How Much Will an Illinois Divorce Cost, and What if I Cannot Afford it?

 Posted on June 10, 2020 in Divorce

If you are considering divorce, you may be concerned about your ability to afford attorney’s fees, court costs, or other expenses. This can be a major concern during difficult times, especially when the economy is struggling and many people are unemployed. By understanding how to address the cost of divorce, you can take the legal action necessary to obtain the results you and your family need.

The Facts About Divorce Expenses in Illinois

It is true: divorce can be expensive. This is particularly true if you do not have much money to begin with. In fact, recent statistics about the cost of divorce in Illinois suggest the following:

• The average cost of divorce in Illinois if you have no children is the 13th highest in the nation at about $13,800.

• The average cost of divorce in Illinois if you do have children is the 14th highest in the nation at approximately $20,700.

• Divorce filing fees in Illinois can range from about $210 to $388.

How Can I Afford Divorce?

If the price tag on a divorce seems steep for you, but you believe that it is the best choice for you and your family, you do have options in terms of paying for the divorce. For example, while the filing fee differs from county to county in Illinois, it can still be significant. In some cases, you may be able to apply for a waiver of that fee when filing your divorce petition.

As for attorney fees and other expenses throughout the divorce process, you may be able to petition the court for relief in these matters. In some cases, a court will order the party who has more financial resources to contribute toward the other party’s attorney fees. When making decisions in these matters, the court will consider guidelines set forth by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. The following steps will be followed in these cases:

• A party must be provided with notice that the other party is seeking attorney’s fees, and one or more hearings will be held to address these matters.

• The court will carefully consider the financial resources of both parties.

• The court is permitted after such thorough deliberation to “order any party to pay a reasonable amount for his own or the other party's costs and attorney's fees” as stated in 750 ILCS 5/508.

Contact a Wheaton, IL Divorce Lawyer

Even if you do not think you can afford to get divorced, you should still contact a DuPage County divorce attorney. The compassionate team at Andrew Cores Family Law Group will provide you with a free consultation, and we can help you understand your options for ending your marriage, including determining whether you can ask for your spouse to pay for part of your attorney’s fees. Call our office today at 630-871-1002.

Sources:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=075000050K508

https://www.isba.org/public/guide/gettingadivorce

https://247wallst.com/special-report/2020/01/16/this-is-how-much-it-costs-to-get-divorced-in-every-state/4/