how can i apply for divorce in cook county without a lawyer

by Annabell Hilpert 4 min read

It can be difficult to handle your divorce case without an attorney in Cook County. You will be responsible for knowing what documents to file and where to file them. You will need to file your case in the proper court location, which is a family court in the county where you or your spouse lives.

Full Answer

How do I file for divorce in Illinois without an attorney?

For $159, MyDivorcePapers.com offers a simplified divorce process to help you file for divorce in Illinois without an attorney. This comprehensive service allows your to start and complete your divorce papers within a few hours and as quick as 1 hour.

How do I file a summons in Cook County Illinois?

The clerk’s office will file your paperwork, provide you with a case number, assign a judge to your case, and issue your summons. The filing fees are posted on the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County’s website at www.cookcountyclerkofcourt.org. Step 3: Serving your summons. There are five options for serving your summons.

How do I file for divorce in Texas without a lawyer?

Filing the Appropriate Paperwork Visit the court clerk’s office in the county in which you live. Obtain the forms necessary to file for divorce. File the necessary forms with the clerk’s office. Pay the court’s filing fee. Always keep copies of all documents. Stay organized.

How does the divorce process work in Illinois?

The divorce process in Illinois begins with the filing of the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. This legal form notifies the courts that you wish to divorce your spouse.

Can I file for divorce on my own in Illinois?

But you can file for a divorce by yourself. The process is not very complicated if you and your spouse agree on the terms of your divorce, including how your property will be divided. It may be best to speak to an Illinois divorce attorney, however, if your divorce is more complicated.

How much does it cost to file for divorce in Cook County?

$388 to file your petition for divorce in the Cook County Circuit Court Clerk's office; $251 appearance fee for the other spouse; and. $60 fee for service of process in Cook County (to have the Sheriff serve your spouse with divorce papers).

Can I get divorced without a lawyer?

Yes, it is possible to file your own divorce and complete the process without the aid of an attorney.

Can you file for divorce online in Cook County?

File your documents. You can file your documents online via electronic filing (e-filing), or in person if you qualify for an exemption from the e-filing mandate. For more information on the e-filing process, filing fees, and fee waivers, please visit cookcountyclerkofcourt.org.

What is the cheapest way to get a divorce in Illinois?

An uncontested divorce in Illinois is relatively cheap because it is agreed – meaning there is no fighting in court. Below is a basic explanation of the process: Meeting with a divorce lawyer: As your divorce lawyer, I will interview you and determine the relevant information. Meeting in person is often not necessary.

How do I file for divorce for free in Illinois?

If you can't afford to pay the filing fees, you can ask the judge to waive the fees. You can request a fee waiver by filing an Application for Waiver of Court Fees. Illinois Legal Aid Online has an online program to help you prepare a fee waiver.

Can I divorce without going to court?

An uncontested divorce is one in which you and your spouse work together to agree on the terms of your divorce. You will both consult with the same attorney, who will be unbiased and impartial. There is no formal trial, and only the plaintiff appears in court.

Can you get a quick divorce?

It Is Possible to Get a Quick Divorce The divorce process does not have to take years or even months. If you're able to come to an agreement with your spouse about custody, visitation, spousal support, and division of property, your divorce can proceed through divorce court rather quickly.

How long do you have to be separated before divorce is automatic?

Most state courts will automatically enter a divorce decree if the parties have been legally separated for a period of time, often one to two years, and meet the basic eligibility requirements.

Can you file for divorce in Illinois without a lawyer?

Spouses in Illinois have the option to settle through a process known as mediation, which allows parties to file for divorce without a lawyer. Mediation negotiations allow both parties to mutually agree on relevant issues.

How do I file for divorce in Cook County?

You can file your petition for dissolution of marriage with your demand, but if you do not, you have to file your petition within six months of filing your demand for summons. Within two days of filing your petition, you have to have your spouse served with a copy of the petition.

How long does an uncontested divorce take in Illinois?

In Illinois, there is no mandatory waiting period for an uncontested divorce as long as you meet the residency requirements. A contested divorce usually has a waiting period of six months. Overall, finalizing a divorce in Illinois can take anywhere between 2 months and a year.