Divorce Cost in Illinois (2026)
Attorney fees, filing fees, waiting periods, and total cost estimates for Illinois
Illinois Divorce Cost Calculator
Filing fee in Illinois: ~$334 (included in estimate)
Divorce Costs in Illinois by Type
| Divorce Type | Estimated Cost (per spouse) |
|---|---|
| DIY / Pro Se (uncontested) | $367 – $1,167 |
| Online divorce service | $500 – $1,800 |
| Flat-fee uncontested attorney | $1,380 – $5,175 |
| Mediated divorce (total) | $2,932 – $10,350 |
| Contested (per spouse avg) | $15,525 – $40,250 |
| High-conflict / custody trial | $40,000 – $150,000+ |
Illinois court filing fee: ~$334 (included in estimates above). Service of process: $50–$150 additional. Attorney retainers: typically $2,500–$10,000 upfront.
Divorce Laws in Illinois: What You Need to Know
Illinois is an equitable distribution state. Illinois simplified its divorce law in 2016, eliminating fault grounds and mandating no-fault divorce (irreconcilable breakdown with 6 months' separation). This modernization significantly reduced contested litigation for most cases.
Money-Saving Tip for Illinois
Illinois's short 90-day residency requirement and streamlined no-fault law make it relatively accessible for uncontested cases. Chicago-area attorneys ($300–$550/hour) make mediation especially cost-effective — Illinois has a strong mediation ecosystem with many family law mediators certified by the Circuit Court.
Find a Divorce Attorney in Illinois
Many Illinois family law attorneys offer free 30-minute consultations and flat-fee uncontested divorce packages. Understanding your options before retaining an attorney can save thousands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a divorce cost in Illinois?
The average divorce in Illinois costs approximately $13,200 per spouse, but ranges from $500 for a simple DIY uncontested case to $50,000+ for contested cases with custody disputes. The Illinois court filing fee is approximately $334. The biggest cost driver is cooperation — each unresolved issue adds thousands in attorney fees.
Is Illinois a community property or equitable distribution state?
Illinois is an equitable distribution state. Courts divide marital property fairly, considering factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse's financial and non-financial contributions, earning capacity, age and health, and custody arrangements. "Equitable" does not always mean 50/50 — courts have discretion to divide assets in whatever way seems fair given all circumstances.
What is the cheapest way to get divorced in Illinois?
The cheapest option in Illinois is a DIY uncontested divorce: $334 filing fee + ~$100 service costs if you and your spouse agree on all issues and have limited assets and no children. Online divorce preparation services ($500–$2,000) prepare the paperwork for you. If you have children or significant assets, mediation ($3,000–$8,000 total) is the next most affordable option — much cheaper than litigation at $$300–$550/hour (Chicago)/hour in attorney fees.
How long does a divorce take in Illinois?
Illinois: No mandatory waiting period for no-fault divorce. Uncontested divorces can be finalized shortly after the waiting period ends. Contested divorces in Illinois typically take 12–24 months, with high-conflict cases involving custody or business valuation sometimes taking 3–5 years.
Illinois Divorce Facts
- Avg cost (per spouse)
- $13,200
- Court filing fee
- ~$334
- Asset division
- Equitable distribution
- Residency req.
- 90 days in IL
Compare by State
Average cost per spouse