk in the county where the divorce was granted.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Family Division
19th Judicial Circuit Court — Lake County Circuit Clerk
18 N. County Street
Waukegan, IL 60085
Phone: (847) 377-3380
Lake County Circuit Clerk
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Case file searches by party name or case number
- Viewing of public court documents
- Requests for certified copies of final decrees
- Public access terminals for self-service searches
- Staff assistance for locating records
By Mail
Members of the public may submit written requests for divorce records to the Lake County Circuit Clerk. Written requests should be mailed to:
Lake County Circuit Clerk — Records Department
18 N. County Street
Waukegan, IL 60085
Each written request should include:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's name and contact information
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
Processing time for mail requests is typically one to two weeks, depending on case volume and record availability.
By Phone
The Lake County Circuit Clerk's office may be reached at (847) 377-3380. Staff may confirm whether a case exists, provide a case number, and advise on case status or filing date. Detailed document information and copies of records are not available by telephone.
Through Attorneys
Licensed attorneys may access court records on behalf of clients, including requests for documents that may require a showing of good cause. Members of the public seeking legal representation may consult the Illinois State Bar Association for attorney referral services.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses, including maiden names where applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Lake County
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Divorce proceedings in Illinois are filed in the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public should confirm the county of residence before initiating a search. Searching the county where the marriage ceremony occurred is not appropriate unless one spouse also resided there.
Under 750 ILCS § 5/401, one spouse must have been a resident of Illinois for at least 90 days before a dissolution of marriage action may be filed.
Time Considerations
- Recent divorces: Records may not appear in the online system immediately following a final hearing. Members of the public should allow several days to weeks for processing after the final judgment is entered.
- Older divorces: Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time and a specific written request.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common reasons a record may not be located include:
- The divorce was filed in a different county
- Name variations or spelling differences between maiden and married names
- The case remains pending and has not been finalized
- The record is archived and not yet digitized
- The case has been sealed by court order
Members of the public encountering difficulty locating a record may contact the Lake County Circuit Clerk at (847) 377-3380, attempt alternate name spellings, search under both spouses' names, or consult the Illinois Department of Public Health dissolution of marriage records page for additional guidance.
What Are Lake County Divorce Records?
Lake County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed with the 19th Judicial Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the public court file and are maintained by the Lake County Circuit Clerk as the primary custodian.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files include the full set of documents filed during the proceeding:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and hearing notices
- Transcripts of court proceedings
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
Final Decree is the official court order terminating the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, division of marital property, spousal support obligations, child custody and visitation arrangements, child support orders, and any court-ordered name changes. Certified copies of the final decree are available from the Lake County Circuit Clerk.
Supporting Documents may include financial disclosure statements, property inventories, appraisals, parenting plan details, and post-judgment modification orders.
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Divorce records serve a range of legal and personal purposes, including:
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documentation for name change proceedings
- Property transfer and estate planning
- Immigration and Social Security benefit proceedings
- Genealogical and family history research
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. Access to court records is further governed by Illinois Supreme Court Rules and the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140, which establishes the public's right to inspect and copy government records.
The Illinois Department of Public Health notes that it does not issue certified copies of dissolution of marriage records, and that certified copies are available from the circuit court clerk in the county where the divorce was granted.
Are Lake County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed with the Lake County Circuit Court are public court records, accessible to members of the public subject to applicable restrictions. The presumption under Illinois law favors public access to court proceedings and documents.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of both parties
- Attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from public filings
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Guardian ad litem reports may be sealed by court order
- Child custody evaluations may be restricted
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 records upon 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 under Illinois law and are not part of the public court record.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents; may require ID and payment of fees |
| Parties to the case | Full access to their own case file |
| Licensed attorneys | Access to case files; may petition for sealed records |
| Researchers and media | Access to public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to certain restricted records |
Prohibited Uses:
Members of the public are prohibited from using divorce records for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates an existing protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background research, genealogical research, news reporting, and personal verification of marital status.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Lake County?
The Lake 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 per document plus $0.50 per page |
| Certification fee | $2.00 |
| Electronic copies (where available) | Fees may vary |
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Check or money order payable to the Lake County Circuit Clerk
- Credit or debit card (where accepted at the clerk's office)
Fee Waivers:
Members of the public who are unable to pay court fees may petition the court for a fee waiver. The Illinois Courts website provides approved standardized forms, including fee waiver applications, that all Illinois courts are required to accept.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Viewing case docket information at a public access terminal
- Confirming case existence and status by phone or in person
- Accessing basic case information through the online case search portal
What's Included in Divorce Records in Lake County
A complete Lake County divorce case file contains documents generated from the initial filing through final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings. The following summarizes the principal categories of documents maintained in a dissolution of marriage case file.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record and filing dates
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage, including marriage date and location, grounds for dissolution (irretrievable breakdown under Illinois no-fault law), identification of minor children, and relief requested
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Counterpetition, if filed
Financial Affidavits: Both parties are required to submit financial affidavits disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets (real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, and personal property), and liabilities (mortgages, loans, and credit card debt).
Discovery Documents:
- Tax returns and pay stubs
- Bank and investment account statements
- Retirement account statements
- Interrogatories and answers under oath
- Requests for production of documents
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with valuations
- Debt inventory
- Real property appraisals and business valuations
- Expert reports on asset values
Children-Related Documents (where applicable):
- Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, holiday and vacation provisions, and decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities
- Child support calculation worksheets reflecting income, number of overnights, health insurance costs, and childcare costs
- Custody evaluations ordered by the court
- Guardian ad litem reports (which may be sealed)
Support Documents:
- Spousal support or maintenance orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Income and standard-of-living analysis worksheets
Settlement Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement addressing all contested issues, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions
- Mediation agreement, if the parties participated in mediation
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 division, support orders, custody and timesharing, name restoration, and the judge's signature and seal
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts
Post-Judgment Documents:
- Petitions to modify custody or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders and liens
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details subject to protective orders
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Lake County
Proof of divorce in Lake County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage issued by the Lake County Circuit Clerk. A certified copy bears the official court seal and the clerk's certification, and is accepted as legal proof of divorce for remarriage, name change, immigration, and other official purposes.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the case number by searching the Lake County Circuit Court's online case portal or by contacting the clerk's office at (847) 377-3380.
- Submit a request in person at the clerk's office, by mail, or through any available online request system.
- Provide the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and the case number if known.
- Pay the applicable certification fee (currently $2.00 per document plus $0.50 per page).
- Receive the certified copy in person or by mail, depending on the method of request.
19th Judicial Circuit Court — Lake County Circuit Clerk
18 N. County Street
Waukegan, IL 60085
Phone: (847) 377-3380
Lake County Circuit Clerk
Members of the public should note that the Illinois Department of Public Health does not issue certified copies of dissolution of marriage records. The circuit court clerk in the county where the divorce was granted is the sole source of certified copies. The Lake County Clerk's office maintains vital records including birth, marriage, civil union, and death records, but divorce decrees are held exclusively by the Circuit Clerk.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Lake County?
Divorce proceedings in Lake County are presumptively public; however, Illinois law and court rules permit certain records or entire cases to be sealed under defined circumstances.
Circumstances under which records may be confidential include:
- Domestic violence cases: Courts may restrict access to addresses, contact information, and evidence related to abuse allegations to protect the safety of victims.
- Cases involving minor children: Psychological evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and child custody evaluations may be sealed to protect the privacy and welfare of children.
- Mental health and medical records: Records pertaining to a party's mental health treatment or medical history introduced during proceedings may be subject to restricted access.
- Sealed by court order: Any party may petition the court to seal specific documents or the entire case 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.
- Mediation communications: Under Illinois law, communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not filed as part of the public court record.
- Confidential settlements: Terms of settlement reached outside of court and not incorporated into a public order may remain private.
Members of the public seeking to seal records must file a motion with the 19th Judicial Circuit Court. The Illinois Courts website provides standardized forms applicable to dissolution of marriage proceedings.
How Long Does Lake County Keep Divorce Records?
The Lake County Circuit Clerk retains dissolution of marriage records in accordance with the Illinois Supreme Court's record retention schedule, which governs the preservation and disposal of court records throughout the state.
Retention periods for divorce records include:
- Final judgments of dissolution of marriage: Retained permanently. Final decrees are never destroyed and remain accessible indefinitely.
- Complete case files (contested cases): Retained for a minimum of 20 years from the date of the final judgment.
- Complete case files (uncontested cases): Retained for a minimum of 7 years from the date of the final judgment, subject to applicable Supreme Court rules.
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file for the applicable retention period; may be purged after the retention period expires.
- Post-judgment modification orders: Retained as part of the original case file and subject to the same retention schedule as the underlying case.
- Archived paper records: Cases predating electronic filing are maintained in physical storage and may require additional processing time for retrieval.
Members of the public seeking records from cases that may have exceeded the standard retention period should contact the Lake County Circuit Clerk directly at (847) 377-3380 to confirm availability. The Illinois Supreme Court's record retention policies are established under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 21 and related administrative orders governing circuit court records management.