How Do I Get a Joint Simplified Divorce in Illinois?
By: M. Scott Gordon
If you are thinking about filing for divorce in the Chicago area, you may know that there are two types of divorce in general: contested divorce and uncontested divorce. On the one hand, an uncontested divorce is one in which the parties agree on all aspects of the divorce, from the division of marital property to spousal support and the allocations of parental responsibilities. On the other hand, a contested divorce is one in which the parties disagree about one or more issues involved in the divorce proceeding and cannot reach an agreement. An uncontested divorce tends to go much more quickly than a contested divorce given that there is no need to present both sides to the court and for the court to make a ruling about the divorce matters at issue.
While an uncontested divorce in general is often simpler and quicker than a contested divorce, it is important for Chicago area residents to know that some uncontested divorces may be applicable for a for a joint simplified divorce process, in certain circumstances. Some couples assume that a joint simplified dissolution of marriage is available to most parties to speed up the divorce process, but there are nearly a dozen specific requirements that must be met in order for parties to file a petition for a joint simplified divorce.
What is a Joint Simplified Dissolution of Marriage?
A joint simplified divorce is a procedure under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA) that allows for a simplified divorce proceeding. However, it is not available in all circumstances. In order to be eligible for a joint simplified dissolution, all of the following must be true:
Contact a Chicago Divorce Lawyer
While a joint simplified divorce procedure might seem appealing, it is only available in very limited circumstances. To learn more about uncontested divorce and negotiating a divorce settlement, you should speak with a Chicago divorce attorney as soon as you can. Contact Gordon & Perlut, LLC today.