Illinois DIY Divorce Checklist (2026) — Printable Step-by-Step
Illinois-Specific Reminders: Use "allocation of parental responsibilities" not "custody." Use illinoislegalaid.org for forms. Check county-specific local rules before filing. Note Cook County has its own procedures.
Before You File
Confirm Eligibility
- At least one spouse has been an Illinois resident for 90 days (or will be before Judgment)
- Checked if qualifying for Joint Simplified Dissolution (under 8 years married, no children, limited assets)
- Checked county-specific local rules at county Circuit Court website
Gather Financial Documents
- Mortgage statement (if applicable)
- Vehicle titles and loan statements
- Bank account statements (last 3 months)
- Investment account statements
- Retirement account statements (identify if any are Illinois public pensions)
- Pay stubs for both spouses
- Most recent tax returns
- List of all debts with balances
Key Decisions
- Agreed on property and debt division
- Agreed on home (keep/sell/defer)
- Agreed on maintenance (or waiver)
- Agreed on retirement account division (identified QDRO needs)
- If children: agreed on decision-making allocation, parenting time schedule, child support
Filing
- Generated forms at illinoislegalaid.org (or Cook County forms if applicable)
- Completed Petition for Dissolution (no blanks)
- Filed at Circuit Clerk in correct county
- Paid filing fee ($210–$337) OR submitted indigency application
- Received file-stamped copies with case number
- Noted filing date: ___________
Service
- Spouse filed Entry of Appearance (free, immediate, waives service)
- OR: Sheriff served spouse — noted service date: ___________
- 30-day response deadline: ___________
Drafting Final Documents
- Drafted Marital Settlement Agreement covering all property, debt, maintenance
- MSA notarized
- Both spouses signed MSA
- If children: Parenting Plan generated via illinoislegalaid.org
- If children: Child Support Worksheet completed using ilchildsupport.com
- If children: Income Withholding Order prepared
- Prepared proposed Judgment of Dissolution
Prove-Up
- Filed prove-up documents with Circuit Clerk
- Scheduled prove-up hearing (or confirmed paper submission option for your county)
- Attended prove-up hearing
- Judge signed Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
After the Divorce
- Filed signed Judgment with Circuit Clerk
- Obtained 3–5 certified copies
- If children: sent Income Withholding Order to employer
- Home: refinancing started (if one spouse keeping)
- Home: Quit Claim Deed signed, notarized, recorded with County Recorder of Deeds
- Vehicle titles transferred at Illinois Secretary of State
- Bank accounts separated
- Joint credit cards closed or transferred
- QDRO or public pension division order filed (if applicable)
- Social Security card updated (SSA office)
- Illinois driver's license updated (Secretary of State)
- Life insurance and retirement beneficiaries updated
- Will updated
Quick Reference
| Item | Your Info |
|---|---|
| Case number | |
| Filing date | |
| Service date (if applicable) | |
| 30-day deadline | |
| Prove-up hearing date | |
| Divorce final date |
Last reviewed: March 2026
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.