Am I Able to Have a Quick Divorce in Illinois?

When you are planning for a divorce in Illinois, our divorce and family lawyers know how important it can be to move through the process as quickly as possible. We know that divorces can be difficult and upsetting, and we recognize how essential it can be to take steps now to have your divorce go as quickly and as smoothly as possible. 

If you are wondering whether you are able to have a quick divorce in Illinois, you should know that there are a couple of different possibilities for a faster divorce that may be applicable to your case. At the Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group, we can tell you more about the joint simplified divorce process under Illinois law, as well as uncontested divorce and how you can achieve one.

Uncontested Divorce in Illinois

To have a relatively quick divorce in Illinois, you will need to have what is known as an uncontested divorce under Illinois law. Uncontested divorces are those in which the spouses have come to an agreement concerning all terms of the divorce, including property division, spousal support, child custody or the allocation of parental responsibilities, child support, and any other matters. 

Even if there are still issues in dispute in your divorce — which would result in a contested divorce where the court would need to hear your case and rule on any issues in dispute — you may have options for ultimately having an uncontested divorce. You may be able to engage in informal negotiations with help from your lawyer, or you may be able to consider family or divorce mediation.

Joint Simplified Divorce in Illinois

Under Illinois law, some parties can be eligible for a quick divorce known as joint simplified divorce. This is a specific type of uncontested divorce that is only available to spouses who meet certain requirements. In addition to reaching an agreement about all terms of your divorce (i.e., having an uncontested divorce), all of the following also must be true:

• One of the spouses must have been an Illinois resident for at least 90 days;
• Marriage cannot last more than eight years;
• You cannot have any children;
• Neither of the spouses can be currently pregnant or in the process of adoption;
• You cannot own any real estate;
• The value of all marital assets must be less than $50,000;
• Retirement benefits cannot be held jointly between the spouses; and
• Spouses cannot individually earn more than $30,000 per year or $60,000 combined.

A joint simplified divorce is only available in limited circumstances, but if you believe you may be eligible, you should speak with a divorce lawyer in Chicago about moving forward with this quicker process.

Contact an Illinois Divorce Attorney for Assistance

If you are considering divorce and want to do everything you can to have the case go quickly while still being effective and careful, you should get in touch with an Illinois divorce attorney at the Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group to find out more about joint simplified divorce or uncontested divorce. Even if you do not qualify for joint simplified divorce and you are concerned that there are a range of issues that are in dispute currently that will prevent you from having an uncontested divorce, we can discuss your options with you. Contact Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group today to begin working with a dedicated and compassionate divorce attorney on your case.