What Options Are Available for Divorce in Illinois?

 Posted on October 12, 2024 in Divorce

One thing that can unite all people is the fact that every one of us is different. No one is exactly alike, which is why every marriage has a unique dynamic and every divorce can be distinctive. Luckily, Illinois law recognizes that one type of arrangement would not suit every couple looking to end their marriage. This article will examine different divorce options available in Illinois. If you and your spouse are considering divorce, speak with an experienced DuPage County, IL divorce lawyer to review your options and discuss which one best suits your particular needs.

What Is Contested Divorce?

This is one of the most common types of divorce. Spouses are not in agreement about one or more aspects of their separation. They each have their own lawyer who accompanies them as they negotiate till they have a finalized settlement. Since the process differs for each couple based on the specific issues they disagree about, contested divorce generally takes at least six months to finalize but can take much longer.

What Is Uncontested Divorce?

This option is only relevant for spouses who manage to communicate and work together. If they can agree on every single aspect of their settlement, they can finish everything within two months, although it can sometimes take a year because of the court’s schedule. Keep in mind that if there is even one issue the spouses disagree about, uncontested divorce is no longer an option for them.

What Is Joint Simplified Divorce?

This is similar to uncontested divorce in that it is a much smoother process. However, it is only an option for couples that meet certain conditions, including:

• They do not have any children.

• They do not have any real estate or retirement benefits to divide.

• They have been married for eight years or less.

• Their marital assets are worth $50,000 or less.

It can take a while to get a court date but once that is scheduled, a joint simplified divorce can often be finalized in a month or less.

What Is Collaborative Divorce

This is the lengthiest and most expensive of all divorce processes. The spouses put together a team of professionals, including lawyers, social workers, psychologists, and mediators. The spouses cooperate with this team to determine what sort of settlement would best serve their child’s interests and help each of them end up with an arrangement they can be comfortable with. Collaborative divorce is a non-combative option and only relevant for people with significant means to spend who are willing to work together.

What is Mediated Divorce?

When a couple ends their marriage through mediated divorce, they attend several sessions with a mediator who helps them reach a formalized settlement that should suit both spouse’s needs and interests. Mediated divorce can generally take anywhere from three months to a year to finalize.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Wheaton, IL Divorce Lawyer

If you believe divorce is in your future, speak with a qualified DuPage County, IL family law attorney to understand what type of arrangement could be the best fit for your specific needs. At Davi Law Group, we know that all families are unique and we are passionate about tailoring our services to suit our clients. Call us at 630-657-5052 to schedule a free consultation.