Divorce, or the dissolution of a marriage, is always a serious and touchy process. Emotions can be unpredictable. People can argue, assign blame, and even create some pretty crazy stories in an attempt to get the outcome that they feel they deserve. Unfortunately, most divorces right now are contentious and take up a lot of time in court.

But that isn’t true for everyone. There are also many couples who can agree on just about everything. Those couples have advantages over the more complex divorce procedures because they move quickly and are easier on your wallet. If you are a part of one of these couples, there are specific options for you that will keep you out of a courtroom and finished as soon as possible.

What Is An Uncontested Divorce?

An uncontested divorce in Illinois is an excellent and efficient option for those of you who have found a way to separate from each other peacefully and with a mutually created plan that encompasses all the required information necessary for a legal divorce. The word uncontested means that you are agreeing on everything relevant to your divorce and there is absolutely nothing to argue about. Both couples must fully agree on:

• Alimony.
• Medical insurance for the children.
• Child support payments.
• Child custody.
• Division of debts.
• Division of assets.

An uncontested divorce, if done correctly, is much quicker than a contested divorce. It is cheaper than a contested divorce because you don’t have to pay as much in court and attorney fees. Most importantly, you can end your romantic relationship on a friendly note, which does wonders when co-parenting is necessary.

Joint Simplified Dissolution

A joint simplified dissolution is another expedited divorce option for residents of Illinois. You can qualify for this type of divorce if you meet specific criteria, including:

• Married under 8 years.
• You have no children together.
• Make less than $60,000 a year between both parties.
• Live separate from each other for at least 6 months.
• You assets, together, are less than $50,000.
• Waive rights to alimony.
• You create a written agreement, together, that divides property, allocates debts, separates assets fairly for both parties.

Another advantage to any uncontested divorce in Illinois is that less of your personal information and details from your marriage will be available to the public. So much private information is released in a contentious divorce and, depending on the couple, this could be embarrassing or uncomfortable. The best thing you can do for yourself, and for your soon-to-be former partner, is to employ the use of an attorney to jumpstart the process and get it done right.

Do I Need An Attorney For My Uncontested Divorce?

For the judge to issue a Decree of Dissolution of Marriage, or a divorce decree, that legally severs the relationship, all of your paperwork must be completed with absolutely no mistakes and filed on time.  An attorney will help you collect and organize all of your necessary documents, such as proof of all of your assets, and they can review the paperwork for any mistakes.

An attorney with your best interests at heart will ensure that one partner does not exercise too much undue power and influence over the other. Equality is non-negotiable in any uncontested divorce.

A highly responsive local attorney can ensure that you’ve got your ducks are in a row and even file your paperwork and related documents, right on time. Many times, people who attempt to DIY the divorce, or represent themselves in court, are found to be missing information and unaware of all the layers and depths that must be addressed.

So, if you and your spouse are on the same side, with open-minds willing to compromise and work together, then an uncontested divorce in Illinois is the cheapest, quickest, and most efficient way to go. It is what is best for any children involved. And a great attorney will save you a tremendous amount of work and confusion.

Contact experienced and compassionate local attorney, Alan Lenczycki of Johnston, Tomei, Lenczycki, & Goldberg, LLC for a free, initial consultation. We can discuss your case and our budget-sensitive payment plans. If you would rather give us a call at (847) 549-0600, we can begin immediately on your family law problems.