How Long Does Divorce Take in Illinois?

Uncontested divorces in Illinois – for which there is no mandatory waiting period – can be completed in just a couple of months. Contested divorces can take several years. Naturally, contested divorces are more complex, causing them to drag on. On top of that, Illinois requires a six-month waiting period for a contested divorce.

Illinois also imposes strict residency requirements that you must fulfill before filing for divorce. Generally, at least one of the parties must have lived in the state for at least 90 days. If the parties have minor children, the residency requirement becomes 180 days.

What Is the Fastest Way to Get Divorced in Illinois?

If you and your spouse are not dependent on one other, have no children, own few assets, make a modest income, have been married for less than eight years, and agree on every aspect of the property division, you may qualify for an expedited divorce.

Joint simplified divorces are the fastest and cheapest way to obtain a divorce in Illinois. Because the parties complete and file the paperwork together, there is no waiting on the service of process.  Moreover, joint simplified divorces typically require only a single hearing before a judge.

The main holdup for these types of divorces is the court date. Court dockets are full. Expect the hearing to take place no earlier than a month or two after filing.

Related: The Forms You Need to Get a Joint Simplified Divorced in Illinois (Free Download)

How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Illinois?

Uncontested divorces are for parties who agree on matters of property division, child custody, and child support but for whatever reason don’t qualify for a joint simplified divorce. In this scenario, the timeline is longer because the petitioner must effectuate service of process, which could take weeks. After receiving the petition, the other party has up to 30 days to file a response.

Related: How to Get an Uncontested Divorce in Illinois

How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take in Illinois?

Contested divorces are the most time-consuming of divorces. The timeline for contested divorces includes service of process and 30 days for the spouse to file a response. Once in court, the judge will likely order mediation between the parties to settle disputes. Expect to wait at least a month for mediation. If mediation fails, the court will schedule a trial. Expect to wait around six months for this. Finally, after trial, expect to wait 60–90 days for the court’s final divorce decree. 

Complex Issues Can Add Time

When people ask, “how long does a divorce take in Illinois?” the answer can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the case. Not all divorces are straightforward. The more issues that need to be resolved, the longer the process tends to take—especially if one or both spouses are unwilling to compromise.

Here are some examples of factors that can significantly extend the Illinois divorce timeline:

• High-asset divorces. When couples own multiple properties, retirement accounts, business interests, or other valuable assets, it often takes time to accurately assess and divide them. In some cases, outside financial experts or forensic accountants are needed, which can lead to delays.
• Child custody disputes. When parents can’t agree on parenting time, custody, or decision-making responsibilities, the court may order evaluations, appoint a guardian ad litem, or require mediation. These steps are designed to protect the child’s best interests but can add several months to the timeline.
• Allegations of abuse or substance misuse. If one spouse raises serious concerns—like domestic violence, neglect, or drug and alcohol abuse—the court may investigate before issuing any custody or visitation orders. This can slow down the process significantly.
• Delays from the other party. If one party refuses to respond to court filings, delays financial disclosures, or simply doesn’t show up to hearings, it can stall progress. The court may issue deadlines and enforce compliance, but these additional steps stretch out the proceedings.

Because of these variables, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to, “how long does a divorce take in Illinois?” Some cases with major disputes can take a year or longer, especially when court intervention is necessary. If your divorce involves any of these complex issues, it’s wise to prepare for an extended Illinois divorce timeline and work with an attorney who can help you stay organized and proactive throughout the process.

How Can I Speed Up My Divorce in Illinois?

To speed up your divorce in Illinois, consider the following steps, which can help expedite the process while ensuring compliance with Illinois laws:

• Prepare all documents accurately. Ensure all required documents are accurately prepared and submitted on time. Missing or incorrect paperwork can cause delays. Illinois courts provide a checklist of necessary forms on their website, which can help you stay organized.
• Waiver the waiting period. Under certain circumstances, you may be able to request a waiver of the waiting period. Illinois typically requires a six-month separation period for a no-fault divorce. However, if both parties agree, this requirement can be waived.
• Consider legal counsel. Hiring an experienced divorce attorney can be invaluable. An attorney can navigate the legal complexities, ensuring that your divorce moves through the system efficiently.

Utilizing these strategies can lead to a fast divorce, reducing the emotional and financial strain on both parties. However, both you and your spouse need to be cooperative and willing to negotiate to avoid unnecessary delays.

Get Your Divorce Done Quickly with Vantage Group Legal

The extent to which each party is willing to work with the other generally determines the timeline for a divorce in Illinois. The greater the conflict, the longer the divorce process. If you are filing for divorce and are unsure of the best way to proceed, contact Vantage Group Legal Services for a free consultation.

Our mission is to bring together the very best legal professionals to serve our clients at a truly affordable price. We can evaluate your legal options and help you determine your best course of action.