Home Illinois Uncontested Divorce Kit
2026 edition • Built on Illinois's current (03/2025) statewide divorce formsIllinois Uncontested Divorce Kit
The Petition for Dissolution, notice to your spouse, and the “Prove-Up” hearing — Illinois's statewide forms, matched to whether you have minor children.
- Route-matched forms — with-children or without-children statewide suite
- Step-by-step filing instructions, in plain English
- Free eligibility check before you pay anything
- Instant PDF download — $129 one-time, no subscription
Takes 2 minutes to check · no commitment
“Affordable and complete. No hidden fees or surprise charges.”
George G. · Chicago, Illinois
Is this kit right for you?
Check below to see if you qualify to file for an uncontested dissolution in Illinois.
Use this kit if:
- One of you has lived in Illinois for at least 90 days — either before you file, or before the judge signs your Judgment.
- You agree on "Irreconcilable Differences" — automatic if you've been separated 6+ months; otherwise you'll need to show the judge you tried to reconcile and couldn't.
- You agree on all issues (property, debts, and, if you have children, the Allocation of Parental Responsibilities and support).
- You're ready to notify your spouse — either they sign an Appearance, or you have them served.
Talk to a lawyer if:
- Neither of you will reach 90 days of Illinois residency by the time of judgment.
- You disagree on the Allocation of Parental Responsibilities or any other term.
- Your spouse can't be located or is actively avoiding service.
- You have significant assets that require complex valuation or a pension/retirement division (QDRO).
Why Choose a DIY Kit?
Illinois has Supreme Court-approved statewide forms, but the official suite is split — different documents for cases with minor children and without, plus Illinois civil cases are generally e-filed. We organize the current form set so you know exactly which documents your case needs.
Save Thousands
You handle the paperwork yourself and keep the difference between what a lawyer charges and the kit price — see the breakdown alongside.
Know Which Forms Apply
We match your packet to the current with-children or without-children suite, and explain when a Financial Affidavit is actually required — not every case needs one.
The Cost of Divorce in Illinois
Court filing fees (commonly cited around $300–$400, set by your county) are paid directly to the Circuit Clerk and are not included in the kit price. Ask about an Application for Waiver of Court Fees if you can't afford them.
What's Included: Illinois Statewide Forms
Illinois courts must accept the official Supreme Court-approved statewide forms — we keep our packet matched to the current suite.
Step-by-Step Roadmap
- Filing your Petition
- Notifying your spouse (by Appearance or service)
- Preparing for your “Prove-Up” hearing or a default
Core Legal Documents
Matched to your with/without-children route (current 03/2025 suite):
Children & Financial (If Needed)
- For cases with minor children: the Allocation of Parental Responsibilities (Parenting Plan) and related forms
- A Financial Affidavit (current 06/2025 suite), only if you're requesting temporary support, maintenance, or interim fees, or your court requires one
What this kit does not include
- A guarantee the judge grants your divorce or accepts your paperwork as filed — the court controls scheduling and can order mediation or other steps first
- Personal service of the Summons and Petition on your spouse — arranged through the county Sheriff (unless your spouse instead signs and files an Appearance)
- The court's own filing fee (commonly $300–$400, set by your county) or Sheriff's service fees
- A Financial Affidavit filing when your case doesn't actually require one — we explain when one is (and isn't) needed
- Legal advice about your specific situation, or review of your completed documents
PlainDivorce is a private publisher, not affiliated with or endorsed by the Illinois courts or any Illinois state agency. Always confirm the current forms and local requirements with your Circuit Clerk before filing.
How It Works
A roadmap to your Judgment of Dissolution in Illinois — not a promise of a specific outcome or timeline.
If you agree the marriage is over, you don't need a battle. Our kit guides you through filing, notifying your spouse, and preparing for your uncontested “Prove-Up” hearing.
File Your Petition
Download the kit. Complete the Petition for Dissolution and Certificate of Dissolution matched to your with/without-children route. File with your Circuit Clerk — generally through eFileIL via a certified Electronic Filing Service Provider, unless you qualify for a paper-filing exemption.
Notify Your Spouse
Either your spouse signs and files an Appearance (no service needed), or you have the Summons and Petition served — usually by the county Sheriff. Once served, your spouse has 30 days to respond.
Prove-Up or Default
If you agree and your spouse appears (or doesn't respond within 30 days and you move for default), you attend a "Prove-Up" hearing where the judge reviews your agreement and, if satisfied, signs the Judgment of Dissolution.
If your spouse contests any term after appearing, your case is no longer uncontested — talk to a lawyer or ask the court about mediation.
Simple Pricing vs. Lawyer Fees
| Feature | PlainDivorce Kit | Typical Lawyer |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation Cost | $129 | $3,500+ |
| Court Filing Fee | Paid to the Circuit Clerk directly — commonly $300–$400, set by county | Same, often billed by the firm |
| Includes Forms? | Yes (Petition, Certificate, Summons, Judgment, + case-specific docs) | Yes |
Secure One-Time Payment · No Subscriptions · The court's filing fee is separate.
What Our Clients Say
Real stories from people who prepared their Illinois divorce paperwork with PlainDivorce.
4.7 out of 5 based on 300+ customer reviews
Customer reviews are collected from purchasers and support conversations. Names may be shortened for privacy, and individual results vary by court, case facts, and filing requirements.
“Affordable and complete. No hidden fees or surprise charges.”
George G.
Chicago
“Using PlainDivorce was the best decision I made. Well-organized, straightforward, and reliable.”
Sophia S.
Naperville
“I knew exactly which forms my case needed, with or without kids in the picture. Made the paperwork so much less overwhelming.”
Andrew E.
Chicago
“I didn't spend thousands on a lawyer, and I knew what to expect at every step of the Cook County process.”
Charlotte O.
Joliet
“Clear, step-by-step instructions on the Petition and the Prove-Up. No guesswork about which forms to use.”
Sarah Z.
Rockford
Frequently Asked Questions
“What is a 'Prove-Up' hearing in Illinois?”
A "Prove-Up" is the final hearing where you and your spouse present your agreement to the judge, who may put you under oath, ask about the details, and then sign the Judgment of Dissolution if satisfied. A Prove-Up can also happen if your spouse was served but never responded (a default). If your spouse appears and you don't agree on everything, the case proceeds to trial instead. Procedure and timing are set by your court, not by us.
“What is the Joint Simplified Dissolution?”
A separate statutory track (750 ILCS 5/452) for couples who jointly petition and meet all of a specific set of conditions: no children born to or adopted by the couple during the marriage (and no known pregnancy), a marriage of 8 years or less, no real-property interest, marital property under $50,000 in value, combined annual income under $60,000 (neither spouse over $30,000), a written agreement dividing everything, and a willingness to waive maintenance. Our kit explains the full checklist so you can see whether it — or the standard uncontested track — fits your situation.
“Do I need a Financial Affidavit?”
Only if you're requesting temporary child support, temporary maintenance, or interim attorney's fees, or if a local court rule or your judge requires one. When it's required, it must be sent to your spouse (with a Proof of Delivery filed) — it's only filed with the Circuit Clerk itself if a local rule or court order says so. Our kit explains when your case actually needs one.
“Can I e-file my divorce in Illinois?”
Generally, yes — civil filings are e-filed through a certified Electronic Filing Service Provider using the statewide eFileIL system. You may qualify for an exemption (for example, no home internet and hardship traveling, a disability, or a language barrier) using the Certification for Exemption From E-Filing form; ask your Circuit Clerk if you think you qualify.
“What if my spouse won't sign the Appearance?”
You can still move forward. Have them served with the Summons and Petition instead — usually by the county Sheriff. Once served, they have 30 days to file an Appearance or an Answer/Response. If they do neither, you can file a Motion for Default and proceed toward a Prove-Up without their participation.
“How long does an uncontested divorce take in Illinois?”
Illinois's own self-help instructions estimate the overall process can take six months to two years and often involves more than one court visit. There's no statewide guarantee of a faster timeline — your county's schedule, whether your spouse responds, and whether the judge requires additional steps all affect the total time.
Important Legal Disclaimer
PlainDivorce is not a law firm and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or approved by the Illinois courts or any Illinois state agency. We do not provide legal advice or represent you in court. The Illinois Uncontested Divorce Kit is a self-help information product built from publicly available, Supreme Court-approved statewide forms and instructions.
We do not guarantee that a judge will grant your divorce, that a clerk will accept your paperwork as filed, or a single total cost of your divorce. Court rules and filing fees (commonly cited around $300–$400, set by your county) can change, and local practice varies. You are responsible for verifying current requirements with your Circuit Clerk.
This is an instant digital download. Because files are delivered immediately upon purchase, all sales are final and no returns or refunds are provided. Content last reviewed: September 2026.