Even if it is the best decision in your situation, divorce leads to stress and difficulty for everyone involved. Understanding how long the process might take helps you prepare.
Every situation is unique and many factors can impact your timeline, however, in Illinois, it is common for the process to take several months or even a year or two.
Steps for getting divorced
Completing a divorce from start to finish involves several steps, many of which have fees attached. Illinois requires no waiting period to start the process, which occurs when one or both partners file a petition with a judge.
Important decisions must occur via the legal system and a judge before the process wraps up. This includes the division of debts, assets and so on. If you have children, you must decide where they will live and whether child support is necessary. You may also need to complete parenting classes as part of the process.
Factors affecting your timeline
One major factor that affects the divorce timeline is whether the dissolution happens in a contested or uncontested nature. Uncontested divorces are those in which both partners mostly agree on important decisions. While more straightforward, these may still take several months to complete.
Contested divorces, where both people disagree on decisions, tend to take much longer and can easily last over a year. Ultimately, if the couple fails in reaching an agreement, decisions must occur via a trial. While there is no cut-and-dry amount of time for the divorce process, understanding the general timelines to expect may help reduce stress and prepare you for the process ahead.