In 2016 Illinois passed revisions to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act.
Grounds for Divorce – The new 2016 laws changed the grounds for getting a divorce as well as the waiting period for couples wishing to end their marriage. As of January 2016 there will only be one single ground for the dissolution of marriage – irreconcilable differences. This makes sense as Illinois has long been a no-fault state.
Divorce Waiting Period – Previously you had a waiting period before you could finalize your divorce proceedings. Spouses that cited grounds of irreconcilable differences were required to prove that they lived separate and apart from their spouse for a period of two years (unless there was an agreement otherwise). The new 2016 Illinois guidelines state that if you and your spouse agree that irreconcilable differences have arisen in your marriage, there is technically no waiting period to enter your divorce decree. If one of the parties contests the grounds of irreconcilable differences – then a short waiting period is required before the divorce can be finalized.
Child Custody and Visitation – The term “child custody” will now be known as “allocation of parental responsibilities” and visitation is now known as “parenting time”.
If you are facing a divorce, our team is experienced in ALL aspects of Illinois divorce and family law.