How do I file for a divorce?

In order to file for a divorce in Illinois, you must first meet the state’s residency requirements. You or your spouse must have lived in Illinois for at least 90 days prior to filing for the divorce. Once you have met the residency requirements, you will need to file the required documents with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where you and/or your spouse live. The documents you need to file will depend on the particular situation of your divorce. Common forms include the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage, and Acknowledgment of Service of Process. Copies of the forms are available online from the Supreme Court of Illinois. You may need to pay a filing fee to the Clerk of the Circuit Court. The fee is usually between $100 and $200. In some cases, the court may waive the fee if you can show that you can’t afford to pay it. Once you file the required documents, you may also need to go to court. The court will decide how to divide your property, make decisions about child custody and support, and divide up any other assets and debts. You and your spouse may be required to attend mediation to see if you can reach an agreement. Finally, the court will make a final order for the divorce. This will be sent to you and your spouse to show that the divorce is official.

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