A spouse who wants to dissolve the union must first file divorce paperwork in the local Illinois circuit court. The other spouse has 30 days to respond to the petition. The courts begin processing the divorce case after this time. Illinois does not mandate a waiting period.
Court filing fees must be paid to begin the divorce. These costs vary from county to county, but can range anywhere from $200 to $350 in Illinois. The exact amount can be obtained by contacting the circuit court clerk at the courthouse where the divorce is filed.
After the spouse has been served the divorce papers—and if the divorce is contested—a hearing will be scheduled. The judge will arrive at decisions if the divorcing parties argue. If the judge has enough information, a Judgement of Dissolution of Marriage will be entered on the spot.