Important: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Court fees and requirements change frequently. Always verify with your local court before filing.
Divorce in Illinois
Open-data reference.
Filing a divorce in Illinois costs $210–$350 - among the most expensive of the 10 states we track. The typical timeline is Uncontested: 2-4 months. Contested: 1-3 years., and no mandatory waiting period applies.
No-fault only (irreconcilable differences)
What This Means for Your Divorce Filing in Illinois
Filing for divorce in Illinois costs $210–$350 at the courthouse, the first financial barrier most self-represented filers face. Cook County ~$315. Other counties $210-$350. Fee waivers available. Beyond the filing fee, no mandatory waiting period applies, and the typical case timeline is Uncontested: 2-4 months. Contested: 1-3 years.. County-level surcharges and service-of-process fees can add to that total; see our court fee waiver guide for who qualifies to file without paying.
Procedurally, Illinois lays out 6 distinct steps, and the clerk typically requires 5 core document categories to open your case. Residency rules matter: 90 days in Illinois before filing; 90 days before hearing. Grounds or legal theory must be stated clearly in the initial petition - No-fault only (irreconcilable differences) (see our pro se filing guide for common filing mistakes to avoid).
Filing Fee Details
Cook County ~$315. Other counties $210-$350. Fee waivers available.
How Illinois compares to other states
Illinois ranks #4 of 10 states for divorce filing cost. Each bar is a state's upper-bound divorce filing fee, from $225 (NC) to $435 (CA); Illinois is highlighted at $350.
Source: state court filing-fee schedules (upper-bound fee per state). Verify current amounts with the relevant court. How we calculate this ranking →
Key Requirements
- File Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Prove irreconcilable differences
- Financial disclosures required
- Parenting plan if children involved
- Joint Parenting Agreement or Individual Parenting Plan
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
File Petition in Circuit Court
- 2
Serve spouse (waiver or formal service)
- 3
Financial disclosures exchanged
- 4
Negotiate marital settlement agreement
- 5
Prove irreconcilable differences at hearing
- 6
Judge enters Judgment of Dissolution
Important Notes
Illinois eliminated fault-based divorce in 2016. Equitable distribution of marital property.
Grounds / Eligibility
No-fault only (irreconcilable differences)
Quick Reference
- Filing Fee
- $210–$350
- Residency
- 90 days in Illinois before filing; 90 days before hearing
- Waiting Period
- None required
- Typical Timeline
- Uncontested: 2-4 months. Contested: 1-3 years.
Official Resources
Other Civil Processes in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Illinois?
The filing fee for divorce in Illinois is $210–$350. Cook County ~$315. Other counties $210-$350. Fee waivers available.
How long does divorce take in Illinois?
Uncontested: 2-4 months. Contested: 1-3 years.
Do I need a lawyer for divorce in Illinois?
You are not legally required to hire an attorney for divorce in Illinois, but legal representation is recommended for complex cases. Free or low-cost legal aid may be available, see lawhelp.org for Illinois resources.
Is there a waiting period for divorce in Illinois?
There is no mandatory waiting period for divorce in Illinois.
What are the residency requirements for divorce in Illinois?
90 days in Illinois before filing; 90 days before hearing
What documents are needed for divorce in Illinois?
Key requirements include: File Petition for Dissolution of Marriage; Prove irreconcilable differences; Financial disclosures required.
Where does this data come from?
This information is sourced from Illinois court websites, legal aid organizations, and public court fee schedules, last verified 2026-03. See our methodology for full sourcing details.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
| Publisher | PlainCivil |
| Sources | Public state court datasets and federal civil-justice records |