Family & Safety
Worried about doing this on your own? You may be able to get free legal help.
Responding to a divorce basics Guide
AddToAny buttons
content block
In Illinois, a divorce is called a “dissolution of marriage.” This process ends a marriage or civil union. When someone has filed for a divorce, Illinois law requires that their spouse be legally notified of the case. This gives the responding spouse the opportunity to participate in the divorce case, if they want to. Depending on how they want to proceed, the responding spouse must file certain documents with the court by certain deadlines.
Learn more about responding to a divorce.
Last full review by a subject matter expert
July 21, 2026
Last revised by staff
August 02, 2026
Common questions
Worried about doing this on your own? You may be able to get free legal help.