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The Big Picture

If a person wants to end a marriage, they can file for divorce. In a divorce, the court ends the marriage and all the legal benefits that are a part of that marriage. A divorce can be contested.…

More on Getting a divorce
I want to divorce someone who lives outside Illinois
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Someone who lives in Illinois for at least 90 days can get a divorce from a spouse who lives outside of Illinois. 

If the divorce case decides who gets custody (parental responsibilities) of a child, the child must have lived in Illinois for at least six months before the divorce was started. However, there are exceptions to this. It is best to talk to a lawyer if this is a concern.

If you meet the above requirements, you can file for divorce in Illinois.  You can read more about filing for divorce and the process.

If your spouse is in the military, there are different rules. This is because there are special legal issues that military families need to work out. Veterans, active military personnel, national guard service members, reservists, their spouses, and their qualified dependents can receive free legal aid from the Illinois Armed Forces Legal Aid Network.  You can call them at (855) 452-3526.

Last full review by a subject matter expert
September 12, 2023
Last revised by staff
September 22, 2023

About our legal information

Forms

Divorce Easy Form
This Easy Form helps you make the forms to get a divorce. You can use it if you and your spouse have children together or if you do not. It also works if you want to make forms to end a civil union.
Financial affidavit Easy Form
This Easy Form helps you provide financial information and documents to the other party in family law cases. It uses the statewide Financial Affidavit (Family and Divorce Cases) forms.
Appearance form for divorce Blank form
Use this form to participate in a divorce case someone else has started against you.

Worried about doing this on your own?  You may be able to get free legal help.

Apply Online

The Big Picture

If a person wants to end a marriage, they can file for divorce. In a divorce, the court ends the marriage and all the legal benefits that are a part of that marriage. A divorce can be contested.…

More on Getting a divorce

Forms

Divorce Easy Form
This Easy Form helps you make the forms to get a divorce. You can use it if you and your spouse have children together or if you do not. It also works if you want to make forms to end a civil union.
Financial affidavit Easy Form
This Easy Form helps you provide financial information and documents to the other party in family law cases. It uses the statewide Financial Affidavit (Family and Divorce Cases) forms.
Appearance form for divorce Blank form
Use this form to participate in a divorce case someone else has started against you.