Before filing for divorce in Illinois, spouses should review the basic information to avoid mistakes and confusing procedures. Below are details on divorce forms and how to complete them.
Where to Get Divorce Papers
Divorcing partners can get divorce papers in Illinois in several ways:
- stopping by the court;
- by hiring a lawyer;
- downloading blank forms from the official court website; and
- using online divorce companies.
If the spouses have a contested case, they should hire a lawyer to resolve all issues. The attorney also handles all the paperwork regarding their breakup.
In an uncontested divorce, spouses can get and complete divorce papers independently. They should contact the court clerk or download the forms from the court website in the self-help section. These forms are free.
However, spouses will have to choose and fill out divorce papers themselves. In addition, if partners donāt have legal training, it can be difficult for them to understand the requirements of Illinois laws and legal terminology.
Online divorce is an alternative way to prepare divorce papers in an uncontested case quickly. Online divorce companies such as Online Illinois Divorce help spouses generate the required forms in a matter of days. They also give spouses local filing instructions to finalize the process without an attorney.
Moreover, specialized online platforms often provide additional services, such as initial filing with the court for the petitioner, spouse service, and missing spouse divorce paperwork.
Printable Divorce Papers
If spouses want to get printable PDF forms for their divorce and not bother with what kind of ink they should use while filling out the paperwork, they can use Online Illinois Divorceās service. The online platform provides completed, ready-to-sign papers that partners can file with the court immediately after downloading from their accounts.
Uncontested Divorce Forms
If the parties involved settle issues regarding property division, child custody, child support, alimony, and other matters related to the divorce terms, they may qualify for an uncontested divorce. When filing for an amicable divorce, they may need the following forms:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union;
- Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union;
- Parenting Plan (if spouses have minor children);
- Summons;
- Entry of Appearance; and
- Financial Affidavit.
This list of forms may change depending on the case circumstances. Divorcing spouses should also consider that packages of divorce papers differ according to the presence or absence of children.
Divorce Papers Without Children
Spouses with no minor children should submit a package of documents for divorce without children. It includes the following papers:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (IL-174-CSR200)
- Stipulation Waiving the Two-Year Statutory Period of Separation (IL-171-163)
- Affidavit of Military Service (IL-171-342)
- Summons (IL-171-223)
- Notice and Acknowledgment of Receipt of Summons and Complaint/Petition (IL-806D)
- Marital Settlement Agreement (IL-807D)
- Notice of Hearing (IL-809D)
- Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage (IL-174-CSR210)
- Waiver of Process and Entry of Appearance (IL-811D)
Partners without children do not need to resolve child custody and payment issues and attach a parenting plan.
It is also worth noting that this list of documents may change depending on whether the spouses file for a contested or uncontested divorce.
Divorce Papers with Children
For divorce with children, the package of documents may include:
- Domestic Relations Cover Sheet (IL-CCDR0601)
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (IL-174-CSR200)
- Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act (IL-171-145)
- Joint Parenting Agreement (IL-174-CSR202)
- Stipulation Waiving the Two-Year Statutory Period of Separation (IL-171-163)
- Affidavit of Military Service (IL-171-342)
- Summons (IL-171-223)
- Notice and Acknowledgment of Receipt of Summons and Complaint/Petition (IL-806D)
- Marital Settlement Agreement (IL-DO-11A)
- Notice of Hearing (IL-809D)
- Judgment Decree of Dissolution of Marriage (IL-174-CSR210)
- Waiver of Process and Entry of Appearance (IL-811D)
In addition, the court may request parents to take parenting courses. Courses will help parents organize and conduct child custody to maintain childrenās physical and emotional well-being.
Free Do-It-Yourself Divorce Forms
A do-it-yourself (DIY) divorce means that the spouses file for divorce and make all decisions regarding dissolution aspects without a lawyerās help. The main requirement for a DIY divorce is an uncontested divorce. But spouses can do it even with minor differences.
In case of minor disagreements, partners can turn to mediation for help. A neutral third party will help spouses agree on contentious divorce-related issues out of court.
The average cost of couples mediation is $3,000 to $8,000. The price depends on the number of disagreements and the spousesā willingness to cooperate.
A DIY divorce can be suitable for:
- spouses who do not have minor children and property;
- spouses with an uncontested divorce;
- spouses without huge debts and family assets; or
- spouses who wish to deal with paperwork and divorce proceedings independently.
For a DIY divorce, spouses need to file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. The additional set of forms depends on the divorce case specifics.
Since, during a DIY divorce, the spouses are engaged in completing legal papers independently, they can make mistakes when selecting and filling out the needed documents. To avoid unnecessary expenses and save time, divorcing partners can use the Online Illinois Divorce for high-quality and affordable paperwork preparation. Spending only a couple of hours, the spouses can ensure that the generated forms completely comply with the Illinois requirements.
Divorce Papers Online
Online Illinois Divorce is an inexpensive and proven way to prepare divorce papers for an uncontested case within two business days. In addition, spouses do not need any legal education to use the online platform services.
How does it work?
- The spouses together or just the petitioner completes an online interview on Online Illinois Divorce regarding their marriage and dissolution. It will take you no more than one to two hours.
- Spouses double-check the entered data. The court clerk may not accept the divorce paper if you provide incorrect information or typos.
- If everything is correct, the spouses start generating their divorce forms.
Divorcing partners may download ready-made papers from their accounts in two days. After that, they can print, sign, and file.
Moreover, along with completed forms, Online Illinois Divorce provides a step-by-step guide for filing without a lawyer.
Frequently asked questions
