Illinois Joint Simplified Dissolution

In order to qualify for a Simplified Dissolution (divorce) in Illinois, the parties must be in full agreement, and all of the following requirements must be met:

– The duration of the marriage/civil union does not exceed 8 years.

– Irreconcilable differences have caused the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage/civil union and the parties have been separated 6 months or more. Efforts at reconciliation have failed or future attempts at reconciliation would be impracticable and not in the best interests of the family.

– No children were born of the relationship of the parties or adopted by the parties during the marriage/civil union. Neither party is pregnant by the other party.

– Neither party is dependent on the other party for support or each party is willing to waive the right to support. Each party understands that prior consultation with an attorney may have helped to determine eligibility for spousal support.

– Each party waives any right to spousal support.

– Neither party has any interest in real estate.

– The total fair market value of all marital/civil union property, after deducting all debts owed, is less than $10,000.

– The total annual income of both parties is less than $35,000. Neither party has a gross annual income from all sources in excess of $20,000.

– Both parties have disclosed to each other all assets and their tax returns for all years of the marriage/civil union.

– The parties have executed a written Agreement dividing all assets in excess of $100 in value and allocating responsibility for debts and liabilities between themselves. A copy of the Agreement, signed by both parties, is filed with this petition.