How Much Does Divorce Cost in Illinois?
By Jonathan D. Steele | Updated January 2025
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Illinois?
Divorce in Illinois costs $3,000–$75,000 depending on complexity. Uncontested divorces average $3,000–$7,000 in total fees, including the $337–$388 filing fee. Contested divorces with custody disputes or complex assets typically cost $15,000–$50,000+. High-conflict cases requiring trial and expert witnesses can exceed $75,000.
Illinois Divorce Cost Breakdown
The cost of your divorce depends on three main factors: whether it's contested, the complexity of your assets, and whether children are involved. Here's what to expect:
| Cost Component | Uncontested | Contested | High-Conflict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filing Fees | $337–$388 | $337–$388 | $337–$388 |
| Attorney Fees | $2,500–$6,000 | $15,000–$35,000 | $40,000+ |
| Mediation | $0–$2,000 | $2,000–$5,000 | — |
| Expert Witnesses | — | $5,000–$15,000 | $20,000+ |
| Total Estimate | $3,000–$7,000 | $20,000–$55,000 | $60,000+ |
*Actual costs depend on your specific circumstances. These are estimates only and do not constitute a fee quote.
What Drives Divorce Costs Higher
After handling hundreds of Cook County divorces, I've identified the factors that most significantly impact your final bill:
1. Contested vs. Uncontested
The single biggest cost driver is whether you and your spouse agree on the major issues. An uncontested divorce where both parties agree on property division, custody, and support can finalize in 2-4 months with minimal attorney involvement. A contested divorce requires discovery, depositions, motions, and potentially trial—each billing against your retainer.
2. Children Under 18
Custody disputes add significant costs. Child custody evaluations (604.10(b) evaluations) cost $3,000-$8,000. If a Guardian ad Litem is appointed, add another $3,000-$10,000. Parenting coordinators and supervised visitation add more.
3. Complex Assets
Business ownership, stock options, multiple real estate properties, or high-net-worth estates require expert valuations. Forensic accountants charge $300-$500/hour. Business valuators charge $5,000-$25,000 depending on complexity.
4. High-Conflict Spouse
A spouse who refuses to cooperate, hides assets, or uses litigation as a weapon can double or triple costs. Every motion filed, every discovery dispute, every court appearance adds to your bill.
Red Flag: If your spouse has hired a "scorched earth" litigator, prepare for higher costs. Consider whether the fight is worth the expense—sometimes a strategic settlement preserves more value than "winning."
How to Control Your Divorce Costs
Pro Tip: The decisions you make before and during your divorce have more impact on cost than your attorney's hourly rate.
Before You File
- Organize your finances: Gather 3 years of tax returns, bank statements, retirement account statements, and mortgage documents before your first attorney meeting. Unorganized clients pay for their attorney to do this.
- Know what you want: Come with priorities, not just demands. "I need the house" vs. "I need stability for the kids" leads to different strategies.
- Consider mediation first: A skilled mediator costs $3,000-$5,000 total. Even if mediation only resolves some issues, you've narrowed what needs litigation.
During Your Divorce
- Don't use your attorney as a therapist: At $300-$500/hour, venting about your ex is expensive. Get a counselor for emotional support.
- Respond promptly: Every time your attorney has to follow up for documents you didn't provide, you're billed for that time.
- Pick your battles: Fighting over furniture that costs $2,000 to replace but $3,000 in attorney time to win is poor economics.
- Consider settlement seriously: 95% of divorces settle before trial. The 5% that go to trial cost 3-5x more than those that settle.
Can My Spouse Pay My Attorney Fees?
Under 750 ILCS 5/508, Illinois courts can order one spouse to contribute to the other's attorney fees. This is called a "contribution" or "interim fees" petition.
Courts consider:
- Each spouse's income and assets
- Each spouse's ability to pay their own fees
- Whether one spouse has controlled marital funds
- Whether fees incurred are reasonable
This is discretionary—not automatic. If there's significant income disparity (one spouse earns $200,000, the other $40,000), courts are more likely to order contribution. But don't assume you'll get full reimbursement.
Get a Realistic Cost Estimate for Your Case
Every divorce is different. In a free 20-minute consultation, I'll review your situation and give you an honest assessment of what to expect—including costs, timeline, and strategy options.
Schedule Free ConsultationOr call (312) 726-5015
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an uncontested divorce cost in Illinois?
An uncontested divorce in Illinois typically costs $3,000-$7,000 total, including $337-$388 in filing fees and $2,500-$6,000 in attorney fees. This assumes both spouses agree on all issues including property division, custody, and support.
What is the filing fee for divorce in Cook County?
The filing fee for divorce in Cook County is approximately $337-$388 as of 2025. Additional fees apply for motions and other court filings. Fee waivers are available for those who qualify based on income.
How much do divorce attorneys charge per hour in Illinois?
Illinois divorce attorneys typically charge $250-$500 per hour in the Chicago metropolitan area. Rates vary based on experience, location, and case complexity. Most require retainers of $3,000-$10,000 upfront.
Why do contested divorces cost so much more?
Contested divorces require extensive attorney time for discovery, depositions, court hearings, and trial preparation. Expert witnesses add $5,000-$25,000. Prolonged litigation over 12-24 months compounds these costs.
Can I get my spouse to pay my attorney fees?
Yes, under 750 ILCS 5/508, Illinois courts can order one spouse to contribute to the other's attorney fees based on income disparity. This is discretionary and requires a formal petition.