Can Divorce Records Be Sealed in Illinois?

 Posted on December 23, 2025 in Divorce

For many people, the idea that their divorce information will become part of the public record adds another layer of stress to an already difficult time. The good news is that in some situations, you can seal your divorce records in Illinois. This means most people will not be able to access the details of your case.

Understanding whether you qualify to seal your divorce records is a good place to start. If you are concerned about keeping your 2026 Illinois divorce private, our Kane County divorce attorneys can help you understand your options.

What Does It Mean to Seal Divorce Records?

When a Kane County family court seals divorce records, it restricts public access to the documents in your case. This means that people cannot simply walk into a courthouse or search online databases to find information about your divorce. Sealed records are hidden from the general public.

However, sealing records does not mean they disappear completely. Certain people and organizations can still access sealed records. Law enforcement, government agencies, and the people involved in the divorce can typically still view sealed documents if they have a legitimate reason.

The court does not automatically seal divorce records in Illinois. Most divorce cases remain part of the public record unless you get a judge’s approval to seal them.

Are Divorce Records Public in Illinois?

Divorce records are normally public in Illinois. This means anyone can get copies of your divorce petition, financial disclosures, settlement agreements, and court orders. Public access to court records is considered important for transparency in the legal system.

However, public access can create problems for divorcing couples. Your financial information, details about your children, and personal disputes could all become available to neighbors, employers, or anyone else who feels like minding your business. This is why Illinois law has a way to seal certain records when there is a good reason to do so.

When Can You Seal Divorce Records in Illinois?

Illinois law allows courts to seal divorce records for good cause. This usually means you must show the court that keeping records public would cause you or your family significant harm.

Courts consider several factors when deciding whether to seal divorce records. These include:

• Protecting the privacy of children involved in the case

• Preventing public disclosure of sensitive financial information that could be used for identity theft or fraud

• Protecting victims of domestic violence from further harm

• Keeping confidential business information private

The court weighs your privacy interests against the public's right to access court records. You need to provide specific reasons why your situation justifies sealing records rather than keeping them public.

What Information Gets Sealed When You Seal Your Divorce Records?

When the court grants your request to seal divorce records, it can seal some or all of the documents in your case. The judge decides what information needs protection and what can remain public.

Common items that courts may seal include:

• Detailed financial statements showing account numbers or investment details

• Documents containing Social Security numbers or other identifying information

• Testimony or evidence related to domestic violence

• Information about minor children including custody evaluations and psychological reports

• Business records or trade secrets

Even when records are sealed, basic information about your divorce may still appear in public indexes. For example, the fact that you filed for divorce and the final judgment might remain accessible while specific details are sealed.

How Do You Ask to Seal Divorce Records in Illinois?

To seal your divorce records, you must file a motion with the court. A motion is a formal written request asking the judge to take a specific action. Your motion must explain why you want the records sealed and provide evidence supporting your request.

The process typically involves filing a written motion with the court that is handling your divorce. You may need to attend a hearing where the judge considers your request. The judge will review your motion and any objections from your spouse or other parties. If the court agrees that sealing records is appropriate, it will enter an order specifying which documents are sealed and who can access them under what circumstances.

What Happens if Your Request Is Denied?

Around 1500 divorces are finalized in Kane County every year, according to the Illinois Department of Health. Most of these are public records and not every request to seal divorce records is granted. Judges must balance your privacy concerns with the principle of open court records. If your request is denied, your divorce records will remain public.

Can You Seal Records After Your Divorce Is Final?

You can request to seal divorce records even after your divorce is finalized. Many people do not think about sealing records until after their case ends. Perhaps they later realize their financial information is accessible online, or they face harassment because someone accessed their records.

Whatever the reason, the process for sealing records after divorce is similar to requesting sealing during your case. You file a motion with the court, explain why sealing is necessary, and attend a hearing. The timing of your request does not necessarily hurt your chances, but gathering evidence to support your motion may be more difficult after time has passed.

What Are Alternatives to Sealing Divorce Records?

If sealing your entire divorce record is not possible, there are other ways to protect sensitive information. You can request that the court redact specific information from public documents. Redacting means blocking out certain details like Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, or addresses while leaving the rest of the document public.

Many couples also choose mediation to resolve their divorce. Mediation happens outside of court with a neutral mediator helping you and your spouse reach agreements. Because mediation is private, the details of your discussions do not become part of the court record. Only the final agreement that you submit to the court becomes public. For families who value privacy and want to avoid contentious court battles, mediation offers a way to keep more of your divorce details private while also reducing costs and stress.

Call a Kane County, IL Divorce Attorney Today

Protecting your privacy during divorce matters. If you have concerns about your personal or financial information becoming public, our North Aurora divorce lawyers at The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C. can help you understand your options for sealing records.

With more than 25 years of experience and a focus on mediation, we help families resolve divorce in a way that reduces costs and makes the process easier and more amicable. Call The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C. at 630-409-8184 to schedule a consultation.