What are the steps in dissolution?

A dissolution is another term for “divorce.” According to the Illinois State Bar Association, the start of a dissolution is when the parties file a divorce petition. One must file for divorce in the county which he/she resides in or the county in which their spouse resides.

Illinois’s divorce law is governed by a “no-fault system.” In other words, fault-based dissolutions are eliminated. For the Illinois courts to grant a dissolution, the parties must prove that a reconciliation is not in the best interest of the family – irreconcilable difference must be present and are the only grounds for divorce in Illinois.

The Details

Once a party files for dissolution of marriage, an agreement must be made in regards to assets, children, debts, and spousal support. Without an attorney, entering and agreeing on a formal agreement can be difficult. In most cases, both parties will avoid trial by reaching an agreement. However, if the parties go to trial then the judge has full authority to make decisions based on state law, this decision may be different from what the parties would have wanted.

The End

Once final, a divorce decree is entered, separating the party’s assets and debts, parental responsibilities, and spousal and child support. Regardless of the method used to come to a formal agreement (outside of court or trial), a judge must sign off on the party’s final decree.