Illinois Divorce Guide

Complete guide to divorce laws, costs, timeline, and process in Illinois
Updated for 2026 with state-specific AI predictions

9-18 months

Average Duration

$13,800

Average Cost

90 days

Residency Req.

6 months separation

Waiting Period

Verified95

Illinois Divorce Quick Facts

Property Division

Equitable Distribution

Grounds

No-fault only

Alimony

Income disparity, duration, standard of living

Child Support

Income shares model

What Makes Illinois Divorce Unique

No-fault only since 2016

6-month separation required (waivable)

Maintenance (alimony) formula-based

Allocation of parental responsibilities

Parenting plan required

Retirement accounts divisible

Illinois Divorce Process Timeline

Week 1-2
Filing
Meet residency requirement (90 days), file petition, serve spouse
Month 1-3
Response & Discovery
Spouse responds, both parties exchange financial information and documents
Month 3-8
Negotiation
Settlement discussions, mediation if required, division of assets and debts
Month 9-12
Finalization
Court approval, waiting period (6 months separation), final decree entered

Find Illinois Divorce Professionals

Family Law Attorneys

150+

Mediators

45+

Divorce Coaches

60+

CDFAs

30+

Therapists

80+

Get Your Illinois Divorce Prediction

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Based on Illinois laws and historical cases