4 Ways to Get Divorced in Illinois

 Posted on November 13, 2025 in Family Law

Thinking about divorce can feel overwhelming if you are not sure how the process works. There is more than one way to end a marriage in Illinois. Some couples can agree on everything and move on quickly, while others need help working through disagreements.

Understanding your choices early can help you decide the best path forward for your 2025 divorce. At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, our Lombard divorce lawyers have over 175 years of combined experience helping clients through every type of divorce.

Contested Divorce

A contested divorce happens when you and your spouse do not agree on one or more major issues such as property division, child custody, or spousal support. This type of divorce usually takes longer and involves more court appearances because a judge must make the final decisions.

In Illinois, the law allows both spouses to present evidence and testimony in support of their position. The judge reviews the facts, applies state law, and decides what is fair. While contested divorces can be stressful, they are sometimes necessary. Your attorney’s role is to protect your interests and make sure your side of the story is fully heard in court.

Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce is the fastest and least expensive way to end a marriage in Illinois. In this type of case, both spouses agree on all key issues before filing. You must have a written agreement that covers property division, debts, parenting time, child support, and spousal maintenance (alimony).

An uncontested divorce often works well for couples who still communicate well and want to avoid a drawn-out legal fight. Once your paperwork is filed, the court can finalize your divorce in a matter of weeks.

Even if everything seems simple, it is still smart to have an attorney review your agreement. Mistakes in divorce paperwork can delay the process or cause problems later. For example, forgetting to address retirement accounts or future college expenses for your children could lead to future disputes.

Mediation

Mediation is a cooperative way to resolve disagreements outside of court. Both spouses meet with a neutral third-party mediator who helps them reach mutual decisions. The mediator does not take sides or make rulings but instead guides discussion and encourages compromise.

Mediation can be helpful when couples disagree but are willing to work things out. For example, you might not see eye-to-eye about how to divide your home’s value or how parenting time should be scheduled. Through guided discussion, you can often reach an agreement that feels fair to both sides.

Collaborative Divorce

Collaborative divorce is another alternative to fighting in court. In this process, both spouses hire specially trained collaborative divorce attorneys who work together, not against each other, to reach an agreement. Everyone signs an agreement promising to be open, honest, and focused on resolution rather than conflict.

Collaborative divorce often involves a team of professionals like financial advisors or mental health specialists who help the couple make informed decisions. It works best for couples who want to maintain respect, privacy, and control over the outcome.

Call a Bloomingdale, IL Divorce Lawyer Today

Every divorce is unique, and the right approach depends on your circumstances. Whether you and your spouse agree on everything or cannot agree on anything, you deserve experienced legal guidance from a team that understands how Illinois family law works.

At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, our Lombard divorce attorneys bring more than 175 years of combined experience to every case. We offer free consultations and are known for our client-focused approach. Call 630-932-9100 today to learn which divorce option may be best for you.