What Can I Do to Make the Illinois Divorce Process Faster?

 Posted on May 12, 2021 in Divorce

By the time you decide to file for divorce, you are likely ready to end your marriage as soon as possible. However, an Illinois divorce can be a long process, sometimes lasting many months or more from the filing date to the final approval of the divorce resolution. While it is difficult to avoid the waiting time altogether, several factors can make the divorce process move more quickly, allowing you to put your marriage behind you and move on with your life.

Options for a More Efficient Divorce in Illinois

The longest divorces involve contentious disputes between spouses that require court intervention and trial litigation to reach a resolution. You may be able to expedite the divorce process by committing to a more cooperative, amicable approach to resolving the issues at hand. Any of the following options can also lead to a faster divorce resolution:

• Joint simplified dissolution - This is perhaps the most efficient method for ending a marriage in Illinois, but it is only an option for some couples. You may qualify if you and your spouse have no children and minimal income and assets. In this case, you will need to agree to a settlement regarding the division of marital assets and waive the right to spousal maintenance.

• Uncontested divorce - If you do not qualify for a joint simplified dissolution, you and your spouse may still be able to pursue an uncontested divorce by negotiating a settlement regarding all important issues, including property, maintenance, parental responsibilities, and child support. You can then submit your agreement to the court for approval.

• Mediation - If negotiations are stalling between you and your spouse and your respective attorneys, you may still be able to avoid litigation by seeking mediation services. A neutral, third-party mediator can help you find common ground and reach an agreement over the course of one or more efficient mediation conferences.

• Legal separation - If you and your spouse are already legally separated, you may have previously reached an agreement on most of the issues that need to be resolved in a divorce. As long as you are satisfied with this agreement, there may be little left to address after you file for divorce.

• Living apart - Even without an official judgment of legal separation, living apart from your spouse for at least six months before filing for divorce creates an irrefutable presumption of irreconcilable differences. This can prevent your spouse from delaying the divorce on the grounds that reconciliation is possible, but you may still have some difficult issues to resolve.

Contact a DuPage County Divorce Lawyer

Whatever method you choose for resolving your divorce, hiring an attorney can also help you reach a faster resolution by ensuring that you complete all important steps and meet all deadlines. At Davi Law Group, we will work to protect your interests as we help you negotiate a fair settlement with your spouse. Contact our Wheaton, IL family law attorneys at 630-657-5052 to schedule a free consultation today.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=2086&ChapterID=59