111 Dean Street
Woodstock, Illinois 60098

815.338.0021

This information is presented as a service by
Gitlin & Kasper - Practice Limited to Family Law
111 Dean Street, Woodstock, IL 60098
(815) 338-0021

REPRESENTING YOURSELF IN A DIVORCE
  Can my spouse and I get a divorce without the expense of lawyers for a "simple" divorce?
  How much are the court costs for a joint simplified dissolution procedure?
  Should I receive a lawyer's advice (but not for representation) for "joint simplified dissolution procedure?"
   
Q: Can my spouse and I get a divorce without the expense of lawyers for a "simple" divorce?
A: Yes, if the divorce is truly simple. With a "simple" divorce the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court has all the forms you need for a do-it-yourself divorce. But you only qualify for the "joint simplified dissolution procedure" if you have been married less than five years; no children; no real estate; for either or both parties the total fair market value of all property during the marriage, after deducting debts attributed to that property, is less than $5,000 and; the combined gross annual income from all sources is less than $25,000. In addition the parties must qualify for irreconcilable differences grounds (living in separate bedrooms with no sexual relations for at least six months).
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Q: How much are the court costs for a joint simplified dissolution procedure?
A: The fee payable to the Clerk of the Court at the time the papers are filed is $213. The fee for the court reporter to transcribe the final hearing is payable at the time of the hearing is $50. The fee for a certified copy of the judgment is $6.
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Q: Should I receive a lawyer's advice (but not for representation) for "joint simplified dissolution procedure?"
A:: Yes, I recommend it. In making an appointment with a lawyer you should be up front and tell the lawyer you are seeking advice in regards to a do-it-yourself joint simplified dissolution procedure. The lawyer will charge you a fee for the consultation. The reduced anxiety should make the fee worthwhile.
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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS INDEX

I. About the Author
II. Before Marriage
III. Getting Started
  A. Decision Making
  B. About Lawyers
  C. Secondary Issues
IV. The Divorce Process
  A. Grounds
  B. Discovery
  C. Alternative Dispute Resolution
  D. Reconciliation
V. Interim Issues
VI. Child Support
  A. Generally
  B. Enforcement
  C. Post Majority Support
VII. Child Custody
  A. Between Parents
  B. Visitation
  C. Removal
  D. Grandparents and Other Non-Parents
VIII. Maintenance
IX. Property Division
X. Post Judgement Proceedings
XI. Non-Divorce Issues
XII. Adoption
  A. General Information
  B. Assisted
Reproduction
XIII. Selected Federal and Uniform Laws Affecting Family Law
     
     


 
Gitlin & Kasper provides the preceding information as a service to potential and current clients and to the public.  A person's accessing the information contained on this Internet site is not considered as retention of Gitlin & Kasper for any particular case, nor is it considered providing legal advice.  Gitlin & Kasper cannot guarantee the outcome of any case.
 

Gitlin & Kasper provides the preceding information as a service to potential and current clients and to the public.  A person's accessing the information contained on this Internet site is not considered as retention of Gitlin & Kasper for any particular case, nor is it considered providing legal advice.  Gitlin & Kasper cannot guarantee the outcome of any case.