How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Illinois?

 Posted on July 28,2022 in Illinois Divorce

One of the most common questions asked during a divorce is how expensive the divorce process is. Creating a cost estimate for a divorce is difficult for many reasons. Costs affiliated with a divorce vary depending on factors such as the type of divorce, the duration of the divorce process, which attorney you hire, and the type of assets shared.

Divorces in Illinois vary in cost, but there are ways to gauge how expensive your divorce can become. Your best bet is to speak with a qualified divorce lawyer about your specific situation.

Finding a Cost Estimate 

By speaking with a skilled divorce attorney, spouses can usually get a rough estimate how expensive their divorce may be. Estimates can be made only after an attorney gathers the facts of your situation and determines a few factors such as:

• Whether a divorce is contested or not 
• Whether a divorce is likely to go to trial
• If there are child care needs to consider 
• How much an attorney’s fees are for legal assistance 
• How much an individual state’s fees are for a divorce 
• The value and amount of shared assets between spouses 

Although a lawyer may be able to give you an estimate, this is subject to change at any time as new details of the divorce are uncovered. For example, if, during the discovery part of the divorce process, it was found that a partner has hidden assets, the initial estimate for the cost of divorce may change. It is also best not to compare the price of divorce from one person to another. Since the details of each relationship vary, it is not likely that gauging the cost of divorce against a friend or colleague will give you an accurate representation. 

Filing Fees and Other Costs

In each state, a couple filing for divorce must pay fees. In Illinois, the payments when initially filing for divorce change per county. There are also costs affiliated with notifying your partner that you have filed for divorce, especially if you and your partner are separated. 

Suppose you have been served with divorce papers from your spouse and choose to engage in the divorce process. In that case, you will have to respond to the court by filing documents known as an Appearance and an Answer. Filing these documents will also cost you. 

As the divorce process continues, the unique aspect of elements in the spouse’s relationship can also become expensive. When children are involved, a judge may order one or both parents to engage in a parenting course or seek professional parenting assistance. Spouses may also hire a forensic accountant during divorce, leading to financial costs. 

Type of Divorce 

It is important to remember that the type of divorce will ultimately lead to a more inexpensive or a more costly divorce. Contested divorce cases, which are where spouses are in disagreement about elements of their divorce, are notably more expensive. It takes more time to reach an agreement, which can raise attorney fees. Also, contested divorces can lead to litigation, which adds extra costs. 

Speak to a St. Charles Divorce Lawyer

If you are considering or in the process of divorce, our experienced Kane County divorce lawyers can help you gauge an estimate for the cost and help guide you through the process. At Weiler & Associates, Inc., our team has many years of combined experience handling various family and legal divorce matters. Please get in touch with us today by calling 630-331-9110 for more information. 

Sources:

https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/legal-information/filing-costs-divorce

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=075000050HPt%2E+IV&ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=3900000&SeqEnd=5400000 

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=2086&ChapterID=59