If you and your spouse agree on all of the significant matters related to your divorce – the division of assets, spousal support, child custody, and child support – then you will probably want to seek an uncontested divorce in Illinois.
At Vantage Group Legal Services we specialize in helping folks complete their uncontested divorce quickly and affordably. Rather than paying huge retainers and hourly lawyer fees, our clients subscribe to our services and pay a low monthly fee.
In this article, we’ll answer key questions to help you understand whether an uncontested divorce is right for you, including:
- Do I qualify?
- What are the benefits?
- How long does it take?
- How much does it cost?
- What are alternative ways to complete my divorce?
- How do I get started?
Keep in mind that this is general legal information. It is not a substitute for consulting with a qualified uncontested divorce attorney who can give you advice based on the specifics of your situation.
Do I Qualify for an Uncontested Divorce in Illinois?
There are only two questions you need to answer to determine whether you qualify for an uncontested divorce:
- Do my spouse and I agree on all divorce issues, including division of property, child custody, child support, and spousal support?
- Do I meet Illinois’ residency requirements (you’ve lived in the state for at least 90 days)?
If you answered Yes to both of these questions then you qualify for an uncontested divorce in Illinois.
What Are the Benefits of Filing an Uncontested Divorce in Illinois?
Simply put, filing an uncontested divorce can save both parties a great deal of time and money. A traditional divorce would require that you go through the process of a court case with opposing sides, service of process, rigid deadlines to respond to requests and provide documents, and more.
Filing an uncontested divorce in Illinois allows you to circumvent the vast majority of formal legal requirements. No one wants to deal with the repercussions that come with missing a court-imposed deadline. Additionally, since both parties agree to all things that would traditionally be considered to be “at issue,” there is no need to file any motions to compel the opposing party to cooperate. This means that both parties can enjoy the benefit of not incurring unforeseen legal fees because of another party’s noncompliance.
How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Illinois?
Generally, uncontested divorces are going to take less time to complete than divorces where the parties have a significant disagreement about the core issues. Normally, folks can complete an uncontested divorce in just a few months.
However, the exact time it will take to finalize your divorce depends on a number of factors, including:
- The number of assets and liabilities there are to divide;
- Whether you have children;
- The willingness of both you and your spouse to cooperate and compromise during the process; and
- How quickly you provide one another with the necessary documentation of your assets and liabilities.
Generally, if both parties agree on the division of marital assets and liabilities—including the marital home, debit and credit cards, etc.—the process should take only a few short months, which covers the time to prepare the necessary legal documents for filing. The labor-intensive part of seeking the divorce is over once the discovery process is completed along with document drafting.
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The last phase is to prepare for a final hearing on the matters at hand. Keep in mind that the timeline for obtaining a final hearing is solely based on the court’s schedule and how quickly they are able to hear the case.
How Much Does an Uncontested Divorce in Illinois Cost?
Generally speaking, an uncontested divorce costs less than a contested divorce. At Vantage Group Legal our subscription-based legal service model is designed to keep costs low. On average our clients pay $2,500 for uncontested divorce services.
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When you contact us to discuss your case, we’ll be able to provide you with more specific information on how much you can expect your divorce to cost you.
What Are the Different Ways to Obtain a Divorce in Illinois?
The State of Illinois allows parties to obtain a divorce in several manners:
- Traditional divorce,
- Uncontested divorce, and
- Joint simplified divorce.
Depending on your unique situation, there will likely be one route that best suits the needs of your family. More people are opting to explore their options for filing a divorce from their spouse. There is no “one size fits all” approach to divorce, so it is worth considering all avenues to bring a marriage to an amicable conclusion.
How Do I Get Started with an Uncontested Divorce in Illinois?
To file an uncontested divorce in Illinois, first, ensure that both parties are willing to go the nontraditional route by agreeing to all facets of the divorce.
Next, reach out to our team at Vantage Group Legal Services to connect with an attorney that has the knowledge and capability to keep the uncontested divorce process as easy as possible for everyone involved. Seeking and working with experienced attorneys will be the difference between both parties walking away fulfilled or disappointed.
Going through a divorce is stressful enough. You should have an attorney willing to zealously advocate for your interests. Call Vantage Group Legal Services today to arrange your free consultation and learn how we can help make filing for and obtaining a divorce as easy as possible.