If you are ready to get a divorce in Illinois, a Morton divorce lawyer from our firm can help. How long your divorce takes and how complicated it can end up being will depend on a number of factors, but the process of starting your divorce remains largely the same no matter what kind of circumstances you are in. Here’s what you should know before you file.
What Requirements Do I Have to Meet to Get a Divorce in Illinois?
In order to get a divorce in Illinois, you must show that you or your spouse live there. If you or your spouse have resided in the state for at least 90 days, you can file for dissolution of marriage. You just have to make sure that you file in the right place, the county where one or both of you have lived for 90 days. So if you are in Tazewell County, the Tazewell County court is the proper place to move this process forward.
Do I Need a Reason to Get a Divorce in Illinois?
Some states require that you have “grounds” for divorce, a specific reason why the marriage is being dissolved. Even if you are facing issues like adultery or abandonment, Illinois is a no-fault state for divorce. So all you really need to do is establish that you and your spouse have “irreconcilable differences” and that your marriage cannot be repaired as a result. You do not need evidence of anything else, like an affair partner or squandered savings, to file for divorce, but such evidence might come in handy later.
How Do I Begin the Divorce Process?
Once you have met residency requirements, file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the proper county. Then your spouse will be served with papers and the process can begin. We recommend gathering any important documents, like financial records, as you wait for your spouse to respond.
Should I Hire an Attorney?
It can be tough to get a divorce on your own. There is a lot of paperwork involved and you could be taken advantage of in negotiations if your spouse has an attorney and you do not. An attorney can help you advocate for yourself and stand up for your best interests. They can also remind you of important deadlines and dates, and they can respond to actions and requests from the other side for you.
Don’t let this consume all of your time and energy. Let our experienced family law attorneys work for you.
Schedule a Consultation Today
When you are ready to get a divorce, you don’t have to go it alone. Contact Butler, Giraudo & Meister, P.C. to schedule a consultation with our team. We can tell you more about what our experienced attorneys can do to assist you with this process.
