Can I Change the County for My Illinois Divorce?

 Posted on June 21, 2024 in Adoption

Illinois is made up of 102 counties. Each county follows state and federal laws, but they also have some of their own rules that differ from each other. Every county has courts that have jurisdiction over the area, which means the courts enforce their county’s laws.

When you file for divorce in a county court, that court is called your “venue.” Usually, your venue is in the county you live in because that is where people often file for divorce. However, there are certain reasons why a spouse may wish to change the venue after the divorce has been filed.

If you think you might want to change the venue, speak with your Illinois divorce attorney about what steps to take.

Why Should I Change the Venue?

There are several reasons why someone might ask for a change in venue. For example:

• The spouse who filed the petition for divorce — called the petitioner — may have chosen that venue because that county’s laws are more sympathetic to his or her position. In that case, the spouse who has to respond to the petition — referred to as the respondent — may want to change the venue so the case is more balanced.
• Some spouses move away after filing for divorce. If a spouse moves to a different county, it may become burdensome to travel back and forth for every meeting and hearing. Therefore, he or she may want to change the venue to the new county of residence.
• In some cases, one spouse may have a better reputation than the other. He or she may be well-known and respected among judges, lawyers, and local politicians. If one party is more influential in the county, it can be seen as an unfair advantage, and the other spouse may want to change the venue.
• If one or both of the spouses move away, then one party may have to drive only a short distance to get to the court while the other must drive a longer way. They may decide to change the venue to one that is more equidistant.
• Some couples spend most of their marriage in one county but move to another county towards the end. They might wish to change the venue to the one where they spent most of their marriage.

How Do I Change Venue?

Speak with your attorney if you want to change the venue. He or she will file a motion with the court, which will include the reason for your request.

Contact a Wheaton, IL Divorce Lawyer

Changing the venue for your divorce can make a difference. Consult a DuPage County, IL divorce attorney if you feel that a different county may benefit you more. At Davi Law Group, we look forward to serving your legal needs and making sure you have every advantage possible in your divorce. Call 630-657-5052 to speak with one of our experienced attorneys today.