How Long Will My Illinois Divorce Take to Finalize?

 Posted on September 24, 2024 in Divorce

When people realize they are ready for a divorce, in addition to the questions they might have about what it will mean for their parenting, their home, and their finances, many wonder how long the entire process will take. After being in an unhappy marriage and finally making the decision to end it, you likely want to get it taken care of as fast as possible so you can move on with your life.

However, the amount of time your divorce will take depends on the type of divorce you end up having. This article will explain how long various types of divorce can take. If you are considering divorce, speak with a qualified Cook County, IL family law attorney to discuss which option might suit your needs best and how long you can reasonably expect it to take.

Timelines for Various Types of Divorce

There are several options available for ending a marriage, each applying to different scenarios:

• Contested divorce is when each spouse has their own attorney and they do not agree about one or more aspects of the divorce. This type of divorce generally takes between six months to a year but can last longer.

• Uncontested divorce is when both spouses file for divorce together, using the same attorney. This can take two months to a year to finalize. It is generally among the quickest ways to get a divorce, with the main source of delay being the court’s scheduling constraints.

• Joint simplified divorce is similar to an uncontested divorce but only available for couples who do not have children, real estate, or retirement benefits to divide; have only been married for up to eight years; and any assets they own are worth no more than $50,000. Getting scheduled for a court hearing is generally the biggest reason for any delay, but once they have a date scheduled, this is the fastest type of divorce in Illinois, generally resolved in one week to one month.

• Mediated divorce: This involves a mediator who schedules several mediation sessions, followed by a finalization process, for an average total of three months to a year.

• Collaborative divorce: This is a process that can take the most amount of time, as well as the most money, to finalize. Using teams of professionals - including lawyers, mediators, psychologists, social workers, and more - a couple can take 8-14 months to finalize their collaborative divorce. However, collaborative divorce tends to be less combative and results in an outcome that both parties tend to be much more satisfied with.

Schedule a Private Consultation with a Chicago, IL Family Law Attorney

If you are considering divorce and have questions about the various options available to you, let a knowledgeable Skokie, IL divorce lawyer help you decide which possibility makes the most sense for your situation. At The Law Offices of Curtis Bennett Ross, L.L.C., we are dedicated to helping our clients overcome challenges and get their best outcomes. Call us at 312-984-1514 so we can discuss your needs and advise you accordingly.