ChicagoCookGenealogy

GENEALOGY LOOK-UPS

DIVORCES

 

Divorce indexes AND Civil Suits indexes are located at the Circuit Court Archives in downtown Chicago. The actual files are stored at an off-site warehouse. All files prior to the Chicago fire were burned, so the records begin after October 10, 1871.

I utilize the defendant indexes for Circuit Court and Superior Court. Divisions of Law and Chancery are also included. These files usually aren't as large as probate, but CAN become extensive. The indexes vary, with many being handwritten and not in strict alphabetical order. I assure you that I will do my very best to assist you in locating this record.  

The standard parts of a divorce file are:

Plaintiff Bill for Divorce

Response

Witness Statement(s)

Judge's Order (Decree)

It is possible that more than one response is given by each party. This happens if one party contests a point or points.

My fees are $7 for this indexing a three year period for Circuit & Superior Courts. . This is a search fee, payable whether or not found.  Should you have a longer period of time you need indexed, please ask me for an hourly rate. I will try my best to give you an accurate estimate of the time necessary to complete your request.   

Once a file is ordered, I return to the archives to review and copy the file. My fee is $10. This archive charges $2 for the first copy and fifty cents for each additional. (I utilize two-sided copies wherever possible). Mailing is via USPS Priority Mail with Confirm. USPS currently charges $5.45.   Please note that there is NO WAY I can tell how many copies are involved until I see the actual file. On average, you can expect to pay $30.00

Should you decide you want to search for a divorce record, please use this link:

http://chicagocookgenealogy.googlepages.com/divorceindexrequest

 

Thank you,

June