What is included in the Illinois Divorce Procedure Guide?

The guide covers everything from filing your case through appeal: service of process, discovery (interrogatories, depositions, subpoenas), all types of motions, evidence rules, trial procedure, and post-judgment enforcement. It includes sample language, deadlines, and strategic tips.

Is this guide for attorneys or for people representing themselves?

Both. The guide is written in plain English for pro se litigants while including the legal citations and strategic nuances attorneys need. Whether you're representing yourself or working with counsel, understanding procedure gives you an advantage.

Is the guide really free?

Yes, completely free. We provide it as a public resource because informed litigants make better decisions. The guide is not legal advice for your specific situation, but it will help you understand how Illinois divorce procedure works.

How current is the procedure guide?

The guide reflects Illinois law and court rules as of 2025, including recent amendments to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act and Illinois Supreme Court Rules. We update it regularly as rules change.

Free Download • 75+ Pages

The Complete Illinois Divorce Procedure Guide

Everything you need to navigate Illinois divorce court: from filing through appeal. Written for real people, cited for lawyers.

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Illinois Divorce

Procedure Guide

7 Comprehensive Chapters

Illinois Supreme Court Rules Cited

Sample Pleading Language

Deadline Cheat Sheets

Objections Quick Reference

What's Inside

Seven chapters covering every procedural step from filing to final appeal.

Starting Your Case

Filing the Petition
Service of Process
Responding to a Petition
Jurisdiction & Venue
Default Judgments

Temporary Relief

Temporary Support Motions
Temporary Custody Orders
Exclusive Possession
Restraining Orders
Emergency Motions

Discovery

Interrogatories
Requests to Produce
Depositions
Subpoenas
Requests to Admit
Compelling Discovery
Protective Orders

Motions Practice

Anatomy of a Motion
Motion to Compel
Motion to Strike
Motion for Summary Judgment
Motion in Limine
Motion to Reconsider

Evidence Rules

Relevance
Hearsay & Exceptions
Business Records
Expert Testimony
Impeachment
Best Evidence Rule
Judicial Notice

Trial Procedure

Pretrial Conference
Opening Statements
Direct Examination
Cross-Examination
Objections Reference
Closing Arguments
Post-Trial Motions

After Judgment

Enforcement
Contempt
Modification
Appeals
Collection

Who Is This Guide For?

Pro Se Litigants

Representing yourself? This guide levels the playing field by teaching you the same procedural rules your spouse's attorney knows.

Divorce Clients

Working with an attorney? Understanding procedure helps you be a better client, ask smarter questions, and make informed decisions.

Young Attorneys

New to family law? This is the practical procedure guide law school didn't teach you, with citations to look up and sample language to adapt.

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Get instant access to the complete 75-page Illinois Divorce Procedure Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this guide legal advice?

No. This is general educational information about Illinois divorce procedure. It does not create an attorney-client relationship and cannot substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation.

What makes this different from other resources?

Most free resources are either too superficial or written exclusively for attorneys. This guide bridges the gap: readable by anyone, but with the citations and specificity lawyers need. It's based on real courtroom experience, not just statute summaries.

Will you spam me?

No. You'll receive occasional updates when we release new resources or when major law changes affect procedure. Unsubscribe with one click anytime. We don't sell or share your information.