Illinois DIY Divorce Checklist (2026) — Printable Step-by-Step
Illinois-Specific Reminders: Use "allocation of parental responsibilities" not "custody." Use illinoislegalaid.org for forms. Check county-specific local rules before filing. Note Cook County has its own procedures.
Before You File
Confirm Eligibility
- At least one spouse has been an Illinois resident for 90 days (or will be before Judgment)
- Checked if qualifying for Joint Simplified Dissolution (under 8 years married, no children, limited assets)
- Checked county-specific local rules at county Circuit Court website
Gather Financial Documents
- Mortgage statement (if applicable)
- Vehicle titles and loan statements
- Bank account statements (last 3 months)
- Investment account statements
- Retirement account statements (identify if any are Illinois public pensions)
- Pay stubs for both spouses
- Most recent tax returns
- List of all debts with balances
Key Decisions
- Agreed on property and debt division
- Agreed on home (keep/sell/defer)
- Agreed on maintenance (or waiver)
- Agreed on retirement account division (identified QDRO needs)
- If children: agreed on decision-making allocation, parenting time schedule, child support
Filing
- Generated forms at illinoislegalaid.org (or Cook County forms if applicable)
- Completed Petition for Dissolution (no blanks)
- Filed at Circuit Clerk in correct county
- Paid filing fee ($210–$337) OR submitted indigency application
- Received file-stamped copies with case number
- Noted filing date: ___________
Service
- Spouse filed Entry of Appearance (free, immediate, waives service)
- OR: Sheriff served spouse — noted service date: ___________
- 30-day response deadline: ___________
Drafting Final Documents
- Drafted Marital Settlement Agreement covering all property, debt, maintenance
- MSA notarized
- Both spouses signed MSA
- If children: Parenting Plan generated via illinoislegalaid.org
- If children: Child Support Worksheet completed using ilchildsupport.com
- If children: Income Withholding Order prepared
- Prepared proposed Judgment of Dissolution
Prove-Up
- Filed prove-up documents with Circuit Clerk
- Scheduled prove-up hearing (or confirmed paper submission option for your county)
- Attended prove-up hearing
- Judge signed Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
After the Divorce
- Filed signed Judgment with Circuit Clerk
- Obtained 3–5 certified copies
- If children: sent Income Withholding Order to employer
- Home: refinancing started (if one spouse keeping)
- Home: Quit Claim Deed signed, notarized, recorded with County Recorder of Deeds
- Vehicle titles transferred at Illinois Secretary of State
- Bank accounts separated
- Joint credit cards closed or transferred
- QDRO or public pension division order filed (if applicable)
- Social Security card updated (SSA office)
- Illinois driver's license updated (Secretary of State)
- Life insurance and retirement beneficiaries updated
- Will updated
Quick Reference
| Item | Your Info |
|---|---|
| Case number | |
| Filing date | |
| Service date (if applicable) | |
| 30-day deadline | |
| Prove-up hearing date | |
| Divorce final date |
Last reviewed: March 2026
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Written by the SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team
Researched using official state court websites, state statutes, and legal aid resources. All filing fees and procedures verified March 2026. This is general legal information — not legal advice.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.