Find Illinois Supreme Court approved forms at: http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/Forms/approved/.
DV-G 114.1
Page 1 of 1
(05/16)
Getting Started
Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union (Divorce No
Children)
IMPORTANT: This getting started guide and the instructions are not legal advice. They are
only meant to help you learn how to get a divorce when you and your spouse do not have
children together. Your use of the forms does not guarantee you will be successful in court.
To learn how to fill out the forms and file them with the court, read the How to Get a Divorce
(No Children) instruction sheet and the instructions on the forms.
Name of the forms:
• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union (Divorce No
Children)
• Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union (Divorce No
Children)
• Summons (if needed)
• Divorce Entry of Appearance (if needed)
Purpose of the forms:
• To ask a judge for a divorce or to end a civil union.
• To notify your spouse that you have done this.
• To give the judge a way to end the marriage or civil union.
Types of cases the forms
CAN be used for:
Divorce or ending a civil union when you and your spouse do not
have children together.
Types of cases the forms
CANNOT be used for:
The form cannot be used if:
• You and your spouse have or adopted children together;
• You or your spouse is pregnant; OR
• 3. You do not have an address for your spouse.
Cost to file the forms:
There is a fee for filing. If you cannot afford to pay the filing fee,
you can ask the court to file for free by filing the Application for
Waiver of Court Fees found at:
http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/Forms/approved/
Special information or
papers that will help you to
complete the forms:
• Date and place of the marriage/civil union;
• Date you and your spouse separated;
• Addresses for you and your spouse;
• Place of employment for you and your spouse;
• Whether you or your spouse receives Social Security;
• Whether you or your spouse is pregnant;
• Whether you and/or your spouse own or have an interest in
real estate;
• Whether you and/or your spouse have a pension/ retirement
account;
• A list of your personal property; AND
• A list of your debts.
Statutes covering the forms:
(750 ILCS 5/) Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act.
For more information:
Read the HOW TO GET A DIVORCE (No Children) instructions
that come with the form. You may also find more information
and resources at the courthouse or by going to:
www.illinoislegalaid.org.
Find Illinois Supreme Court approved forms at: http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/Forms/approved/.
Page 1 of 7
(05/16)
HOW TO GET A DIVORCE (NO CHILDREN)
Table of Contents
Introduction to Getting a Divorce in Illinois (No Children)…………………………….
2
What forms you need to start a divorce case, where to find the forms, what information you need to
complete the forms, and potential court costs in a divorce case.
Step 1: Complete Forms…………………….………………………………………………..
3
How to fill out the court forms needed to ask the court for a divorce.
Step 2: What do I do after I fill out my forms? .…………………………………………..
3
Where to file your court forms and how to tell your spouse/partner about the divorce case.
Step 3: How to get ready for court and present your case to the judge……………..
5
How to get a court date, other court forms you may need, and what to do before your court hearing.
Step 4: What Do I Do After the Court Date……………………….………………………..
6
What you must do to complete your case.
WARNING:
You cannot use this guide and the forms unless you have an address for your spouse or partner.
This guide gives general instructions on how to complete a simple divorce case.
It cannot and does not cover everything that might happen in a divorce case. If you do not understand whether these
instructions apply to your case, you should speak with a lawyer.
How divorce cases are handled by a judge can vary from county to county.
There may be requirements in your county that are not covered in these instructions. Ask the Circuit Clerk if your county
has local rules and, if so, where you can get a copy.
State of Illinois Instruction Book for Dissolution of Marriage Court Forms
Find Illinois Supreme Court approved forms at: http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/Forms/approved/.
Page 2 of 7
(05/16)
INTRODUCTION TO GETTING A
DIVORCE IN ILLINOIS (NO
CHILDREN)
These instructions apply to marriages and civil unions. If
the instructions say:
o “marriage” it also means “civil union”; AND
o “spouse” it also means “partner.”
Can I ask the court for a divorce in Illinois?
You can ask for a divorce if:
o You are married;
o You or your spouse has lived in Illinois for at least 90
days; AND
o There is no other divorce case already filed and still
pending anywhere else (not dismissed).
NOTE: If your spouse is on active military service, you
can ask for a divorce, but the court might not be able to
give you a divorce.
What forms do I need to ask the court for a divorce?
Below are some of the common forms used in divorce
cases. Depending on your specific situation, you may not
need all of the forms listed or you may need other forms
not listed here.
o Petition for Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union
(Divorce No Children): asks the court for a divorce
and gives information needed to begin a divorce case.
o Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage*: lists
information about your case that is sent to the Illinois
Department of Public Health after your divorce is final.
o Summons: tells your spouse that you are asking the
court for a divorce.
o Entry of Appearance: is completed by your spouse to
tell the court that they do not need to receive a
Summons.
o Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union
(Divorce No Children): is used by the judge to grant
or deny your divorce. If granted, the Judgment will also
divide property, assign debt, and determine whether
spousal support will be paid.
Where can I find the forms I need?
*You can get the Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage at
the Circuit Clerk’s office.
You can find the rest of the forms at:
http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/Forms/approved/.
What information will help me fill out the court forms?
o Date you were married;
o Date you were physically separated;
o City, county, state, and country where you were
married;
o Current home address for your spouse or other
address where your spouse can be found;
o List of all personal property, including bank accounts
that you and your spouse own together or separately;
o List of all real estate that you and your spouse have an
interest in together or separately own (with or without a
mortgage), purchasing contract for deed, etc.;
o List of all claims for money for injuries or damages that
you or your spouse have suffered;
o List of all pension and retirement accounts that you or
your spouse have; AND
o List of all the debts that you and your spouse have
made since you got married, together or separately.
What costs will I need to pay to ask the court for a
divorce?
o Filing Fee: to file your forms with the Circuit Clerk of
the Circuit Court in the county where you are filing
your divorce.
o Service Fee: to serve the Summons on your spouse.
o Certified Copy Fee (optional): to get certified copies
of the Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union
(Divorce No Children).
o Transcript Fee: to get a written recording of your
divorce court hearing. Some counties require this.
What if I cannot afford to pay the costs?
o If you cannot afford to pay the fees, you can ask the
court to file for free. Fill out the Application for Waiver
of Court Fees to ask the court for a fee waiver. This is
a separate set of forms you can find at:
http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/Forms/approved/.
Who will assist me during my divorce case?
o Circuit Clerk: you will file your divorce forms with the
Circuit Clerk at the courthouse. The Circuit Clerk will
accept your divorce forms, collect fees for filing your
divorce case, and help schedule a court date. The
Circuit Clerk cannot give you legal advice.
o Sheriff: you will ask the sheriff in the county where
your spouse lives to serve a Summons on your
spouse.
o Judge: you will see and speak to the judge at your
court dates. The judge will decide whether you get a
divorce. The judge cannot give you legal advice.
When will I be divorced?
You are divorced when the judge signs the Judgment for
Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union (Divorce No Children).
State of Illinois Instruction Book for Dissolution of Marriage Court Forms
Find Illinois Supreme Court approved forms at: http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/Forms/approved/.
Page 3 of 7
(05/16)
STEP 1: COMPLETE FORMS.
A. Petition for Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union
(Divorce No Children)
To help you fill out the form, the Petition has line-by-line
instructions on the left-side of the form. Below is more
helpful information.
Section 5(e): Reason for Divorce
All divorces are granted because of irreconcilable
differences.
o Irreconcilable Differences: means you and your
spouse do not get along anymore and you do not
want to be married.
o If you have been separated 6 months or more, tell this
to the judge.
o If you have been separated less than 6 months you
will have to show the judge that you and your spouse:
• Separated because you cannot get along
anymore; AND
• Tried to fix the problems in your marriage, but
could not, or the problems are so bad that trying
to fix them is not best for your family.
Section 7: Debts
You must tell the court if you and your spouse have debts
from the marriage that are still owed. If you and your
spouse cannot agree on how to divide the debt, the judge
will decide who is responsible for each debt.
Sections 8, 9, 10 & 11: Personal Property, Real Estate
Pension/Retirement Accounts & Money Claims
You must tell the court if you and your spouse own
personal property (clothing/furniture), real estate,
pension/retirement accounts, or money claims. If you and
your spouse cannot agree on how to divide the property,
the judge will decide who gets the property.
Section 12: Maintenance/Spousal Support
Maintenance/ spousal support is money paid from one
spouse to the other on a regular basis.
o To get maintenance/spousal support you must show
the court there is a good reason such as a long
marriage, poor health, or an inability to support
yourself.
o The judge is not required to order
maintenance/spousal support.
Section G: Former Name
You must tell the court if you want to go back to using a
former name.
o The judge can allow you to return to any name you
have used before.
o The judge cannot allow you to begin using a new
name you have never used before.
o If you want to use a name you have never used before
you will have to start a separate court case by filing a
Request for Name Change (Adult). You can find the
forms at:
http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/Forms/approved/.
B. Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage
You must complete this form and file it with the Circuit
Clerk.
o Get this form from the Circuit Clerk.
o If you are representing yourself you will leave box 17
blank.
o Boxes 18 and 19 are for the Circuit Clerk to complete
so leave those blank.
C. Notice Form
Complete one of these forms:
1. Summons: use this if you are going to have the
sheriff serve a copy of your forms on your spouse;
OR
2. Entry of Appearance: use this if your spouse
agrees that the sheriff does not have to serve
them with a copy of your forms.
You can find these forms at:
http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/Forms/approved/.
STEP 2: WHAT DO I DO AFTER I
FILL OUT MY FORMS?
File your forms with the Circuit Clerk in the county
where your court case should be filed.
o File your case in the county you live in or the county
your spouse lives in.
o Make 3 copies of your forms.
o Call the Circuit Clerk and ask how much it will cost to
file your forms and the types of payment (cash, check,
credit, online) they take.
o If you cannot afford the fee, fill out and file an
Application for Waiver of Court Fees found at:
http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/Forms/approved/.
o File your forms with the Circuit Clerk in person. You
may be able to file by mail or online depending on the
county where you are filing your court case.
o How to File in Person
• Go to the courthouse in the county where your
court case should be filed.
• Give the Circuit Clerk your original forms and the
copies to stamp.
• Ask the Circuit Clerk to date and sign the
Summons OR file the Entry of Appearance signed
by your spouse.
• The Circuit Clerk will keep the original forms and
give back your copies.
• Pay the filing fee or file your Application for Waiver
of Court Fees.
State of Illinois Instruction Book for Dissolution of Marriage Court Forms
Find Illinois Supreme Court approved forms at: http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/Forms/approved/.
Page 4 of 7
(05/16)
o How to File by Mail
• If you will be asking for a fee waiver, there may be
local rules requiring you to file your Application for
Waiver of Court Fees in person. Ask the Circuit
Clerk if you have to file your Application for
Waiver of Court Fees in person.
• In Cook County, you must go in person to have
your fees waived.
• If you do not need to appear in person, mail your
original forms including your Application for
Waiver of Court Fees and one copy to the Circuit
Clerk.
• If you do not need to have your fees waived, mail
your original forms and one copy to the Circuit
Clerk.
• Include the Letter to the Circuit Clerk found at:
http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/Forms/approved/.
• Include a self-addressed and stamped envelope
for the Circuit Clerk to mail the file stamped copy
to you.
o How to File Online
• Check your local Circuit Clerk’s website to see if
online filing is an option for you at:
http://www.ilcourtclerks.org/illinois-court-clerks/
.
• Follow the instructions for filing online.
• Pay the filing fee as instructed online or file your
Application for Waiver of Court Fees.
• Even if you can file online, you may have to
appear in person to apply for a fee waiver. Ask
the Circuit Clerk if you have to file your
Application for Waiver of Court Fees in person.
Serve your spouse with copies of your Petition for
Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union (Divorce No
Children) and Summons.
o If your spouse signs an Entry of Appearance, you do
not have to have your spouse served by the sheriff.
You are ready to get a court date (skip to "Ask for a
court date" below).
o If your spouse did not sign an Entry of Appearance,
then staple the Summons to the front of the copy of
Petition that will go to your spouse.
o In person or by mail, ask the sheriff in the county
where the case was filed to serve your Summons and
your Petition on your spouse.
o In Person
• Bring 2 copies of your Summons and your Petition
to the sheriff’s office.
• Pay the sheriff’s fees OR give the sheriff a copy of
your Order for Waiver of Court Fees (if you have
one) to not be charged a fee.
o By Mail
• Mail 2 copies of your Summons and your Petition
to the sheriff’s office.
• Include the Letter to the Sheriff found at:
http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/Forms/approved/.
• Include a self-addressed and stamped envelope
for the sheriff to mail the Return of Service to you.
• Pay the sheriff’s fees OR mail the sheriff a copy of
your Order for Waiver of Court Fees (if you have
one) to not be charged a fee.
o If your spouse does NOT live in the same county or
state where the case was filed:
• Get the name, address, and telephone number of
the sheriff for the county or the state where your
spouse lives.
• Call the sheriff in that county to find out:
If it is the correct sheriff’s department for the
address where you want your spouse
served;
The address where you should bring or mail
your Summons and Petition;
The number of copies of your Summons and
Petition to bring or send; AND
The sheriff’s fees for service and if they will
honor your Order for Waiver of Court Fees
(if you have one). If the sheriff is in Illinois,
the sheriff must honor the fee waiver.
Confirm the sheriff served your Petition on your
spouse.
o After the sheriff serves your spouse with your Petition,
they will fill out the Return of Service section of your
Summons form and file it with the Circuit Clerk or mail
it to you.
o If the sheriff files the Summons with the completed
Return of Service directly with the Circuit Clerk, call
the Circuit Clerk to find out if it has been filed. If it has
been filed, ask the Circuit Clerk how to get a copy.
o If the sheriff mails the Summons with the completed
Return of Service to you, make a copy for yourself,
file the original with the Circuit Clerk, and have the
Clerk file stamp your copy.
o If the sheriff was not able to serve your spouse, ask
them why. You should try to fix the problem and then
fill out another Summons and ask the sheriff to try to
serve your spouse again.
Wait for your spouse to file a response with the Circuit
Clerk.
o Once the sheriff serves your forms on your spouse,
your spouse has 30 days to file an Appearance and a
response with the Circuit Clerk.
o If you do not get a copy of your spouse's Appearance
and response within the 30 days, call the Circuit Clerk
to ask if there is an Appearance and response in the
file. If there is, ask the Circuit Clerk to send you a copy
or go to the Circuit Clerk’s office to pick it up.
State of Illinois Instruction Book for Dissolution of Marriage Court Forms
Find Illinois Supreme Court approved forms at: http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/Forms/approved/.
Page 5 of 7
(05/16)
o If your spouse files an Appearance and response, you
may then get a court date from the Circuit Clerk.
o After the 30 days from the date of service, you may
get a court date from the Circuit Clerk whether or not
your spouse filed an Appearance and response.
Ask for a court date.
o Ask the Circuit Clerk if you have to schedule a court
date or if one will be scheduled automatically.
o If you need to schedule the court date, ask the Circuit
Clerk how to do so. The Circuit Clerk may schedule
the court date or you may have to speak with other
court staff.
o When you get your court date, ask if the court will
send notice of the hearing to your spouse or if you
need to.
o If you need to send notice, complete a Notice of Court
Date.
STEP 3: HOW TO GET READY
FOR COURT AND PRESENT
YOUR CASE TO THE JUDGE.
Follow the instructions in Part A if you and your spouse
agree on all issues and your spouse will attend the court
date with you.
Follow the instructions in Part B if you and your spouse
do not agree on all issues. This includes cases where
your spouse has not filed an Appearance or response in
the case and may not appear at the court date.
A. AGREEMENT
Get ready for your court date.
o Decide and write down all the things you and your
spouse have agreed on including:
• What property will be awarded to each of you;
• Who will be responsible for each of the debts;
AND
• Whether either of you will receive maintenance
and how much.
o Follow the instructions on the Judgment of Dissolution
of Marriage/Civil Union (Divorce No Children) to
complete only those sections you can fill out in
advance.
Go to your court date.
o You should have either received a court date and time
from the Circuit Clerk in person OR on a written
notice from the Circuit Clerk. If you cannot find your
court date and time, call the Circuit Clerk.
o Bring these items with you to court:
• Copies of all the documents you filed with the
Circuit Clerk; AND
• A Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union
(Divorce No Children).
o Get to the courthouse at least 30 minutes early.
o Go to the courtroom number listed on your court form.
If your forms do not have a courtroom number look for
a list of cases at the courthouse or ask the Circuit
Clerk.
o Check in with the courtroom staff and wait for your
name and case number to be called.
o When your case is called, walk to the judge and
introduce yourself.
Present your case to the judge.
o Give the judge your prepared Judgment of Dissolution
of Marriage/Civil Union (Divorce No Children).
o Tell the judge you and your spouse have an
agreement and the details of that agreement.
o If the judge approves your agreement, the Judgment
will be signed.
• Get a copy of the Judgment that was entered by
the judge.
B. NO AGREEMENT
Get ready for your court date.
o Decide and write down:
• What you want to ask the judge to do for you;
• What you will say to the judge if asked to tell your
side of the case; AND
• Questions you have for witnesses, if there are any.
o Gather and make copies of pictures and documents
you want the judge to see. Bring the original for the
judge and one copy for you and your spouse in the
case.
o If you want the judge to hear from other people, those
people will have to come to court and be witnesses (in
most cases, you cannot bring in written statements of
witnesses).
o Follow the instructions on the Judgment of Dissolution
of Marriage/Civil Union (Divorce No Children) to
complete only those sections you can fill out in
advance.
Go to your court date.
o You should have either received a court date and time
from the Circuit Clerk in person OR on a written notice
from your spouse or Circuit Clerk. If you cannot find
your court date and time, call the Circuit Clerk.
o Bring these items with you to court:
• Copies of all the documents you filed with the
Circuit Clerk;
• Any witnesses you want to testify and any
documents you want the judge to look at; AND
• A Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union
(Divorce No Children).
State of Illinois Instruction Book for Dissolution of Marriage Court Forms
Find Illinois Supreme Court approved forms at: http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/Forms/approved/.
Page 6 of 7
(05/16)
• Get to the courthouse at least 30 minutes early.
• Go to the courtroom number listed on your court form.
If your forms do not have a courtroom number look for
a list of cases at the courthouse or ask the Circuit
Clerk.
• Check in with the courtroom staff and wait for your
name and case number to be called.
• When your case is called, walk to the judge and
introduce yourself.
Present your case to the judge.
1. If your spouse does not come to court.
o Give the judge your prepared Judgment of Dissolution
of Marriage/Civil Union (Divorce No Children).
o Tell the judge what you want ordered in the
Judgment.
o Tell the judge if you have documents to present or
witnesses to testify.
o The judge will decide if documents and witnesses are
necessary.
o The judge might ask you questions rather than look at
documents and listen to witnesses.
o If the judge gives you the divorce, the Judgment will
be signed.
• Get a copy of the Judgment that was entered by
the judge.
• If your spouse was not in court to get a copy, you
must send them a copy by 5:00 p.m. on the date
you get the Judgment. Fill out and file a Proof of
Delivery court form with the Circuit Clerk to show
that you sent the copy. You can find the Proof of
Delivery at:
http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/Forms/approved/.
2. If your spouse comes to court.
o Tell the judge your side of the case and answer
questions.
o Show evidence including documents and photos.
o Give a copy to the judge and a copy to your spouse.
Be prepared to explain why the document or photo is
important.
o Question witnesses.
• Tell the judge the name of your witnesses.
• Ask the witnesses questions you prepared in
advance.
• The judge and your spouse can ask questions of
your witnesses when you are done.
o The judge decides whether the documents, photos, or
witness testimony can be considered in making a
decision about your case.
o Tell the judge you have brought a Judgment of
Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union (Divorce No
Children).
What do I do when my spouse presents their case? (If
your spouse does not appear for the court date, this part
will not happen.)
o Your spouse will also get to present their case by
testifying, giving the judge evidence, and questioning
witnesses.
o You will get to see any documents and photos your
spouse brings to court. If you do not think the judge
should consider them in making a decision about your
case, tell the judge why.
o You may ask questions of your spouse’s witnesses.
Write down your questions while they are speaking to
your spouse or judge.
What happens after both sides present their case? (If
your spouse does not appear for the court date, this will
happen after you present your case to the judge.)
o The judge has to make a decision. The decision is
called the Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage/Civil
Union (Divorce No Children).
o If the judge needs more information to make a
decision, the judge may set up another court date.
Make sure you understand what information is needed
and get it before the new court date.
o If the judge needs more time to make a decision, the
judge will let you know the decision later by mailing a
court order or at another court date.
o If the judge has enough information, the judge may
decide right then and fill out the Judgment of
Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union (Divorce No
Children).
• Get a copy of the Judgment that was entered by
the judge.
STEP 4: WHAT DO I DO AFTER
THE COURT DATE?
1. If you got permission to go back to a former name, ask
the Circuit Clerk to certify your copy of the Judgment
of Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union (Divorce No
Children).There may be a fee for this.
2. The Secretary of State and Social Security
Administration will want to see a certified copy of the
judgment before changing your name in their records.
3. Keep your copies of all of your court papers in a safe
place. If you lose any court papers that were filed with
the Circuit Clerk, you can get another copy there.
There may be a charge for those copies.
4. In Cook County, and in some other counties, the judge
may ask you to get a transcript of the court hearing
from the court reporter for the court file. Some judges
will not sign your Judgment of Dissolution of
Marriage/Civil Union (Divorce No Children) until you
return the transcript to the court.
State of Illinois Instruction Book for Dissolution of Marriage Court Forms
Find Illinois Supreme Court approved forms at: http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/Forms/approved/.
Page 7 of 7
(05/16)
5. In Cook County, if the judge orders you to get a
transcript follow these steps:
a. If you have a fee waiver, ask the judge to enter an
Order for Free Transcript;
b. Call the court reporter’s office at (312) 603-8405
to make sure the transcript is ready; if you do not
have the Order for Free Transcript, ask what you
will be charged for the transcript;
c. When the transcript is ready, pick it up at 69 W.
Washington St., 9
th
Floor, Chicago; you will need
to bring the Order for Free Transcript or pay the
transcript fee; AND
d. Sign the last page of the transcript and return it to
the judge’s clerk in the courtroom where you got
the divorce.
6. In other counties, if the judge orders you to get a
transcript speak with the Circuit Clerk for more
information about how to do that.
7. Send a copy of the Judgment to your spouse either by
hand or by mail and file a Proof of Delivery with the
Circuit Clerk. You can find the Proof of Delivery at:
http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/Forms/approved/.
This form is approved by the Illinois Supreme Court and is required to be accepted in all Illinois Circuit Courts.
Page 1 of 3
(05/16)
STATE OF ILLINOIS,
PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION OF
MARRIAGE / CIVIL UNION
(DIVORCE NO CHILDREN)
For Court Use Only
CIRCUIT COURT
COUNTY
Instructions
Enter above the
county name where
you will file this case.
Enter your name as
Petitioner.
Petitioner (First, middle, last name)
Enter the name of
your spouse/partner as
Respondent.
v.
The Circuit Clerk will
add a Case Number.
Respondent (First, middle, last name)
Case Number
Read the How to Get a
Divorce (No Children)
for definitions and how
to go court.
1.
I am the Petitioner in this case.
2.
I am providing the following information about where I live and where the
Respondent (my spouse/partner) lives:
In 2a, if you check
“Yes,” enter the date
you started living in
Illinois.
a.
I live in Illinois:
Yes, since:
No
Date
b.
Respondent lives in Illinois:
In 2b, if you check
“Yes,” enter the date
the Respondent started
living in Illinois.
Yes, since:
No
Do not know
Date
3.
I am providing the following information about myself:
In 3a, enter your age.
a.
Age:
In 3b, check all boxes
that apply to you.
If you are employed,
enter your job title.
b.
I am employed (check all that apply):
Yes
No
I receive Social Security benefits
I am employed as:
In 3c, if you want to go
back to a former name,
check “Yes” and enter
that name.
Job Title
c.
I would like to go back to using my maiden or a former name:
Yes
No
In 4a, enter the
Respondent’s age.
Former Last Name:
Last
In 4b, check the box
that applies. If you
check “Yes,” enter the
Respondent’s current
complete address. If
you check “No,” you
must have tried to find
Respondent’s address.
4.
I am providing the following information about the Respondent (my spouse/partner):
a.
Age:
b.
I know the Respondent’s current address:
Yes
Address:
Street, Apt #
City
State
ZIP
No, but I tried to find the Respondent and could not find his/her current address.
In 4c, check all boxes
that apply to the
Respondent.
If the Respondent is
employed, enter his/her
job title.
c.
The Respondent is employed (check all that apply):
Yes
No
Do not know
Respondent receives Social Security benefits
The Respondent is employed as:
Job Title
Enter the Case Number given by the Circuit Clerk: _________________________________
Page 2 of 3
(05/16)
In 4d, check the box
that applies.
If the Respondent is on
active duty with the
military, you cannot
use this form, unless
the Respondent files an
appearance.
d.
The Respondent is currently on active duty as a member of the Armed Forces of the
United States of America:
Yes
No
Do not know
5.
I am providing the following information about the
Marriage
Civil Union:
In 5, check whether it
is a marriage or civil
union.
a.
We were married/united on:
Date
In 5a, enter the date
you were
married/united.
b.
We were married/united in:
County
State
Country
In 5b, enter the county,
state, and country
where the
marriage/civil union
happened.
c.
This is the first time that either the Respondent or I have filed for divorce from each
other in Illinois or any other state:
Yes
No
In 5c, check “Yes” if
this is the first time you
or Respondent have
filed for divorce from
each other.
d.
We have been separated since:
Date
e.
Irreconcilable differences have caused the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage or civil
union.
In 5d, enter the date
you separated.
6.
No children were born or adopted during this marriage/civil union and neither party is
pregnant.
In 7a, check “Yes” if
you or the Respondent
have unpaid debts from
after the date of the
marriage/civil union.
Check “No” only if you
are sure there are no
unpaid debts.
7.
I am providing the following information about the debts that the Respondent
and I have after the date we got married/united (both individually and as a couple):
a.
The Respondent and I have debts we got after the date of our marriage/civil union that
are still owed (either together or individually):
Yes
No
In 8a, check “Yes” if
either of you got any
personal property
(clothing, car,
furniture, etc.) after the
date of the
marriage/civil union.
Check “No” only if you
are sure there is no
personal property.
8.
I am providing the following information about the personal property including
bank accounts that the Respondent and I own (both individually and as a couple):
a.
The Respondent and I own personal property and/or bank accounts obtained during the
marriage/civil union:
Yes
No
9.
I am providing the following information about real estate:
In 9a, check “Yes” if
together you and the
Respondent own a
home, have a
mortgage, or have a
contract for deed.
a.
The Respondent and I own or are buying real estate together:
Yes
No
b.
I own or am buying real estate separately:
Yes
No
In 9b, check “Yes” if
you own a home, have
a mortgage, or have a
contract for deed.
c.
The Respondent owns or is buying real estate separately:
Yes
No
Do not know
In 9c, check “Yes” if the
Respondent owns a
home, has a mortgage, or
has a contract for deed.
10.
I am providing the following information about pension/retirement accounts:
a.
I have pension or retirement accounts:
Yes
No
In 10a, check the box
that applies to you.
b.
The Respondent has pension or retirement accounts:
Yes
No
Do not know
In 10b, check the box
that applies to the
Respondent.
Enter the Case Number given by the Circuit Clerk: _________________________________
Page 3 of 3
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In 11, check yes if you
have any claims that you
are owed for money
damages or injuries,
whether you have filed
the case or not.
11.
I have a claim for money for injuries or damages that I have suffered (worker's
compensation, personal injury, accident, etc.)
Yes
No
12.
I am providing the following information about maintenance/spousal support:
In 12a, check “Yes” if
you can support
yourself. Check “No” if
you need support from
the Respondent.
a.
I am able to support myself without maintenance/spousal support:
Yes
No
b.
Respondent is able to support himself/herself without maintenance or spousal support:
Yes
No
Do not know
In 12b, check “Yes” if
the Respondent can
support himself/herself.
Otherwise check “No”
or “Do not know.”
I ASK THE COURT TO ORDER:
A.
A Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union (Divorce No Children) for me and my
spouse/partner.
B.
That I get to keep all of my non-marital/non-civil union property.
In F, check “Me” if
you want to get spousal
support from the
Respondent; check
“Respondent” if you
want to pay spousal
support to the
Respondent; or check
“Neither” if you do not
want to get or pay
spousal support.
C.
That the Respondent gets to keep all of his/her non-marital/non-civil union property.
D.
A fair division of the marital/civil union property.
E.
A fair division of the debts obtained during the marriage/civil union.
F.
That maintenance/spousal support be awarded to:
Me
Respondent
Neither
In G, check “Yes” if
you want to go back to
using a former name.
G.
That after the divorce I be allowed to return to using my former name:
Yes
No
Not applicable
Under the Code of
Civil Procedure, 735
ILCS 5/1-109, making
a statement on this
form that you know to
be false is perjury, a
Class 3 Felony.
I certify that everything in the Petition For Dissolution Of Marriage / Civil Union (Divorce No
Children) is true and correct. I understand that making a false statement on this form is
perjury and has penalties provided by law under 735 ILCS 5/1-109.
After you finish this
form, sign and print
your name.
Your Signature
Street Address
Enter your complete
current address and
telephone number. If
you need to keep your
address secret from
your spouse because
of domestic violence,
you may use another
address. That address
must be one at which
you can receive mail
about the case.
Print Your Name
City, State, ZIP
Telephone
GETTING COURT DOCUMENTS BY EMAIL: If you agree to receive court documents by email, check the box below and enter your email
address. You should use an email account that you do not share with anyone else and that you check every day. If you do not check your email every
day, you may miss important information or notice of court dates. Other parties may still send you court documents by mail.
I agree to receive court documents by email.
Email
This form is approved by the Illinois Supreme Court and is required to be accepted in all Illinois Circuit Courts.
Page 1 of 4
(05/16)
STATE OF ILLINOIS,
JUDGMENT OF DISSOLUTION OF
MARRIAGE / CIVIL UNION
(DIVORCE NO CHILDREN)
For Court Use Only
CIRCUIT COURT
COUNTY
Instructions
Enter above the
county name where
you will file this case.
Enter your name as
Petitioner.
Petitioner (First, middle, last name)
Enter the name of
your spouse/partner as
Respondent.
v.
Enter the Case
Number given by the
Circuit Clerk.
Respondent (First, middle, last name)
Case Number
DO NOT complete
this section. The judge
will complete it at the
court date.
A court date was held on the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union filed by the Petitioner.
The court heard the testimony of
Petitioner
Respondent and considered all of the
evidence and the relevant parts of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act
DO NOT complete 1a
and 1b. The judge will
complete them at the
court date.
(750 ILCS 5/101 et seq.).
The Court makes the following findings of fact:
1.
Present in Court
DO NOT complete 2a
and 2b. The judge will
complete them at the
court date.
a.
Petitioner appeared:
Yes
No
represented by Attorney:
b.
Respondent appeared:
Yes
No
In 2c, check the box
that applies to the
Respondent. If the
Respondent is on
active duty, you cannot
get a divorce unless
the Respondent files an
appearance.
represented by Attorney:
2.
Jurisdiction
a.
This court has jurisdiction of the subject matter and
Petitioner
Respondent
b.
Respondent is in default:
Yes
No
c.
Respondent is currently on active duty as a member of the Armed Forces of the United
States of America:
Yes
No
Unknown
DO NOT complete 3.
The judge will
complete it at the court
date.
The term “Parties”
refers to the Petitioner
and the Respondent.
3.
Agreement
Parties are in agreement with the terms of this Judgment:
Yes
No
4.
Residency Requirement
a.
Petitioner has been living in Illinois at least 90 days immediately preceding the filing of
In 4a, check the box
that applies to you.
the Petition or immediately preceding the making of these findings:
Yes
No
b.
Respondent has been living in Illinois at least 90 days immediately preceding the filing
In 4b, check the box
that applies to the
Respondent.
of the Petition or immediately preceding the making of these findings:
Yes
No
5.
Information about the:
Marriage
Civil Union
In 5, check whether it
is a marriage or civil
union.
a.
Parties were married/united on:
Date
b.
Parties were married/united in:
In 5a, enter the date you
were married/united.
County
State
Country
In 5b, enter place the
union took place.
Enter the Case Number given by the Circuit Clerk: _________________________________
Page 2 of 4
(05/16)
6.
Grounds for Dissolution
Irreconcilable differences have caused the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage or civil
union and efforts at reconciliation have failed or future attempts at reconciliation would
be impracticable and not in the best interests of the family.
DO NOT complete
section 8a. The judge
will complete it at the
court date.
7.
There are no children born or adopted of this marriage/civil union and neither party
is pregnant.
8.
Real Estate
In 8b, enter the address
of the real estate.
a.
Parties have an interest in real estate, which was obtained during the marriage/civil union:
Yes
No
In 8c, check the box
that applies. If you
have a legal description
of the real estate, attach
it to this Judgment.
b.
The address of the real estate is:
Street, Apt #
City
State
ZIP
c.
A legal description of the real estate is attached to this Judgment:
In 8d, check yes if either
of you owned real estate
before you were
married/united.
Complete and attach the
Non-Marital Real Estate
form.
Yes
No
d.
Plaintiff or Respondent has an interest in non-marital real estate:
Yes
No
I have listed non-marital real estate on the attached Non-Marital Real Estate form.
9.
Maintenance/Spousal Support
DO NOT complete
sections 9a and 9b.
The judge will
complete them at the
court date.
a.
These parties have waived the right to maintenance/spousal support:
Petitioner Respondent
b.
This party is entitled to maintenance/spousal support:
Petitioner Respondent Neither party
THEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED AS FOLLOWS:
A.
The parties are awarded a Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union and the
bonds of matrimony/civil union existing between Petitioner and Respondent are
hereby dissolved.
In B, DO NOT check
any boxes. The judge
will check boxes at the
court date.
B.
Debts and Liabilities
Each party will be responsible for 50% of each joint debt. (unless listed in the chart below)
Each party will be responsible for all of the debts in their own name. (unless listed in the
chart below)
These debts shall be paid by the parties as follows:
Chart: DO fill in the
name of creditor and
amount owed for debts
after the date of
marriage/civil union in
the chart. DO NOT
check who is to pay
the debt.
Debt
(Name of Creditor)
Amount
Owed
To be paid by:
Petitioner
Respondent
Both Equally
1.
$
2.
$
3.
$
4.
$
If you need more
room to list debts
check “Yes.”
Complete and attach
the Additional Debts
& Liabilities form.
5.
$
6.
$
7.
$
8.
$
There is an Additional Debts & Liabilities form attached: Yes No
Enter the Case Number given by the Circuit Clerk: _________________________________
Page 3 of 4
(05/16)
Parties shall indemnify and hold the other party harmless for the debts they are assigned.
DO NOT complete C.
The judge will
complete it at the
court date.
C.
Pension and Retirement Accounts
Each party is awarded the pension and retirement accounts in his/her own name.
Petitioner is awarded
%
of the marital/civil union portion of
Respondent’s pension/retirement accounts.
Respondent is awarded
%
of the marital/civil union portion of
Petitioner’s pension/retirement accounts.
Petitioner
Respondent
shall prepare a Qualified Domestic Relations Order.
Other orders:
DO NOT complete D.
The judge will
complete it at the
court date.
D.
Real Estate (“marital real estate” is an interest in real estate obtained during the marriage or civil union.)
Petitioner
Respondent
is awarded the marital real estate and shall pay the
other party
$
for his/her interest in the real estate.
The marital real estate shall be sold.
The net proceeds of the sale (sale price minus costs of sale) shall be divided with
Petitioner to receive
%
Respondent to receive
%
Until the marital real estate is sold, mortgage payments will be paid by
Petitioner
%
Respondent
%
Until the marital real estate is sold, insurance will be paid by
Petitioner
%
Respondent
%
Until the marital real estate is sold, cost of maintenance will be paid by
Petitioner
%
Respondent
%
Petitioner
Respondent
is entitled to claim mortgage payments for federal
and state tax purposes.
Petitioner
Respondent
is entitled to claim property tax payments for federal
and state tax purposes.
Petitioner
Respondent
shall refinance the debt on the real estate to
remove the other party from the obligation by:
Date
Petitioner
Respondent
shall sign a quitclaim deed transferring his/her
interest to the other party by:
Date
Other orders:
In E, DO NOT check
any boxes. The judge
will check boxes at the
court date.
E.
Personal Property and Bank Accounts
Parties shall keep the property and bank accounts in his/her own name or possession.
Personal property of the marriage/civil union shall be divided as follows:
Chart: DO list the
personal property
obtained during the
marriage/civil union in
the chart. DO NOT
check who gets the
property.
Personal Property and Bank Accounts
(Be specific in your description of each piece of property)
Property goes to:
Petitioner
Respondent
1.
2.
3.
4.
Enter the Case Number given by the Circuit Clerk: _________________________________
Page 4 of 4
(05/16)
5.
6.
7.
If you need more
room to list property
check “Yes.”
Complete and attach
the Additional
Personal Property &
Bank Accounts form.
8.
There is an Additional Personal Property & Bank Accounts form attached: Yes No
Any personal property exchange required by this order shall take place within 30 days
of the date of this Judgment.
Other orders:
DO NOT complete F.
The judge will
complete it at the
court date.
F.
Maintenance/Spousal Support
Parties are forever barred from claiming maintenance/spousal support from the other.
Petitioner shall pay to Respondent maintenance/spousal support in the amount of
$
per
for the following period:
after which maintenance/spousal support shall be barred or
Respondent shall pay to Petitioner maintenance/spousal support in the amount of
$
per
for the following period:
after which maintenance/spousal support shall be barred or
Other orders:
In G, if you or the
Respondent want to go
back to a former
name, check the box
and enter the former
last name.
G.
Former Name
Petitioner is permitted to resume using the former last name of:
Former Last Name
Respondent is permitted to resume using the former last name of:
Former Last Name
DO NOT complete H.
The judge will
complete it at the
court date.
H.
Other Relief
None
Relief as follows:
I.
This court reserves jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter for purposes
of enforcing this Judgment.
DO NOT complete
this section. The judge
will sign and date
here.
ENTERED:
Judge
Date
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