Filing for divorce in Illinois without an attorney costs $250-$350 in court fees. You must meet the residency requirement of 90 days in Illinois. Illinois is a equitable distribution state. An uncontested divorce typically takes 2-3 months. Victoria AI guides you through every step with Illinois-specific instructions.
Last updated: February 1, 2026 • Reviewed by Divorce.law Legal Team
| Filing Fee | $250-$350 (Cook County (Chicago): $337. DuPage County: $285. Lake County: $270. Filing fees vary by county.) |
| Residency Requirement | 90 days in Illinois |
| Waiting Period | None (with mutual consent) |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (fair, not equal) |
| Grounds for Divorce | Irreconcilable differences |
| No-Fault Only? | Yes |
| Uncontested Timeline | 2-3 months |
| Contested Timeline | 6 months to 2+ years |
| Fee Waiver Available? | Yes |
To file for divorce in Illinois, you must meet the following residency requirement: 90 days in Illinois.
At least one spouse must have been a resident of Illinois for at least 90 days before filing for divorce. Military members stationed in Illinois also meet this requirement.
Tip: Victoria AI can help you determine if you meet Illinois's residency requirements and guide you through the documentation needed to prove residency.
Follow these steps to file for divorce in Illinois without an attorney. Victoria AI guides you through each step with state-specific instructions.
At least one spouse must have been a resident of Illinois for at least 90 days before filing for divorce. Military members stationed in Illinois also meet this requirement.
Download the official Illinois divorce forms: Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, Summons, Financial Affidavit. All forms are available from the Illinois courts website.
Fill out the divorce petition (Varies by county) with your information, grounds for divorce, and what you're requesting (property division, custody, support).
File your completed petition with the Illinois court and pay the filing fee of $250-$350. Fee waivers are available if you qualify financially.
Properly serve your spouse with the divorce papers according to Illinois rules. Options typically include sheriff service, process server, or certified mail with acknowledgment.
Exchange mandatory financial disclosure documents as required by Illinois law. This typically includes income verification, tax returns, bank statements, and a sworn financial affidavit.
Illinois has no mandatory waiting period if both parties consent. If one party does not consent, you must live apart for 6 months before divorce can be granted (this can include living in the same home if you're living 'separate and apart').
Submit your final judgment to the court. For uncontested divorces in Illinois, this typically takes 2-3 months. The court will issue your final divorce decree.
These are the primary forms you'll need to file for divorce in Illinois. Victoria AI guides you through completing each form correctly.
Initiates the divorce case
Notifies spouse of case
Mandatory financial disclosure
If you have children and agree
Final divorce decree
The filing fee to start a divorce in Illinois is $250-$350. Cook County (Chicago): $337. DuPage County: $285. Lake County: $270. Filing fees vary by county.
| Cost Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $250-$350 |
| Service of Process | $50-$100 (varies by method) |
| Certified Copies | $5-$25 per copy |
| Total DIY Uncontested | $400-$1,500 (uncontested DIY) |
If you cannot afford the filing fee, Illinois offers fee waivers for qualifying individuals. You'll need to complete a fee waiver application demonstrating financial hardship. This typically requires showing income below a certain threshold (often 125-200% of federal poverty guidelines) or receiving public assistance benefits.
Victoria can help: Our AI guides you through the fee waiver application process and helps you gather the required documentation.
After filing your divorce petition in Illinois, you must legally "serve" your spouse with the divorce papers. This ensures they receive official notice of the divorce and have an opportunity to respond.
A sheriff, constable, or private process server personally delivers the papers to your spouse. Most reliable method.
Papers sent via certified mail with return receipt requested. Your spouse must sign to acknowledge receipt.
Your spouse voluntarily signs an acknowledgment that they received the papers. Fastest and cheapest option if cooperative.
If your spouse cannot be located, you may be able to publish notice in a newspaper. Requires court approval.
You must file proof of service with the court showing your spouse was properly served. Without valid proof of service, your divorce cannot proceed. Illinois courts are strict about service requirements.
Illinois is a equitable distribution state.
Illinois is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. The court considers each spouse's contribution, duration of marriage, age, health, and economic circumstances.
Victoria's Financial Tools: Our AI-powered financial tools help you identify, categorize, and value marital assets. Victoria can help you understand how Illinois law applies to your specific property.
Illinois uses the Income shares model.
Illinois uses the income shares model, combining both parents' net incomes to determine the appropriate support amount based on state guidelines. Parenting time significantly affects the calculation.
Understanding the timeline helps you plan and set realistic expectations for your Illinois divorce.
When both spouses agree on all terms including property division, custody, and support. This is the fastest and least expensive option.
When spouses cannot agree and need court intervention to resolve disputes. Involves hearings, discovery, and potentially trial.
File Petition
Day 1 - Submit your divorce paperwork and pay the $250-$350 filing fee
Serve Your Spouse
Within 30 days - Ensure proper legal service of divorce papers
Response Period
20-30 days - Your spouse has time to file a response
Waiting Period
None (with mutual consent) - Illinois has no mandatory waiting period if both parties consent. If one party does not consent, you must live apart for 6 months before divorce can be granted (this can include living in the same home if you're living 'separate and apart').
Final Judgment
Court issues your final divorce decree
Speed up your divorce: Victoria AI helps you complete forms correctly the first time, avoiding delays from rejected paperwork. Our checklists ensure you don't miss any steps or deadlines.
Short 90-day residency requirement
No-fault only state since 2016
'Irreconcilable differences' is only ground
No waiting period if both consent
Maintenance (alimony) calculated by formula
Joint simplified dissolution available for qualifying couples
Common questions about filing for divorce in Illinois without an attorney.
Get 24/7 guidance specific to Illinois's forms, procedures, and requirements.
Illinois-specific forms
Guidance through every required form
Financial disclosure wizard
Complete your financial affidavit step-by-step
Child support calculator
Using Illinois's exact guidelines
AI document drafting
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Evidence notebook
Organize and categorize case documents
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Victoria provides legal information, not legal advice. For advice specific to your case, consult an attorney.
All Illinois divorce information verified from official state court sources.
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