Divorce can be expensive in Illinois. Hiring a divorce attorney to represent you is only one essential expense of this legal process. You may also need to pay court fees and, potentially, expert witness costs as well. If you are facing a divorce in Illinois, it is important to understand what costs you can anticipate.
Understanding the Different Types of Divorce in Illinois
The type of divorce you are seeking will play a significant role in determining the total cost you will pay for your divorce. An uncontested divorce — where there are no disagreements between you and your ex on any material issue — is often cheaper than a contested divorce, where disputes and disagreements must be resolved.
Similarly, a complex divorce is more expensive than a simple divorce, where the facts underlying the issues are not in contention. In a complex divorce, the facts needed to decide the issues are not agreed upon and may need expert witnesses to establish.
The more issues that need to be resolved, the more you can generally expect your divorce to cost.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Divorce in Illinois
There are several factors that go into determining the cost of your divorce beyond its type. Attorneys’ fees can range from a flat fee for an uncontested divorce to an hourly fee for a complex divorce.
You can also expect to pay a fee to file a divorce petition or respond to a divorce filing. These costs can vary depending on where in Illinois you file your case. If you must serve your spouse your divorce petition, this will also cost an additional fee.
Additionally, you can anticipate paying additional costs once your divorce is underway and after your divorce is granted.
This is because you may incur additional expenses if you have children in common with your ex-spouse. You might be ordered to pay child support or have to make arrangements for the supervision of your children when you cannot be present to watch them.
You may also be ordered to pay your former spouse alimony following the divorce, or you may lose some financial resources in the division of your marital property. Professional appraisals will cost money, too.
There may be other expenses related to your specific circumstances that can influence the overall cost of your divorce.
Average Cost of Divorce in Illinois
On average, Illinois residents can expect to pay over $10,000 to get a divorce in the Land of Lincoln. This figure includes court filing fees of approximately $300 to $400, as well as attorneys’ fees that run, on average, between $260 and $330 per hour.
The filing fees and other court fees you must pay are set by the individual courts and thus can vary in different counties. Similarly, keep in mind that the type of divorce will have an impact on the final cost as well.
Consult With an Experienced Illinois Divorce Lawyer About Your Situation
Calculating the costs of divorce in Illinois can be complex. A seasoned family law attorney in Rockford, Illinois, can help you understand the associated costs and ensure you know what to expect throughout the entire process.