The Illinois Petition for Dissolution of Marriage Without Children is the court document one spouse files in an Illinois circuit court to start a divorce when the couple has no minor or dependent children together. It is governed by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/) and is most commonly filed using the Illinois Supreme Court standardized form DV-P 102.3 (revised effective 2024).
Filing the wrong version, missing the 90-day residency requirement, or skipping the prayer for relief can stall your case for months. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health Vital Statistics, Illinois courts process roughly 25,000 to 30,000 divorces every year, and clerks reject a meaningful share of pro se petitions on first submission for missing fields, wrong venue, or unsigned verifications.
Here is what you will learn:
- 📝 How to fill out every box on the Illinois petition, line by line
- ⚖️ Which Illinois statutes and Supreme Court Rules control your filing
- 💵 Exact filing fees, fee waivers, and how to use eFileIL
- 👩⚖️ Three full walkthrough scenarios with real-world facts
- 🚫 The ten most common mistakes that get petitions rejected
What the Petition Is and Who Must File It
The Illinois Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is the opening pleading that asks a circuit court to legally end a marriage. Without this document, the court has no case to act on. The standardized version for couples with no children is form DV-P 102.3, approved by the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice.
The spouse who files first is called the Petitioner. The other spouse becomes the Respondent. Either spouse can file, and Illinois is a no-fault state, which means you only need to allege irreconcilable differences under 750 ILCS 5/401(a).
You must meet two threshold rules to file. First, at least one spouse must have lived in Illinois for 90 days before the judgment is entered, per 750 ILCS 5/401(a). Second, you file in the circuit court of the county where either spouse resides, under Illinois venue rules in 735 ILCS 5/2-101.
Couples with no kids, a short marriage, and limited assets may also qualify for a faster track called Joint Simplified Dissolution under 750 ILCS 5/452. That track uses a different form set and requires both spouses to sign a joint petition. The standard petition covered here works for everyone else, including contested filings, longer marriages, and cases with real estate or retirement accounts.
The petition triggers everything else: the Summons, service of process, the Respondent’s Appearance and Response, financial disclosures, and ultimately the Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage. Filing it wrong delays each downstream step and can cost weeks of court time.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Pulling your records together before you open the form prevents most rejections. Illinois clerks see incomplete petitions every day, and each missing item adds days or weeks to your timeline. The Illinois Legal Aid Online easy-form interview is one helpful planning tool while you gather information.
Here is the pre-filing checklist:
- Marriage certificate or marriage date and place. Required to identify the marriage. Without the exact date, you cannot complete paragraph 2 of the petition, and the court cannot calculate the duration of the marriage for property division.
- Both spouses’ full legal names. Used on the caption and throughout. Misspellings cause docket mismatches that can block service of process.
- Current addresses for both spouses. Needed for venue and service. If you do not know the Respondent’s address, you must later file an Affidavit for Service by Publication under Supreme Court Rule 11.
- Date of separation. Illinois presumes irreconcilable differences after 6 months living separate and apart under 750 ILCS 5/401(a). Without this date the court cannot apply the presumption.
- List of marital property and debts. Cars, real estate, retirement accounts, bank accounts, credit card balances. Missing assets risk being treated as non-marital later.
- List of non-marital property. Anything owned before the marriage, gifts, or inheritances under 750 ILCS 5/503(a).
- Income and employment information for both spouses. Required for the Illinois Financial Affidavit that accompanies maintenance requests.
- Social Security numbers (filed separately). Under Supreme Court Rule 138, SSNs must be filed on a separate Notice of Confidential Information form, never on the petition itself.
- Filing fee or fee waiver application. Fees vary by county. Cook County is around $388, DuPage and Lake counties run $300–$340, and downstate counties may be $210–$280. Use the Application for Waiver of Court Fees if needed.
- Government-issued photo ID and an eFileIL account. Illinois mandates electronic filing for self-represented and represented filers, with narrow exceptions.
If anything on this list is missing, stop and find it before you start typing. Filling the petition with placeholder data and “fixing it later” is what triggers most rejections.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The official, current version of the petition is the Illinois Supreme Court approved form DV-P 102.3, Petition for Dissolution of Marriage Without Children. Download it directly from illinoiscourts.gov to be sure you have the latest revision date printed in the lower-left footer.
You can also access free guided versions through Illinois Legal Aid Online, which walks you through plain-language questions and produces a court-ready PDF. Some counties accept a locally drafted petition that follows the same paragraphs, but the standardized form is accepted in every Illinois circuit court.
Do not use forms from third-party “divorce kit” websites unless they match the current Supreme Court approved version. Outdated forms missing required boxes (such as the maintenance election checkbox) get rejected at the eFileIL review stage.
If you have a disability or limited English proficiency, the circuit clerk’s office must accommodate you under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Illinois language access policy. Cook County’s Office of the Chief Judge and similar offices in DuPage, Lake, Will, and Kane counties offer self-help desks. The Cook County Circuit Court Self-Help Center is the busiest in the state and provides translated handouts.
Print two paper copies even if you eFile: one for your records and one to bring to any in-person hearings. The judge will often ask for the courtesy copy.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the Illinois Petition for Dissolution of Marriage Line by Line
This section is the spine of the article. Each form field gets its own subsection with plain-English meaning, instructions, an example entry, an edge case, a common mistake with its consequence, and a misconception to clear up. Use the exact field names printed on form DV-P 102.3.
The Caption: County, Court, and Case Number
What it asks in plain English. The caption is the box at the top of the petition that tells the court which county circuit court you are filing in and creates space for your case number.
How to answer it. Type the county name in all capital letters where the form says “IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE ___ JUDICIAL CIRCUIT” or “COOK COUNTY.” Leave the Case Number line blank. The clerk assigns it after you eFile.
Example entry. Janet Martinez, who lives in Evanston, writes COOK on the county line and leaves the case number empty.
Nuance or edge case. If you and your spouse live in different Illinois counties, you may file in either county under 735 ILCS 5/2-101. Pick the county where you live or where the marital home is located.
Common mistake and consequence. Filers sometimes write a city instead of a county. Chicago is not a county; Cook is. A wrong county routes your case to the wrong courthouse and triggers a motion to transfer venue.
Misconception. Many people think they must file where they got married. You do not. Venue is based on residence, not the marriage location.
Petitioner Information (Paragraph 1)
What it asks in plain English. Who is filing this case, where they live, and how long they have lived in Illinois.
How to answer it. Write your full legal name as it appears on your driver’s license. Enter your county of residence and confirm you have lived in Illinois at least 90 days. Do not write your full home address on the petition itself if you fear domestic violence; ask the clerk about the Illinois Address Confidentiality Program.
Example entry. Carlos Rivera writes Carlos Antonio Rivera, DuPage County, resided in Illinois since 03/2018.
Nuance or edge case. Active-duty military members can use their Illinois domicile even if currently stationed elsewhere under 750 ILCS 5/401.
Common mistake and consequence. Using a nickname like Tony instead of Carlos Antonio causes the final judgment to use the wrong name, which then fails to match property titles and Social Security records.
Misconception. Filers think they must list both spouses’ addresses in this paragraph. Only the Petitioner’s information goes here. The Respondent’s data goes in paragraph 3.
Marriage Information (Paragraph 2)
What it asks in plain English. When and where you got married, and the date of separation.
How to answer it. Enter the marriage date in MM/DD/YYYY format, the city and state (or country) of marriage, and the date you began living separate and apart. The separation date can be the day one of you moved out, or the day you began sleeping in separate rooms with the intent to end the marriage.
Example entry. Married on 06/14/2009 in Naperville, Illinois. Separated on 11/02/2024.
Nuance or edge case. You can be “separated” while still living under the same roof if you maintain separate finances and bedrooms, per Illinois case law interpreting 750 ILCS 5/401(a).
Common mistake and consequence. Writing the date you “felt” the marriage was over instead of the date you actually separated. This can defeat the 6-month presumption of irreconcilable differences and force you to prove grounds at hearing.
Misconception. People think Illinois still uses fault grounds like adultery or cruelty. Since January 1, 2016, Illinois has been purely no-fault, and irreconcilable differences is the only ground.
Respondent Information (Paragraph 3)
What it asks in plain English. The other spouse’s identity and where they live.
How to answer it. Type the Respondent’s full legal name and last known address. If the Respondent’s address is unknown, write unknown and prepare an Affidavit for Service by Publication. Include county and state.
Example entry. Marcus James Whitfield, 412 Oak Street, Apt. 2B, Aurora, Kane County, Illinois 60505.
Nuance or edge case. If the Respondent is incarcerated, list the correctional facility as the address. Service rules under Supreme Court Rule 105 still apply.
Common mistake and consequence. Listing a P.O. Box only. The sheriff cannot serve process at a P.O. Box, which means you must restart service.
Misconception. Filers believe they need the Respondent’s email. Illinois service rules require physical service first, not email, except in narrow circumstances allowed by court order.
Grounds for Dissolution (Paragraph 4)
What it asks in plain English. Why you are asking the court to end the marriage.
How to answer it. Check the box for irreconcilable differences. State that efforts at reconciliation have failed and future attempts would not be in the family’s best interest. If you have lived apart for 6 months or more, state that fact, and the court must accept the presumption.
Example entry. Irreconcilable differences have caused the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. Past efforts at reconciliation have failed and future attempts would be impracticable and not in the best interests of the family. The parties have lived separate and apart for more than 6 months.
Nuance or edge case. If you have not been separated for 6 months yet, you can still file, but you must prove irreconcilable differences by other evidence.
Common mistake and consequence. Writing fault-based reasons like “he cheated.” Illinois law no longer permits fault grounds, and the clerk or judge will require you to amend your petition.
Misconception. People assume both spouses must agree the marriage is over. Only the Petitioner’s belief is needed.
Children Statement (Paragraph 5)
What it asks in plain English. A statement that there are no minor or dependent children of the marriage.
How to answer it. State that no children were born to or adopted by the parties during the marriage, and that the wife is not pregnant. If either spouse has children from another relationship, those are not “of the marriage” and do not change this paragraph.
Example entry. No children were born to or adopted by the parties during the marriage. The Respondent is not pregnant.
Nuance or edge case. If a child was born during the marriage but is biologically not the husband’s, paternity must be addressed in a separate filing under the Illinois Parentage Act.
Common mistake and consequence. Forgetting the pregnancy line. Without it, the judge may continue the case until the issue is resolved.
Misconception. Adult children of the marriage do not count. Once a child turns 18 and is not dependent, they are not “of the marriage” for petition purposes.
Property and Debts (Paragraph 6)
What it asks in plain English. A general description of marital property and debts and a request for equitable division.
How to answer it. State that the parties acquired marital property and debts during the marriage and ask the court to divide them equitably under 750 ILCS 5/503. You do not need to itemize every item in the petition, but a list helps later.
Example entry. During the marriage, the parties acquired marital property including a 2019 Honda Civic, a joint checking account at Chase Bank, and a 401(k) held by Petitioner. Marital debts include a Visa credit card and an auto loan.
Nuance or edge case. If you have non-marital property (premarital assets, gifts, inheritances), list them separately and ask the court to confirm them as non-marital under 750 ILCS 5/503(a).
Common mistake and consequence. Forgetting to mention retirement accounts. Without a request for division, you cannot get a Qualified Domestic Relations Order later without amending the judgment.
Misconception. Illinois is not a community property state. It is equitable distribution, which means fair, not necessarily equal.
Maintenance Request (Paragraph 7)
What it asks in plain English. Whether you want spousal support, also called maintenance or alimony.
How to answer it. Check one box: requesting maintenance, waiving maintenance, or reserving the issue. If you check requesting, the court will calculate using the statutory guideline formula in 750 ILCS 5/504(b-1).
Example entry. Janet Martinez checks requesting maintenance because she earns $32,000 and her husband earns $145,000 after a 22-year marriage.
Nuance or edge case. If combined gross income exceeds $500,000, the guideline formula does not apply and the court uses the statutory factors instead.
Common mistake and consequence. Checking waiving without understanding it is permanent. Once waived in the judgment, you cannot reopen maintenance later, even if circumstances change drastically.
Misconception. People think maintenance is automatic in long marriages. It is not. You must request it in the petition or risk waiving it.
Prayer for Relief
What it asks in plain English. The list of specific orders you want the judge to enter.
How to answer it. List each request as a lettered or numbered item: dissolve the marriage, divide property and debts, award or waive maintenance, restore a former name if desired, and grant such other relief as the court deems just.
Example entry. WHEREFORE, Petitioner prays that this Court: (a) enter a Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage; (b) divide the marital property and debts equitably; (c) award maintenance; (d) restore Petitioner’s former name of Janet Acosta; (e) grant such other relief as is just and equitable.
Nuance or edge case. Name restoration must be requested in the petition or in the judgment, otherwise you must later file a separate name change under 735 ILCS 5/21-101 with publication and a $300+ fee.
Common mistake and consequence. Skipping the catch-all other relief line. Without it, the judge may refuse to grant items you forgot.
Misconception. Filers think the prayer is just a formality. It is the legal “ask” — the judge cannot grant relief you did not request.
Verification and Signature
What it asks in plain English. Your sworn statement that everything in the petition is true.
How to answer it. Sign and date under the verification language required by 735 ILCS 5/1-109. Type your name, sign in blue or black ink (or apply a digital signature on eFileIL), and date the signature line.
Example entry. Under penalties as provided by law pursuant to Section 1-109 of the Code of Civil Procedure, the undersigned certifies that the statements set forth in this instrument are true and correct. /s/ Carlos Antonio Rivera 05/21/2026.
Nuance or edge case. A notary is not required for the verification under 1-109. The penalty-of-perjury language replaces the notary.
Common mistake and consequence. Forgetting to sign at all, or signing only the cover sheet. Unsigned petitions are rejected by eFileIL during clerk review.
Misconception. People think the spouse must also sign. Only the Petitioner signs the petition. The Respondent files an Appearance and Response.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Below are three realistic walkthroughs. Each scenario follows one named filer through the most important boxes of form DV-P 102.3.
Scenario 1: Janet Martinez, 22-year marriage, marital home and 401(k), maintenance requested
| Form Section | What Janet Enters |
|---|---|
| Caption — County | COOK |
| Petitioner Info | Janet Marie Martinez, Cook County, resident of Illinois since 06/2003 |
| Marriage Date and Place | Married 09/12/2003 in Chicago, Illinois |
| Date of Separation | 03/15/2025 |
| Respondent Info | David Allen Martinez, 1820 N. Sedgwick St., Chicago, IL 60614 |
| Grounds | Irreconcilable differences; parties separated more than 6 months |
| Children | No children of the marriage; Petitioner is not pregnant |
| Property | Marital home in Lincoln Park, joint 401(k), two vehicles, joint checking |
| Maintenance | Requesting maintenance under 750 ILCS 5/504 |
| Prayer for Relief | Dissolution; equitable division; maintenance; restoration of name to Janet Acosta |
Scenario 2: Carlos Rivera, 4-year marriage, no real estate, no maintenance
| Form Section | What Carlos Enters |
|---|---|
| Caption — County | DUPAGE |
| Petitioner Info | Carlos Antonio Rivera, DuPage County, resident since 03/2018 |
| Marriage Date and Place | Married 07/22/2021 in Naperville, Illinois |
| Date of Separation | 01/10/2026 |
| Respondent Info | Sofia Elena Rivera, 233 Main St., Apt. 4, Wheaton, IL 60187 |
| Grounds | Irreconcilable differences |
| Children | No children of the marriage; Respondent is not pregnant |
| Property | Two vehicles, joint savings, modest credit card debt |
| Maintenance | Both parties waive maintenance |
| Prayer for Relief | Dissolution; equitable division of property and debts |
Scenario 3: Aisha Okonkwo, military spouse, Joint Simplified Dissolution candidate
| Form Section | What Aisha Enters |
|---|---|
| Caption — County | LAKE |
| Petitioner Info | Aisha Ngozi Okonkwo, Lake County, Illinois domicile, currently stationed at Naval Station Great Lakes |
| Marriage Date and Place | Married 02/14/2023 in Waukegan, Illinois |
| Date of Separation | 09/01/2025 |
| Respondent Info | Daniel Reed Okonkwo, 700 Belvidere Rd., Waukegan, IL 60085 |
| Grounds | Irreconcilable differences; separated more than 6 months |
| Children | No children of the marriage; Petitioner is not pregnant |
| Property | Less than $50,000 combined; no real estate; no retirement accounts to divide |
| Maintenance | Both parties waive maintenance — qualifies for Joint Simplified Dissolution under 750 ILCS 5/452 |
| Prayer for Relief | Joint Simplified Dissolution; division per attached settlement; restoration of maiden name |
How to File the Completed Form
Illinois requires electronic filing for nearly all civil matters under Supreme Court Rule 9. You have three channels, but eFileIL is the default.
Online (eFileIL). Go to efile.illinoiscourts.gov and create a free account. Upload the petition as a PDF, select your county and case type (“Dissolution Without Children”), pay the filing fee, and submit. Cook County’s fee is approximately $388, DuPage and Lake run $300–$340, and downstate counties charge $210–$280 plus a small eFileIL convenience fee. Accepted payments include Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and ACH bank draft. Processing takes 1 to 5 business days for clerk review. Save the file-stamped PDF as proof of filing.
In person. Take two copies plus the original to the circuit clerk’s office in your county. Cook County’s main filing window is at the Daley Center, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602. Pay by cash, certified check, money order, or card. The clerk file-stamps your copy on the spot. In-person filing is allowed only for self-represented filers who request a Rule 9 exemption.
By mail. Few counties accept mailed petitions, and only with a Rule 9 exemption. If allowed, mail the petition, a check or money order for the filing fee, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the circuit clerk. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks. Keep the certified mail receipt as proof of filing.
After filing, you must serve the Respondent within 30 days by sheriff or special process server using a Summons issued by the clerk.
What Happens After You File
Once the clerk accepts the petition, you receive a case number and a file-stamped copy. The clerk issues a Summons that the sheriff or a licensed special process server must deliver to the Respondent under Supreme Court Rule 101.
The Respondent has 30 days after service to file an Appearance and Response. If they do not, you can file a Motion for Default. If they do respond, the case enters discovery, financial disclosures using the standardized Financial Affidavit, and possibly mediation.
Most uncontested no-children cases finish in 3 to 6 months. Contested cases with maintenance disputes or property fights can take 9 to 18 months. The judge enters a Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage as the final order, restoring single status.
If you requested name restoration, the judgment itself acts as your legal name change. Bring a certified copy to the Social Security Administration and the Illinois Secretary of State to update your records.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
- Filing in the wrong county. Causes a transfer of venue motion that delays your case 30 to 60 days.
- Missing the 90-day Illinois residency. The judge cannot enter judgment until the requirement is met, freezing the case.
- Listing fault grounds. Forces you to amend the petition since Illinois is no-fault only.
- Using a P.O. Box for the Respondent. Sheriffs cannot serve process at a P.O. Box, restarting the service clock.
- Forgetting the pregnancy statement. Triggers a continuance until the issue is clarified.
- Skipping maintenance election. Waiver is presumed, and you may lose the right to seek support later.
- Forgetting name restoration. Adds a separate $300+ name change action with newspaper publication.
- Putting Social Security numbers on the petition. Violates Supreme Court Rule 138 and exposes you to identity theft.
- Unsigned verification. eFileIL rejects the filing automatically.
- Using an outdated form. Older versions miss required boxes and get rejected at clerk review.
- Forgetting retirement accounts in the property paragraph. Blocks future Qualified Domestic Relations Orders.
- Not keeping a file-stamped copy. Without proof, you cannot show the case was actually filed.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s.
- Do download form DV-P 102.3 fresh from illinoiscourts.gov so you have the current revision.
- Do type the petition rather than handwrite it, because eFileIL requires PDF uploads.
- Do use full legal names exactly as printed on government IDs to avoid docket mismatches.
- Do file SSNs on a separate Notice of Confidential Information per Rule 138.
- Do request name restoration in the petition if you want it, because retroactive requests are costly.
- Do keep a digital and paper copy of the file-stamped petition.
Don’ts.
- Don’t allege adultery or cruelty; those grounds no longer exist in Illinois.
- Don’t sign on behalf of your spouse, even if you have power of attorney.
- Don’t guess at the separation date — pick a defensible date and stick with it.
- Don’t forget to apply for a fee waiver if your income is at or below 125% of the federal poverty line.
- Don’t serve the petition yourself; use the sheriff or a licensed special process server.
- Don’t assume your spouse will sign anything; prepare for service of process from day one.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Pros of pro se filing.
- Lower cost. You save $2,500 to $10,000 in attorney fees for an uncontested case.
- Faster control. You set the pace without waiting for an attorney’s calendar.
- Free resources. Illinois Legal Aid Online provides guided interviews.
- Privacy. Your personal disclosures stay between you and the court.
- Empowerment. You learn your rights firsthand and gain confidence in court systems.
Cons of pro se filing.
- Higher rejection risk. Clerks reject petitions with formatting or content errors that lawyers catch automatically.
- Procedural traps. Missing a deadline under the Illinois Supreme Court Rules can dismiss your case.
- Property mistakes. Without an attorney, you may waive marital interests in retirement accounts.
- Maintenance miscalculations. The guideline formula in 750 ILCS 5/504 is easy to misapply.
- Emotional toll. Self-representing while grieving the marriage can lead to costly decisions.
Standard Petition vs. Joint Simplified Dissolution
| Feature | Standard Petition (DV-P 102.3) |
|---|---|
| Statute | 750 ILCS 5/401 |
| Filers | One spouse files as Petitioner |
| Marriage length limit | None |
| Asset limit | None |
| Maintenance allowed | Yes |
| Service required | Yes, sheriff or special process server |
| Typical timeline | 3 to 18 months |
| Feature | Joint Simplified Dissolution |
|---|---|
| Statute | 750 ILCS 5/452 |
| Filers | Both spouses file jointly |
| Marriage length limit | 8 years or less |
| Asset limit | Combined under $50,000; no real estate |
| Maintenance allowed | Both must waive |
| Service required | No, both spouses sign |
| Typical timeline | 30 to 90 days |
Key Entities That Interact With This Form
The Illinois circuit court in your county receives and decides the case. The circuit clerk processes filings and issues summonses. The sheriff or special process server delivers the petition to the Respondent. The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice approves the standardized form. The Illinois Department of Public Health records the final judgment for vital statistics. The Social Security Administration updates name and marital status records after judgment. Each plays a role in moving your case from filing to final order.
FAQs
Do I need a lawyer to file this petition?
No. Illinois allows pro se filing in any divorce case, and standardized form DV-P 102.3 was designed for self-represented filers, though complex assets or maintenance disputes are easier with counsel.
Can I file if my spouse lives in another state?
Yes. As long as you have lived in Illinois 90 days, you can file in your county; you must serve the out-of-state spouse under Rule 105.
Do I have to put my Social Security number on the petition?
No. Under Supreme Court Rule 138, SSNs must be filed separately on a Notice of Confidential Information. Putting them on the petition itself violates court rules.
What if I don’t know where my spouse lives?
Yes, you can still file. You must complete an Affidavit for Service by Publication and run a notice in a local newspaper for three weeks before the case can move forward.
Do I write my maiden name or married name in the Petitioner box?
Yes, write the name you currently use on government ID. You can request name restoration to your maiden name in the prayer for relief later in the petition.
Is the filing fee the same in every county?
No. Cook County is roughly $388, while downstate counties may be $210–$280. Check your local clerk’s fee schedule before filing on eFileIL.
Can I get the filing fee waived?
Yes, if your income is at or below 125% of the federal poverty line or you receive public assistance. File the Application for Waiver of Court Fees with your petition.
Do I check “irreconcilable differences” if we still talk and get along?
Yes. Irreconcilable differences just means the marriage is broken beyond repair. You do not have to be hostile to qualify under 750 ILCS 5/401.
Does my spouse have to sign the petition?
No. Only the Petitioner signs. The Respondent files a separate Appearance and Response after being served.
Is Illinois a 50/50 property state?
No. Illinois uses equitable distribution under 750 ILCS 5/503, which divides property fairly based on factors, not automatically equal.
Can I waive maintenance permanently in the petition?
Yes, but be careful. Once waived in the final judgment, it cannot be reopened later, even if your finances change drastically.
How long does the case take after I file?
Yes, timelines vary. Most uncontested no-children cases finish in 3 to 6 months; contested cases can stretch to 9 to 18 months depending on county docket and discovery.
Do I need a notary on the verification?
No. Illinois replaced notarization with a penalty-of-perjury statement under 735 ILCS 5/1-109. Just sign and date.
Can I file if we got married outside Illinois?
Yes. Marriage location does not matter; only Illinois residency for at least 90 days is required for the judgment.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out Illinois Joint Simplified Petition for Dissolution of Marriage + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Illinois Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Illinois Marital Settlement Agreement (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Illinois Petition for Change of Name (Adult) + 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