This is an FAQ on affordable and quick divorce in Illinois. As an uncontested divorce lawyer, I handle uncontested divorces in the Illinois counties of Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane, Kendall, McHenry, and Will. And there’s one constant – people want an affordable divorce in Illinois.
So I wrote this FAQ on affordable divorce in Illinois.
What is the most affordable way to get divorced?
An uncontested divorce in Illinois is the most affordable way to get divorced. Uncontested means that all issues are agreed to by the spouses. Issues include dividing all assets and debts, and all child-related issues such as child custody and parenting time.
Are lawyers affordable for uncontested divorce?
Yes, lawyers are affordable for uncontested divorce. Many lawyers, such as myself, offer flat fees to represent people in an uncontested divorce in Illinois. That’s possible because an uncontested divorce in Illinois has clearly definable steps, for the most part. That way, the amount of time required is fairly predictable.
How much does it cost to get an uncontested divorce?
Some lawyers might charge by the hour for an uncontested divorce.
But most of the time, I can offer prospective clients a flat fee after asking a few simple questions on the phone. The flat fee does vary, however, based upon how complex the case is.
Generally speaking, uncontested divorces for flat fee range from $1,500 to $3,000. If you are interested in an uncontested divorce for a flat fee, you should contacted me [link] so I can quote you a fee that is particular to your situation.
What about online divorce?
In Illinois, there is not such thing as an “online divorce.” There are, however, scam-like websites that claim you can get divorced for $150, $199, or something like that.
Those websites simply collect your information and spit out generic divorce paperwork. Most of the time, it’s garbage. In fact, I have reviewed documents prepared by those websites int the past. They even spit out document that I’ve never seen before! Also, on a more serious note, they put information in the documents that could allow someone to steal your identity.
You might want to see this article I wrote about shady divorce websites.
Did you know that some of the websites are owned by foreign companies. For all I know, they could simply be a front for wholesale identity theft.
Additionally, what those shady websites don’t tell you is that you will still face hundreds in court fees. So what you may think is a divorce for $199 is really one for about $700. That’s not a good deal when you consider the documents produced by the website may not even pass muster with the court – and you may leave court without a divorce!
How much are court fees?
Court fees can be a hidden cost of uncontested divorce in Illinois.
In Cook County and DuPage County, combined court fees for both spouses totals almost $550. Lake County is a bit less, with Kendall County being around the lowest in the area around $400 or so.
When I quote someone a flat fee for an uncontested divorce in Illinois, I pay the court costs. That way my clients can clearly understand the cost of getting divorced.
Where can I get an uncontested divorce?
With only a few exceptions, the divorce must occur in the county in which one of the spouses lives. For example, if either spouse lives in Cook County, the divorce can be in Cook County – regardless of which of the spouses lives there (the one who files the case, or the other).
However, if the spouses or partners are a same-sex couple, and the civil union or marriage was created in Illinois, but neither of the spouses lives in Illinois, the spouses can get divorced in any county in Illinois. In such cases I would suggest choosing Cook, Lake, or DuPage counties since those counties are more common for same-sex couples.
Who can get an uncontested divorce?
I find there is as lot of misinformation about there about uncontested divorce. Sometimes people call me and tell me they heard they cannot get an uncontested divorce because they own real estate, or a business. But that’s not true.
Whether you own business, real estate, or have kids – you can still get an uncontested divorce in Illinois. As I explained above, the flat fee for an uncontested divorce can vary based on your situation. But there’s not reason a person with significant assets can’t get an uncontested divorce.
I’ve handled uncontested divorces for doctors, business owners, delivery drivers, artists, media personalities, and stay-at-home parents.
What about mediation?
Many couples can get an uncontested divorce in Illinois by simply discussing matters between themselves. But other times, it can be hard for people to reach an agreement.
That’s where a divorce mediator can be helpful. A divorce mediator is a third-party neutral helps divorcing couples reach an agreement. And after that agreement is reached, they can get an uncontested divorce in Illinois – often for a flat fee.
I’m a divorce lawyer, and a mediator, but I can’t be both for the same people. If you are ready to get an relatively quick and affordable uncontested divorce in Illinois for a flat fee, then you’ve come to the right website. But I’m also part of another site which is all about mediation – it’s called Divorce Mediation in Illinois [link]. I an several other mediators offer divorce mediation services in the Illinois counties of Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane, Kendall, McHenry, and Will.