Illinois Divorce Cost Calculator
Estimate the real cost of divorce in Illinois — filing fees, attorney costs, and totals by path. Updated for 2026.
Last reviewed July 2026 · Free · Nothing you enter is stored
Property, support, and custody if you have children.
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estimated total cost range
Estimate based on Illinois filing fees and surveyed attorney costs. Complex assets, custody disputes, and trial can push costs well beyond these ranges.
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What drives divorce costs in Illinois
The single biggest variable is conflict. An uncontested divorce — where you agree on property, support, and parenting — costs a small fraction of a contested one, because attorney hours, discovery, and court appearances are where the money goes. At Illinois's average family-law rate of ~$350/hour, every disputed issue adds hours quickly. Note that Illinois has a mandatory waiting period of None before a divorce can be finalized.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Illinois?
The court filing fee in Illinois is typically around $300 (Fee set by county ($210-$388, Cook County highest); 6-month separation presumption of irreconcilable differences is waivable by agreement.). Fee waivers are generally available for filers who can't afford it.
How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Illinois?
Family-law attorneys in Illinois average around $350/hour. Uncontested divorces typically run $1,500–$4,200 total; contested divorces $10,300–$25,000 or more.
How long do I have to live in Illinois before filing?
Illinois requires 90 days of residency before filing for divorce.
What's the cheapest way to get divorced in Illinois?
An uncontested DIY filing: agree on everything, use the court's forms (many Illinois courts provide self-help packets), and pay only the filing fee (~$300). Mediation is the next cheapest path when you need help reaching agreement — typically a fraction of the cost of two attorneys litigating.
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