Dissolution of Marriage
Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union
A Dissolution of Marriage (commonly referred to as a divorce) is a serious legal step that should not be taken without considerable thought. It is in the best interests of each of the parties to consult attorneys regarding the dissolution of their marriage.
Notice to Self-Represented Litigants
The information provided on the following pages is meant as a guide to assist self-represented litigants (persons acting as their own lawyers) with filing a new case, and should not be relied on solely. If you are representing yourself, please view the Notice to People Acting as Their Own Lawyer (PDF) before proceeding.
Mandatory E-Filing for all Civil Cases
Beginning January 1, 2018, all civil cases will be required to be e-filed in Lake County, Illinois, pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Order M.R. 18368. All filers must register with an Electronic Filing Service Provider (EFSP) before e-filing.
Contested or Uncontested Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union
- Read the instructions and complete the required paperwork provided on the Divorce, Child Support, and Maintenance Site
- If you do not know the whereabouts of the Respondent, please complete:
- Notice By Publication (PDF) - Number 171-418
- Affidavit for Service by Publication (PDF) - Number 171-416
- If you have minor children, you will also need:
- Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act Number (PDF) 171-145
- Take the required Parenting Class offered through the College of Lake County to visit the Court-Ordered Programs Site
- eFile the above paperwork (please note a Filing Fee is required unless an Application for Waiver of Fees is filed and granted).
Joint Simplified Dissolution of Marriage
This information is being provided to you to assist you in filing a Joint Simplified Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. This type of dissolution procedure is not available to everyone. There are limitations on, among other items, the length of the marriage, the amount of property owned, and the income of the parties. You should read this information carefully to see if this procedure is available to you. Also included is general information on Dissolution of Marriage and instructions for completing the necessary forms.
To qualify for a Joint Simplified Dissolution of Marriage, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- You and your spouse must be married for less than (8) years.
- No children were born or adopted by you and your spouse during your relationship, and the wife is not currently pregnant.
- Joint, annual, gross income from all sources must be less than $35,000.
- Neither you nor your spouse may have a gross annual income in excess of $20,000.
- The total value of marital property you and your spouse own must be less than $10,000.
- Neither you nor your spouse may own any real estate.
Forms:
After you have filled out the above paperwork, you may eFile the documents with the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court and pay the applicable filing fee that can be found on our current Fee Schedule.
The Illinois Supreme Court also provides forms and additional instructional information that are available on their Divorce, Child Support, and Maintenance Website that can be used in place of the forms provided by the Lake County Circuit Clerk's Office.