How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Illinois? (2026)

A divorce in Illinois has two separate price tags: what you pay to prepare the documents, and what the court charges to file them. Here's the real 2026 breakdown so nothing catches you by surprise.

Document preparation

With SimplyDivorceOnline, preparing your complete uncontested divorce is one flat fee of $149, no hourly billing, no subscription. Hiring a Illinois attorney instead is where the well-known five-figure averages come from: a contested divorce with lawyers commonly runs $10,000–$30,000+.

Illinois court filing fee

Separate from preparation, Illinois's Circuit Court charges a filing fee to open your case: about $300+ (varies by county). It's paid directly to the court, not to us. Most Illinois courts waive it for filers who qualify based on income or public benefits, we show you how to request that.

What actually drives the cost up

The single biggest cost factor is conflict. Every issue you and your spouse can't settle yourselves, property, support, custody, is one a lawyer or judge has to resolve, and that's what turns a few hundred dollars into tens of thousands. Agreeing between yourselves is how you keep an Illinois divorce cheap.

The bottom line

For an amicable, uncontested Illinois divorce, your realistic all-in cost is the flat $149 document fee plus your court's filing fee, often under $600 total, versus a five-figure lawyer-driven divorce.

This guide is general information, not legal advice, and rules change, always confirm current requirements with your county court or a licensed attorney. When you start with us, your forms and checklist are tailored to your state and county automatically.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a divorce cost in Illinois in 2026?

Preparing an uncontested divorce in Illinois with SimplyDivorceOnline is a flat $149, plus your county court's filing fee (about $300+ (varies by county)). That's a fraction of hiring an attorney, which commonly runs $10,000+ for a contested case.

How long does a divorce take in Illinois?

Most people finish the paperwork in a weekend. After you file, Illinois generally requires no mandatory waiting period for a fully agreed case, usually the biggest factor in your overall timeline.

Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Illinois?

No. If you and your spouse agree on the terms, you can file an uncontested divorce in Illinois yourself using the correct court forms. A lawyer is mainly worth it if your case is contested or involves complex assets, a business, or a custody dispute.

Can I get divorced in Illinois if my spouse won't cooperate?

Yes. Illinois, like every state, allows a no-fault divorce, so your spouse cannot block it. If they don't respond after being properly served, the court can grant a default divorce.

Where do I file for divorce in Illinois?

You file with the Circuit Court in the county where you (or your spouse) live, using the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Your county clerk processes the case; Illinois's official court website has current forms and fees.