Are Will County Divorce Records Public?

Yes, Will County divorce records are generally public documents. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), members of the public may access documents maintained by government agencies, including divorce records. Requesters may use in-person requests, mail-in requests, and online resources to access Will County divorce records. Such requests may be submitted with further documents about the divorce case, such as case number, filing date, and parties' names.

However, the Act provides for exemptions that protect public safety and individual privacy. These exemptions include personally identifiable information and sealed or redacted details records that are sealed by court order.

Who Can Access Will County Public Records?

The following entities may obtain will County divorce records through the county court:

• Members of the public may request copies using online, mail, or in-person requests and are not required to verify eligibility. However, identification may be required to receive copies of divorce records.
• Attorneys: They provide legal representation for clients in divorce cases, which gives them broad access to divorce records. They may use their Bar Cards as a form of valid ID for eligibility verification or any other professional identification available.
• Researchers: Researchers may obtain divorce records for verifiable research reasons subject to existing restrictions and redactions. They may obtain court approval for eligibility or sign a confidentiality agreement where sensitive records are involved.
• Government agencies: These agencies require divorce records for official purposes, which they will be required to state for eligibility. It may be law enforcement agencies requiring divorce records for fraud investigations or child services requiring divorce records for child welfare. These bodies must request these records in an official capacity for a valid request.

Do I Need to State My Purpose and Use When Requesting Divorce Records in Will County?

Will County law does not require requesters to state the purpose for requesting public records such as divorce records. While the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) does not generally require individuals to state the purpose of the request, the County Clerk’s Office may require the statement of intent as part of the procedures.

This could be part of the required fields for filling out the request form. Complex and large requests may also be required to be submitted with the purpose of the request. Some legitimate reasons for requesting divorce records include:

• Client representation, research on family law, legal analysis, or investigation of misconduct or fraud.
• Personal interests such as satisfying curiosity.
• News reporting or journalism which involves investigation of public interest
• Academic research
• Genealogical research

How do you Request Divorce Records in Will County?

Requesters may obtain public divorce records using in-person, online, or mail-in requests to the Circuit Clerk’s Office. These steps will guide you in requesting divorce records in Will County:

• Choose the preferred request mode: Requesters may select between online, mail-in, or in-person records requests. The request mode selected will determine the fee and processing time.
• Prepare the records request: Start by obtaining the request form, which may be available at the Clerk’s office. Fill out the request form with all relevant details, such as your contact information, names of the parties, case number, and the nature of records. Online requests will require you to follow the guides on the County Clerk’s website. Affix all relevant files to the request before filing.
• Fees payment: Certain fees are charged for obtaining copies of records. This fee must be paid before the request is submitted. Pay the fees using any of the payment methods adopted by the Clerk’s office and attach the proof of payment to the request.
• File the request: Submit the request at the Clerk’s office, through the mail, or online if available. Ensure it is filed with all the relevant documents to support the request, such as proof of payment and a valid ID.
• Receive the records: wait for the processing time to lapse before receiving copies of the records.

What Information is Included in a Will County Divorce Record?

Will County divorce records usually contain details that are considered publicly accessible. Such details may include information about the case, the parties, and the court. Some of these may include:

• Names of the parties to the case
• Filing date
• The grounds for the divorce
• Child support
• Spousal support agreement
• Property sharing agreement
• Child custody agreement
• Case number
• Presiding judge’s details

Requesters must also take note of the following exemptions provided for in the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA):

• Information exposing the identity of minors
• Medical records
• Financial account details
• Records sealed by court orders
• Personal information such as home addresses.

Fees for Accessing Will County Divorce Records

Will County divorce records are available to the public through records requests. These requests require payment of certain fees charged by the county clerk’s office for processing the request or for obtaining copies of records. Requesters pay $5 for verification of dissolution of marriage, while standard court transcripts are charged at $4 per page. Expedited transcripts are charged at $4.75 per page, while daily transcripts will cost $5.50 per page.

Requesters may apply for waivers or reduced rates if they are qualified. Requesters may be granted fee waivers or reduced rates when it is in the public interest, the request involves accessing or sharing public health or safety information, and when the request is from a news media representative.

How Long Does It Take to Obtain Divorce Records in Will County?

Will County divorce records may be obtained through the Circuit Clerk’s Office using records requests. These requests may be made online, via the mail, and in person. The request mode may determine the processing time and how long it will take to receive copies of records. Online resources may offer immediate access to these records.

Requests submitted using the other modes are generally processed the same day or within a few working days. Mail-in requests may require longer processing time due to the mailing time involved in both directions. The complexity and volume of the request may contribute to the request processing time.

Can I Request Divorce Records Online in Will County?

Yes, Will County divorce records are available online through the Circuit Court’s Public Access website. This website has a Case Lookup link that provides requesters access to records through a records search. Requesters may also use third-party websites such as Illinoiscourtrecords.us for online access to divorce records. These third-party websites may offer immediate access to records, but the accuracy of these records cannot be guaranteed.

Are There Any Exceptions to Accessing Will County Divorce Records?

Yes, Will County public records are guided by the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, which provides for certain exemptions and redactions. Requesters may expect the following information to be sealed or restricted from divorce records:

• Records sealed by court orders
• Records from ongoing litigation
• Medical records
• Financial information
• Details about minors
• Personally identifiable information