How can I get a free divorce in Illinois?
If you or your spouse has lived in Illinois for at least 90 days, you will be able to file for divorce. To do it yourself without a lawyer, you’ll need to file a petition for dissolution of marriage at the county courthouse where you live.
Can you get a divorce without the other person signing the papers in Illinois?
A divorce can be contested (spouses do not agree) or uncontested (spouses agree). An uncontested divorce means that the spouses agree to not only getting a divorce, but to all the issues involved in the divorce.
How many years do you have to be separated to be legally divorced in Illinois?
six months
How long do you have to be separated before you can get a divorce in Illinois? You must be separated from your spouse for six months in order to file for divorce in Illinois.
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Cook County?
When you file for divorce in Cook County, the Circuit Court Clerk’s office charges a $388.00 filing fee. As the party filing for divorce, the Petitioner pays that fee. If your divorce is uncontested, and you and your spouse have reached an agreement on all issues, you can file a Marital Settlement Agreement.
How do I file for legal separation in Cook County?
You can seek a legal separation by filing a Petition stating that you and your spouse are living separate and apart and providing information similar to that in a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. You must file for legal separation in the county where: Your spouse resides; OR.
Does Illinois require separation before divorce?
The state of Illinois requires the spouses to live separate and apart for six months prior to filing for divorce. However, this rule can be waived under some circumstances, including mutual agreement of the parties.
Can I file divorce papers online?
An online divorce is one where you use an online service to walk you through steps in your divorce, such as preparing the divorce papers, drafting a divorce settlement agreement, and filing the paperwork with the court. Some online divorce services even file the forms for you at an additional cost.
How to file for divorce in Cook County, IL?
If you live in the greater Chicago area and will be filing in Cook County, you must file the following forms: 1 Domestic Relations Cover Sheet 2 Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (4 copies) 3 Summons (4 copies) 4 Affidavit of Service (unless the defendant waives the notice requirement), and 5 Certificate of Dissolution. More
How to start the divorce process in Illinois?
HOW TO START THE DIVORCE PROCESS The divorce process in Illinois begins with the filing of the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. This legal form notifies the courts that you wish to divorce your spouse. After obtaining a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, you should fill out the form completely.
Who is the plaintiff in a divorce in Illinois?
The spouse that files the divorce petition is called the “plaintiff” or “petitioner,” and the other spouse is the “defendant” or “respondent.” If you live in the greater Chicago area and will be filing in Cook County, you must file the following forms:
What do I need to file for divorce in Chicago?
If you live in the greater Chicago area and will be filing in Cook County, you must file the following forms: Certificate of Dissolution. If you have minor children, you must also file the following additional forms: