The Illinois Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage is the final court order, signed by a circuit court judge, that legally ends a marriage in Illinois and locks in every term the spouses agreed to or the judge decided about property, debts, support, and parenting. Every divorcing spouse in Illinois must have this judgment entered before the marriage is officially dissolved under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act.
The form is filed in the circuit court of the county where at least one spouse meets the 90-day residency rule for the county and the 6-month residency rule for the state. According to the Illinois Courts Annual Statistical Report, Illinois courts process more than 70,000 dissolution cases each year, and a large share of self-represented filings are kicked back at the prove-up hearing because the judgment paperwork is missing required findings or signatures.
Here is what you will learn in this guide:
- ⚖️ How to complete every field of the statewide and county Judgment for Dissolution forms line by line.
- 📑 Which attachments (Marital Settlement Agreement, Allocation Judgment, Uniform Order of Support) must travel with the judgment.
- 💵 The exact filing fees, e-filing steps, and prove-up procedures across Cook, DuPage, Lake, and Will counties.
- 🛑 The top mistakes pro se filers make and the direct consequences for each, from rejected judgments to voided property transfers.
- 👨👩👧 Three real-world scenarios — short marriage, long marriage with kids and a house, and a military/high-asset case — walked end to end.
What the Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage Is and Who Must File It
The Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage is the binding court order that legally terminates an Illinois marriage and incorporates the parties’ Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) and, if there are minor children, the Allocation Judgment and Parenting Plan. It is governed by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, 750 ILCS 5/401, which requires the court to find that irreconcilable differences have caused the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.
Every spouse seeking a divorce in Illinois must obtain this judgment, including those using the simplified Joint Simplified Dissolution procedure under 750 ILCS 5/452. The petitioner who started the case (or both spouses jointly) drafts the proposed judgment, presents it at the prove-up hearing, and the judge signs it to make it final.
The form interacts with several other key documents: the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, the Financial Affidavit under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 13.3.1, and, when child support or maintenance is ordered, the Uniform Order of Support and Income Withholding Notice under 750 ILCS 28/. Without the judgment, none of these other orders are enforceable as final relief.
The current statewide approved form is published by the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice as part of the statewide approved divorce forms set (most recent revision DV-J 4408.4, January 2024). Cook County publishes its own Cook County Domestic Relations forms, and DuPage, Lake, and Will counties each post local versions through their circuit clerks.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
You cannot draft an enforceable judgment from memory. Before you open the form, gather every record below — missing data is the single biggest reason judges continue prove-up hearings in Illinois.
- Certified marriage certificate showing the exact date and county of marriage, because the judgment must recite this verbatim and a mismatch with court records will block entry.
- Both spouses’ full legal names, dates of birth, and current addresses, since the judgment caption and findings must match the petition exactly.
- Children’s full names and dates of birth (if any minors), because the Allocation Judgment must list every child of the marriage.
- Completed Financial Affidavit (Comprehensive 13.3.1) for each spouse, because the court will not enter maintenance or child support without sworn income disclosures.
- Last three years of federal tax returns and two most recent pay stubs, because Illinois child support follows the Income Shares model under 750 ILCS 5/505 and requires net-income proof.
- Real estate deeds, mortgage statements, and recent appraisals for the marital home, because the judgment must clearly identify the property by legal description and street address.
- Retirement plan statements and plan administrator contacts, because dividing a 401(k), pension, or IRA requires a separate QILDRO under 750 ILCS 5/503(b)(2) or a QDRO.
- Vehicle titles, bank statements, credit card statements, and student loan balances, because every marital asset and debt must be listed and assigned in the MSA incorporated into the judgment.
- Health insurance policy information for each spouse and child, because the court typically orders continued coverage and a QMCSO when children are insured through an employer plan.
- Military Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) if either spouse is a service member, because the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act impose extra findings.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The official statewide Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage (Form DV-J 4408.4) lives on the Illinois Courts website at the Approved Statewide Forms — Divorce page. You can fill it in directly in your browser, save it as a PDF, or print it for handwritten completion.
Most counties also publish a local version. Cook County filers use the Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court forms library, DuPage filers use the 18th Judicial Circuit forms portal, Lake County uses the Lake County Circuit Clerk forms page, and Will County uses the 12th Judicial Circuit forms page. Always confirm the revision date in the form footer matches the most recent version posted by the clerk.
If you cannot download the form, you can request a paper copy at the Domestic Relations Division counter of the circuit clerk’s office in your county. Many courthouses also host self-help centers through programs like Illinois Legal Aid Online where staff can hand you the correct packet for your situation.
The form is plain English but legally dense. Read it once before filling anything in, and keep your Petition for Dissolution and MSA beside you so the recitals and findings line up word for word.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the Illinois Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage Line by Line
This is the heart of the article. The statewide form mirrors the structure most county forms follow, so the walkthrough below applies to almost any Illinois Judgment for Dissolution. Each field gets its own subsection with what the field asks, how to answer, an example, a nuance, the most common mistake with consequence, and a misconception to drop.
Caption — County and Judicial Circuit
The caption asks which Circuit Court and County will enter the judgment. You must name the same circuit and county listed on the petition that opened the case.
To answer, write the judicial circuit number in the first blank and the county name in the second. Use the official county name with no abbreviations.
For example, Janet Reyes, who filed in Chicago, writes “Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois — County Department, Domestic Relations Division.”
Edge case: if you filed in a county where you no longer live but where venue is still proper under 735 ILCS 5/2-101, keep the original venue — do not switch counties to match your new address.
A common mistake is naming the wrong judicial circuit number, which leads the clerk to reject the proposed order and forces a re-print on the day of prove-up.
A misconception is that the caption can be left blank for the judge to complete. The judge will not, and a blank caption usually triggers a continuance.
Case Number
This field asks for the unique case number assigned when the petition was filed. It identifies your case in the court’s docket system and ties the judgment to the petition.
Write the number exactly as it appears on the file-stamped petition, including the year prefix and the division code (e.g., 2025 D 003421 in Cook County).
For example, Carlos Mendoza copies “2025 D 003421” from the file-stamped petition into the case number box.
Edge case: in some counties the case number includes a hyphen or letter designation for “DK” (with kids) versus “D” (without kids). Use whichever appears on the petition.
The most common mistake is transposing digits, which causes the e-filing system to reject the document because it cannot match it to an open case.
A misconception is that the judgment can use a new case number once a Marital Settlement Agreement is signed. It cannot — the case number stays the same from petition to final order.
Names of the Parties (Petitioner and Respondent)
The form asks for the full legal name of the petitioner (the spouse who filed) and the respondent (the other spouse), using the same names listed on the petition.
Type or print each name in CAPITAL LETTERS with first, middle, and last names. Match the marriage certificate where possible.
For example, Aisha Bilal-Hughes writes “AISHA NOOR BILAL-HUGHES” as petitioner and “DAVID M. HUGHES” as respondent.
Edge case: if a spouse changed names during marriage and is restoring a former name, list the current married name here and address the name change later in the judgment’s name-restoration paragraph.
A common mistake is using nicknames like “Liz” instead of “Elizabeth,” which can cause title companies to refuse to honor a quitclaim deed signed under the judgment.
A misconception is that initials are acceptable. They are not — middle initials only fly when the marriage certificate also uses an initial.
Date and Place of Marriage
This field asks for the exact date and location of the marriage, because the judgment formally terminates that specific union and the court needs the record to match.
Enter the date in MM/DD/YYYY format, then the city, county, and state (or country, if married abroad). Pull these directly from the certified marriage certificate.
For example, Marcus and Janet write “06/14/2003, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.”
Edge case: if you were married outside the United States, list the city, province or region, and country, and attach a translated certificate if it is not in English under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 124.
A common mistake is guessing the date when a certificate is missing. A wrong date allows a later attack on the judgment for fraud on the court.
A misconception is that “common law” Illinois marriages can be entered here. Illinois has not recognized common law marriage since 1905 under 750 ILCS 5/214.
Date of Separation
This field asks the date the parties began living separate and apart, even if still under one roof. It supports the irreconcilable differences finding.
Enter MM/DD/YYYY. The date should align with what was pled in the petition.
For example, Carlos lists “09/01/2024” as the separation date because that is when he moved into the basement bedroom.
Edge case: under the 2016 amendment to 750 ILCS 5/401(a), a 6-month continuous separation creates an irrebuttable presumption of irreconcilable differences if both parties live apart.
A common mistake is listing the date one spouse filed, instead of the actual physical or constructive separation date, which can sink the irreconcilable differences finding.
A misconception is that you must be physically out of the home to be “separated.” You do not — Illinois case law allows separation under the same roof if spouses live independently.
Residency Findings
The form asks the court to find that one or both spouses have lived in Illinois for at least 90 days before judgment under 750 ILCS 5/401(a). This is the jurisdictional hook for the divorce.
Check the box that fits and fill in which spouse meets the requirement and for how long.
For example, Janet checks “Petitioner has resided in Illinois since 01/02/2003” because she has lived in Chicago for 22 years.
Edge case: military members stationed in Illinois count their stationed days toward residency under 750 ILCS 5/401(a).
A common mistake is leaving the start date blank. A blank residency date robs the court of the jurisdictional finding and the judgment can later be voided.
A misconception is that both spouses need to be Illinois residents. Only one spouse must meet the 90-day test.
Grounds — Irreconcilable Differences
This section asks the court to find that irreconcilable differences caused the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage and that further attempts at reconciliation are impracticable and not in the family’s best interest.
Check the irreconcilable differences box and confirm whether the 6-month separation presumption applies. Illinois abolished fault-based grounds in 2016.
For example, Aisha checks “Irreconcilable differences” and the box confirming the parties have lived separate and apart for more than six months.
Edge case: if you are using Joint Simplified Dissolution under 750 ILCS 5/452, the grounds language is built into the simplified judgment form.
A common mistake is checking old fault grounds (adultery, mental cruelty) that no longer exist. The judge will strike the language and reschedule.
A misconception is that one spouse can block the divorce by refusing to agree to grounds. They cannot — irreconcilable differences only requires one spouse’s testimony.
Children of the Marriage
This field asks whether the parties have minor or dependent adult children together and, if so, lists each child’s full name and date of birth.
If there are no children, check “no children.” If there are, list each child on a separate line in MM/DD/YYYY format.
For example, Marcus and Janet list “Olivia Reyes, 04/22/2011” and “Noah Reyes, 09/30/2014.”
Edge case: an adult child with a disability may still be a “dependent” under 750 ILCS 5/513.5, and college contribution under 750 ILCS 5/513 can be ordered.
A common mistake is omitting a child born during the marriage but not biologically related to one spouse. Illinois presumes the husband is the legal father under 750 ILCS 46/204, and skipping the child voids related orders.
A misconception is that stepchildren must be listed. They are not — only children of the marriage or children both spouses adopted appear here.
Allocation of Parental Responsibilities
This section incorporates the Allocation Judgment and Parenting Plan under 750 ILCS 5/602.5 and 602.7. Illinois replaced “custody” and “visitation” with significant decision-making and parenting time in 2016.
Check the box stating that an Allocation Judgment is being entered simultaneously and attach it. The judgment itself does not list the parenting schedule — the Allocation Judgment does.
For example, Janet checks “Allocation Judgment entered contemporaneously” and staples the 14-page parenting plan as Exhibit B.
Edge case: if parents share decision-making 50/50, the Allocation Judgment must specify which parent has tie-breaking authority on each of the four areas (education, health, religion, extracurriculars).
A common mistake is using outdated “custody” language. Judges in Cook County routinely refuse to enter judgments using pre-2016 terminology.
A misconception is that “joint custody” is still a thing. It is not — Illinois now uses “joint allocation of significant decision-making.”
Child Support
This field memorializes child support calculated under the Income Shares model in 750 ILCS 5/505. The judgment ties to a separate Uniform Order of Support and Income Withholding Notice.
State the monthly amount, the payor, the start date, and that payment is via the Illinois State Disbursement Unit (SDU) under 750 ILCS 28/.
For example, David enters “$1,247.00 per month payable by Respondent through SDU starting 06/01/2026.”
Edge case: if parents share at least 146 overnights with each child, use the shared parenting worksheet, which produces a different number than the basic worksheet.
A common mistake is forgetting to attach the Notice of Income Withholding for Support, which makes the support order unenforceable through the employer.
A misconception is that child support can be waived by agreement. It cannot — Illinois child support belongs to the child, and judges will reject zero-support deals without strong findings.
Maintenance (Spousal Support)
This section addresses maintenance under 750 ILCS 5/504. The judgment must state the amount, duration, whether it is modifiable, and whether it is reviewable.
Use the statutory guideline formula for couples with combined gross income under \$500,000, or state why guidelines are deviated from. The duration is set by a percentage of the marriage length.
For example, Janet’s lawyer writes “Respondent shall pay Petitioner maintenance of \$2,150.00 per month for 132 months pursuant to 750 ILCS 5/504(b-1).”
Edge case: maintenance is non-taxable to the recipient and non-deductible to the payor for orders entered after December 31, 2018, under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
A common mistake is calling the payment “alimony.” Illinois calls it maintenance, and the wrong label causes confusion at enforcement.
A misconception is that maintenance always lasts forever. Permanent maintenance is rare and reserved for marriages of 20+ years under the duration table.
Division of Marital Property and Debts
This section incorporates the Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) under 750 ILCS 5/502 and (https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=075000050K503). It states that the MSA is fair, not unconscionable, and incorporated by reference.
Check the box “MSA attached and incorporated” and identify it as an exhibit. List the marital home with full legal description if it is being transferred.
For example, Carlos writes “The Marital Settlement Agreement signed 04/12/2026 is attached as Exhibit A and incorporated by reference.”
Edge case: a QILDRO must be entered separately to divide an Illinois public pension under 40 ILCS 5/1-119, and the judgment should reserve jurisdiction to enter it.
A common mistake is reciting only the street address of the marital home. Without the legal description, the recorder of deeds will reject the deed transfer.
A misconception is that pre-marital property automatically becomes marital after long marriages. It does not — non-marital property keeps its character unless commingled.
Name Restoration
The form asks whether either spouse wants their former name restored under 750 ILCS 5/413(b).
Check the box and write the former name in CAPITAL LETTERS exactly as it should appear going forward.
For example, Aisha writes “AISHA NOOR BILAL” so she can drop the hyphenated married name.
Edge case: a name change ordered in the judgment is honored by the Illinois Secretary of State and the Social Security Administration without a separate name-change petition.
A common mistake is asking for restoration after the judgment is entered. Once entered, you must file a separate name-change action under 735 ILCS 5/21-101.
A misconception is that name restoration costs an extra fee. It does not when included in the judgment.
Signature Blocks
The judgment closes with signature blocks for both parties (or counsel), the prove-up date, and the judge’s signature line.
Both spouses sign and date. Counsel signs above the printed name and ARDC number under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 137.
For example, Janet signs “Janet M. Reyes, 05/20/2026” and prints her address below.
Edge case: if a spouse defaulted, only the petitioner signs; the judgment is entered after a prove-up where the petitioner testifies.
A common mistake is leaving the date blank above the signature. The clerk will reject an undated signature.
A misconception is that notarization is required. It is not — court signatures only require a witness, which the judge provides on the bench.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Scenario 1 — Carlos and Mia: Short Marriage, No Kids, No House
| Form Section | What Carlos Enters |
|---|---|
| County and Circuit | Circuit Court of DuPage County, 18th Judicial Circuit |
| Case Number | 2026 D 000812 |
| Petitioner / Respondent | CARLOS A. MENDOZA / MIA L. CHEN |
| Date and Place of Marriage | 07/18/2022, Naperville, DuPage County, Illinois |
| Children | No children of the marriage |
| Grounds | Irreconcilable differences; separated since 09/01/2024 |
| Maintenance | Both parties waive maintenance |
| Property and Debts | MSA attached as Exhibit A; each keeps their own car, accounts, debts |
| Name Restoration | Petitioner restored to MIA LIN CHEN |
| Filing Method | E-filed via eFileIL using Joint Simplified Dissolution |
Scenario 2 — Janet and Marcus: 22-Year Marriage, Two Kids, Marital Home
| Form Section | What Janet Enters |
|---|---|
| County and Circuit | Circuit Court of Cook County, Domestic Relations Division |
| Case Number | 2025 D 003421 |
| Petitioner / Respondent | JANET M. REYES / MARCUS T. REYES |
| Date and Place of Marriage | 06/14/2003, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois |
| Children | Olivia Reyes 04/22/2011; Noah Reyes 09/30/2014 |
| Allocation | Allocation Judgment entered same day; joint decision-making, Janet majority parenting time |
| Child Support | Marcus pays \$1,247/mo via SDU starting 06/01/2026 |
| Maintenance | Marcus pays \$2,150/mo for 132 months under 750 ILCS 5/504(b-1) |
| Property | Marital home at 1442 N. Hoyne Ave. transferred to Janet; Marcus keeps 401(k) less QILDRO portion |
| Signatures | Both parties signed 05/20/2026; Judge Hyman signed 05/22/2026 |
Scenario 3 — Aisha and David: Military Spouse, High Assets
| Form Section | What Aisha Enters |
|---|---|
| County and Circuit | Circuit Court of Lake County, 19th Judicial Circuit |
| Case Number | 2026 D 000457 |
| Petitioner / Respondent | AISHA NOOR BILAL-HUGHES / DAVID M. HUGHES |
| Residency Finding | Petitioner has resided in Illinois since 02/14/2018 |
| Date and Place of Marriage | 11/02/2010, Great Lakes Naval Station, Illinois |
| SCRA Compliance | Respondent waived SCRA protections in writing |
| Children | One minor child, Layla Hughes 03/15/2017 |
| Maintenance | Reviewable maintenance \$4,800/mo for 60 months |
| Property | Military pension divided per USFSPA via separate court order; brokerage account split 55/45 |
| Name Restoration | Petitioner restored to AISHA NOOR BILAL |
How to File the Completed Judgment
E-filing through eFileIL is mandatory for nearly all civil cases in Illinois under Illinois Supreme Court Order M.R. 18368. You upload the proposed judgment through Odyssey eFileIL using a service provider such as eFileIL.tylertech.cloud or InfoTrack. The filing fee for the divorce petition itself ranges from about \$289 in DuPage to \$388 in Cook County, and entering the judgment usually carries no additional fee. Payment is made by credit card or e-check, and you should download the file-stamped copy within 24 hours as proof of filing.
Filing in person is allowed for self-represented litigants who certify hardship under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 9(c). Bring three printed copies of the judgment plus exhibits to the Domestic Relations Division of the circuit clerk in your county. Cook County’s main intake counter is at the Richard J. Daley Center, Room 802. Processing usually takes a few business days; ask the clerk to file-stamp your copy on the spot.
Filing by mail is permitted only with an approved hardship exemption. Mail signed originals plus a self-addressed stamped envelope to the circuit clerk. Expect 7–14 days for return of the file-stamped copy.
Prove-up hearing is the final step. You appear (in person or via Zoom for Government), the judge confirms grounds and reviews the MSA, and the judgment is signed from the bench. Always keep both the electronic file-stamped PDF and a certified copy from the clerk for title companies, the SSA, and HR records.
What Happens After You File
Once the judge signs the judgment, you are legally divorced as of the entry date. The clerk dockets the order and uploads it to the case file, and you can request certified copies from the circuit clerk’s records office for about \$9 per copy. You will need certified copies to retitle real estate, refinance mortgages, change beneficiaries, and present to the SSA for name and benefits updates.
The 30-day post-judgment window is critical. Either party can file a motion to reconsider under 735 ILCS 5/2-1203 or appeal under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 303. After 30 days, the judgment becomes final and appeal rights expire. Property transfers (deeds, QDROs, QILDROs) should be drafted, signed, and recorded promptly.
Child support automatically routes through the Illinois State Disbursement Unit once the Income Withholding Notice reaches the payor’s employer. Maintenance flows the same way unless the parties opt out in writing. If circumstances later change (job loss, relocation, a child aging out), file a motion to modify under 750 ILCS 5/510.
Remarriage is allowed immediately after entry, but tax filing status changes for the full tax year in which the judgment is entered, so coordinate with a CPA before 1040 season.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Judgment
- Using outdated “custody” or “visitation” language. The judge will reject the document and reschedule prove-up, costing weeks.
- Leaving the residency date blank. Without it, the court has no jurisdictional finding and the judgment can later be voided.
- Listing only the street address of the marital home. The recorder of deeds will refuse to record the deed without a legal description.
- Forgetting the Income Withholding Notice. Child support cannot be deducted from the payor’s paycheck without it.
- Mismatching names between caption and signature block. Title companies and the SSA reject documents with internal inconsistencies.
- Skipping the Allocation Judgment for minor children. A judgment naming kids without an Allocation Judgment is incomplete and unenforceable on parenting issues.
- Using fault grounds. Adultery and mental cruelty were abolished in 2016; their inclusion gets the judgment kicked back.
- Failing to attach the Financial Affidavit. Without sworn 13.3.1 disclosures, judges will not enter maintenance or support.
- Waiving child support entirely. Courts treat zero support as void unless detailed findings justify the deviation.
- Forgetting to enter a QILDRO or QDRO. A pension division paragraph alone does not move money — only the qualifying order does.
- Not reserving jurisdiction for college expenses. Once the judgment is final, you cannot raise 750 ILCS 5/513 expenses unless the court reserved them.
- Filing under the wrong county. Improper venue under 735 ILCS 5/2-104 can void the judgment if timely raised.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
- Do match every recital to the petition, line for line, because mismatches cause continuances.
- Do attach the MSA, Allocation Judgment, and Uniform Order of Support as exhibits, because they are unenforceable as freestanding documents.
- Do include legal descriptions for every parcel of real estate, because deeds without them cannot be recorded.
- Do use the statewide Approved Forms where available, because they pre-empt local rejection.
- Do keep certified copies of the judgment for at least seven years, because banks and HR offices may request them years later.
- Do reserve jurisdiction for college contribution under 750 ILCS 5/513 if children are minors, because waiver is permanent.
Don’ts
- Don’t use nicknames, initials, or partial names, because the SSA and title companies will reject the judgment.
- Don’t sign blank or undated signature blocks, because the clerk will reject the filing.
- Don’t omit the date of separation, because it underpins the irreconcilable differences finding.
- Don’t draft maintenance as “alimony” or “spousal support,” because Illinois has its own statutory term.
- Don’t try to waive child support without strong written findings, because the court will refuse.
- Don’t file under the wrong venue to forum-shop, because opposing counsel can move to transfer or void.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Pros of Filing Pro Se
- Saves \$2,500–\$10,000+ in attorney fees in uncontested cases, because no retainer is required.
- Forces both spouses to agree on every term, because the MSA must be jointly drafted.
- Faster timeline in Joint Simplified Dissolution under 750 ILCS 5/452, because hearings can be set in 30–60 days.
- Full transparency, because each spouse sees every clause before signing.
- Preserves goodwill, because no attorneys escalate the dispute.
Cons of Filing Pro Se
- Higher rejection rate at prove-up, because pro se judgments often miss required findings.
- Risk of waiving rights, because filers may not know to reserve college contribution or QILDRO jurisdiction.
- Tax surprises, because maintenance and asset transfers have IRS consequences a CPA flags.
- Difficulty drafting QDROs, because plan administrators reject DIY orders.
- No buffer in high-conflict cases, because direct negotiation can derail.
- Cannot easily reopen errors, because post-judgment motions have a 30-day deadline under Rule 303.
Key Comparison: Joint Simplified Dissolution vs. Standard Dissolution
| Topic | Joint Simplified vs. Standard |
|---|---|
| Statute | 750 ILCS 5/452 (simplified) vs. 750 ILCS 5/401 (standard) |
| Marriage Length | 8 years or less (simplified) vs. any length (standard) |
| Children | None allowed (simplified) vs. children allowed (standard) |
| Income Caps | Combined gross < \$60,000, neither over \$30,000 (simplified) vs. no cap (standard) |
| Property Cap | Marital property < \$50,000 (simplified) vs. no cap (standard) |
| Maintenance | Must be waived (simplified) vs. allowed (standard) |
| Hearing | Single short prove-up (simplified) vs. one or more hearings (standard) |
| Best For | Short, low-asset, no-kid marriages (simplified) vs. everyone else (standard) |
FAQs
Do I need a lawyer to fill out the Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage in Illinois?
No. Illinois lets either spouse file pro se, but a lawyer is strongly recommended when minor children, retirement assets, real estate, or maintenance are involved.
How long does it take to get a judgment entered in Illinois?
Yes, timelines vary. Uncontested cases close in 30–90 days; contested cases can take 12–24 months depending on the county and complexity.
Can I use the same judgment form in every Illinois county?
Yes. The statewide DV-J 4408.4 is accepted in every county, though Cook, DuPage, Lake, and Will publish local versions you may use instead.
Do I write my maiden name or married name in the petitioner box?
No maiden name. Use your current legal married name in the caption and signature block, then request restoration of your former name in the name-restoration paragraph.
What date do I put for date of separation if we still live together?
Yes, you can list a “constructive separation” date — the day you began living independently, even under one roof, as supported by Illinois case law.
Do I have to list every bank account in the judgment itself?
No. Accounts are itemized in the Marital Settlement Agreement attached as an exhibit, not in the judgment body.
Can the judgment waive child support entirely?
No, not without detailed findings. Illinois child support belongs to the child, and judges reject blanket waivers under 750 ILCS 5/505.
Is maintenance taxable in Illinois?
No federal tax for orders entered after December 31, 2018; the recipient does not pay federal income tax and the payor cannot deduct it.
Do both spouses have to sign the judgment?
Yes, when the case is uncontested. In a default case, only the petitioner signs and the judge enters the order after a prove-up.
What box do I check for grounds if my spouse cheated?
No fault box exists. Illinois abolished fault grounds in 2016; check irreconcilable differences only.
Can I e-file the judgment myself without an attorney?
Yes. Self-represented litigants register at eFileIL and upload the proposed judgment with the proposed-order document type.
Do I need a certified copy of the judgment after it’s signed?
Yes, you will need certified copies for the SSA, title companies, retirement plan administrators, and to record any deed transfers.
What happens if I forgot to include the QILDRO in the judgment?
Yes, you can still enter one if the judgment reserved jurisdiction; otherwise you must file a post-judgment petition within 30 days under 735 ILCS 5/2-1203.
Can I change the name of a minor child in this judgment?
No. A child’s name change requires a separate petition under 735 ILCS 5/21-101 and notice to both parents.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out Illinois Joint Parenting Agreement / Allocation Judgment + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Illinois Joint Simplified Petition for Dissolution of Marriage + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Illinois Marital Settlement Agreement (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Illinois Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (No Children) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Illinois Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (With Children) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Illinois Response to Petition for Dissolution of Marriage + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-120 (w/Examples) + FAQs