Free Divorce Resources

There is no reliable universal price range. Court charges, service, legal fees, discovery, experts, hearings, and other costs vary by case and engagement. Confirm current court charges with the clerk and professional fees through a written agreement or quote. The Budget Planner totals figures you supply but does not estimate a final case cost or result.

Illinois has no mandatory six-month waiting period for divorce. Under 750 ILCS 5/401, six months living separate and apart immediately before judgment creates an irrebuttable presumption that the irreconcilable-differences requirements are met. Timing depends on agreements, contested issues, discovery, and court scheduling.

Illinois is an "equitable distribution" state, meaning marital property is divided fairly (not necessarily 50/50). Courts consider factors like marriage length, each spouse's contributions, and economic circumstances. Use our Asset Division Simulator to model different scenarios.

Illinois litigants may represent themselves, but whether to seek counsel is a personal, case-specific decision. Consider the disputed issues, deadlines, safety concerns, financial and parenting consequences, and whether limited-scope or full representation is available. The digital-safety checklist organizes discussion topics; it does not assess danger or case complexity.

Illinois uses "allocation of parental responsibilities" based on the child's best interests. Courts consider each parent's relationship with the child, ability to cooperate, and the child's adjustment to home, school, and community. Use our Parenting Scheduler to visualize different custody arrangements.