Real numbers for Illinois — filing fees, attorney rates, contested vs. uncontested costs, county breakdowns, and what you can do to reduce your total.
✓ Filing fee and waiting period verified against current state statutes · Updated August 2026
The paperwork and terminology differ from state to state, but a Illinois divorce generally moves through the same five stages:
This is a general roadmap, not legal advice specific to your case — your county's self-help center or a licensed Illinois family law attorney can walk you through the exact forms you'll need.
Enter your specific situation — children, assets, contested issues — and get a real cost breakdown in 60 seconds. Free, private, no login.
Calculate My Illinois Divorce Cost →The cost of divorce in Illinois ranges from roughly $3,600 for a simple uncontested case to $41,600 or more for a contested divorce that goes to trial. The single biggest factor is not the state — it is how much you and your spouse disagree.
Illinois eliminated fault-based divorce in 2016. The only ground is now "irreconcilable differences."
| Divorce Type | Low Estimate | Typical | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested, no children | $250 | $1,200 | $6,000 |
| Uncontested with children | $3,600 | $6,000 | $9,000 |
| Contested, no trial | $14,300 | $26,000 | $41,600 |
| Contested, goes to trial | $41,600 | $49,400 | $50,000+ |
| Savings going uncontested | Up to $20,000 per spouse | ||
The court filing fee in Illinois is paid when you submit your divorce petition to the court. This is a fixed, unavoidable cost regardless of whether your divorce is contested or uncontested.
Filing fee note: $250–$388 depending on county
| Cook County (Chicago) | $388 |
| DuPage | $264 |
| Lake County | $264 |
| Will County | $264 |
| Kane | $264 |
Divorce attorney hourly rates in Illinois average $340 per hour.
A Chicago couple with two children going through an uncontested divorce with an agreed parenting plan would typically spend $289 in filing fees plus $3,500–$7,000 in attorney costs — roughly $4,000–$7,500 total. A contested custody battle in Cook County can easily reach $40,000–$80,000 per party.
How much does a divorce cost in Illinois?
An uncontested divorce in Illinois typically costs $6,000–$9,000 including a $250–$388 filing fee that varies by county. A contested divorce averages $26,000–$41,600 per spouse depending on attorney hours and complexity.
Is Illinois a no-fault divorce state?
Yes. Since 2016, Illinois is a pure no-fault state. The only ground for divorce is 'irreconcilable differences.' Fault cannot be used to influence property division.
What is Illinois's Simplified Dissolution of Marriage?
A streamlined divorce procedure for couples married less than 8 years, with no children, total marital assets under $50,000, and combined income under $60,000. It significantly reduces costs and court time.
How much does a divorce attorney cost in Chicago?
Chicago attorneys at established family law firms typically charge $300–$500/hr. Retainers of $5,000–$10,000 are common. Suburban and downstate attorneys charge $200–$350/hr.
How is property divided in an Illinois divorce?
Illinois uses equitable distribution. Courts divide marital property fairly based on each spouse's contributions, economic circumstances, and the length of the marriage.
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Open Illinois Calculator →Filing fees based on Illinois court records as of July 2026. This is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.