I am new to searching divorce records and I would welcome comments and corrections to the information found on this page.
How to Find Chicago and Cook County Divorce Records
Cook County divorce records begin in 1871 and they can be accessed at the Circuit Court Archives on the eleventh floor of the Daley Center, 50 W. Washington, Room 1113.
The first step for an 1871-1963 divorce is to consult a microfilm index to find a case number. There are two courts to search—Circuit Court and Superior Court—and both have plaintiff and defendant indexes. The earlier indexes are computer-generated printouts which are fairly easy to use, although it helps to use a magnifying glass because the print is small. The later indexes are books, handwritten or typed. The entries are grouped by first few letters of the surnames but they're not strictly alphabetical. Most are readable; some are not. In the 1930s there are handwritten books that are so faded it's almost impossible to decipher what's there and I'm told there are no alternate ways to access the information.
An index entry for a divorce includes the names of the husband and wife (no maiden names), the case number, and, for some years, the date the case was filed. Case numbers include a year, a letter, and a number. For example, 94-C-13647.
Once a case number has been found, the divorce file can be ordered in from the off-site warehouse. It typically takes about a week for the files to become available and then researchers can return to view them and/or make copies.
From 1964 forward, the first step is to consult a Domestic Relations Division index. 1964-1980 is on microfiche. 1981 forward is electronic.
Researchers who visit in person can make their own photocopies. The costs are $2.00 for the first page, $.50 for the next 19, and $.25 each thereafter. The copy machine is in good workin order and makes clear copies on letter, legal, or 11 x 17 paper.
Each case generates a unique set of paper work, but some records seem to be typical. Below is an alphabetical list of some of the records I've seen in files with a quick summary of the information included.
Affidavit of Non-Residence
Minimimal information; addresss is unknown; last-known address of defendant may be given
Amended Complaint for Divorce
Significant information; may be overlap with original complaint
Answer of Defendant
Significant information; defendant's response to the complaint
Appearance
Minimal information
Certificate of Evidence
Significant information; transcriptions of depositions; may include plaintiff and witness testimony (acquaintances or relatives); format is usually questions and answers
Certificate of Mailing Notice
Minimal information; may include defendant's last-known address
Certificate of Publication
Minimal information; includes text of newspaper announcement directing defendant to file an answer or appear
Complaint for Divorce Significant information; may include date and place of the marriage; maiden name of wife; names of childreSi born to the couple; reasons for divorce
Decree for Divorce
Significant information; summarizes the outcome of the divorce proceedings including information about alimony, child support and child custody
Notice
Minimal information
Order
Minimal information related to court proceedings; in once case this document gave permission to amend a complaint
Order of Default
Defendant didn't file an answer; "complaint ... taken as confessed against ... the defendant"
Petition of Defendant
Significant information regarding the circumstances of the divorce
Stipulation
Minimal information related to court proceedings
Summons
Minimal information; might provide the defendant's address
So which documents should you copy? My preference, for my own research, would be to copy everything. The complete set of records creates a timeline of the divorce proceedings that may be helpful in understanding the case. But, if time is short or money is tight, my suggestion would be to copy the items I've noted as having "significant information."
I offer lookups for these records, but you can also request a search directly from the Circuit Court Archives. Their fees are $9.00 per index year searched + copy fees ($11.50 for the first 20 pages and $.25 thereafter) + $15 + postage. I charge $10.00 for the index search (5 year period) + copy fees + $10.00 and can digital and/or paper copies.