Kurt A. Muller Family Law Blog on Lawyers.com

Chicago Divorce & Family Law Questions & Answers

Friday, May 1, 2009 by Kurt A. Muller

What is a legal divorce in Chicago Illinois?

Divorce is the legal dissolution of marriage. There are two types of divorces in Illinois: fault-based and "no fault" divorce. In a fault-based divorce, the party petitioning for the dissolution of marriage must establish one of the accepted "grounds" for divorce. In "no fault" divorces, the court does not have to adjudge the fault of either party and grants divorce based on irretrievable breakdown of marriage and continuous legal separation for 2 years.  However, if the parties agree in writing, the marriage can be terminated through a no-fault divorce after only 6 months' separation. Divorce involves not only the termination of the marriage, but such issues as property distribution, child support, child custody, visitation, and alimony. 

What are recognized grounds for obtaining a fault-based divorce in Illinois?

The following have been established as grounds for fault-based divorce in Illinois:

  • impotency;
  • bigamy;
  • mental cruelty;
  • adultery;
  • willful desertion (for 1 year);
  • habitual drunkenness (for 2 years);
  • excessive use of addictive drugs (for 2 years);
  • attempts to take the life of a spouse;
  • physical cruelty;
  • conviction of a felony or other notorious activity;
  • infection of the other spouse with sexually transmitted disease

Read more about common Chicago divorce law questions and answers here...

About Us:

Established in 1990, the firm focuses its' practice on divorce, family law and custody issues including child custody, visitation and child support; alimony; dependency and termination of parental rights; criminal law and domestic violence. 

Posted at 15:08 PM
Topic: Family Law
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