Illinois Divorce Cost Estimator
Estimate your total cost of divorce in Illinois using verified state data. Filing fees, attorney rates, child support, and alimony, all in one place.
Illinois divorces typically cost 28% less than the national average of $12,900.
Divorce in Illinois
- Property system
- Equitable distribution
- Filing fee
- $289 - $388
- Waiting period
- None
- Residency requirement
- 90 days
- Uncontested cost range
- $2,000 - $5,500
- Attorney hourly rate
- $250/hr - $500/hr
Divorce Cost Estimator in Illinois: What You Should Know
Cook County (Chicago) family court is one of the most backlogged in the Midwest, making contested Chicago divorces among the slowest and most expensive in the region. A contested Cook County divorce can easily take 2 to 4 years from filing to trial, with attorney fees accumulating throughout. Suburban counties (DuPage, Lake, Kane, Will) move significantly faster and typically cost 30 to 50 percent less for the same type of case. Illinois's mandatory parenting classes (for cases with children) add a small but required cost to all divorces involving minor children.
Where will you file, and what type of divorce are you expecting?
Locked to Illinois on this page.
Divorce Cost in Illinois - Frequently Asked Questions
How much does divorce cost in Illinois?
An uncontested divorce in Illinois typically runs $2,000 - $5,500, while a contested divorce ranges from $13,000 - $45,000. Your actual cost depends on whether you and your spouse agree on the major terms, how complex your assets are, and whether children are involved. The calculator on this page gives you a personalized estimate based on your situation.
What is the filing fee for divorce in Illinois?
The court filing fee for divorce in Illinois is $289 - $388. Add about $60 for serving papers on your spouse, plus a typical county clerk surcharge of around $25. Filing fees vary by county, so check with your local court for the exact amount. Fee waivers are available if you cannot afford to pay.
How long does divorce take in Illinois?
An uncontested divorce in Illinois usually takes about 4 months from filing to final judgment, while contested cases average around 14 months. Illinois has no mandatory waiting period after filing. You also need to meet a residency requirement of 90 days before filing.
Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in Illinois?
No, Illinois allows you to file for divorce without a lawyer (called pro se filing). For uncontested divorces with no children and few shared assets, many people file successfully on their own. If your case involves children, retirement accounts, real estate, a business, or any disagreement, hiring an attorney is strongly worth considering. Illinois attorneys typically charge $250/hr - $500/hr.
How is property divided in a Illinois divorce?
Illinois follows equitable distribution, meaning the court divides marital assets fairly based on the circumstances, not always equally. Marital property generally includes assets and debts acquired during the marriage, while separate property (assets owned before marriage or received as gifts or inheritance) usually stays with the original owner. Retirement accounts, real estate, business interests, and pensions often need a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) to divide, which typically costs $600 to $2,000 in Illinois.
This estimate is for planning purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.