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The Big Picture

Learn about what to expect in a divorce, who can start a case, how long it takes, and what’s decided in a divorce.
More on Getting a divorce
Divorce in military families Link
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A webpage from Stateside Legal that explains how the divorce process is different when one spouse is in the military. Also includes information about how servicemembers can get legal help during a divorce.

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Last revised by staff
May 24, 2020

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Getting a divorce with children How-To
This how-to explains the process of getting a divorce, from making forms to going to court. Use if you and your spouse have children together.
Getting a divorce with no children How-To
This how-to explains the process of getting a divorce, from making forms to going to court. Use if you and your spouse don’t have children together.
Responding to a divorce case How-To
This how-to helps explore your options after your spouse has filed for divorce. Learn about the process and what happens if you do nothing.

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 makes 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.

Learn more

Filing costs in a divorce Text article
Learn more about the costs and fees associated with the divorce process in Illinois.
Divorce in military families Link
Learn about how a divorce is different when one spouse is in the military
Factors that go into the family home in a divorce Text article
Explains what the judge considers when they decide who gets to keep the family home.
Dividing property and debt in a divorce Text article
Explains how the court divides property between the two spouses.
Dividing retirement accounts in a divorce Text article
Explains when the court might divide retirement accounts between divorcing spouses.
What are maintenance payments after a divorce? Text article
Judges first consider a set of factors to decide whether or not to order maintenance (formerly known as "spousal support" or "alimony"). If they decide to order it, there is a formula for deciding how much the payer must pay, and how long they must pay it for.
Mediation for parenting issues Text article
Explains how mediation is used in a court process that involves parents of children. This could be a divorce case or other case involving parenting issues.

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

Apply Online

The Big Picture

Learn about what to expect in a divorce, who can start a case, how long it takes, and what’s decided in a divorce.
More on Getting a divorce

Take action

Getting a divorce with children How-To
This how-to explains the process of getting a divorce, from making forms to going to court. Use if you and your spouse have children together.
Getting a divorce with no children How-To
This how-to explains the process of getting a divorce, from making forms to going to court. Use if you and your spouse don’t have children together.
Responding to a divorce case How-To
This how-to helps explore your options after your spouse has filed for divorce. Learn about the process and what happens if you do nothing.

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 makes 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.

Learn more

Filing costs in a divorce Text article
Learn more about the costs and fees associated with the divorce process in Illinois.
Divorce in military families Link
Learn about how a divorce is different when one spouse is in the military
Factors that go into the family home in a divorce Text article
Explains what the judge considers when they decide who gets to keep the family home.
Dividing property and debt in a divorce Text article
Explains how the court divides property between the two spouses.
Dividing retirement accounts in a divorce Text article
Explains when the court might divide retirement accounts between divorcing spouses.
What are maintenance payments after a divorce? Text article
Judges first consider a set of factors to decide whether or not to order maintenance (formerly known as "spousal support" or "alimony"). If they decide to order it, there is a formula for deciding how much the payer must pay, and how long they must pay it for.
Mediation for parenting issues Text article
Explains how mediation is used in a court process that involves parents of children. This could be a divorce case or other case involving parenting issues.