Illinois DIY Divorce: A Complete Guide

Illinois offers one of the most accessible DIY divorce systems in the country. With mandatory e-filing, Supreme Court-approved statewide forms, and no mandatory waiting period, couples can often finalize an uncontested divorce in as little as 45-60 days. This guide covers the Joint Simplified Dissolution option, standard uncontested procedures, and the eFileIL portal.

Joint Simplified Dissolution

Illinois offers a streamlined Joint Simplified Dissolution under 750 ILCS 5/452 for couples meeting strict criteria. In Cook County, these cases can sometimes be heard the same day they're filed.

To qualify, you must meet all requirements:

• No minor children (and wife is not pregnant)
• Married 8 years or less
• No real estate ownership
• Combined gross income under $60,000 (neither spouse exceeds $30,000)
• Total marital property under $50,000
• Combined retirement accounts under $10,000 (IRAs only)
• Both spouses waive maintenance

Both spouses file a joint petition and must appear together at the brief prove-up hearing.

Standard Uncontested Dissolution

If you don't qualify for simplified dissolution but agree on all issues, you can pursue a standard uncontested divorce. One spouse files as petitioner, serves the other, and the respondent files an Entry of Appearance.

With both parties in agreement, the court schedules a brief "prove-up" hearing where you present your settlement agreement. Many circuits allow remote prove-ups under Rule 45.

Mandatory E-Filing via eFileIL

Illinois requires electronic filing for all civil cases, including divorce. Use the eFileIL portal to submit your documents.

Self-represented litigants can request a "good cause" exemption under Supreme Court Rule 9(c)(4) if you lack computer access, have a disability, or face other hardships. Otherwise, you must e-file.

To e-file:

• Register with an approved Electronic Filing Service Provider
• Complete and flatten your PDFs (print to PDF)
• Upload documents and pay filing fees online
• Receive electronic confirmation

Supreme Court Approved Forms

The Illinois Courts provide free statewide approved forms for divorce, updated March 2025. Key forms include:

• Petition for Divorce (with or without children)
• Divorce Summons
• Entry of Appearance
• Parenting Plan (if children involved)
• Judgment of Dissolution
• Fee Waiver Application

Residency Requirements

Under 750 ILCS 5/401(a), at least one spouse must have been an Illinois resident (or stationed in Illinois for military service) for 90 days before filing or before judgment.

Filing Fees

Filing fees vary by county under 705 ILCS 105/27.1b:

• Cook County: Up to $366 (petitioner filing); up to $230 (respondent appearance)
• Other counties: Up to $316 (petitioner filing); up to $191 (respondent appearance)

Counties set actual fees within these caps. If you cannot afford fees, apply for a fee waiver using the statewide Application for Waiver of Court Fees.

No Mandatory Waiting Period

Unlike most states, Illinois has no mandatory waiting period. The "6 months separate and apart" provision creates an irrebuttable presumption of irreconcilable differences, but it's not a delay requirement—you can finalize sooner if both spouses agree the marriage is irretrievably broken.

Most uncontested Illinois divorces finalize in 45-90 days, depending on court schedules and paperwork accuracy.

Estimate Your Illinois Divorce Costs

Use our calculator to estimate your total Illinois divorce costs. For a complete document checklist, see our Illinois divorce filing checklist.