Illinois Divorce and Dissolution Resources
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A Illinois divorce is filed in the Circuit Court, usually in the Domestic Relations Division, and the paperwork you start with depends on whether you have minor children together and whether there is property to divide.
Illinois's core family statutes live in the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5). In Illinois, a parent without a lawyer can file family papers online, and filing on paper with the clerk is still allowed. The official sources below cover the petition documents, the statewide forms collection, and the court's own filing instructions.
Official Illinois divorce resources
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Illinois family law forms (official index) (Illinois judicial branch): The official statewide collection of Illinois family law forms. When a direct document link stops working, this index is where the current version lives. https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/forms/approved-forms
Illinois court self-help resources (Illinois courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own Illinois family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://www.illinoislegalaid.org
eFileIL (Tyler Technologies): Illinois requires e-filing in civil cases, including family law, even for people without lawyers, but you can ask to be excused with a simple exemption certificate if you lack internet access, have a disability, or face a language barrier. The state's own filing option is free to use. https://efileil.tylertech.cloud/
Illinois official filing information (Illinois judicial branch): The court's own page explaining how documents are filed in Illinois and what a parent without a lawyer is allowed to do. https://efile.illinoiscourts.gov/
Illinois financial affidavit and disclosure forms (illinoiscourts.gov): The official source for the financial disclosure paperwork most Illinois family cases ask both sides to complete. https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/forms/approved-forms/
Illinois mediation and dispute resolution (Illinois judicial branch): Official information on mediation and other ways to settle a Illinois family case without a trial. https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/courts-directory/adr
Verified official Illinois divorce documents
These official documents cover starting a divorce, responding to one, settling, and the final orders. Requirements vary by county, so confirm the packet with your clerk before filing.
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce / Dissolution), official document: https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/f41da79e-f087-483e-9dd8-d71d2739d231/DNC%20Petition.pdf
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with Children (Divorce / Dissolution), official document: https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/29fc2ee4-ddda-47f4-af12-f3f4d38f6a70/DWC%20Petition.pdf
Answer or Response (Divorce / Dissolution), official document: https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/36b78ae6-9230-43ed-990c-edcce130521e/ANS%20Answer.pdf
Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage / Civil Union (Final Judgment / Final Orders), official document: https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/28a17a49-16ea-415f-9642-6c186e387d94/DWC%20Judgment%20for%20Dissolution.pdf
Official link data for Illinois was last verified June 2026. Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file for divorce in Illinois?
In the Circuit Court, usually in the Domestic Relations Division that serves the county where you live. In Illinois, a parent without a lawyer can file family papers online, and filing on paper with the clerk is still allowed.
How much does it cost to file a family case in Illinois?
Dissolution filing fee: ~$289-$337. If you cannot afford the fee, ask the clerk about a fee waiver or indigency application; every state has a process for requesting one.
Do I need a lawyer to file a Illinois divorce?
No. Illinois publishes its family law forms for people representing themselves, and the self-help resources on this page exist for exactly that. A consultation still makes sense when there is a business, a pension, or a serious safety issue in the case.