Understanding the Cost of Divorce in Illinois

The financial implications of a divorce process in Illinois can vary widely depending on the circumstances of your case. Many factors influence the total cost of divorce in Illinois. These include court filing fees, attorney fees, document preparation costs, trial-related expenses, and any additional fees tied to settlement procedures such as mediation. When evaluating the cost of divorce, it’s essential to consider all professional and court-related expenses as part of the overall picture.
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In any divorce proceeding, court fees are the most easily defined costs. In Illinois, the initial court filing fee for a divorce petition varies slightly by county but generally ranges from $200 to $350. There is also a separate appearance fee—typically between $150 and $250—that the responding spouse must pay. Unless you qualify for a fee waiver, these fees are required and must be paid when submitting documents to the court. We provide the fee waiver application upon request or when appropriate.

Strategies to Reduce Divorce Costs in Illinois

The most effective way to reduce your divorce costs in Illinois is to reach a full agreement with your spouse. By resolving all issues in advance—such as property division, debts, and child-related matters—you can avoid the cost of litigation or mediation. This allows you to stay in control of your budget and prevent excessive spending on attorney or expert services. Even in cases where spouses prepare for trial, most divorces in Illinois ultimately settle. When that happens, most of the money spent goes toward attorney time spent negotiating rather than appearing in court.
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Another excellent way to save money is by using Illinois Divorce Online. After reaching an agreement with your spouse, you simply complete our online questionnaire. From there, you’ll review the customized documents we prepare based on your answers. You and your spouse can sign and notarize the paperwork online. We then electronically file your case with the court and keep you informed throughout the process. Once everything is submitted, the judge will review your case and issue your divorce judgment. This efficient process eliminates court visits, office appointments, and the hassle of finding a notary. Best of all, our online legal service provides attorney-drafted documents without traditional attorney costs.

Defining an Agreed Divorce

An agreed (or uncontested) divorce occurs when both spouses settle all divorce-related matters before filing with the court. A written agreement outlines how you will divide marital property and debts, and if applicable, details child custody, parenting time, and child support. Agreeing in advance significantly reduces legal expenses and streamlines the process.

What Does Our Website Offer?

Our platform allows you to complete an agreed divorce 100% online. It’s easy: answer a series of guided questions and submit your responses. Our legal team will prepare your Illinois divorce paperwork based on your answers. After reviewing the documents, both spouses can sign and notarize them online. We then e-file your case with the correct Circuit Court in Illinois. No office visits required.

How Much Does Our Service Cost?

We offer a convenient pay-as-you-go pricing model, so you can pay at your own pace.
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In Illinois, a divorce case follows two main stages: starting the case and finalizing the judgment. We provide two distinct services to cover both, including all required court fees, online notarization, and e-filing by a licensed Illinois attorney.

Here's a breakdown of the costs:

Phase 1: Our Service Fee – $195 or Two Payments of $99

• Access to Our Website and Online Questionnaire: Provide all necessary information easily and securely.
• Communication with Our Legal Team: Stay connected with professionals ready to assist you.
• Attorney Preparation of All Divorce Paperwork: We handle all documents required to start and finalize your divorce.

Phase 2: Fast Virtual Divorce Service – $176

• Expedited Divorce Processing: Speed up the resolution of your case.
• Online Notarization of Divorce Documents: Both spouses can have documents notarized by our certified online notaries.
• Online Signing of Attorney Agreements: Sign necessary agreements online for a smooth process.
• Final Document Review: Experienced lawyers and paralegals thoroughly review all final documents for accuracy and completeness.
  

Phase 3: Court E-Filing – $75 + Mandatory Court Filing Fee

We offer electronic filing of your divorce documents with the court for added convenience.

Please Note:

A $25–$50 revision fee may apply if an error in your questionnaire during phase 1 or 2 requires the attorney to revise your legal documents.
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If you choose to dismiss your case after it's been filed with the court, Illinois courts may charge a dismissal fee. If so, the total dismissal cost (including attorney administrative fees) is $90.