When you can cooperate in the end of your marriage, it takes a lot less time. In DuPage County, an uncontested divorce could happen in a matter of months, rather than taking over a year like with a contested divorce. You still have to follow specific timelines and procedures, but cooperation can save you money and time when ending your marriage.
At Kulerski & Cornelison, our team serves families DuPage and Cook counties. We help couples find common ground and seek an amicable divorce whenever possible. We’re ready to help you.
What Makes a Divorce “Amicable” in DuPage County?
You might call a divorce amicable if you are able to agree on all of the major issues. These issues typically include:
- Division of marital property
- Allocation of debts
- Parenting time
- Parental responsibilities
- Child support
- Spousal maintenance (alimony)
- Any other financial or parenting matters
What is the Fastest I Can Get an Illinois Divorce?
Illinois law sets at least a 60-day period that you have to wait. This starts when the divorce petition is served on the other spouse, not when it is originally filed. This waiting period applies even if you agree on everything right from the beginning.
If everything is completed quickly, an amicable divorce in DuPage County can be finalized shortly after the 60-day waiting period goes by.
Typical Timeline for Most Amicable Divorces
While 60 days is the legal minimum, most uncontested divorces take 2 to 4 months from start to finish. The timeline depends on how quickly spouses can:
- Exchange financial information
- Reach agreement on all issues
- Attend a status hearing
- Draft and revise settlement documents
- Complete required parenting classes (if children are involved)
- Schedule a court date
Factors That Can Delay an Amicable Divorce
Even cooperative spouses may encounter delays. Common issues include:
- Incomplete financial disclosures
- Disagreements that arise late in the process
- Difficulty drafting complex settlement terms
- Scheduling conflicts for the prove-up hearing
- Delays in completing the parenting class
- Missing paperwork
- Paperwork errors
By working with a skilled lawyer, you can avoid so many of these common issues. This also helps ensure your uncontested divorce stays that way. Mistakes can lead to disputes which could lead to a contested divorce.
Why Many Couples Choose an Amicable Divorce
An amicable or uncontested divorce can be very beneficial. These benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Lower cost
- Fewer court appearances
- Reduced attorney time
- Less stress and conflict
- More control over the outcome
- Faster resolution
For so many couples, ending your marriage amicably can help preserve your later relationship. This is very important if you have kids together. You’ll be co-parents forever really, even once the kids become adults. Having a good relationship is good for you and for your children.
When to Contact a DuPage County Divorce Attorney
Even in amicable cases, you want to make sure you have a good outcome. The right legal guidance helps ensure things are fair and comply with the law. Your attorney can help you:
- Draft or review settlement documents
- Ensure financial disclosures are complete
- Prepare you for future hearings
- Prevent delays caused by procedural errors
A smooth, efficient divorce is possible when both spouses cooperate—and when the process is handled correctly from the start.
File Your Uncontested Divorce in DuPage County With the Help of an Experienced Attorney
Even an amicable divorce has its complications and procedures. Having an attorney ensures you do things correctly and end your marriage on your own terms. At Kulerski & Cornelison, our family law attorneys are ready to help. Contact us today for a consultation of your case.