How Long Does Divorce Take in Illinois?
From 30 days (uncontested) to 3+ years (complex contested). Understand exactly what affects your timeline.
Uncontested: 1-3 months | Contested: 6-18 months | Complex: 1-3+ years
Illinois has no mandatory waiting period when both spouses agree the marriage is over. The actual timeline depends on whether you agree, how complex your assets are, and whether children are involved.
Illinois Divorce Timeline Overview
The duration depends on three factors: agreement between spouses, complexity of assets, and children.
Uncontested Divorce
Both spouses agree on all issues: property, support, parenting. Paperwork-only with minimal court involvement.
Contested Divorce (Standard)
Spouses disagree on some issues but willing to negotiate. Requires discovery and possibly mediation.
High-Conflict / Complex
Significant disputes requiring trial, custody evaluations, forensic accountants, or hidden asset investigations.
The Divorce Process: Step-by-Step
File Petition Day 1
File Petition for Dissolution with circuit court. Filing fees: $289-$388 depending on county.
Serve Your Spouse Days 1-30
Formal notice via sheriff, process server, or waiver if cooperative.
Response Period 30 Days
Respondent has 30 days to file appearance and response.
Discovery Phase 2-6 Months
Exchange financial documents, interrogatories, depositions. Often the longest phase in contested cases.
Negotiation/Mediation 1-3 Months
Settlement attempts through negotiation, mediation, or collaborative process.
Trial (If Needed) 3-9+ Months
Only 5-10% of cases go to trial. Includes scheduling wait time plus trial itself.
Final Judgment Conclusion
Court enters Judgment for Dissolution, officially ending the marriage.
What Speeds Up Your Divorce
Full Agreement
When spouses agree on everything before filing, cases conclude in weeks.
Saves: 3-12 months
Complete Disclosure
Providing all financial documents upfront eliminates discovery disputes.
Saves: 2-4 months
No Minor Children
No parenting plan, custody evaluation, or GAL involvement needed.
Saves: 3-9 months
What Delays Your Divorce
Custody Battle
Disagreements trigger evaluations, GAL appointments, and multiple hearings.
Adds: 6-18 months
Business Valuation
Forensic accountants must value the business; experts often disagree.
Adds: 3-9 months
Hidden Assets
Investigation requires forensic discovery and third-party subpoenas.
Adds: 3-6 months
Timeline by County
| County | Uncontested | Contested |
|---|---|---|
| Cook | 6-12 weeks | 8-18 months |
| DuPage | 4-8 weeks | 6-12 months |
| Lake | 4-8 weeks | 6-14 months |
| Will | 4-6 weeks | 5-10 months |
| Kane | 4-6 weeks | 5-10 months |
| Downstate | 2-4 weeks | 3-8 months |
Frequently Asked Questions
No mandatory waiting period when both parties agree the marriage is over. The 6-month separation requirement only applies when one spouse denies the marriage is irretrievably broken—and it's waived if both agree.
1-3 months typically. Cook County may take 8-12 weeks; collar and downstate counties often complete cases in 4-6 weeks when everything is agreed.
6-18 months for standard contested cases. Complex cases with business valuations, hidden assets, or custody disputes can extend to 2-3+ years.
Yes. Reach agreement with your spouse, provide complete financial disclosure, waive service, and hire an experienced attorney who knows local procedures. These steps can shave months off your timeline.
Get Your Personalized Timeline
Every divorce is different. Get a realistic estimate for your specific situation.
Start Your Free EvaluationThis article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.