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How Long Does a Divorce Take in Illinois?
Oftentimes, people who are considering or going through a divorce have some pressing questions about how long the process will take. Getting a divorce can feel like putting your life on hold, denying you a sense of closure until the final decree.
In truth, there is no easy way to tell how long your divorce will take to resolve. For some couples, it may only take a matter of months. For others, it may be years before the dissolution of marriage is finalized. To ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible, reach out to a Plainfield, IL divorce lawyer at the Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C. today. Our firm will use skillful negotiation strategies to reduce unnecessary delays in your divorce petition, keeping your needs in mind.
Is There a Waiting Period in an Illinois Divorce?
Illinois does not have a strict waiting period to file for divorce, but you do have to meet certain residency requirements before you can move forward. Specifically, either you or your spouse must have resided in the state for at least 90 days. You can file your petition for divorce before then, but a final judgment will not be given until the 90-day mark.
Understanding Plea Bargains in Illinois: A Practical Guide
Understanding Plea Bargains in Illinois: A Practical Guide
If you’re facing criminal charges in Illinois, you might hear the term "plea bargain" early on. It’s a common way cases are resolved, but many people don’t fully understand how it works or what it means for their future.
This guide will walk you through the process — step-by-step — so you know what’s involved, the benefits, the risks, and why having a knowledgeable attorney matters.
What Is a Plea Bargain?
A plea bargain is a negotiated agreement between you (the defendant) and the prosecutor:
- You agree to plead guilty to a charge.
- In exchange, the prosecutor offers something in return — such as reducing the charge, recommending a lighter sentence, or dropping other charges.
In Illinois, every plea bargain must be approved by a judge before it becomes final, because it’s only a recommendation for a resolution.
Can I Challenge an Alimony Petition in Illinois?
Alimony, also known as spousal support, can be a sensitive subject during your divorce. For one reason or another, you may object to the idea of making routine payments to your ex-spouse. In order to challenge your ex’s alimony petition, you should strongly consider seeking legal representation from a Joliet, IL divorce lawyer.
At the Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C., our attorneys can provide you with personalized service to protect your rights during the divorce proceedings. Our team of litigators with over a century of combined experience will take the time to understand your situation so that we can more effectively advocate for you in court.
How Do Illinois Courts Decide if Alimony Is Appropriate?
When a spouse requests alimony during the divorce proceedings, the judge will take different factors into account before making a final decision (750 ILCS 5/504). In particular, the court will prioritize what is "just and equitable" for all parties involved. At the Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C., we can make a case for a fair outcome on your behalf, considering your own financial situation and needs.
How to Effectively Co-Parent After a Divorce
When parents get divorced, they will likely have to work together until their child becomes an independent adult. Depending on how the relationship ended, working together as co-parents may be a tall order. A Plainfield, IL family law attorney can represent you in legal disputes with your co-parent and help you reach a mutual agreement about how parenting decisions should be handled.
At the Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C., we have decades of combined legal experience, and in that time, we have handled many sensitive child custody cases. We can provide you with strong counsel for mediation sessions with your co-parent, and if a disagreement escalates, we can represent you in a trial.
Prioritize Your Child’s Best Interests While Co-Parenting
After your divorce is finalized, you and your ex might disagree on how certain decisions are handled. For instance, you might object to your co-parent proposing to relocate with your child. In another case, you might have reservations about letting your child participate in certain extracurricular activities.
Should I Consider Mediation for My Divorce?
Every divorce case presents differently. There is no single approach that can possibly address every couple’s unique needs when a marriage falls apart. In more troubled divorces, litigation is sometimes the only way to move forward. But if you are open to other methods, you and your spouse could benefit from mediation.
With assistance from a Will County family law attorney, you can work toward an agreeable settlement in out-of-court negotiations. The Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C. represents clients going through contested divorces, and we can advocate for you in mediation to make sure that you are fairly represented.
Mediation as an Alternative to Litigation
In highly contested divorces, some couples turn to litigation as a first resort. In litigation, you and your spouse can argue to the judge for a preferred ruling in your divorce. However, there is no guarantee that a judge will see things your way in your divorce. Combined with the difficulties of scheduling a court date and the expensive legal fees, litigation is not always the optimal way to resolve a divorce.
Do I Have a Right to Parenting Time?
Whether you are going through a divorce with children or are involved in a post-divorce custody dispute, you may have some pressing concerns about the allocation of parenting time (formerly known as "visitation"). Inevitably, you will have to juggle exercising your rights as a parent while also doing what is best for your child. During this stressful time, a skilled Will County, IL child custody lawyer can work to ease your concerns.
At the Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C., we have the experience and legal knowledge to advocate for you in all matters of child custody. Our attorneys can advise you of your parental rights and negotiate for an appropriate split of parenting time.
What Illinois Law Says About Child Custody
In Illinois, neither fathers nor mothers are given special treatment in regard to child custody. The law presumes that both parents are fit to take care of the child unless proven otherwise, giving both parents an equal right to see and take care of the child.
College Expenses in Divorce: What Parents Need to Know
College Expenses in Divorce: What Illinois Parents Need to Know
One of the most complex and emotionally charged financial issues divorced or divorcing families face is determining how to handle the cost of a child’s college education. While child support obligations typically conclude when a child turns 18 or graduates from high school, college expenses occupy a legal gray area—unless you live in a state like Illinois, where the law specifically addresses this issue.
If you are in the process of divorce or reviewing your parenting plan in Illinois, understanding your legal rights and obligations is essential.
Are Divorced Parents in Illinois Required to Pay for College?
Yes—under Illinois law, courts can order divorced or unmarried parents to contribute to their child’s college expenses. This authority comes from Section 513 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/513), which allows courts to allocate costs related to post-secondary education, even after child support has ended.
What if My Spouse Drains Our Bank Account During Our Divorce?
Until it happens to you, it can be nearly impossible to imagine the panic that sets in from finding out that your spouse has drained your joint bank account during a divorce. Unfortunately, this sort of thing happens more often than you might realize. It is illegal and Illinois law provides options for how to handle it, but it is important to act fast. If you are a victim of this type of financial misconduct, speak with a qualified Will County, IL family law attorney who can help you navigate it.
What Is Dissipation of Marital Assets in Illinois?
Dissipation of marital assets is when one spouse uses marital funds for a purpose unrelated to the marriage while the marriage is breaking down. It occurs when your spouse takes or spends marital money after the divorce process has begun. Common examples include draining accounts, excessive spending, gambling, or giving away money to friends or family.
Dividing a Lifetime of Savings and Investments in a Grey Divorce
Divorce later in life — often called a "grey divorce" — presents unique legal and financial challenges, especially when it comes to dividing retirement accounts, investment portfolios, and long-held savings. As of June 2025, Illinois divorce courts continue to apply equitable distribution principles to all marital property, regardless of the couple’s age or how long they have been married. That means every dollar saved or invested during the marriage is subject to division.
For couples divorcing later in life, the financial stakes are high. After decades of shared financial planning, the wrong decisions during divorce can disrupt retirement, trigger unexpected taxes, or unfairly shift long-term risk onto one spouse. If you are navigating a grey divorce, speak with an experienced Joliet, IL family law attorney to understand your options and how to protect your interests.
Tips for a Smooth Uncontested Divorce
Not all marriages end with a dramatic falling out. Sometimes, people simply fall out of love or realize that they are not the right fit for each other. In these cases, it is natural for a couple to want to resolve a divorce with minimal conflict. If you need help getting through an uncontested divorce, an Illinois family law attorney can provide you with legal advice and representation for your needs.
Although uncontested divorces are much less intense, having an attorney at your side can still make the process much easier. At the Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C., we will take the time to understand your priorities so we can help you smoothly transition out of married life.
Avoid Casting Blame
Maintaining a civil dialogue with your spouse is important for getting through an uncontested divorce. If you level harsh accusations at your spouse, whether they are credible or not, a previously uncontested divorce can quickly spiral into conflict. Since Illinois is a strictly no-fault divorce state, there is little point in instigating a fight by alleging that your spouse ruined your marriage — at least, not during the legal proceedings.
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