Illinois Divorce Filing Fee
Court costs to file for divorce in Illinois: base filing fee, service of process, and any county clerk surcharge.
Illinois divorces typically cost 28% less than the national average of $12,900.
Illinois fee schedule
| Base filing fee range | $289 - $388 |
| Service of process fee | $60 |
| County clerk surcharge | $25 |
| Total minimum | $374 |
| Total maximum | $473 |
Last verified: January 2025. For self-help and exact local fees, see the Illinois court self-help center.
Filing fee details
Locked to Illinois on this page.
Pick your county for an exact filing fee, or leave blank to see the state-wide range.
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.
Illinois county filing fees
Filing fees for the largest counties in Illinois. Confirm with the local clerk before filing, as fees can change.
| County | Filing Fee | Surcharge | Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champaign | $289 | $5 | $294 | Urbana area. |
| Cook | $388 | $50 | $438 | Chicago. Highest in state. Response fee $251. |
| DuPage | $318 | $20 | $338 | Wheaton area. |
| Kane | $364 | $90 | $454 | Geneva area. $454 with children - highest fee in Illinois. |
| Lake | $325 | $20 | $345 | Waukegan area. |
| Madison | $289 | $5 | $294 | Edwardsville area. |
| McHenry | $295 | $10 | $305 | Woodstock area. |
| Sangamon | $289 | $10 | $299 | Springfield area. |
| Will | $310 | $15 | $325 | Joliet area. |
| Winnebago | $289 | $10 | $299 | Rockford area. |
Filing fee is the base petition cost. Surcharge covers any county-level add-on (CCRC, court technology, domestic relations surcharge, etc.). Total is what you pay the clerk before service of process.
Filing Fees in Illinois - Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Illinois?
Filing for divorce in Illinois typically costs $374 to $473 in court fees. This includes the base filing fee ($289 to $388), service of process ($60), and any county clerk surcharge (about $25).
Are there fee waivers for divorce filings in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois courts allow filers who cannot afford the fees to apply for a waiver, sometimes called an in forma pauperis (IFP) or fee waiver application. Approval is typically based on receipt of public assistance, income below a court-set threshold, or documented hardship. Applications are submitted to the court clerk along with the divorce petition.
Does it cost more to file a contested divorce in Illinois?
The initial filing fee in Illinois is the same regardless of whether the case is uncontested or contested. The difference shows up in motion fees, hearing fees, and attorney costs as the case progresses. Each contested motion typically adds $30 to $100 in court fees, plus the attorney time to draft and argue it.
Are filing fees the same in every county in Illinois?
Filing fees in Illinois are set by state statute, but counties can add their own surcharges and processing fees. The fees shown here use Illinois's statewide range. Confirm the exact fee with your county clerk before filing, particularly in larger metropolitan counties.
When are divorce filing fees due in Illinois?
Divorce filing fees in Illinois are due at the time you submit your petition. Most courts accept cash, check, money order, and credit cards (with a small processing fee). If you are pursuing a fee waiver, submit the waiver application together with the petition. The clerk will not accept the filing without payment or an approved waiver.
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.