Anyone Divorce in Illinois?
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| Mon, 02-04-2008 - 10:53pm |
Hi,
I've finally reached the point where I am ready to file. Husbands last attempt at getting me to reconcile has fallen through, because even though I agreed to try marriage counseling he has not followed up with me. Now I'm done. Ours should be a fairly easy no-fault, uncontested divorce. We have no property or kids to fight over. I left and have been living seperately for 3 months now. Apparently in Illinois you have to be seperate for at least 6 months (but only if both parties sign a waiver otherwise its two years!) in order to divorce. I really can't afford a lawyer and it doesn't seem like I should need one but I can't believe I actually have to wait another 3 months before I can file. Has anyone gotten around this in a divorce in Illinois? Divorced after less than 6 months apart?

Blue,
The best person to answer your question is an experienced divorce attorney.
To keep your costs low, be prepared to visit the attorney with your legal questions written out. Most will give you between 15 min and 60 min. for free on the initial consultation. Otherwise, the way you keep your costs down in an uncontested divorce is go to the lawyer with everything laid out: how you'll divide any debts, assets, retirement, etc. If your STBX agrees and you go to court and the judge signs it; then you'll have the least cost.
Otherwise, check your yellow pages for legal services. Sometimes you can have an intermediary service help you prepare and file the papers in court.
I was divorced in IL over 10 years ago. We were separated 21 months when I filed. I do not know if there's any way "around" this waiting requirement. If there is a six month separation period you'll probably be at the 6 month mark by the time everything is completed. However, only an attorney can tell you whether you can file now and wait for the divorce to be finalized later.
My Ex and I took the first route and my entire divorce cost me $250. (It would probably be closer to $500 now with inflation and other fee increases.) We did not have children, property, or much in the way of debt. He kept his retirement, I kept mine. We had two cars: I got one and he got the other. I took my furniture and he took his. It was pretty straight forward. However, it takes two people to agree on everything and I still consulted an attorney.
Good luck,
CL-Wisdomtooth2020
Learn to spell. Some commonly misspelled words on this board:
They're = contraction of "they are"; They're going to the store.
CL-Wisdomtooth2020