How do I file for divorce? In IL?

Question

My sister in law in trying to file for dioverce has little money and 2 kids her husband does not want to give the divorce need help..

Answer 1

I am in MI and I was in the exact same situation.

I called the county clerk and asked. It turns out that our county will allow an individual to file for divorce. I had to go to a specific place to purchase the paperwork and I had to do all of the filing on my own, but most court employees were very helpful.

I paid $15.00 for the papers, parking fees and about $200.00 in filing fees. I filled out the papers, went to three different rooms within the courthouse to have the copies properly filed. Then, I had to have a friend serve my ex and sign the proof of service in front of a notary. After that, I had to go back to the court and file the proof of service.

We got a court date for a case management hearing 3 months later. We asked that the judge grant the divorce right then and there because we were living sperately and there was no liklihood the marriage could be saved. The judge granted the divorce.

I had an easier time than your sister will because my ex and I agreed to the divorce and that the kids would stay with me. Your sister would be better off in a contested divorce to seek the help of an attorney. She can still file herself, but definately have some legal help before they go to court.

She can look for help through the internet, the phonebook and the courts for referrals to Legal Aid societies, womens groups or she could try to find a lawyer that will take payments.

Answer 2

She needs to speak to an attorney.

Answer 3

have her contact legal aid in her county. they can give her the answers she's looking for.

Answer 4

watch out for the alimony