Not all divorces are as contentious and emotionally charged as most couples endure. Some Illinois couples who want to legally end their marriage have only been in the relationship for a short time and have neither children nor significant assets for distribution.
If you are contemplating ending your uncomplicated marriage, a court procedure known as a joint simplified dissolution can save you valuable time and financial resources. But it probably sounds too good to be true because it is – you can only qualify if you meet every criterion on the list.
A long list of requirements
An expedited process takes work. If you’re determined to pursue filing a petition, you must meet all requirements, which include the following items:
- You or your ex-partner became an Illinois resident for at least 90 days prior to filing for divorce. If either one of you was a member of the armed services, your duties must have required you to stay in Illinois.
- Your marriage did not last more than eight years.
- You and your ex-partner neither had nor currently have a biological or adopted child. Accordingly, you and your ex-partner are not pregnant as of date.
- You and your ex-partner agree to get a divorce, fill out the necessary paperwork together and attend court proceedings.
- You and your ex-partner are not interested in real property and retirement benefits, unless said retirement benefits are in individual retirement accounts or the combined value doesn’t exceed $10,000.
- Your marital property’s fair market value doesn’t exceed $50,000.
- Your combined gross income doesn’t exceed $60,000.
- You both take responsibility for all debts and liabilities.
- You both agree to waive spousal maintenance.
If you fail to meet specific items on this exceptionally tedious list, you may proceed with the standard dissolution of marriage.
Streamlining the process
You must cover all your bases to ensure your labor isn’t in vain. This much work requires an equally hardworking legal team to prevent you from drowning in all the paperwork and legislative complexities.
