There are four main steps you must follow in order to start the divorce proceedings in Illinois:
Make sure the residential requirements and waiting period are met – In order to get a divorce in Illinois citing "irreconcilable differences," both parties must be separated for two years. However, if both spouses agree to get an uncontested divorce, then they can both sign a waiver to proceed after being separated for only six months.
File a “Petition for Dissolution of Marriage” – This is the initial legal document that you file to notify the court that you are ending your marriage. This and the other documents related to it are typically referred to as divorce papers. You must state the grounds for divorce in the petition. Illinois includes at-fault and no-fault grounds for divorce, which are commonly known as irreconcilable differences.
Serve the Divorce Documents to the Other Party – The non-filing party, or respondent, must be served with the Petition for Dissolution and other corresponding documents.
Get a Response – The non-filing party must file a response after being served divorce papers.