Where Can I File for Divorce in Illinois?

 Posted on August 30, 2022 in Divorce

So you have finally made up your mind to get a divorce and now you have to actually do it. While filing for divorce in and of itself is not so difficult, many couples get hung up on the bureaucratic elements of the divorce process because the forms can be confusing and it can be difficult to get answers to your questions. 

Court clerks, judges, and secretaries cannot give you legal advice, nor can they assist you in filling out the forms. If you want to file for divorce but do not feel comfortable handling the paperwork yourself, you may want to get help from an experienced Illinois divorce attorney. 

How to File for Divorce

Before you can formally start the divorce process, you will need to fill out the paperwork and pay a filing fee. It is important to fill out the paperwork carefully and include accurate information; making mistakes on court paperwork can lead to petitions being rejected and the divorce process prolonged. 

Part of filling out the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is deciding whether you are going to file for a contested or uncontested divorce. If you and your spouse have already agreed upon all the terms of the divorce, you can file for an uncontested divorce. If you anticipate needing the help of the court to resolve certain issues, or if you want protection from your spouse, you will want to file a contested divorce. 

In addition to filling out a Petition for the Dissolution of Marriage, you will also need to file: 

• A Judgement for Dissolution of Marriage

• A Financial Affidavit

• A Parenting Plan, if you have minor children

• A Summons or Entry of Appearance 

Once you have the paperwork ready, you or your attorney will submit it to the Clerk of the Circuit Court in your county. In DuPage County, the Clerk of Circuit Court is located in Wheaton. 

Limited Legal Representation

If you and your spouse feel as though you can handle most parts of your divorce without the help of an attorney, you can still seek advice or assistance as needed. Whether you just want to have help filling out and submitting the paperwork, have an attorney review the proposed divorce settlement to make sure it is fair and legal, or have an advocate by your side during court appearances, our team of attorneys can help. 

Meet with a Naperville, IL Divorce Attorney

The experienced team of DuPage County divorce attorneys with Calabrese Associates, P.C. will help you with every step of your divorce. Let us manage the paperwork so you can focus on your family and move on to the next stage of life. Call us today at 630-393-3111 to schedule a comprehensive consultation. 

Source: 

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=075000050HPt%2E+IV&ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=3900000&SeqEnd=5400000