An uncontested divorce is one in which both parties agree to the terms of the settlement without having to go to trial. The vast number of divorces end this way, because litigation (fighting in court) is expensive and time-consuming. It’s in your best interest to reach as many agreements as possible with your spouse. You’ll [...]

Illinois law requires that assets are divided fairly between both parties in a divorce. You and your spouse are free to reach an agreement on your own; in fact, you should try to make your own agreement. If you don’t, the judge assigned to your case will have to divide your property for you. Your [...]

You don’t have to prove fault in a divorce in Chicago or elsewhere in Illinois. You simply must have “irreconcilable differences,” which means you cannot repair your marriage. You do have to meet residency requirements (90 days if you have no children who have to be assigned custody, or 180 days if you do have [...]

If you filed for divorce, you can request that the court dismiss the case. However, if the divorce is already in process and your spouse has agreed to the divorce, you probably both have to petition the court for a dismissal.

Spousal maintenance (commonly called alimony) is money that one spouse has to pay the other to help prevent financial hardship and maintain the recipient’s standard of living. It’s calculated by a specific formula that a judge applies after determining that maintenance is appropriate. If you have been the primary earner and your spouse’s job has [...]

Before you can file for divorce in Illinois, you or your spouse must have resided in Illinois for at least 90 days. If you share children, one of you must have lived in Illinois for at least 180 days. Several factors determine how long your divorce will take. Typically, uncontested divorce can take place within [...]