If you want to get an uncontested divorce in Skokie, at the Skokie courthouse, this FAQ on uncontested divorce in Skokie should be worth your time.
I’m an Illinois divorce lawyer, and I handle dozens of uncontested divorces each year. I know that most people want a cheap and fast uncontested divorce. The good news is that you can use an actual lawyer.
Where do I get divorced in Skokie?
The Circuit Court of Cook County
Second Municipal District
5600 Old Orchard Road
Skokie, Illinois 60077
Who can get divorced in Skokie?
If you live within the area composing the Second Municipal District of the Circuit Court of Cook County, then you can either get divorced in Skokie, or downtown at the Daley Center. Anyone who lives in Cook County can get divorced at the Daley Center. But only people who live in the Second Municipal District can get divorced at divorce court in Skokie.
The following cities and townships compose the Second Municipal District: Deerfield, Des Plaines, Evanston, Glencoe, Glenview, Golf, Kenilworth, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, Northbrook, Northfield, Park Ridge, Skokie, Wilmette, or Winnetka. You can view this link for some basic information about this courthouse.
I wrote this article about where everyone in Cook County can get divorced.
Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce in Skokie?
It is possible for a person to get divorced without a lawyer. But within the last year I’ve had several clients who got divorced without a lawyer only to wind up back in court less than a year later. They were dealing with problems that could have been prevented had the divorced been handled professionally.
Here are some of the benefits of hiring a lawyer for your uncontested divorce in Skokie:
- One trip to court 99 percent of the time
- You don’t waste time trying to figure out what to file
- You avoid wasted trips to court because you filed the wrong documents, or didn’t fire necessary ones
- You understand your rights
- You understand the difference between marital and non-marital property
- You property protect yourself from debt caused by your spouse
- You develop a parenting plan that can minimize problems in the future – rather than an ambiguous plan you develop on your own
How long does an uncontested divorce take?
Many of my uncontested divorces in Skokie take about one month. The time depends on the client, the Court’s schedule, and my schedule.
How much is an uncontested divorce?
An uncontested divorce using an affordable divorce lawyer can cost between $1,250 and $2,000 normally, but the specific costs depends upon the facts of your case. For example, whether or not you have kids, real estate, own a business, need to divide a retirement account. And the time of year can also make a difference.
What is the process for an uncontested divorce?
- Meeting with a divorce lawyer: We meet – possibly on the phone or Internet, and I get the relevant information from you. This will get he process started.
- Drafting the paperwork and settlement agreements: As your divorce lawyer, I draft settlements and help you properly complete confusing court forms. You will need a marital settlement agreement (MSA), a parenting agreement that is consistent with the new child-related laws that took effect January 1, 2016, and a judgement for dissolution (the court order that says you are divorced). I also prepare numerous court forms that must be properly executed and filed.
- Reviewing paperwork: You review the documents I draft. Once you approve, your spouse reviews the documents, and signs where necessary.
- Filing paperwork: With the the process I used, all the paper work is filed at once, for a streamlined process.
- Finalizing the divorce: An uncontested divorce is finalized through a court appearance called a “prove up” – that’s the court appearance where you put the major points of your agreement on the record, before a judge. With the process I use, the prove up is the only time my uncontested divorce clients go to court – except on the rare occasion that a judge requires a change which can force people to come back to court a second time.
Is there any reason I can’t get an uncontested divorce?
If you and your spouse are in agreement, there is no reason you can’t get an uncontested divorce. However, you should note that a judge does not have to accept any agreement that comes before the Court.
What if my spouse won’t agree to an uncontested divorce?
Sometimes people cannot reach an agreement on a divorce before a case is filed. If that’s you, then can file your case. Hopefully your spouse will realize agreement is the way to go for a fast and affordable divorce in Illinois.
I wrote this article about what happens if your spouse won’t agree to an uncontested divorce.