Illinois · Forms and fees · Updated Oct 2026

Illinois divorce forms and filing fees

The paperwork side of a divorce in Illinois: the court's free forms, its self-help pages, how to ask for a fee waiver, which court to file in and e-filing.

The short answer

We could not confirm one current statewide filing fee for Illinois, so ask the court clerk for the exact amount. If you can't pay: File the statewide Application for Waiver of Court Fees (civil): https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/forms/approved-forms/forms-approved-forms-circuit-court/fee-waiver-civil.

Filing fee
Check with your court
E-filing
Yes
Court
Circuit Court in the county where you or your spouse live

Official divorce forms for Illinois

Agreeing on everything? See Uncontested divorce in Illinois.

Filing fee in Illinois

We could not confirm one current statewide filing fee for Illinois, so ask the court clerk for the exact amount.

Fees change and many counties add charges, such as service or a parenting class. Ask the court clerk for the exact amount before you file.

If you can't afford the fee in Illinois

File the statewide Application for Waiver of Court Fees (civil): https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/forms/approved-forms/forms-approved-forms-circuit-court/fee-waiver-civil

Where and how to file

Court
Circuit Court in the county where you or your spouse live
E-filing
Yes. Most filers, including self-represented people, must e-file (Odyssey eFileIL) unless exempt, for example because of a disability or no reliable internet access; see https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/self-help/how-to-e-file/ and the Supreme Court instructions.

Filing your divorce papers in Illinois, step by step

  1. Download the official forms

    Use the court's official divorce forms: Divorce forms (Illinois courts)

  2. File with the right court

    File with the Circuit Court in the county where you or your spouse live.

  3. Pay the filing fee

    Ask the court clerk for the current filing fee before you file.

  4. Or ask for a fee waiver

    File the statewide Application for Waiver of Court Fees (civil): https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/forms/approved-forms/forms-approved-forms-circuit-court/fee-waiver-civil.

  5. File online or in person

    Yes. Most filers, including self-represented people, must e-file (Odyssey eFileIL) unless exempt, for example because of a disability or no reliable internet access; see https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/self-help/how-to-e-file/ and the Supreme Court instructions.

  6. Keep copies

    Make copies of everything you file and keep them together.

Questions about divorce forms and fees in Illinois

How do I get the divorce filing fee waived in Illinois?

File the statewide Application for Waiver of Court Fees (civil): https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/forms/approved-forms/forms-approved-forms-circuit-court/fee-waiver-civil

Where can I get official divorce forms for Illinois?

The courts publish official divorce forms: Divorce forms (Illinois courts). Their self-help pages explain the process: Divorce self-help (Illinois courts).

Can I file divorce papers online in Illinois?

Yes. Most filers, including self-represented people, must e-file (Odyssey eFileIL) unless exempt, for example because of a disability or no reliable internet access; see https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/self-help/how-to-e-file/ and the Supreme Court instructions.

Which court handles divorce in Illinois?

Circuit Court in the county where you or your spouse live

More about divorce in Illinois

Forms and fees in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.